https://vineyardcolumbus.org/be-stillenChristianityCopyright Pickerillhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/2e88d2d04f13466331c8f0bc65405717.jpghttps://vineyardcolumbus.org/be-stillTue, 21 Jul 2026 09:13:32 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillEric Pickerillpodcast@pickerill.casaA time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays, and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a weekly Examen. With Eric and Julia Pickerill. More at pickerill.casa falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-22-hebrews-13--72959625
Closing song: "We Say Yes"
Written by Casey Corum; Jim Zartman
© 2015 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP). Admin. worldwide by Vineyard Music. Used by permission. CCLI 7038280
Listen: https://youtu.be/q_Q3McCBDg4

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72959625Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:00:18 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday's reading: Hebrews 13 Closing song: "We Say Yes" Written by Casey Corum; Jim Zartman © 2015 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP). Admin. worldwide by Vineyard Music. Used by permission. CCLI 7038280 Listen: https://youtu.be/q_Q3McCBDg4
Closing song: "We Say Yes"
Written by Casey Corum; Jim Zartman
© 2015 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP). Admin. worldwide by Vineyard Music. Used by permission. CCLI 7038280
Listen: https://youtu.be/q_Q3McCBDg4

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691contemplative,devotional,prayer,scripturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-21-2-corinthians-4--72959610
Closing song: "The Hidden Place"
Written by Harmony Smith; Krissy Nordhoff; Mitch Wong
© 2020 Integrity Worship Music/Vineyard Songs (UK/EIRE)/PRS; Integrity's Alleluia! Music/Nordinary Music Publishing/SESAC; Integrity's Praise! Music/BMI (adm worldwide at CapitolCMGPublishing.com; excluding the UK & Europe which is adm by Integrity Music). Used by permission. CCLI 7160466
Listen: https://youtu.be/XZVqo-FuvwM

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72959610Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:23 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday's reading: 2 Corinthians 4 Closing song: "The Hidden Place" Written by Harmony Smith; Krissy Nordhoff; Mitch Wong © 2020 Integrity Worship Music/Vineyard Songs (UK/EIRE)/PRS; Integrity's Alleluia! Music/Nordinary Music Publishing/SESAC;...
Closing song: "The Hidden Place"
Written by Harmony Smith; Krissy Nordhoff; Mitch Wong
© 2020 Integrity Worship Music/Vineyard Songs (UK/EIRE)/PRS; Integrity's Alleluia! Music/Nordinary Music Publishing/SESAC; Integrity's Praise! Music/BMI (adm worldwide at CapitolCMGPublishing.com; excluding the UK & Europe which is adm by Integrity Music). Used by permission. CCLI 7160466
Listen: https://youtu.be/XZVqo-FuvwM

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>678contemplative,devotional,prayer,scripturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-20-psalm-50--72959604
Closing song: "You Are God"
Written by Dana Masters; Casey Corum; Tina Colón Williams
© 2021 Mercy/Vineyard/ASCAP; Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP (all adm at IntegrityRights.com). Used by permission. CCLI 7178153
Listen: https://youtu.be/ag4DYWGFJvc

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72959604Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:17 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday's reading: Psalm 50 Closing song: "You Are God" Written by Dana Masters; Casey Corum; Tina Colón Williams © 2021 Mercy/Vineyard/ASCAP; Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP (all adm at IntegrityRights.com). Used by permission. CCLI 7178153 Listen:...
Closing song: "You Are God"
Written by Dana Masters; Casey Corum; Tina Colón Williams
© 2021 Mercy/Vineyard/ASCAP; Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP (all adm at IntegrityRights.com). Used by permission. CCLI 7178153
Listen: https://youtu.be/ag4DYWGFJvc

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>770contemplative,devotional,prayer,scripturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-18--72972680
Give it the quiet it asks for.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72972680Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:00:21 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillNo reading today. The Examen is a practice of prayerful review — looking back with God over what has been, noticing where you were drawn toward life and where you were drawn away from it. Give it the quiet it asks for.
Give it the quiet it asks for.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646contemplative,devotional,prayer,scripturefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-17th-2026--69675899**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 17th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

This passage ends with Joseph forgiving and providing for his family, even after they had caused Joseph great pain. Joseph didn’t respond out of anger to his family’s faithlessness, but he responded out of God’s faithfulness. As we end our time of prayer, what is God’s wisdom to you for your own family situation? Ask God for grace to response in the ways that he is leading you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take Me With You - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675899Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 17th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your...]]>798falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-16th-2026--69675894**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 16th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Paul says that He is not ashamed of the Gospel. As we begin, take a few moments to think about how you would define ‘the gospel’ message? The word gospel itself means ‘good news’.
If someone asked you today 'what is the good news that Christians talk about’, think about how you could answer them, in your own words, and in your own experience?

This phrase ‘righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last...’ has a lot of meaning packed into it. For Christians, righteousness means to be without sin, to be fully right with God, and to demonstrate his just and right ways in the world. Paul tells us here that the gospel makes us right with God by faith from first to last! So the good news is that it’s our faith in Christ – and only our faith in Christ – that confers on us God's righteousness. Not anything we do, or any action we take. As you hear the passage again, thank God that you are fully right with Him because of Christ.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Does it seem easy for your faith in Christ to take on a religious sensibility? For your faith to be expressed more in dos and don’ts, or rules and ritual, or apathy, than in your actual, thoughtful, emotional and spiritual awareness of the powerful thing Christ has done for you? Sometimes our faith needs to be stirred up. Sometimes we forget that we actually believe the gospel is true, and that it has power. As we end of our time, ask God to increase your faith so that you might know the power of the Gospel again.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675894Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 16th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Paul says that He is not ashamed of the Gospel. As we begin, take a few moments to think about how you would define ‘the gospel’ message? The word gospel itself means ‘good news’.
If someone asked you today 'what is the good news that Christians talk about’, think about how you could answer them, in your own words, and in your own experience?

This phrase ‘righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last...’ has a lot of meaning packed into it. For Christians, righteousness means to be without sin, to be fully right with God, and to demonstrate his just and right ways in the world. Paul tells us here that the gospel makes us right with God by faith from first to last! So the good news is that it’s our faith in Christ – and only our faith in Christ – that confers on us God's righteousness. Not anything we do, or any action we take. As you hear the passage again, thank God that you are fully right with Him because of Christ.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Does it seem easy for your faith in Christ to take on a religious sensibility? For your faith to be expressed more in dos and don’ts, or rules and ritual, or apathy, than in your actual, thoughtful, emotional and spiritual awareness of the powerful thing Christ has done for you? Sometimes our faith needs to be stirred up. Sometimes we forget that we actually believe the gospel is true, and that it has power. As we end of our time, ask God to increase your faith so that you might know the power of the Gospel again.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>656falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-14th-2026--69675623**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675623Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-13th-2026--69675624**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675624Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-12th-2026--69675626**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675626Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>981falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-11th-2026--69675896**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is Tuesday, February 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version 
   

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.  
 

Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? 
   
I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life.  

As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675896Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is Tuesday, February 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version 
   

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.  
 

Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? 
   
I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life.  

As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>905falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-10th-2026--69675897**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 10th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675897Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 10th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are...]]>676falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-9th-2026--69675620Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 9th.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23.
 

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his househo ld, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate….

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, he Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.


In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?
 
God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.
 
Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us. As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675620Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
______

Today is February 9th.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23.
 

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his househo ld, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate….

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, he Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.


In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?
 
God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.
 
Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us. As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-7th-2026--69675625**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675625Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-6th-2026--69675621**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675621Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>674falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-5th-2026--69675619**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675619Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - 855falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-4th-2026--69675898**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is Tuesday, February 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapter 56.    
   

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
4     In God, whose word I praise— 
in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
5 All day long they twist my words; 
    all their schemes are for my ruin. 
6 They conspire, they lurk, 
    they watch my steps, 
    hoping to take my life. 
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; 
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 
  
8 Record my misery; 
    list my tears on your scroll— 
    are they not in your record? 
9 Then my enemies will turn back 
    when I call for help. 
    By this I will know that God is for me. 
  
10 In God, whose word I praise, 
    in the Lord, whose word I praise— 
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can man do to me? 
  

The psalmist begins by declaring: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you". This verse highlights a fundamental choice we face in moments of anxiety. Do you turn inward and let fear dominate, or do you, like the psalmist, intentionally choose to place your trust in God? The psalmist acknowledges the reality of human threats and schemes, but immediately redirects his focus to the power and faithfulness of God. Can you identify any place of fear that God is inviting you to re-orient, away from fear and towards trust in God? 
   
The psalmist is vulnerable and honest with God. He asks God to notice his suffering, and declares that God will turn back his enemies when he calls for help. Do you believe that God sees your suffering, and that he will fight for you? As you hear the scripture again, consider a place in your life where you feel vulnerable, or even under attack, and trust that God is fighting for you.  
 
Take some time today to actively praise God, either through singing or spoken words, even if you don't feel like it. If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, write down the things that are causing your fear and ask God to notice your pain. Make a choice to trust in God’s power and presence. Ask God to show you how to rely on his word and to quiet your fears.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675898Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:11 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is Tuesday, February 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapter 56.    
   

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
4     In God, whose word I praise— 
in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
5 All day long they twist my words; 
    all their schemes are for my ruin. 
6 They conspire, they lurk, 
    they watch my steps, 
    hoping to take my life. 
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; 
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 
  
8 Record my misery; 
    list my tears on your scroll— 
    are they not in your record? 
9 Then my enemies will turn back 
    when I call for help. 
    By this I will know that God is for me. 
  
10 In God, whose word I praise, 
    in the Lord, whose word I praise— 
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can man do to me? 
  

The psalmist begins by declaring: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you". This verse highlights a fundamental choice we face in moments of anxiety. Do you turn inward and let fear dominate, or do you, like the psalmist, intentionally choose to place your trust in God? The psalmist acknowledges the reality of human threats and schemes, but immediately redirects his focus to the power and faithfulness of God. Can you identify any place of fear that God is inviting you to re-orient, away from fear and towards trust in God? 
   
The psalmist is vulnerable and honest with God. He asks God to notice his suffering, and declares that God will turn back his enemies when he calls for help. Do you believe that God sees your suffering, and that he will fight for you? As you hear the scripture again, consider a place in your life where you feel vulnerable, or even under attack, and trust that God is fighting for you.  
 
Take some time today to actively praise God, either through singing or spoken words, even if you don't feel like it. If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, write down the things that are causing your fear and ask God to notice your pain. Make a choice to trust in God’s power and presence. Ask God to show you how to rely on his word and to quiet your fears.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>741falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-3rd-2026--69675895**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 3rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675895Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 3rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>735falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-2nd-2026--69675622**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 2nd.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”


This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did?

As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: How Glorious You Are - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69675622Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener...**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
_________

Today is February 2nd.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”


This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did?

As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: How Glorious You Are - Vineyard...]]>883falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-31st-2026--69289528
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289528Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-30th-2026--69289506Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289506Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 30th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is Psalm 43. Vindicate me, my God, and plead...Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>705falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-29th-2026--69289514Today is January 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289514Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21. Then...Today is January 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>857falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-28th-2026--69289517

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119, beginning in verse 89. 
 

Your word, Lord, is eternal; 
    it stands firm in the heavens. 
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; 
    you established the earth, and it endures. 
91 Your laws endure to this day, 
    for all things serve you. 
92 If your law had not been my delight, 
    I would have perished in my affliction. 
93 I will never forget your precepts, 
    for by them you have preserved my life. 
94 Save me, for I am yours; 
    I have sought out your precepts. 
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, 
    but I will ponder your statutes. 
96 To all perfection I see a limit, 
    but your commands are boundless. 
 
     
 This psalm in it’s entire is the longest psalm in the bible, and it’s focused on glorifying God and his word. The words for word… sometimes ‘law’, sometimes ‘precepts’, sometimes ‘statues or commands’ – together build a picture that the psalmist is glorifying God’s revelations, God’s discernment, His instructions. The psalmist is saying than in a world where everything changes, where rules change where values change, where people change… God’s word is stable. It’s the only stable thing we have, actually. As you come to prayer today, think about all of the ever-changing things in the world around you. Does that ever feel disorienting?  
   
Our world, for many people, feels like a sea filled with waves, storms, and winds blowing in opposite directions. It doesn’t feel like anything has a firm foundation: even truth. Or virtue. It feels like nothing is enduring. Cultural rules change faster than we can keep track! So do allegiances. The psalmist is describing what we feel – that sense of homelessness, the sense of confusion, the same that we don’t ever have a firm foundation for truth. Listen again for the consolation that the psalmist has found in God’s enduring revelation. God doesn’t change. God always loves mercy and justice. God always is compassionate. God always is willing and wanting to forgive. God always, always, always, offers grace.  
   
Many of us grew up in religious environments where God’s word felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules. Or we grew up in secular environments where cultural norms felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules! Either way, the revelation God brought to the world in Christ is that God’s word isn’t a list of rules…. God’s gracious revelation to us is in Christ, our brother. The spirit, our helper. And they are an ever-present foundation, a tall strong tower to find protection in. I would love for you to, this year, work to read scripture with these sorts of eyes… to read the Bible looking not for a list of rules, but for the steady, firm, and consistent presence of your good and gracious Father God. If you don’t read the Bible regularly, would you consider giving yourself a time each week to sit down, read, journal, and pray. If you don’t understand what you read, look for the passage on a web resource called The Bible Project and there’s a good chance you’ll find a video that will help you understand what’s going on in the book or text you’re looking at.

Music: Dwell - Vineyard Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289517Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119, beginning in verse 89. 
 

Your word, Lord, is eternal; 
    it stands firm in the heavens. 
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; 
    you established the earth, and it endures. 
91 Your laws endure to this day, 
    for all things serve you. 
92 If your law had not been my delight, 
    I would have perished in my affliction. 
93 I will never forget your precepts, 
    for by them you have preserved my life. 
94 Save me, for I am yours; 
    I have sought out your precepts. 
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, 
    but I will ponder your statutes. 
96 To all perfection I see a limit, 
    but your commands are boundless. 
 
     
 This psalm in it’s entire is the longest psalm in the bible, and it’s focused on glorifying God and his word. The words for word… sometimes ‘law’, sometimes ‘precepts’, sometimes ‘statues or commands’ – together build a picture that the psalmist is glorifying God’s revelations, God’s discernment, His instructions. The psalmist is saying than in a world where everything changes, where rules change where values change, where people change… God’s word is stable. It’s the only stable thing we have, actually. As you come to prayer today, think about all of the ever-changing things in the world around you. Does that ever feel disorienting?  
   
Our world, for many people, feels like a sea filled with waves, storms, and winds blowing in opposite directions. It doesn’t feel like anything has a firm foundation: even truth. Or virtue. It feels like nothing is enduring. Cultural rules change faster than we can keep track! So do allegiances. The psalmist is describing what we feel – that sense of homelessness, the sense of confusion, the same that we don’t ever have a firm foundation for truth. Listen again for the consolation that the psalmist has found in God’s enduring revelation. God doesn’t change. God always loves mercy and justice. God always is compassionate. God always is willing and wanting to forgive. God always, always, always, offers grace.  
   
Many of us grew up in religious environments where God’s word felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules. Or we grew up in secular environments where cultural norms felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules! Either way, the revelation God brought to the world in Christ is that God’s word isn’t a list of rules…. God’s gracious revelation to us is in Christ, our brother. The spirit, our helper. And they are an ever-present foundation, a tall strong tower to find protection in. I would love for you to, this year, work to read scripture with these sorts of eyes… to read the Bible looking not for a list of rules, but for the steady, firm, and consistent presence of your good and gracious Father God. If you don’t read the Bible regularly, would you consider giving yourself a time each week to sit down, read, journal, and pray. If you don’t understand what you read, look for the passage on a web resource called The Bible Project and there’s a good chance you’ll find a video that will help you understand what’s going on in the book or text you’re looking at.

Music: Dwell - Vineyard Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>976falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-27th-2026--69289523Today is January 27th   
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version 
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or ‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between? 
  
Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.  
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him. 
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
  
Music: Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289523Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 27th       May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is January 27th   
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version 
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or ‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between? 
  
Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.  
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him. 
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
  
Music: Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-26th-2026--69289503Today is January 26th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10.


For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness… These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!


Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness? “Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make you feel defensive?

As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289503Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 26th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10. For I do...Today is January 26th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10.


For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness… These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!


Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness? “Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make you feel defensive?

As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>685falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-24th-2026--69289527
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289527Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-23rd-2026--69289507Today is January 23rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289507Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 23rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22....Today is January 23rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>715falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-22nd-2026--69289511Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289511Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 46. God is our refuge and...Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>683falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-21st-2026--69289502Today is January 21.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289502Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is January 21.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>713falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-20th-2026--69289508Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289508Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 20th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John...Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>666falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-19th-2026--69289500Today is January 19th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.


This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.


We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Form Us - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289500Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 19th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah,...Today is January 19th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.


This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.


We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Form Us - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>773falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-17th-2026--69289530
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289530Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-16th-2026--69289504Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289504Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 16th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8. At dawn...Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-15-2026--69289509Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289509Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 15 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>737falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-14th-2026--69289501Today is January 14th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 John, chapter 5.   
 
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 
 
As we enter into prayer today, would you take some time and consider what word you would use to describe how it is YOU approach God? Is it confidence? Fear? Tiredness? Are you rushed? Get quiet for a few moments and think about how you felt just now – before you hit play on Be Still? Share that feeling with God. 
 
These words from first John aren’t meant to tell us that every single thing we pray for will be given to us. We all know that’s not the case in our real lives. It’s meant to speak to something far deeper… that God desires proximity with us. That God hears our prayers. That God’s will is sufficient for us. And most importantly: that God has granted us eternal life, with Him. John’s words are meant to bring comfort to a people who are used to God keeping them at arms length, because of His holiness. They are used to the idea that ‘approaching God’ would come with fear and trembling, like when the priest would enter into the temple. As you listen again, let yourself wrestle with these two truths: God wants us to be near to Him and He hears our prayers….. and sometimes, we feel otherwise.  

What do you think it means to ‘ask according to God’s will?’ That seems to me to have to do with our prayerfulness coming out of deep connection with God. That our prayer would be informed by discernment about what God is up to. IT also seems to me that a lot of times I THINK my prayers are according to God’s will. And yet I don’t feel like I ‘have what I asked of him’. Do you relate to that tension? How do you sit with those realities? As we end today, join me in being vulnerable and authentic with God and talk with Him about things or prayers that haven’t been answered, and that I don’t understand. He loves you, and wants to accompany you as you seek Him in this confusing space.   


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289501Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 14th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is January 14th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 John, chapter 5.   
 
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 
 
As we enter into prayer today, would you take some time and consider what word you would use to describe how it is YOU approach God? Is it confidence? Fear? Tiredness? Are you rushed? Get quiet for a few moments and think about how you felt just now – before you hit play on Be Still? Share that feeling with God. 
 
These words from first John aren’t meant to tell us that every single thing we pray for will be given to us. We all know that’s not the case in our real lives. It’s meant to speak to something far deeper… that God desires proximity with us. That God hears our prayers. That God’s will is sufficient for us. And most importantly: that God has granted us eternal life, with Him. John’s words are meant to bring comfort to a people who are used to God keeping them at arms length, because of His holiness. They are used to the idea that ‘approaching God’ would come with fear and trembling, like when the priest would enter into the temple. As you listen again, let yourself wrestle with these two truths: God wants us to be near to Him and He hears our prayers….. and sometimes, we feel otherwise.  

What do you think it means to ‘ask according to God’s will?’ That seems to me to have to do with our prayerfulness coming out of deep connection with God. That our prayer would be informed by discernment about what God is up to. IT also seems to me that a lot of times I THINK my prayers are according to God’s will. And yet I don’t feel like I ‘have what I asked of him’. Do you relate to that tension? How do you sit with those realities? As we end today, join me in being vulnerable and authentic with God and talk with Him about things or prayers that haven’t been answered, and that I don’t understand. He loves you, and wants to accompany you as you seek Him in this confusing space.   


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>849falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-13th-2026--69289499Today is January 13th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.


We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289499Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 13th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the...Today is January 13th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.


We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>621falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-12th-2026--69289515Today is January 12th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.


The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.


“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today."

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289515Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 12th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter...Today is January 12th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.


The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.


“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today."

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>794falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-10th-2026--69289531
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289531Sat, 10 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-9th-2026--69289505Today is January 9th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289505Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 9th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5. Jesus...Today is January 9th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>641falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-8th-2026--69289510Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289510Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 8 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Psalm 69. Save me, O God, for...Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>685falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-7th-2026--69289512Today is January 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 4.    
   

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. 
 
  
I am glad you are taking time to Be Still today. As we enter into our time of prayer, consider these three incredible words from the passage we just read… perhaps three words you missed while paying attention to everything else: Paul says that you are ‘dearly loved children’ of God. Which implies you love God dearly. How near – or far – do you feel to a dearly loved Child of God right now? 
   
Paul is speaking to the Ephesian church – giving them a specific example of what it means to ‘follow the example’ set before us by Christ himself: in our speech, and treatment of one another. You may notice that the words Paul uses in the first bit are action words. They are not only things we might feel…. They are feelings we might express in the way we treat others: being unwholesome, or crude. Bitterness or anger or rage – which all too often spill out sideways into our actions. As you listen to the reading again, I’d encourage you to do so with humility and curiosity: is your speech generally filled with compassion and forgiveness? Is the way you talk to and about others generally helpful to them? Or might you have succumbed to the temptation of anger? Bitterness? Slander or gossip? Be honest before the Lord. 
   
One the one hand, our culture today can sometimes be experienced as a purity patrol…. Where our speech gets policed and we’re afraid to say the wrong thing! On the other hand, our culture today has a problem with angry and bitter and untrue speech – social media platforms and online comment sections are proof of that. Paul doesn’t just tell Christians to ‘be nice’ or ‘don’t say mean things’. Paul says: you’re supposed to have the same heart for others that He has for you: a heart of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This week, and maybe forever – when you go to open your mouth or post online… as yourself: is this kind? Is it compassionate? Is it helpful? If not… do I need to practice forgiveness in some area?

The Bible says that the things that come out of our mouths reflect the state of our heart. That’s not always a pretty picture. This year, if you struggle with your patterns of speech, with coarseness, with anger, or with gossip… be serious about your commitment to follow the way of Christ – as God’s dearly loved children. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289512Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is January 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 4.    
   

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. 
 
  
I am glad you are taking time to Be Still today. As we enter into our time of prayer, consider these three incredible words from the passage we just read… perhaps three words you missed while paying attention to everything else: Paul says that you are ‘dearly loved children’ of God. Which implies you love God dearly. How near – or far – do you feel to a dearly loved Child of God right now? 
   
Paul is speaking to the Ephesian church – giving them a specific example of what it means to ‘follow the example’ set before us by Christ himself: in our speech, and treatment of one another. You may notice that the words Paul uses in the first bit are action words. They are not only things we might feel…. They are feelings we might express in the way we treat others: being unwholesome, or crude. Bitterness or anger or rage – which all too often spill out sideways into our actions. As you listen to the reading again, I’d encourage you to do so with humility and curiosity: is your speech generally filled with compassion and forgiveness? Is the way you talk to and about others generally helpful to them? Or might you have succumbed to the temptation of anger? Bitterness? Slander or gossip? Be honest before the Lord. 
   
One the one hand, our culture today can sometimes be experienced as a purity patrol…. Where our speech gets policed and we’re afraid to say the wrong thing! On the other hand, our culture today has a problem with angry and bitter and untrue speech – social media platforms and online comment sections are proof of that. Paul doesn’t just tell Christians to ‘be nice’ or ‘don’t say mean things’. Paul says: you’re supposed to have the same heart for others that He has for you: a heart of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This week, and maybe forever – when you go to open your mouth or post online… as yourself: is this kind? Is it compassionate? Is it helpful? If not… do I need to practice forgiveness in some area?

The Bible says that the things that come out of our mouths reflect the state of our heart. That’s not always a pretty picture. This year, if you struggle with your patterns of speech, with coarseness, with anger, or with gossip… be serious about your commitment to follow the way of Christ – as God’s dearly loved children. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>907falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-6th-2026--69289516Today is January 6th.  
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 
  
 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?   
  
The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
As you continue through your day, consider how you might seek Jesus and worship him with the gifts that you have.    
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
  
Music: Doxology Anthem (Lord We Praise You) - Vineyard Worship 
DOXOLOGY ANTHEM [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289516Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 6th.      May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today Christians throughout...Today is January 6th.  
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 
  
 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?   
  
The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,...]]>721falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-5th-2026--69289513Today is January 5th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.


How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.


The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69289513Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 5th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 13. How long, Lord?...Today is January 5th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.


How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.


The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>648falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-3rd-2026--68694399
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68694399Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-2nd-2026--68693711Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Draw Me Close To You - Heaven and Earth Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693711Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1. The...Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Draw Me Close To You - Heaven and Earth Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>947be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-1st-2026--68693697Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693697Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 1 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6....Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>629be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-31st-2025--68952194

Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year? This marks the full completion of Be Still – we have 365 days of devotional and it’s all thanks to the hard work of the team here. You know who you are. Thank you. 
 
If Be Still has been a grace to you, please take a moment right now to rate us with five stars and drop a friendly comment in. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking, so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit. 

May God’s peace and presence be to you in 2026. Do not fear, the Lord is near. And all manner of things shall be well. 

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68952194Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 31st for 2025. Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year? This marks the full completion of Be...

Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year? This marks the full completion of Be Still – we have 365 days of devotional and it’s all thanks to the hard work of the team here. You know who you are. Thank you. 
 
If Be Still has been a grace to you, please take a moment right now to rate us with five stars and drop a friendly comment in. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking, so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit. 

May God’s peace and presence be to you in 2026. Do not fear, the Lord is near. And all manner of things shall be well. 

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>320advent,audio,be,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-30th-2025--68693706Today is December 30th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.

  
11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. 
 

One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?  

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ. 

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693706Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 30th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter...Today is December 30th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.

  
11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. 
 

One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?  

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ. 

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>759be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-29th-2025--68693689Today is December 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Think of a light that cannot be overcome, a light that cannot go out. You might think of an intense light. Maybe a spotlight shining up into the night. Or a powerful laser that has an intense beam. Or even stronger, the light of the sun. But the light of Christ starts as a different kind of light. It’s more like one of those trick birthday candles that gets blown out but then a few moments later relights on its own. Think for a moment about how the light you see in Christ is more like a candle that is fragile light, but one not easily extinguished.

Isaiah puts it this way, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. This sounds like the life of Christ in the world doesn’t it? In his death he was bruised but not broken. His light was smoldering but not snuffed out. How is that true of the light of Christ in you? Where do you see faith smoldering in your life? Where is there a small sign of smoke, even if no flame?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God to breathe on that wick. Ask him to blow on those embers. Ask that the flame might burst forth again into the night of the world around you.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Eternal Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693689Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 29 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of John,...Today is December 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Think of a light that cannot be overcome, a light that cannot go out. You might think of an intense light. Maybe a spotlight shining up into the night. Or a powerful laser that has an intense beam. Or even stronger, the light of the sun. But the light of Christ starts as a different kind of light. It’s more like one of those trick birthday candles that gets blown out but then a few moments later relights on its own. Think for a moment about how the light you see in Christ is more like a candle that is fragile light, but one not easily extinguished.

Isaiah puts it this way, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. This sounds like the life of Christ in the world doesn’t it? In his death he was bruised but not broken. His light was smoldering but not snuffed out. How is that true of the light of Christ in you? Where do you see faith smoldering in your life? Where is there a small sign of smoke, even if no flame?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God to breathe on that wick. Ask him to blow on those embers. Ask that the flame might burst forth again into the night of the world around you.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Eternal Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>669be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-december-27th-2025--68694394
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68694394Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-26th-2025--68693707Today is December 26.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9. 
 

The people walking in darkness 
    have seen a great light; 
on those living in the land of deep darkness 
    a light has dawned. 
3 You have enlarged the nation 
    and increased their joy; 
they rejoice before you 
    as people rejoice at the harvest, 
as warriors rejoice 
    when dividing the plunder. 
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, 
    you have shattered 
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders, 
    the rod of their oppressor. 
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle 
    and every garment rolled in blood 
will be destined for burning, 
    will be fuel for the fire. 
6 For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given, 
    and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace 
    there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
    and over his kingdom, 
establishing and upholding it 
    with justice and righteousness 
    from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
    will accomplish this. 
 

I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord. 
 
Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray… 
 
The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693707Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 26.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is December 26.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9. 
 

The people walking in darkness 
    have seen a great light; 
on those living in the land of deep darkness 
    a light has dawned. 
3 You have enlarged the nation 
    and increased their joy; 
they rejoice before you 
    as people rejoice at the harvest, 
as warriors rejoice 
    when dividing the plunder. 
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, 
    you have shattered 
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders, 
    the rod of their oppressor. 
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle 
    and every garment rolled in blood 
will be destined for burning, 
    will be fuel for the fire. 
6 For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given, 
    and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace 
    there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
    and over his kingdom, 
establishing and upholding it 
    with justice and righteousness 
    from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
    will accomplish this. 
 

I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord. 
 
Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray… 
 
The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>919be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-24th-2025--68693710Today is December 24th in the final week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 


Consider what it means for a child to have a healthy, stable attachment to the caregiver. This passage speaks to followers of Jesus as children. And chosen children. God himself has received us, and calls us His own 
 
This Christmas Eve, think about how God, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, humbled himself, becoming ordinary, and subjecting himself to real humanity. All for the sake of drawing us near to Him. Pray, this evening, for those who do not know that they are loved by God. Pray for a revelation of God’s love to them. 
 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693710Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 24th in the final week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 24th in the final week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 


Consider what it means for a child to have a healthy, stable attachment to the caregiver. This passage speaks to followers of Jesus as children. And chosen children. God himself has received us, and calls us His own 
 
This Christmas Eve, think about how God, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, humbled himself, becoming ordinary, and subjecting himself to real humanity. All for the sake of drawing us near to Him. Pray, this evening, for those who do not know that they are loved by God. Pray for a revelation of God’s love to them. 
 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>575advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-23rd-2025--68693691Today is December 23rd in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1. 


28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 


In this passage, we witness a profound moment of divine intervention. The angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary is both startling and reassuring. Mary, a young woman from a humble background, is told that she is highly favored and that the Lord is with her. This greeting, while comforting, also brings a sense of awe and fear. As you reflect on this passage, consider how Mary must have felt. She was greatly troubled and wondered about the meaning of this extraordinary message. Consider a time in your life where you felt both startled by life’s circumstances yet reassured by the presence of God with you.  
  
The angel's words, "Do not be afraid," offer a powerful reminder of God's presence and favor. Mary's response to the angel's message is a testament to her faith and trust in God. Despite her initial fear and confusion, she embraces her role in God's plan with humility and courage. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to God's call. Is there something happening your life where God is inviting you to trust him in the midst of fear or confusion?  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693691Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 23rd in the final week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.   Today’s reading is from the...Today is December 23rd in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1. 


28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 


In this passage, we witness a profound moment of divine intervention. The angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary is both startling and reassuring. Mary, a young woman from a humble background, is told that she is highly favored and that the Lord is with her. This greeting, while comforting, also brings a sense of awe and fear. As you reflect on this passage, consider how Mary must have felt. She was greatly troubled and wondered about the meaning of this extraordinary message. Consider a time in your life where you felt both startled by life’s circumstances yet reassured by the presence of God with you.  
  
The angel's words, "Do not be afraid," offer a powerful reminder of God's presence and favor. Mary's response to the angel's message is a testament to her faith and trust in God. Despite her initial fear and confusion, she embraces her role in God's plan with humility and courage. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to God's call. Is there something happening your life where God is inviting you to trust him in the midst of fear or confusion?  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>569advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-22nd-2025--68952193Today is December 22 in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Luke, chapter 1. 
 

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”  



Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, spills out with awe, gratitude, and praise for God’s faithfulness. Despite Mary's simple and humble position she recognizes that God has seen her, chosen her, and is fulfilling His promises through her. This passage reminds us that God lifts up the lowly, satisfies the hungry, and keeps His promises across generations. Mary's response invites us to glorify God not only for what He has done in history but for what He continues to do in our lives today... working through the humble, showing mercy, and turning the world's values upside down. How have you experienced this reality? 
 
As we approach Christmas day, how are you experiencing the reality of Christian hope? How are you experiencing our call to love, to faith, or to joy? Is your heart feeling full, or parched? Take a moment to examine the condition of your heart right now. Offer yourself to the Lord, and ask you listen to mary’s song, find encouragement in her awareness of the goodness of God
]
God always remembers to be merciful. We are in a world that is in such desperate need of mercy! Is your heart inclined towards mercy? Are there places you are harboring judgement, or anger, or bitterness? Give the Lord time today to pour His mercy into you, and through you to others. As we anticipate Christmas, commit yourself towards being a person of mercy to those around you. 
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68952193Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 22 in the final week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.    Today’s reading is from the book...Today is December 22 in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Luke, chapter 1. 
 

And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”  



Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, spills out with awe, gratitude, and praise for God’s faithfulness. Despite Mary's simple and humble position she recognizes that God has seen her, chosen her, and is fulfilling His promises through her. This passage reminds us that God lifts up the lowly, satisfies the hungry, and keeps His promises across generations. Mary's response invites us to glorify God not only for what He has done in history but for what He continues to do in our lives today... working through the humble, showing mercy, and turning the world's values upside down. How have you experienced this reality? 
 
As we approach Christmas day, how are you experiencing the reality of Christian hope? How are you experiencing our call to love, to faith, or to joy? Is your heart feeling full, or parched? Take a moment to examine the condition of your heart right now. Offer yourself to the Lord, and ask you listen to mary’s song, find encouragement in her awareness of the goodness of God
]
God always remembers to be merciful. We are in a world that is in such desperate need of mercy! Is your heart inclined towards mercy? Are there places you are harboring judgement, or anger, or bitterness? Give the Lord time today to pour His mercy into you, and through you to others. As we anticipate Christmas, commit yourself towards being a person of mercy to those around you. 
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>601audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-21st-2025--68699330LOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ.

Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Above all these, put on love.

Reflect now, on How God demonstrated His love To you. Consider the act of God becoming human. Taking on flesh. Not just becoming human, but becoming an infant. A vulnerable, needy, dependent infant. The birth of Jesus is a love story – God demonstrating to us His desire to create a way for us to be near to Him. Just like a loving parent desires nearness with a child… or a loving friend desires togetherness. God Himself chose nearness to us. Because He loves us. God loves you.

Consider this love – love that is of God, and love that IS God. For you. For the whole world. For all the ordinary people, in all of their ordinariness. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have experienced the love of God toward yourself?

In the beginning, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? For God so loved the world that He gave his only son. Because God IS love. As we consider the fourth Advent candle, let’s reflect on the love of God toward us, and how the light of His love is meant to overflow from our lives toward others.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68699330Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillLOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ. Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and...LOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ.

Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Above all these, put on love.

Reflect now, on How God demonstrated His love To you. Consider the act of God becoming human. Taking on flesh. Not just becoming human, but becoming an infant. A vulnerable, needy, dependent infant. The birth of Jesus is a love story – God demonstrating to us His desire to create a way for us to be near to Him. Just like a loving parent desires nearness with a child… or a loving friend desires togetherness. God Himself chose nearness to us. Because He loves us. God loves you.

Consider this love – love that is of God, and love that IS God. For you. For the whole world. For all the ordinary people, in all of their ordinariness. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have experienced the love of God toward yourself?

In the beginning, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? For God so loved the world that He gave his only son. Because God IS love. As we consider the fourth Advent candle, let’s reflect on the love of God toward us, and how the light of His love is meant to overflow from our lives toward others.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>258advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-20th-2025--68694381This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68694381Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.  I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>360advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-19th-2025--68693692Today is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 
 
 
Simeon, scripture tells us, had been waiting his whole life ‘for the consolation of Israel’. To be consoled means to be comforted in grief. We might think of the Greek word paraclete – the word we use to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraclete literally means ‘one called alongside’. Or comforter. Israel was waiting, as was Simeon, for that comfort that only a savior would bring. In what ways are you waiting for the comfort of Christ today? In what ways do you see the world longing? 
 
Somehow – Simeon recognizes that the Christ child was God, come alongside of humanity. Luke tells us that “Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God”. Take time to prayerfully imagine this scene: they’re at the temple courts, fulfilling the standard duty of all Jewish parents to consecrate their child to the Lord. All of a sudden, and old man comes toward them. I imagine tears in his eyes. I imagine his praise coming out like a hushed and holy whisper. I imagine Simeon, holding the Christ child close, maybe resting forehead to forehead, feeling some sort of unexplainable relief: GOD IS WITH US. 
 
Take time now in personal prayer and imagine this scene. What is the Lord drawing your attention to? 

Our world remains desperate for consolation. We have in Christ the coming of the kingdom of God, and yet… we remain in between the now and the not yet of the kingdom. Intercede now for those who are desperate for consolation. Pray that the holy spirit – would draw near to those who live in shadows, that they might know the light of Christ.  This is how I pray: God of all comfort, please come alongside the brokenhearted, and rescue those who are crushed in spirit. And make me not only watchful and prayerful, but also faithful in my call to be your body in this world. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693692Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is...Today is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 
 
 
Simeon, scripture tells us, had been waiting his whole life ‘for the consolation of Israel’. To be consoled means to be comforted in grief. We might think of the Greek word paraclete – the word we use to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraclete literally means ‘one called alongside’. Or comforter. Israel was waiting, as was Simeon, for that comfort that only a savior would bring. In what ways are you waiting for the comfort of Christ today? In what ways do you see the world longing? 
 
Somehow – Simeon recognizes that the Christ child was God, come alongside of humanity. Luke tells us that “Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God”. Take time to prayerfully imagine this scene: they’re at the temple courts, fulfilling the standard duty of all Jewish parents to consecrate their child to the Lord. All of a sudden, and old man comes toward them. I imagine tears in his eyes. I imagine his praise coming out like a hushed and holy whisper. I imagine Simeon, holding the Christ child close, maybe resting forehead to forehead, feeling some sort of unexplainable relief: GOD IS WITH US. 
 
Take time now in personal prayer and imagine this scene. What is the Lord drawing your attention to? 

Our world remains desperate for consolation. We have in Christ the coming of the kingdom of God, and yet… we remain in between the now and the not yet of the kingdom. Intercede now for those who are desperate for consolation. Pray that the holy spirit – would draw near to those who live in shadows, that they might know the light of Christ.  This is how I pray: God of all comfort, please come alongside the brokenhearted, and rescue those who are crushed in spirit. And make me not only watchful and prayerful, but also faithful in my call to be your body in this world. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional...]]>732advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-18th-2025--68693699Today is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 
 

We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary? 
 
Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?  
 
Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness. 
 
Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693699Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  ...Today is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 
 

We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary? 
 
Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?  
 
Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness. 
 
Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-17th-2025--68693700Today is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 
  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
  
  
The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season? 
  
But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see. 
  
Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life. 
  
As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
  
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
  
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693700Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say...Today is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 
  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
  
  
The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season? 
  
But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see. 
  
Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life. 
  
As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
  
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
  
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>732advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/decmeber-16th-2025--68693701
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” 
 

This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you. 
 
We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today? 
 
Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it. 
 
Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee.
 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693701Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 16th in the 3rd week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is from the...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” 
 

This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you. 
 
We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today? 
 
Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it. 
 
Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee.
 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/decmeber-15th-2025--68952192Today is December 15 in the 3rd week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 29. 
 

In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field
    and the fertile field seem like a forest?
18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,
    and out of gloom and darkness
    the eyes of the blind will see.
19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;
    the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 The ruthless will vanish,
    the mockers will disappear,
    and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—
21 those who with a word make someone out to be guilty,
    who ensnare the defender in court
    and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.
22 Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
    no longer will their faces grow pale.
23 When they see among them their children,
    the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
    they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
    those who complain will accept instruction.”
 

Isaiah 29 offers a vision of hope and transformation. God promises that what feels barren will become fruitful, and what seems hopeless will be renewed. The deaf will hear, the blind will see, and justice will be restored. Even the complainers will experience understanding and change! This passage reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power to redeem. As we enter into prayer today, how do you find yourself? Are there situations in your life that feel ‘beyond God’s power’? Hold that before the Lord.
  
Hope in God is a key marker of Christians. There is not much in this temporal world that can give us true hope, or eternal hope. But hope in God will never disappoint. Advent is a season that helps us practice the Christian discipline of hope. Listen to the text again and consider that over the ages, God-followers have had to live in a place of expectation and waiting.

“once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Where do you experience a sense of being needy right now? Where do you see the needs of others? What can you do this week not only to pray, but to help meet needs? Of yourself, or of others? Ask the Lord as we end our time of prayer to draw near to you in your own places of desperation, and also to lead you to be responsive to His spirit in meeting needs of those around you.
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68952192Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 15 in the 3rd week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.    Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is December 15 in the 3rd week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 29. 
 

In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field
    and the fertile field seem like a forest?
18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,
    and out of gloom and darkness
    the eyes of the blind will see.
19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;
    the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 The ruthless will vanish,
    the mockers will disappear,
    and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—
21 those who with a word make someone out to be guilty,
    who ensnare the defender in court
    and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.
22 Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
    no longer will their faces grow pale.
23 When they see among them their children,
    the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
    they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
    those who complain will accept instruction.”
 

Isaiah 29 offers a vision of hope and transformation. God promises that what feels barren will become fruitful, and what seems hopeless will be renewed. The deaf will hear, the blind will see, and justice will be restored. Even the complainers will experience understanding and change! This passage reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power to redeem. As we enter into prayer today, how do you find yourself? Are there situations in your life that feel ‘beyond God’s power’? Hold that before the Lord.
  
Hope in God is a key marker of Christians. There is not much in this temporal world that can give us true hope, or eternal hope. But hope in God will never disappoint. Advent is a season that helps us practice the Christian discipline of hope. Listen to the text again and consider that over the ages, God-followers have had to live in a place of expectation and waiting.

“once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Where do you experience a sense of being needy right now? Where do you see the needs of others? What can you do this week not only to pray, but to help meet needs? Of yourself, or of others? Ask the Lord as we end our time of prayer to draw near to you in your own places of desperation, and also to lead you to be responsive to His spirit in meeting needs of those around you.
  
…
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>639advent,audio,be,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-14th-2025--68699329JOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent.

Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through things like the laughter of children and the sharing of a meal that we discover a deeper joy that can transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Psalm 30:11 declares, You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Consider, this advent, what it means to be ‘clothed’ with joy. The psalmist isn’t speaking of a joy that is denial of the hardships of life. Rather, it’s a joy that is transformational. A joy that takes something ordinary, or even something difficult… and transcends the momentary with the eternal. Take a moment to reflect on the sources of joy in your life: Where have you experienced unexpected joy? How has God used ordinary moments to bring extraordinary happiness to your heart? Who, this week, has brought you joy? (pause) The world around us is filled with lots of things, but not often with joy. How can we be bringers of joy in a world that is often overshadowed by sorrow and hardship

Consider the words from the prophet Zephaniah, chapter 3: Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[a] 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The psalmist writes: I will change their shame into praise. In faith, ask God to draw near to those who are brokenhearted, or ashamed, or who are in mourning, or for whom this time of year feels weighty or sad.

Pray the grace and goodness and joy of the Lord over all those who are lighting candles tonight. Like the prophet writes: ‘the lord our god is in our midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and quiet you by his love…” Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68699329Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillJOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through...JOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent.

Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through things like the laughter of children and the sharing of a meal that we discover a deeper joy that can transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Psalm 30:11 declares, You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Consider, this advent, what it means to be ‘clothed’ with joy. The psalmist isn’t speaking of a joy that is denial of the hardships of life. Rather, it’s a joy that is transformational. A joy that takes something ordinary, or even something difficult… and transcends the momentary with the eternal. Take a moment to reflect on the sources of joy in your life: Where have you experienced unexpected joy? How has God used ordinary moments to bring extraordinary happiness to your heart? Who, this week, has brought you joy? (pause) The world around us is filled with lots of things, but not often with joy. How can we be bringers of joy in a world that is often overshadowed by sorrow and hardship

Consider the words from the prophet Zephaniah, chapter 3: Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[a] 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The psalmist writes: I will change their shame into praise. In faith, ask God to draw near to those who are brokenhearted, or ashamed, or who are in mourning, or for whom this time of year feels weighty or sad.

Pray the grace and goodness and joy of the Lord over all those who are lighting candles tonight. Like the prophet writes: ‘the lord our god is in our midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and quiet you by his love…” Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>342advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-13th-2025--68694379This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68694379Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-12th-2025--68693698Today is December 12th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60. 
 

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 
 

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul. 
 
Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.  
 
Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ. 
 
All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693698Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 12th in the second week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 12th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60. 
 

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 
 

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul. 
 
Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.  
 
Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ. 
 
All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>700advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-11th-2025--68693703Today is December 11th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.   
 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
 

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is? 
 
Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.  
 
Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of his kingdom.  

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow…  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693703Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 11th in the second week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is from the...Today is December 11th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.   
 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
 

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is? 
 
Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.  
 
Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of his kingdom.  

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow…  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-10th-2025--68693708Today is December 10th in the second week of Advent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  
 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” 
 

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel? 
 
“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him? 
 
As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’… 
 
This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693708Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 10th in the second week of Advent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is...Today is December 10th in the second week of Advent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  
 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” 
 

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel? 
 
“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him? 
 
As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’… 
 
This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-9th-2025--68693709 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.  
 

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” 
 

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?  
 
Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.  
 
Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?  

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent. 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693709Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 9th, in the second week of Advent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s... 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.  
 

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” 
 

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?  
 
Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.  
 
Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?  

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent. 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-8th-2025--68841806Today is December 8 in the 2nd week of Advent.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4.  
  
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 
    
 
Welcome to prayer. Our text today urges believers to live in a way that pleases God... not just occasionally, but “more and more.” It calls us to please God, to be holy, and to love one another. Some of the instructions in the text feel very practical: like ‘mind your own business’! Let’s begin today’s time of prayer doing an honest inventory. You can ask the Lord for the grace to see areas of your own life where He is calling you to ‘more and more’...  
 
As we listen to the text again, pay special attention to the very practical details. This Christmas season, do you find yourself at peace, demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Or do you find yourself anxious, or stressed, and demonstrating your own grumpiness or impatience? You can be honest before God! Listen to the passage again, and imagine Paul is reading this bit out loud to you personally. What does that bring up for you? 
   
"You yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” What a beautiful picture of God’s purposes for our relationships. And how sad that all too often, it doesn’t feel real to many of us. This Advent, is there a broken relationship in your life? Someone you need to ask for forgiveness? Could you, in humility and grace, demonstrate moving towards that relationship in a ‘more and more’ kind of way?  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68841806Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 8 in the 2nd week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.      Today’s reading is from the...Today is December 8 in the 2nd week of Advent.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4.  
  
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. 

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 
    
 
Welcome to prayer. Our text today urges believers to live in a way that pleases God... not just occasionally, but “more and more.” It calls us to please God, to be holy, and to love one another. Some of the instructions in the text feel very practical: like ‘mind your own business’! Let’s begin today’s time of prayer doing an honest inventory. You can ask the Lord for the grace to see areas of your own life where He is calling you to ‘more and more’...  
 
As we listen to the text again, pay special attention to the very practical details. This Christmas season, do you find yourself at peace, demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Or do you find yourself anxious, or stressed, and demonstrating your own grumpiness or impatience? You can be honest before God! Listen to the passage again, and imagine Paul is reading this bit out loud to you personally. What does that bring up for you? 
   
"You yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” What a beautiful picture of God’s purposes for our relationships. And how sad that all too often, it doesn’t feel real to many of us. This Advent, is there a broken relationship in your life? Someone you need to ask for forgiveness? Could you, in humility and grace, demonstrate moving towards that relationship in a ‘more and more’ kind of way?  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Music: "Christ The King" - Heaven and Earth

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>677advent,and,be,christ,columbus,earth,eric,examen,heaven,julia,king,pickerill,still,the,vineyard,worshipfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-7th-2025--68699331PEACE | Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a child – the peace of Christ is near to us, and we can learn to be attentive to it, just like we can pay attention to small flames of these advent candle in a dark room. Jesus assures us along with the early church that Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Advent reminds us that the peace of Christ is a grace that brings peace in ways we can’t understand, to situations that feel impossible. The peace of Christ is not childish, and it does not deny the reality that surrounds us that’s filled with unrest. Actually, Advent reminds us that Christian peace is brought into a hostile world through the birth of a baby…. Tender and vulnerable… fragile and meek. The peace of Christ is supernatural. It is a gift from God. As we consider the light of our second Advent candle, remember that the peace that calms our fears and fills our hearts with tranquility comes from Christ alone In what ways are you lacking peace today? (pause) from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

In the light of the candles, pray to find the courage to be a person of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace, at all times, in every way. The Lord be with us all. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68699331Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillPEACE | Second Sunday of Advent Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a...PEACE | Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a child – the peace of Christ is near to us, and we can learn to be attentive to it, just like we can pay attention to small flames of these advent candle in a dark room. Jesus assures us along with the early church that Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Advent reminds us that the peace of Christ is a grace that brings peace in ways we can’t understand, to situations that feel impossible. The peace of Christ is not childish, and it does not deny the reality that surrounds us that’s filled with unrest. Actually, Advent reminds us that Christian peace is brought into a hostile world through the birth of a baby…. Tender and vulnerable… fragile and meek. The peace of Christ is supernatural. It is a gift from God. As we consider the light of our second Advent candle, remember that the peace that calms our fears and fills our hearts with tranquility comes from Christ alone In what ways are you lacking peace today? (pause) from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

In the light of the candles, pray to find the courage to be a person of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace, at all times, in every way. The Lord be with us all. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>281advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-6th-2025--68694380This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68694380Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.  I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>360advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-5th-2025--68693705Today is December 5th in the first week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. 
  

“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ / ‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ 
  

The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.  
  
All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?  
  
Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love. 
  
Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693705Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 5th in the first week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 5th in the first week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. 
  

“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ / ‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ 
  

The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.  
  
All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?  
  
Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love. 
  
Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-4th-2025--68693702Today is December 4th in the first week of Advent.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.  


“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 
  

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.  
  
Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn… that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 
  
Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.  
  
Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693702Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 4th in the first week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.      Today’s...Today is December 4th in the first week of Advent.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.  


“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 
  

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.  
  
Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn… that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 
  
Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.  
  
Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>725advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-3rd-2025--68693693Today is December 3rd in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55. 
  

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” 
  

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. 
  
I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross.  
  
Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?  
  
Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693693Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 3rd in the first week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.      Today’s reading is...Today is December 3rd in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55. 
  

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” 
  

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. 
  
I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross.  
  
Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?  
  
Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>847advent,bes,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,till,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-2nd-2025--68693704Today is December 2 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68693704Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 2 - in the first week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...Today is December 2 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>725advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-1st-2025--68732433Today is December 1 in the first week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 6. 
 
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

This passage reminds us that following Christ isn’t just something we believe, it’s a way of orienting our whole lives that transforms everything. It changes our allegiances, it challenges our habits and patterns, and it calls us to a new kind of life. Consider the phrase ‘count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ’ as we enter into prayer. Perhaps you could imagine what it might look like to be ‘dead to sin’. What images comes to mind when you hear ‘alive in God in Christ’? 

This is a dense passage! As we listen to it again, consider why the writer is so emphatic, and why he might be using such language about death, life, crucifixion, and resurrection...
  
Advent is a time where we anticipate not only new life, but a new KIND of life. The birth of Jesus – the incarnation – interrupts our old ways, our old habits, and all that is bad and broken. And it brings with it hope... hope in a new way, in a new life. As we end, imagine one area of your life or your family where you feel desperate for new life. Ask God to meet you in that place today.
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68732433Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 1 in the first week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.    Today’s reading is from the book...Today is December 1 in the first week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 6. 
 
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

This passage reminds us that following Christ isn’t just something we believe, it’s a way of orienting our whole lives that transforms everything. It changes our allegiances, it challenges our habits and patterns, and it calls us to a new kind of life. Consider the phrase ‘count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ’ as we enter into prayer. Perhaps you could imagine what it might look like to be ‘dead to sin’. What images comes to mind when you hear ‘alive in God in Christ’? 

This is a dense passage! As we listen to it again, consider why the writer is so emphatic, and why he might be using such language about death, life, crucifixion, and resurrection...
  
Advent is a time where we anticipate not only new life, but a new KIND of life. The birth of Jesus – the incarnation – interrupts our old ways, our old habits, and all that is bad and broken. And it brings with it hope... hope in a new way, in a new life. As we end, imagine one area of your life or your family where you feel desperate for new life. Ask God to meet you in that place today.
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
 born to set thy people free;
 from our fears and sins release us,
 let us find our rest in thee.
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>574advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-30th-2025--68699328HOPE | First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the simple act of waiting.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. The season of Advent reminds us that hope and waiting are intertwined. Advent reminds us that hope has to be tended and stirred up by the presence of the spirit of God. Because of Him, our hope persists when the news is dark, when the situation feels impossible and… in times of waiting. Most of us don’t like to wait. The virtues of self-control, and of patience, are difficult for us to practice. Our ability to wait for the Lord very often rests on our trust in His character, and in His presence, and in His timing. Is there something that you find yourself waiting for, today? Perhaps it’s a small thing, that seems inconsequential. Or maybe you are waiting for something that feels terribly meaningful, deeply important. Advent, in a way that is not naïve nor patronizing invites us to consent to times of waiting… by putting our trust and hope in the promises of God’s goodness, and His provision… even though His ways are not always clear to us.

Todays’ reading is from the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah, chapter 33: 14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ Consider this phrase: the days are coming when I will fulfill the good promises…. The Lord is looking forward to the fulfillment found in Jesus of Nazareth. In God, putting on flesh, and moving into our world. Humbling himself. Identifying with all the waiting found in our human condition. It is because of Him that we can wait in hope. Consider your own life: for what are you waiting? Are you waiting with hope? (moment of pause) As we consider our first Advent candle… the candle that after all this season of Advent will have burned the longest… place any areas of long waiting into the care of Christ. Speak out loud to the Lord what you are waiting for, hoping for...

For those listening now who might not feel hope, or who are struggling to experience the hope found in Christ… my prayer is that you would know that your sisters and brothers are carrying you right now as we pray together these words from Psalm 130: We wait for the Lord, our souls waits. And in His word we do hope. Our souls wait for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Yes, more than those who watch for the morning…. We wait for the Lord… Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68699328Sun, 30 Nov 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillHOPE | First Sunday of Advent Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the...HOPE | First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the simple act of waiting.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. The season of Advent reminds us that hope and waiting are intertwined. Advent reminds us that hope has to be tended and stirred up by the presence of the spirit of God. Because of Him, our hope persists when the news is dark, when the situation feels impossible and… in times of waiting. Most of us don’t like to wait. The virtues of self-control, and of patience, are difficult for us to practice. Our ability to wait for the Lord very often rests on our trust in His character, and in His presence, and in His timing. Is there something that you find yourself waiting for, today? Perhaps it’s a small thing, that seems inconsequential. Or maybe you are waiting for something that feels terribly meaningful, deeply important. Advent, in a way that is not naïve nor patronizing invites us to consent to times of waiting… by putting our trust and hope in the promises of God’s goodness, and His provision… even though His ways are not always clear to us.

Todays’ reading is from the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah, chapter 33: 14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ Consider this phrase: the days are coming when I will fulfill the good promises…. The Lord is looking forward to the fulfillment found in Jesus of Nazareth. In God, putting on flesh, and moving into our world. Humbling himself. Identifying with all the waiting found in our human condition. It is because of Him that we can wait in hope. Consider your own life: for what are you waiting? Are you waiting with hope? (moment of pause) As we consider our first Advent candle… the candle that after all this season of Advent will have burned the longest… place any areas of long waiting into the care of Christ. Speak out loud to the Lord what you are waiting for, hoping for...

For those listening now who might not feel hope, or who are struggling to experience the hope found in Christ… my prayer is that you would know that your sisters and brothers are carrying you right now as we pray together these words from Psalm 130: We wait for the Lord, our souls waits. And in His word we do hope. Our souls wait for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Yes, more than those who watch for the morning…. We wait for the Lord… Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>355advent,be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-29th-2025--68570160
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570160Sat, 29 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-28th-2025--68570157Today is November 28 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.  
 
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”  
 
Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…  
 
This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.  
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?  
 
Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlrvO_FwHU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570157Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 28  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 28 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.  
 
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”  
 
Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…  
 
This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.  
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?  
 
Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlrvO_FwHU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>649be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-27th-2025--68570154Today is November 27 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.  
 
 
      14 As for me, I will always have hope;  
         I will praise you more and more.  
       15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,  
         of your saving acts all day long—  
         though I know not how to relate them all.  
      16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;  
         I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  
      17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,  
         and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  
      18 Even when I am old and gray,  
         do not forsake me, my God,  
         till I declare your power to the next generation,  
         your mighty acts to all who are to come.  
 
This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between?  How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at 
 
What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…  
  
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer. 
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKcSGvj_lQ 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570154Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 27  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.             14 As for...Today is November 27 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.  
 
 
      14 As for me, I will always have hope;  
         I will praise you more and more.  
       15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,  
         of your saving acts all day long—  
         though I know not how to relate them all.  
      16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;  
         I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  
      17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,  
         and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  
      18 Even when I am old and gray,  
         do not forsake me, my God,  
         till I declare your power to the next generation,  
         your mighty acts to all who are to come.  
 
This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between?  How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at 
 
What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…  
  
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer. 
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKcSGvj_lQ 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>728be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-26-2025--68570161Today is November 26.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 63.   


1 You, God, are my God,  
    earnestly I seek you;  
I thirst for you,  
    my whole being longs for you,  
in a dry and parched land  
    where there is no water.  
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary  
    and beheld your power and your glory.  
3 Because your love is better than life,  
    my lips will glorify you.  
4 I will praise you as long as I live,  
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.  
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;  
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  
6 On my bed I remember you;  
    I think of you through the watches of the night.  
7 Because you are my help,  
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.  
8 I cling to you;  
    your right hand upholds me.  
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;  
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.  
10 They will be given over to the sword  
    and become food for jackals.  
11 But the king will rejoice in God;  
    all who swear by God will glory in him,  
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.  
  

David is once again writing this Psalm as he is escaping and running for his life from his rebellious son Absalom. David and his men were in desperate need for food and water as they were crossing the Jordan River. In that very moment of starvation and thirst, David pauses and describes his deepest need as his need for God.  I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.  
    
David’s physical needs reminded him of his spiritual needs. Instead of first seeking for his physical needs to be met, David seeks first for his spiritual needs to be met, trusting that God also cares about his physical needs. As you listen to the Psalm again, consider your own needs, both spiritual and physical. Bring all of your needs to the Lord through David’s prayer.   
    
Jesus declared in the Gospel of John, "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  Will you take his words into your heart today? Will you seek Jesus for every need of your life, even hunger and thirst – trusting that when you come to him that he will meet all of your needs?  

Music: "Breathe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570161Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 26.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 26.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 63.   


1 You, God, are my God,  
    earnestly I seek you;  
I thirst for you,  
    my whole being longs for you,  
in a dry and parched land  
    where there is no water.  
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary  
    and beheld your power and your glory.  
3 Because your love is better than life,  
    my lips will glorify you.  
4 I will praise you as long as I live,  
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.  
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;  
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  
6 On my bed I remember you;  
    I think of you through the watches of the night.  
7 Because you are my help,  
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.  
8 I cling to you;  
    your right hand upholds me.  
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;  
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.  
10 They will be given over to the sword  
    and become food for jackals.  
11 But the king will rejoice in God;  
    all who swear by God will glory in him,  
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.  
  

David is once again writing this Psalm as he is escaping and running for his life from his rebellious son Absalom. David and his men were in desperate need for food and water as they were crossing the Jordan River. In that very moment of starvation and thirst, David pauses and describes his deepest need as his need for God.  I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.  
    
David’s physical needs reminded him of his spiritual needs. Instead of first seeking for his physical needs to be met, David seeks first for his spiritual needs to be met, trusting that God also cares about his physical needs. As you listen to the Psalm again, consider your own needs, both spiritual and physical. Bring all of your needs to the Lord through David’s prayer.   
    
Jesus declared in the Gospel of John, "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  Will you take his words into your heart today? Will you seek Jesus for every need of your life, even hunger and thirst – trusting that when you come to him that he will meet all of your needs?  

Music: "Breathe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>866be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-25th-2025--68570155Today is November 25.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 23.   
  

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.  
  

Time and time again God calls his people to become holy. He reminds them of their proclivity to worship idols and vague spiritualities instead of God. Sometimes, even now in the midst of a holiday season, we become distracted, and our attention, our heart, our soul, our strength… gets aimed toward wrong, unhelpful, or harmful distractions. Take a moment as you come to prayer and ask God to help you turn your heart to the Lord.  
  
King Josiah does his part in bringing the people of Israel toward the call of holiness before God, and attention toward God. In order to do this, scripture tells us that he ‘gets rid of’ all sorts of things. In other words, he cleans house. As you listen to the text again, search your own heart for one thing that you may need to ‘clean up’ or ‘get rid of’ so that you can turn your full attention toward the Lord. What is distracting you from faithfulness today?   
  
As we close our time of prayer, consider what it means for you to live in such a way as to turn to the Lord with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Ask God for grace to be so oriented to him that you become an overflow of His loving-kindness to those around you. 

Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570155Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 25.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings,...Today is November 25.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 23.   
  

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.  
  

Time and time again God calls his people to become holy. He reminds them of their proclivity to worship idols and vague spiritualities instead of God. Sometimes, even now in the midst of a holiday season, we become distracted, and our attention, our heart, our soul, our strength… gets aimed toward wrong, unhelpful, or harmful distractions. Take a moment as you come to prayer and ask God to help you turn your heart to the Lord.  
  
King Josiah does his part in bringing the people of Israel toward the call of holiness before God, and attention toward God. In order to do this, scripture tells us that he ‘gets rid of’ all sorts of things. In other words, he cleans house. As you listen to the text again, search your own heart for one thing that you may need to ‘clean up’ or ‘get rid of’ so that you can turn your full attention toward the Lord. What is distracting you from faithfulness today?   
  
As we close our time of prayer, consider what it means for you to live in such a way as to turn to the Lord with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Ask God for grace to be so oriented to him that you become an overflow of His loving-kindness to those around you. 

Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>637be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-24th-2025--68570159Today is November 24
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 20.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

This scripture offers a glimpse of how the Spirit leads. It’s not always into wonderful experiences. Sometimes, the spirit leads us toward a steadfast followership in the face of suffering. Consider a hardship in your life, a difficulty or challenge. Is there a sense of being compelled by the spirit in your experience? Or, do you feel weak and weary in your faith? Bring that to the Lord today.
 
As you listen to the passage again, consider Paul’s determination to face the challenge that is before him with conviction, and with a sense of the Spirit’s empowerment. He only wants to finish this race, to complete this task. Ask God to give you all the need for the task in front of you.

So often, our faith grows weary and worn, and we forget what it’s like to be compelled by the Spirit on behalf of the grace of God. Or sometimes, our faith is lukewarm. The grace of God is overfamiliar. We take for granted what we have. As we end our time of prayer, would you ask the Lord to stir up your faith and your gratitude for the things he has placed before you today. Could you ask him for more of his spirit as you face the challenges ahead of you?

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570159Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 24 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of Acts,...Today is November 24
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 20.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

This scripture offers a glimpse of how the Spirit leads. It’s not always into wonderful experiences. Sometimes, the spirit leads us toward a steadfast followership in the face of suffering. Consider a hardship in your life, a difficulty or challenge. Is there a sense of being compelled by the spirit in your experience? Or, do you feel weak and weary in your faith? Bring that to the Lord today.
 
As you listen to the passage again, consider Paul’s determination to face the challenge that is before him with conviction, and with a sense of the Spirit’s empowerment. He only wants to finish this race, to complete this task. Ask God to give you all the need for the task in front of you.

So often, our faith grows weary and worn, and we forget what it’s like to be compelled by the Spirit on behalf of the grace of God. Or sometimes, our faith is lukewarm. The grace of God is overfamiliar. We take for granted what we have. As we end our time of prayer, would you ask the Lord to stir up your faith and your gratitude for the things he has placed before you today. Could you ask him for more of his spirit as you face the challenges ahead of you?

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>772be,columbus,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-22nd-2025--68570162
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570162Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-21st-2025--68570158Today is November 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.  
 
      3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  
         4   In God, whose word I praise—  
         in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can mere mortals do to me? 
      10 In God, whose word I praise,  
         in the LORD, whose word I praise—  
      11 in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can man do to me?  
  
Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord. 
 
Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet. 
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus. 
 
Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gofYxnWpE&list=OLAK5uy_lORjIs-fhaoAb6ot2t54vI3oFG2Cvhwms&index=3 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570158Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.  
 
      3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  
         4   In God, whose word I praise—  
         in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can mere mortals do to me? 
      10 In God, whose word I praise,  
         in the LORD, whose word I praise—  
      11 in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can man do to me?  
  
Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord. 
 
Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet. 
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus. 
 
Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gofYxnWpE&list=OLAK5uy_lORjIs-fhaoAb6ot2t54vI3oFG2Cvhwms&index=3 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>824audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-20th-2025--68570153Today is November 20.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  
 
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”  
“John’s baptism,” they replied.  
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 
       
Paul tells the church in Corinth to Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?  
   
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God. 
  
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Music: "Fall Afresh" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YUirsQjXmU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570153Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 20. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  ...Today is November 20.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  
 
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”  
“John’s baptism,” they replied.  
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 
       
Paul tells the church in Corinth to Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?  
   
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God. 
  
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Music: "Fall Afresh" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YUirsQjXmU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>623audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-19th-2025--68570156Today is November 19.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 10.   
  

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,  
“In just a little while,  
    he who is coming will come  
    and will not delay.”   
38 And,  
“But my righteous one will live by faith.  
    And I take no pleasure  
    in the one who shrinks back.”   
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.  
  

The writer of Hebrew is exhorting the Christians following a sobering caution for those who fall away from faith in Jesus. Then, he turns toward encouragement for those who are hanging on in their faith through obedience. As you come to prayer today, take a moment to reflect on the condition of your faith. Are you demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Are you practicing obedience to the way of Christ? Are there areas where you are shrinking back?  
    
A major theme of the letter to the Hebrews have been the need to "hold fast" during suffering and hardships. The original audience of this letter were most likely persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. Most had already experienced some level of hardship for the sake of their faith. Sometimes we listen to scripture and forget the real suffering and persecution the early church lived through. Listen again and consider how these words would sound if you were suffering for your faith in prison.  
    
Are you facing such challenges? Hardships? Even suffering for your faith in Jesus today? If not now, do you remember facing such opposition for your faith in the past? We don’t need to look far than the very grace of God which carried us through those challenging moments. Recount them today as you come to the Lord in prayer today.   
  
Thank God for the grace given to us. Pray for those who might be suffering for their faith today. If someone comes to mind today, would you reach out to them and share an encouraging word? 

Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570156Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 19.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 19.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 10.   
  

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,  
“In just a little while,  
    he who is coming will come  
    and will not delay.”   
38 And,  
“But my righteous one will live by faith.  
    And I take no pleasure  
    in the one who shrinks back.”   
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.  
  

The writer of Hebrew is exhorting the Christians following a sobering caution for those who fall away from faith in Jesus. Then, he turns toward encouragement for those who are hanging on in their faith through obedience. As you come to prayer today, take a moment to reflect on the condition of your faith. Are you demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Are you practicing obedience to the way of Christ? Are there areas where you are shrinking back?  
    
A major theme of the letter to the Hebrews have been the need to "hold fast" during suffering and hardships. The original audience of this letter were most likely persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. Most had already experienced some level of hardship for the sake of their faith. Sometimes we listen to scripture and forget the real suffering and persecution the early church lived through. Listen again and consider how these words would sound if you were suffering for your faith in prison.  
    
Are you facing such challenges? Hardships? Even suffering for your faith in Jesus today? If not now, do you remember facing such opposition for your faith in the past? We don’t need to look far than the very grace of God which carried us through those challenging moments. Recount them today as you come to the Lord in prayer today.   
  
Thank God for the grace given to us. Pray for those who might be suffering for their faith today. If someone comes to mind today, would you reach out to them and share an encouraging word? 

Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>789audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-18th-2025--68570151Today is November 18.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.   


1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!  
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  
4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  
7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  
8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.  
  

This Psalm is David’s heart cry to God as his own son, Absalom, began a violent revolution sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father David and take his throne. Imagine the deep pain of betrayal that David felt in that moment. Have you ever experienced a personal betrayal? Consider what you felt like in that moment?   
    
In David’s moment of deep pain and betrayal, when he was most exasperated about his circumstances, he cried out to God. Not only does he cry out to God, but he declares his faith that God will rescue him, God will deliver him. As you listen to the passage again, listen for David’s faith in God and ask God to increase your own faith.  

What challenges are you facing today? Even if it’s not tens of thousands people are assailing you, sometimes if can feel like ten thousand challenges are assailing you. Today, can you respond like David to the growing opposition you face? Today, can you call out to the Lord and as for his protection and deliverance?  

Music: "My Soul Depends on You" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570151Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 18.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.    1 Lord,...Today is November 18.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.   


1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!  
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  
4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  
7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  
8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.  
  

This Psalm is David’s heart cry to God as his own son, Absalom, began a violent revolution sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father David and take his throne. Imagine the deep pain of betrayal that David felt in that moment. Have you ever experienced a personal betrayal? Consider what you felt like in that moment?   
    
In David’s moment of deep pain and betrayal, when he was most exasperated about his circumstances, he cried out to God. Not only does he cry out to God, but he declares his faith that God will rescue him, God will deliver him. As you listen to the passage again, listen for David’s faith in God and ask God to increase your own faith.  

What challenges are you facing today? Even if it’s not tens of thousands people are assailing you, sometimes if can feel like ten thousand challenges are assailing you. Today, can you respond like David to the growing opposition you face? Today, can you call out to the Lord and as for his protection and deliverance?  

Music: "My Soul Depends on You" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>757audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-17th-2025--68570152Today is November 17.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 30.

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, scripture tells you that you can hear his voice. Does that give you confidence? Do it feel confusing? Does God’s voice feel near to you today? Or perhaps far?
 
When we pray, “Come Holy Spirit”, we are inviting the spirit of God to increase His presence with us. We are praying: More! We are praying that we would become aware of, and attentive to, the fact that He is with us, He will lead us. God sees you, and God loves you. A friend of mine says it like this: “God is just crazy about you!”. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we don’t feel it to be true. But nevertheless… the Lord is near to you…

I am going to pray for you right now…. Lord, would you increase your presence with my sister, my brother? God, show yourself as the good father who you are. Spirit, fill them with your power, your life, and your vision. Jesus… would you lead this one? You are their good shepherd. Would you encounter them with a new infilling of your power and your love? In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68570152Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 17. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is November 17.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 30.

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, scripture tells you that you can hear his voice. Does that give you confidence? Do it feel confusing? Does God’s voice feel near to you today? Or perhaps far?
 
When we pray, “Come Holy Spirit”, we are inviting the spirit of God to increase His presence with us. We are praying: More! We are praying that we would become aware of, and attentive to, the fact that He is with us, He will lead us. God sees you, and God loves you. A friend of mine says it like this: “God is just crazy about you!”. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we don’t feel it to be true. But nevertheless… the Lord is near to you…

I am going to pray for you right now…. Lord, would you increase your presence with my sister, my brother? God, show yourself as the good father who you are. Spirit, fill them with your power, your life, and your vision. Jesus… would you lead this one? You are their good shepherd. Would you encounter them with a new infilling of your power and your love? In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>842audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-15th-2025--68448437
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448437Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-14th-2025--68448226Today is November 14  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.   
  
      3 Trust in the LORD and do good;   
         dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.   
      4 Take delight in the LORD,   
         and he will give you the desires of your heart.   
       5 Commit your way to the LORD;   
         trust in him and he will do this:   
      6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,   
         your vindication like the noonday sun.   
   
God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.  
   
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.  
  
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.  
  
Music: "All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzLh0Za5jg  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448226Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 14   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is November 14  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.   
  
      3 Trust in the LORD and do good;   
         dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.   
      4 Take delight in the LORD,   
         and he will give you the desires of your heart.   
       5 Commit your way to the LORD;   
         trust in him and he will do this:   
      6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,   
         your vindication like the noonday sun.   
   
God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.  
   
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.  
  
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.  
  
Music: "All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzLh0Za5jg  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>633audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-13th-2025--68448227Today is November 13 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.   
  
      7 The path of the righteous is level;   
         you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.   
      8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,   
         we wait for you;   
         your name and renown   
         are the desire of our hearts.   
      9 My soul yearns for you in the night;   
         in the morning my spirit longs for you...   
          
The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  
   
I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again, and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.   
   
Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.   
  Music: "No Rush" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1v0I-02AJA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448227Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 13    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter...Today is November 13 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.   
  
      7 The path of the righteous is level;   
         you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.   
      8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,   
         we wait for you;   
         your name and renown   
         are the desire of our hearts.   
      9 My soul yearns for you in the night;   
         in the morning my spirit longs for you...   
          
The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  
   
I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again, and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.   
   
Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.   
  Music: "No Rush" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1v0I-02AJA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>835audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-12th-2025--68448225Today is November 12.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 24.


12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”  
15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.  
17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”  
18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.  
19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”  
26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”  
  
  
The servant in this passage prays to the God of Abraham. He asks Abraham's God to give him success in this mission for Abraham in finding a wife for his Son Isaac. This servant asks that God would, in doing so, show his kindness and faithfulness toward Abraham. Is there something in your life that you would like to ask for God to bless? A situation where you need wisdom, or you need God’s provision for you or someone else?   

The prayer that Abraham’s servant prays is so humble, and so full of simple faith. “Lord make me successful today. And show kindness to my master Abraham.” Is that a prayer that you could pray for yourself? And for someone that you love? Do you believe that God would hear your prayer, and answer your prayer? As you hear the passage again, could you pray that prayer for you and for someone you know?   
    
The prayer is not just full of simple, humble faith, but also a prayer that is specific. On a very particular day, in a very particular situation, in a very particular moment, he prayed for particular things to happen. As you go through your day today, look for a very particular situation that you or someone you love are facing, and take a step to pray a very particular prayer for them, and ask for a particular outcome. And watch and see what the Lord does. 

Music: "Invitacion Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448225Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 12.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 12.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 24.


12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”  
15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.  
17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”  
18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.  
19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”  
26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”  
  
  
The servant in this passage prays to the God of Abraham. He asks Abraham's God to give him success in this mission for Abraham in finding a wife for his Son Isaac. This servant asks that God would, in doing so, show his kindness and faithfulness toward Abraham. Is there something in your life that you would like to ask for God to bless? A situation where you need wisdom, or you need God’s provision for you or someone else?   

The prayer that Abraham’s servant prays is so humble, and so full of simple faith. “Lord make me successful today. And show kindness to my master Abraham.” Is that a prayer that you could pray for yourself? And for someone that you love? Do you believe that God would hear your prayer, and answer your prayer? As you hear the passage again, could you pray that prayer for you and for someone you know?   
    
The prayer is not just full of simple, humble faith, but also a prayer that is specific. On a very particular day, in a very particular situation, in a very particular moment, he prayed for particular things to happen. As you go through your day today, look for a very particular situation that you or someone you love are facing, and take a step to pray a very particular prayer for them, and ask for a particular outcome. And watch and see what the Lord does. 

Music: "Invitacion Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1091audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-11th-2025--68448223Today is November 11.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 113.


1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.  
2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  
4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.  
5 Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,  
6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.  
9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  
  

Psalms 113-118 are often known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations which commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus narrative. The psalms were sung as part of the Passover ceremony by all the Jews thereafter. There is no doubt that these exact words were sung by Jesus and his disciples during the Passover meals. As you come to prayer today, consider that you are entering into the presence of ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ in the faith. Take a moment to become aware of the long history of our faith.  
    
Listen to this Psalm once again – the very words that Jesus himself sang: consider how Israel – the poor, needy and lowly are lifted by God who is over all things. Think of where you might feel poor, needy and lowly and think of the God who sits enthroned on high above heavens and the earth.  
    
The Psalmist declares that the unchanging God never becomes unworthy of our praise. For the child of God with open eyes, time only reveals even more reasons to praise God. For the Psalmist, what amazes him is that God is exalted so high that he stoops low to see not only the earth but also the heavens, and yet at the same time he cares for the every day person. Can you receive this truth in your heart today? In whatever areas you are feeling poor and needy, express your heart to God and know that this almighty God knows you and cares for you.

Music: "You're Worthy of My Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448223Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 11.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 113. 1 Praise...Today is November 11.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 113.


1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.  
2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  
4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.  
5 Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,  
6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.  
9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  
  

Psalms 113-118 are often known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations which commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus narrative. The psalms were sung as part of the Passover ceremony by all the Jews thereafter. There is no doubt that these exact words were sung by Jesus and his disciples during the Passover meals. As you come to prayer today, consider that you are entering into the presence of ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ in the faith. Take a moment to become aware of the long history of our faith.  
    
Listen to this Psalm once again – the very words that Jesus himself sang: consider how Israel – the poor, needy and lowly are lifted by God who is over all things. Think of where you might feel poor, needy and lowly and think of the God who sits enthroned on high above heavens and the earth.  
    
The Psalmist declares that the unchanging God never becomes unworthy of our praise. For the child of God with open eyes, time only reveals even more reasons to praise God. For the Psalmist, what amazes him is that God is exalted so high that he stoops low to see not only the earth but also the heavens, and yet at the same time he cares for the every day person. Can you receive this truth in your heart today? In whatever areas you are feeling poor and needy, express your heart to God and know that this almighty God knows you and cares for you.

Music: "You're Worthy of My Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>976audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-10th-2025--68448224Today is November 10

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 13.

36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

The resurrection of Jesus sets everyone who believes free from the power of sin and death. This is the great “Therefore” of scripture, the great transition from sin to salvation, from death to deliverance, the great message of the kingdom of God… that decay has been overwhelmed and overcome by God’s plan of salvation. Consider what this ‘therefore’ means to you today…

The gospel of Jesus interrupts our decay, and the decay of the world. It puts us on a new course, a new trajectory. We are interrupted by freedom from sin, and justification through Christ. Listen to this scripture again and consider how this truth has interrupted your life.

Decay is a word that feels resonant to me these days. Even as our society trumpets great progress – we cannot keep ‘decay’ away forever. For that, we need not just progress, or some new technological advancement. We need an interruption into the very nature of things. We need God’s rescue. I need it. You need it. His great Kingdom interruption. As we end our time of prayer, take some time to remind yourself of your great need for God.

Music Credit: “
When You Come" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68448224Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 10 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts,...Today is November 10

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 13.

36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

The resurrection of Jesus sets everyone who believes free from the power of sin and death. This is the great “Therefore” of scripture, the great transition from sin to salvation, from death to deliverance, the great message of the kingdom of God… that decay has been overwhelmed and overcome by God’s plan of salvation. Consider what this ‘therefore’ means to you today…

The gospel of Jesus interrupts our decay, and the decay of the world. It puts us on a new course, a new trajectory. We are interrupted by freedom from sin, and justification through Christ. Listen to this scripture again and consider how this truth has interrupted your life.

Decay is a word that feels resonant to me these days. Even as our society trumpets great progress – we cannot keep ‘decay’ away forever. For that, we need not just progress, or some new technological advancement. We need an interruption into the very nature of things. We need God’s rescue. I need it. You need it. His great Kingdom interruption. As we end our time of prayer, take some time to remind yourself of your great need for God.

Music Credit: “
When You Come" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>713audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-8th-2025--68300046
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68300046Sat, 08 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-7th-2025--68299931Today is November 7 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.  
 
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.  
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.  
  
This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you? 
  
Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of… 

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today… 
 
Music: "Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv61EA2CW5U  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68299931Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 7  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 7 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.  
 
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.  
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.  
  
This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you? 
  
Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of… 

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today… 
 
Music: "Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv61EA2CW5U  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>784audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-6th-2025--68299929Today is November 6 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  
 
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ 
 
There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.  
  
What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.  

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.  

Music: "Everything" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF3h5wJJ5eA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68299929Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 6  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  ...Today is November 6 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  
 
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ 
 
There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.  
  
What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.  

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.  

Music: "Everything" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF3h5wJJ5eA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>832audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-5th-2025--68299932Today is November 5.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 


25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful to the blameless you show yourself blameless,  
26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.  
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  
29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 


This reading reminds me of some parts of the Sermon on the Mount: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. What do you think the psalmist is saying about how God interacts with us, and about how we experience God?   
    
It is not insignificance that this Psalm was written to celebrate David’s victory over Saul. It speaks of David’s trust in the Lord throughout the tough relationship that he had with Saul. Listen again to the Psalm in the light of David’s struggle against a mighty king coming for his life and his utmost trust in God through all the challenges.  

What are some challenges you’re facing today? What circumstances seem just impossible to you in this season? Which relationships are bringing pain? If you are navigating some rough waters – will you pray this Psalm over your heart today? Will you turn your trust in the Lord today? Can you work to surrender the temptation to be devious and haughty?

Music: When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68299932Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 5.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 5.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 


25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful to the blameless you show yourself blameless,  
26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.  
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  
29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 


This reading reminds me of some parts of the Sermon on the Mount: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. What do you think the psalmist is saying about how God interacts with us, and about how we experience God?   
    
It is not insignificance that this Psalm was written to celebrate David’s victory over Saul. It speaks of David’s trust in the Lord throughout the tough relationship that he had with Saul. Listen again to the Psalm in the light of David’s struggle against a mighty king coming for his life and his utmost trust in God through all the challenges.  

What are some challenges you’re facing today? What circumstances seem just impossible to you in this season? Which relationships are bringing pain? If you are navigating some rough waters – will you pray this Psalm over your heart today? Will you turn your trust in the Lord today? Can you work to surrender the temptation to be devious and haughty?

Music: When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>601audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-4th-2025--68299933Today is November 4.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 12.   


17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.   
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.   
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  
  

Today’s reading uses a weighty word, the word evil. The Apostle Paul assumes the reality of evil in our world and in our lives. How do you feel about that word? And where might you see evil in the world around you, or in your life?   
  
Increasingly, our culture makes two mistakes about evil. On the one hand, we deny evil. Things or people aren’t evil, we reason. People are broken, but not bad. Bad things may happen but not evil things. On the other hand our culture wants to make evil things or evil people unredeemable. It’s a way of making something or someone unforgiveable.  But the Apostle Paul denies both approaches. On the one hand, he says, “yes evil things happen, sometimes by evil people.” On the other hand, he says, we are to respond by trusting in God, even showing love and goodness to evil people. As you hear the passage again, consider your own response to evil in the world today.   
  
The word for evil is both personal and moral. When you experience evil, it hurts personally. And we inherently know it’s wrong, it’s bad! It’s normal to respond with hurt and anger when you experience evil or sin. But the Gospel invites us to not allow our hurt and anger to be the final word about those experiences. It invites us to a deeper work of trust in God, of forgiveness, and love. As we close our time of prayer today, consider someone who you may feel hurt or anger toward because of something they have done. Can you move toward a work of trust, forgiveness, and love through the power of Christ? 

Music: Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68299933Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 4.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the book of Romans,...Today is November 4.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 12.   


17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.   
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.   
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  
  

Today’s reading uses a weighty word, the word evil. The Apostle Paul assumes the reality of evil in our world and in our lives. How do you feel about that word? And where might you see evil in the world around you, or in your life?   
  
Increasingly, our culture makes two mistakes about evil. On the one hand, we deny evil. Things or people aren’t evil, we reason. People are broken, but not bad. Bad things may happen but not evil things. On the other hand our culture wants to make evil things or evil people unredeemable. It’s a way of making something or someone unforgiveable.  But the Apostle Paul denies both approaches. On the one hand, he says, “yes evil things happen, sometimes by evil people.” On the other hand, he says, we are to respond by trusting in God, even showing love and goodness to evil people. As you hear the passage again, consider your own response to evil in the world today.   
  
The word for evil is both personal and moral. When you experience evil, it hurts personally. And we inherently know it’s wrong, it’s bad! It’s normal to respond with hurt and anger when you experience evil or sin. But the Gospel invites us to not allow our hurt and anger to be the final word about those experiences. It invites us to a deeper work of trust in God, of forgiveness, and love. As we close our time of prayer today, consider someone who you may feel hurt or anger toward because of something they have done. Can you move toward a work of trust, forgiveness, and love through the power of Christ? 

Music: Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>887audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-3rd-2025--68299930Today is November 3

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 9.

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Welcome to prayer. Take a few extra moments right now to quiet yourself a bit more deeply. If you need help staying focused, pray: “the Lord reigns forever” as you breath slowly in, and out. It is good for us to quiet ourselves before the Lord.

Listen again to this Psalm, and listen for one phrase that stands out. Write it down, or simply commit that phrase to memory. Regardless, I’m going to invite you to take time through your day today to stop, take a deep breath, and repeat the phrase. In this way, you’ll practice reorienting yourself to God’s word, and to God’s character, throughout your day.

The phrase I will be repeating today is: “God will never forget the needy”. This is so different than we are. We forget the needy all the time. The needy are forgotten all the time. Today, I’m going to ask God to remind me of those around me in need. I’m going to pause each hour to stop, take a deep breath, and say “God will never forget the needy”. And then I’m going to look for a way to serve or support or meet the needs of those around me. I’d like to invite you to do the same.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68299930Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 3 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 9. 7 The...Today is November 3

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 9.

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Welcome to prayer. Take a few extra moments right now to quiet yourself a bit more deeply. If you need help staying focused, pray: “the Lord reigns forever” as you breath slowly in, and out. It is good for us to quiet ourselves before the Lord.

Listen again to this Psalm, and listen for one phrase that stands out. Write it down, or simply commit that phrase to memory. Regardless, I’m going to invite you to take time through your day today to stop, take a deep breath, and repeat the phrase. In this way, you’ll practice reorienting yourself to God’s word, and to God’s character, throughout your day.

The phrase I will be repeating today is: “God will never forget the needy”. This is so different than we are. We forget the needy all the time. The needy are forgotten all the time. Today, I’m going to ask God to remind me of those around me in need. I’m going to pause each hour to stop, take a deep breath, and say “God will never forget the needy”. And then I’m going to look for a way to serve or support or meet the needs of those around me. I’d like to invite you to do the same.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>873audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-1st-2025--68267881
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68267881Sat, 01 Nov 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-31st-2025--68243919Today is October 31 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.  
 
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 
  
Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers? 
  
Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like. 
 
Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.  
 
Music: "Familia" - Vineyard Worship 
FAMILIA [Official Live In Studio] | Feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243919Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 31  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 31 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.  
 
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 
  
Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers? 
  
Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like. 
 
Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.  
 
Music: "Familia" - Vineyard Worship 
FAMILIA [Official Live In Studio] | Feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-30th-2025--68243917Today is October 30 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  
 
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  
  
I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?  
  
I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…  
  
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…   
 
Music: "As Children" - Vineyard Worship 
AS CHILDREN [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Sarah Elmer 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243917Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 30  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  ...Today is October 30 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  
 
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  
  
I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?  
  
I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…  
  
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…   
 
Music: "As Children" - Vineyard Worship 
AS CHILDREN [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Sarah Elmer 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>773audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-29th-2025--68243916Today is October 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 9.   
  

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
  

The book of Acts are about the acts of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. You could also call it the acts of the Holy Spirit because God continued to act through signs and wonders, including healing like the one in this passage. When you read about stories of healing in the Bible, what is your reaction? Is it belief? Is it faith? Or is it doubt?  

Miracles are indeed a spectacular way that one can come to believe but was not necessary for one’s faith and trust in Jesus. In fact, we see that Jesus was sometimes frustrated by people seeking miracles as proof of his authenticity. Yet there were many who were “never healed” yet believed in Jesus. Let’s listen again and consider the purpose of the miracle in this story.  
    
All those who saw turned to the Lord. Miracles like healing were called “signs” because they were pointers to the reality of God. All of us doubt and struggle to believe. Where is it you need a pointer today to the reality of God? To the reality that he loves you? To the reality that he is active in your life? As we close our time, ask God to again show you a sign today that he is with you and that he loves you, so that your heart might be turned toward the Lord again in faith and trust.

Music: Now Until Forever - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243916Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 9.   
  

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
  

The book of Acts are about the acts of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. You could also call it the acts of the Holy Spirit because God continued to act through signs and wonders, including healing like the one in this passage. When you read about stories of healing in the Bible, what is your reaction? Is it belief? Is it faith? Or is it doubt?  

Miracles are indeed a spectacular way that one can come to believe but was not necessary for one’s faith and trust in Jesus. In fact, we see that Jesus was sometimes frustrated by people seeking miracles as proof of his authenticity. Yet there were many who were “never healed” yet believed in Jesus. Let’s listen again and consider the purpose of the miracle in this story.  
    
All those who saw turned to the Lord. Miracles like healing were called “signs” because they were pointers to the reality of God. All of us doubt and struggle to believe. Where is it you need a pointer today to the reality of God? To the reality that he loves you? To the reality that he is active in your life? As we close our time, ask God to again show you a sign today that he is with you and that he loves you, so that your heart might be turned toward the Lord again in faith and trust.

Music: Now Until Forever - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-28th-2025--68243918Today is October 28.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.   
  

      1 To you, LORD, I call;   
         you are my Rock,   
         do not turn a deaf ear to me.   
         For if you remain silent,   
         I will be like those who go down to the pit.   
      2 Hear my cry for mercy   
         as I call to you for help,   
         as I lift up my hands   
         toward your Most Holy Place.   
       3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,   
         with those who do evil,   
         who speak cordially with their neighbors   
         but harbor malice in their hearts.   
      4 Repay them for their deeds   
         and for their evil work;   
         repay them for what their hands have done   
         and bring back on them what they deserve.   
       5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD   
         and what his hands have done,   
         he will tear them down   
         and never build them up again.   
       6 Praise be to the LORD,   
         for he has heard my cry for mercy.   
      7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;   
         my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   
         My heart leaps for joy,   
         and with my song I praise him.   
       8 The LORD is the strength of his people,   
         a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.   
      9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;   
         be their shepherd and carry them forever.  
  

The text today shows the Psalmist crying out for justice against his enemies. We might ask, didn’t Jesus command those who follow him to not avenge themselves or try to "get even?" Aren’t we told to “love our enemies?” Revenge is simply not an option for us – right? The answer, is yes – and the Psalmist today sheds light then how we might respond to injustice: He calls out to God for mercy and justice.  
    
We see throughout scriptures in the Old and the New Testaments that God has always declared his intention to make things right in the world. To demonstrate true justice. The Psalmist points us to trust God's timing and power to deliver justice as he sees fit. Do you feel the strength, and the challenge, of that call to trust? Listen to the text again and pay attention to the psalmists emotional intensity, as well as the direction of that intensity toward God.  
   
The Psalm ends with a surrender to trust in God and find joy and strength in God. It simply points us to trust that God knows all and will not remain silent toward injustice. Can we trust in such a God today? Who has dishonored you and caused pain unjustly? Where have you felt slighted or offended lately? Can you bring those things to God, as the psalmist teaches us to do? 

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243918Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:00:13 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 28.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.             1...Today is October 28.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.   
  

      1 To you, LORD, I call;   
         you are my Rock,   
         do not turn a deaf ear to me.   
         For if you remain silent,   
         I will be like those who go down to the pit.   
      2 Hear my cry for mercy   
         as I call to you for help,   
         as I lift up my hands   
         toward your Most Holy Place.   
       3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,   
         with those who do evil,   
         who speak cordially with their neighbors   
         but harbor malice in their hearts.   
      4 Repay them for their deeds   
         and for their evil work;   
         repay them for what their hands have done   
         and bring back on them what they deserve.   
       5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD   
         and what his hands have done,   
         he will tear them down   
         and never build them up again.   
       6 Praise be to the LORD,   
         for he has heard my cry for mercy.   
      7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;   
         my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   
         My heart leaps for joy,   
         and with my song I praise him.   
       8 The LORD is the strength of his people,   
         a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.   
      9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;   
         be their shepherd and carry them forever.  
  

The text today shows the Psalmist crying out for justice against his enemies. We might ask, didn’t Jesus command those who follow him to not avenge themselves or try to "get even?" Aren’t we told to “love our enemies?” Revenge is simply not an option for us – right? The answer, is yes – and the Psalmist today sheds light then how we might respond to injustice: He calls out to God for mercy and justice.  
    
We see throughout scriptures in the Old and the New Testaments that God has always declared his intention to make things right in the world. To demonstrate true justice. The Psalmist points us to trust God's timing and power to deliver justice as he sees fit. Do you feel the strength, and the challenge, of that call to trust? Listen to the text again and pay attention to the psalmists emotional intensity, as well as the direction of that intensity toward God.  
   
The Psalm ends with a surrender to trust in God and find joy and strength in God. It simply points us to trust that God knows all and will not remain silent toward injustice. Can we trust in such a God today? Who has dishonored you and caused pain unjustly? Where have you felt slighted or offended lately? Can you bring those things to God, as the psalmist teaches us to do? 

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-27th-2025--68243920Today is October 27

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 8.

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

How do the words ‘deny yourself’ feel to you? Start your prayer today by thinking about the discipline of self-denial… and do a bit of evaluating regarding yourself, and how well you engage in this particular discipline. If you’re like me, you’re not very good at it! Allow the Lord to search your heart for places where he is inviting you to deny yourself.

I often think how funny it is that we followers of Jesus love to read his words as metaphor. Ah, they may be thinking as they listen to him: ‘take up our cross’. Okay… that means we’ll do some difficult stuff. Imagine how they felt a few years later, remembering these words, as they watched Jesus stumble through the streets, beaten and bloody, carrying His cross. Listen again, and try to put yourself in their place. How would that moment of reality shift their metaphorical understanding of this text?

“Whoever lives their life for me and for the gospel will save it…” Let’s recall: what is the gospel? How would you summarize it up for yourself? If you can, take time to remind yourself of the gospel. If you have trouble finding the words, then ask yourself, How has the good news of Jesus changed my life and how can I live for him today?

Music Credit:
"This Is Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243920Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 27 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark,...Today is October 27

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 8.

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

How do the words ‘deny yourself’ feel to you? Start your prayer today by thinking about the discipline of self-denial… and do a bit of evaluating regarding yourself, and how well you engage in this particular discipline. If you’re like me, you’re not very good at it! Allow the Lord to search your heart for places where he is inviting you to deny yourself.

I often think how funny it is that we followers of Jesus love to read his words as metaphor. Ah, they may be thinking as they listen to him: ‘take up our cross’. Okay… that means we’ll do some difficult stuff. Imagine how they felt a few years later, remembering these words, as they watched Jesus stumble through the streets, beaten and bloody, carrying His cross. Listen again, and try to put yourself in their place. How would that moment of reality shift their metaphorical understanding of this text?

“Whoever lives their life for me and for the gospel will save it…” Let’s recall: what is the gospel? How would you summarize it up for yourself? If you can, take time to remind yourself of the gospel. If you have trouble finding the words, then ask yourself, How has the good news of Jesus changed my life and how can I live for him today?

Music Credit:
"This Is Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>818audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-25th-2025--68051899
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051899Sat, 25 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-24th-2025--68051756Today is October 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.  
 
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 
  
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought... 
  
I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.  
                                
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?  
 
Music: "Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Invitacion Fountain (ft. Kyle Howard & Alexandria Faison) [Official Live Video] 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051756Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.  
 
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 
  
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought... 
  
I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.  
                                
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?  
 
Music: "Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Invitacion Fountain (ft. Kyle Howard & Alexandria Faison) [Official Live Video] 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1062audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-23rd-2025--68051757Today is October 23.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.  
 
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  
 
Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.  
 
Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.  
  
James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’.  Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.  
 
Music: "I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
I BLESS THE LORD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Jodie Alexander-Frye

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051757Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.    ...Today is October 23.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.  
 
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  
 
Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.  
 
Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.  
  
James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’.  Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.  
 
Music: "I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
I BLESS THE LORD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Jodie Alexander-Frye

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>750audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-22nd-2025--68051763Today is October 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 6.   
  

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.   
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.  
  

In this passage… which is about covenant, keeping promises, and the trustworthiness of God, we heard: ‘we have his hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. As you come to prayer this morning, how would you describe the state of your soul? We’ll take a bit more quiet time than usual now… so settle in, maybe close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Ask the Lord to help you be still, and aware of your spiritual condition this morning  
  
The writer of today’s passage is concerned that the persecuted Christians he is writing to are in danger of running out of patience in their race of faith amidst persecution. These Christians might be doing okay for now, but there is a danger they might lose confidence in God’s promises. The writer is reminding them that God is absolutely trustworthy. That we can anchor our hope in Him. Listen again to the text and be attentive to a single word or phrase that stands out to you.  

All of us wrestle with spiritual doubt; everyone struggles at times to trust God. God is firm and secure, scripture tells us – so we can hold to him in the midst of our own times of spiritual tenderness, struggle, and doubt. If we ignore those things in our own souls, we are holding a part of ourselves away from God. Instead, we are to bring our full selves to Him, so that He might be our anchor. God tells us the unchanging nature of his purpose: to seek and to save that which is lost. To be our firm foundation in times of trouble. As we end our time of prayer today, bring your full self to God.

Music: This Is Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051763Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 6.   
  

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.   
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.  
  

In this passage… which is about covenant, keeping promises, and the trustworthiness of God, we heard: ‘we have his hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. As you come to prayer this morning, how would you describe the state of your soul? We’ll take a bit more quiet time than usual now… so settle in, maybe close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Ask the Lord to help you be still, and aware of your spiritual condition this morning  
  
The writer of today’s passage is concerned that the persecuted Christians he is writing to are in danger of running out of patience in their race of faith amidst persecution. These Christians might be doing okay for now, but there is a danger they might lose confidence in God’s promises. The writer is reminding them that God is absolutely trustworthy. That we can anchor our hope in Him. Listen again to the text and be attentive to a single word or phrase that stands out to you.  

All of us wrestle with spiritual doubt; everyone struggles at times to trust God. God is firm and secure, scripture tells us – so we can hold to him in the midst of our own times of spiritual tenderness, struggle, and doubt. If we ignore those things in our own souls, we are holding a part of ourselves away from God. Instead, we are to bring our full selves to Him, so that He might be our anchor. God tells us the unchanging nature of his purpose: to seek and to save that which is lost. To be our firm foundation in times of trouble. As we end our time of prayer today, bring your full self to God.

Music: This Is Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>841audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-21st-2025--68051761Today is October 21.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.   
  

      1 We praise you, God,   
         we praise you, for your Name is near;   
         people tell of your wonderful deeds.   
       2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;   
         it is I who judge with equity.   
      3 When the earth and all its people quake,   
         it is I who hold its pillars firm.   
      4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’   
         and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.   
      5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;   
         do not speak so defiantly.’ ”   
      6 No one from the east or the west   
         or from the desert can exalt themselves.   
      7 It is God who judges:   
         He brings one down, he exalts another.   
            9 As for me, I will declare this forever;   
         I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.   
  

This Psalm describes God as the ultimate judge – a judge who is righteous, fair, holy and most importantly, trustworthy. The Psalmist declares that God is the only one we can trust to always do the right thing without partiality. When you consider the wrongs in the world, or in your own life, how does it make you feel to hear that there is a perfect judge?   
    
This God, contrary to popular understanding, isn’t a spiteful God who wields his power from heaven favorably toward people who does what he says and destroys people who are disobedient and sinful. If that were the case, there would be no one left on earth. Listen to the Psalm again and see if you can hear what the Psalmist is declaring.   

The Psalm draws us over and over again to hope. No matter what injustice you have experienced or may be experiencing even now, God is the perfect Judge and he will one day overturn every wrong and make everything right and good again. Think about one thing today that you’d like to be put right again, and as we close our time, can you put your hope in God to make that thing new again, in his time?  

Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051761Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 21.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.             1...Today is October 21.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.   
  

      1 We praise you, God,   
         we praise you, for your Name is near;   
         people tell of your wonderful deeds.   
       2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;   
         it is I who judge with equity.   
      3 When the earth and all its people quake,   
         it is I who hold its pillars firm.   
      4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’   
         and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.   
      5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;   
         do not speak so defiantly.’ ”   
      6 No one from the east or the west   
         or from the desert can exalt themselves.   
      7 It is God who judges:   
         He brings one down, he exalts another.   
            9 As for me, I will declare this forever;   
         I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.   
  

This Psalm describes God as the ultimate judge – a judge who is righteous, fair, holy and most importantly, trustworthy. The Psalmist declares that God is the only one we can trust to always do the right thing without partiality. When you consider the wrongs in the world, or in your own life, how does it make you feel to hear that there is a perfect judge?   
    
This God, contrary to popular understanding, isn’t a spiteful God who wields his power from heaven favorably toward people who does what he says and destroys people who are disobedient and sinful. If that were the case, there would be no one left on earth. Listen to the Psalm again and see if you can hear what the Psalmist is declaring.   

The Psalm draws us over and over again to hope. No matter what injustice you have experienced or may be experiencing even now, God is the perfect Judge and he will one day overturn every wrong and make everything right and good again. Think about one thing today that you’d like to be put right again, and as we close our time, can you put your hope in God to make that thing new again, in his time?  

Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>840audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-20th-2025--68051760Today is October 20

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.

2 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.

As we open our hearts to the word, take a minute to think about what you just listened to. Imagine this world ruled by absolute righteousness. Imagine a world where people from every country seek the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. People will flock to see, and learn, and know Him, and all will live in accordance with the scripture, trying their hardest to walk the same path Jesus walks. Conflict will still exist, but will be resolved according to the laws of Zion, not the whims of humans. With a peaceful, uniform way to deal with conflict, there will be no more war, or need to defend ourselves from outsiders, because if someone is wronged, there will be true justice.

As you listen again, think about the equality and compassion that will exist between every man woman, and child.

There are things that can be used for both good and evil. Words can be used as both weapons and tools. So can knowledge or information. As you move through your day, look for times when you can choose to use something as a sword or as a ploughshare, and make a conscious effort to make the Christlike choice, even if you don’t want to.

Music Credit:
"They Are Yours" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051760Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 20 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is October 20

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.

2 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.

As we open our hearts to the word, take a minute to think about what you just listened to. Imagine this world ruled by absolute righteousness. Imagine a world where people from every country seek the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. People will flock to see, and learn, and know Him, and all will live in accordance with the scripture, trying their hardest to walk the same path Jesus walks. Conflict will still exist, but will be resolved according to the laws of Zion, not the whims of humans. With a peaceful, uniform way to deal with conflict, there will be no more war, or need to defend ourselves from outsiders, because if someone is wronged, there will be true justice.

As you listen again, think about the equality and compassion that will exist between every man woman, and child.

There are things that can be used for both good and evil. Words can be used as both weapons and tools. So can knowledge or information. As you move through your day, look for times when you can choose to use something as a sword or as a ploughshare, and make a conscious effort to make the Christlike choice, even if you don’t want to.

Music Credit:
"They Are Yours" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>723audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-18th-2025--68051891
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051891Sat, 18 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-17th-2025--68051759Today is October 17 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.   
  
      9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?   
         By living according to your word.   
      10 I seek you with all my heart;   
         do not let me stray from your commands.   
      11 I have hidden your word in my heart   
         that I might not sin against you.   
      12 Praise be to you, LORD;   
         teach me your decrees.   
      13 With my lips I recount   
         all the laws that come from your mouth.   
      14 I rejoice in following your statutes   
         as one rejoices in great riches.   
      15 I meditate on your precepts   
         and consider your ways.   
      16 I delight in your decrees;   
         I will not neglect your word.   
   
Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?  
 
In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?  

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.  
  
Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul 
ALL THINGS RISE [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Soul [feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051759Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 17  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 17 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.   
  
      9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?   
         By living according to your word.   
      10 I seek you with all my heart;   
         do not let me stray from your commands.   
      11 I have hidden your word in my heart   
         that I might not sin against you.   
      12 Praise be to you, LORD;   
         teach me your decrees.   
      13 With my lips I recount   
         all the laws that come from your mouth.   
      14 I rejoice in following your statutes   
         as one rejoices in great riches.   
      15 I meditate on your precepts   
         and consider your ways.   
      16 I delight in your decrees;   
         I will not neglect your word.   
   
Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?  
 
In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?  

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.  
  
Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul 
ALL THINGS RISE [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Soul [feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>848audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-16th-2025--68051758Today is October 16 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.   
  
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.   
 
As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others? 
 
It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.  
 
How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?  
  
 Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship 
ALL THE SAME | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051758Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 16  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.       7...Today is October 16 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.   
  
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.   
 
As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others? 
 
It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.  
 
How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?  
  
 Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship 
ALL THE SAME | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>775audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-15th-2025--68051764Today is October 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 8.


1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.


This passage from Revelation describes the kind of worship that is happening in heaven. I love how it begins… there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. In our noise filled world, we usually think of worship as something full of sounds—voices and choirs, instruments and melodies, building into a crescendo. But here worship is silence … for 30 minutes. Let’s take just 30 seconds right now and be silent.

What do you notice when you are silent? Maybe you notice the noise around you. Maybe you notice the noise within you. The distractions. The pull to today’s to dos. It takes practice to learn how to worship God through silence. Because we are first learning to quiet the noise within our own soul. After you hear the passage again, I want to again pause for thirty seconds, and this time I want you to pay attention to the noise within your soul, and try to put a name on what that noise is.

What did you notice? Could you put a name to it? A lot of times it feels frustrating that there is so much noise in our soul. But instead of being frustrated by it, just quietly bring that noise to God and ask God to quiet that noise with his peace. As you continue through your day, could you take one or two more moments of silence: bring noise of your soul to God, and to ask him to meet you there.

Music: All For You Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051764Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 8.


1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.


This passage from Revelation describes the kind of worship that is happening in heaven. I love how it begins… there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. In our noise filled world, we usually think of worship as something full of sounds—voices and choirs, instruments and melodies, building into a crescendo. But here worship is silence … for 30 minutes. Let’s take just 30 seconds right now and be silent.

What do you notice when you are silent? Maybe you notice the noise around you. Maybe you notice the noise within you. The distractions. The pull to today’s to dos. It takes practice to learn how to worship God through silence. Because we are first learning to quiet the noise within our own soul. After you hear the passage again, I want to again pause for thirty seconds, and this time I want you to pay attention to the noise within your soul, and try to put a name on what that noise is.

What did you notice? Could you put a name to it? A lot of times it feels frustrating that there is so much noise in our soul. But instead of being frustrated by it, just quietly bring that noise to God and ask God to quiet that noise with his peace. As you continue through your day, could you take one or two more moments of silence: bring noise of your soul to God, and to ask him to meet you there.

Music: All For You Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>727audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-14th-2025--68051762Today is October 14.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26.


Then Job replied…: 7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. 8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. 9 He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. 10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. 11 The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. 12 By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. 13 By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. 14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?


Job is meditating on the transcendence God through the vastness and power of the natural world. Can you recall the times when you gazed out into the immense beauty of a sunset, or looked upon the magnificent face of mountains, or surveyed the endless sea of stars in the sky? Have you looked out into the ocean in a terrifying storm to be reminded of our utter small-ness? Call to mind the last time you sensed or were interrupted by God’s presence through the natural world.

Job has experienced immense pain and utter loss. In the midst of his suffering, he stops to consider the vastness of the universe and endless stories of the past in a way that seems to create perspective… but he does not shrink from the reality of His suffering. Instead, he allows himself to experience his real suffering alongside the truth that there is so much he cannot understand about the character and power and way of God. Job allows two things to exist at the same time: the unimaginable power of God, and his own unimaginable suffering. This is a hard thing for me to hold… as you listen again, allow yourself to respond honestly and freely to God…

My friend, there are things of God that are so difficult for us to hold, and impossible for us to understand. Scripture tells us that God pursues us with ‘hesed’ – his loving kindness that endures forever… and also that in this world we will have trouble. We know we are to set our eyes to eternity, and to the fulfillment of God’s perfect kingdom come. And yet: There is so much we do not understand. Do you know you can bring that disorientation to God? He is our maker, and we are the made. Talk to the Lord as we end about whatever feelings have come up for you.

Music: They Are Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051762Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26. Then Job...Today is October 14.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26.


Then Job replied…: 7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. 8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. 9 He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. 10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. 11 The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. 12 By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. 13 By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. 14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?


Job is meditating on the transcendence God through the vastness and power of the natural world. Can you recall the times when you gazed out into the immense beauty of a sunset, or looked upon the magnificent face of mountains, or surveyed the endless sea of stars in the sky? Have you looked out into the ocean in a terrifying storm to be reminded of our utter small-ness? Call to mind the last time you sensed or were interrupted by God’s presence through the natural world.

Job has experienced immense pain and utter loss. In the midst of his suffering, he stops to consider the vastness of the universe and endless stories of the past in a way that seems to create perspective… but he does not shrink from the reality of His suffering. Instead, he allows himself to experience his real suffering alongside the truth that there is so much he cannot understand about the character and power and way of God. Job allows two things to exist at the same time: the unimaginable power of God, and his own unimaginable suffering. This is a hard thing for me to hold… as you listen again, allow yourself to respond honestly and freely to God…

My friend, there are things of God that are so difficult for us to hold, and impossible for us to understand. Scripture tells us that God pursues us with ‘hesed’ – his loving kindness that endures forever… and also that in this world we will have trouble. We know we are to set our eyes to eternity, and to the fulfillment of God’s perfect kingdom come. And yet: There is so much we do not understand. Do you know you can bring that disorientation to God? He is our maker, and we are the made. Talk to the Lord as we end about whatever feelings have come up for you.

Music: They Are Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-13th-2025--68051719Today is October 13.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.

15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.” 28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Imagine for a moment being in the shoes of the woman in this story. She was childless and her husband was old. She faced an uncertain future. She would receive no social security benefits, and would have nobody to rely on. But Elisha prayed for her and announced to her the unimaginable— she would have a miracle child! “No, my lord, don’t mislead your servant.”

Maybe the words, "too good to be true," crossed her mind. And then the unthinkable happened. Her beloved son died. She goes to find Elisha and says, “Didn’t I tell you? Don’t raise my hopes!” As you think about her experience, think about something in your own life of something you’ve hoped for but didn’t see or received and then lost? How did you feel in that moment?

Disappointment is an emotion and we do not easily control our emotions. We can't actually control the disappointment we feel when we lose something, but we can choose how to respond in the midst of disappointment. As you listen to the passage again, think of a disappointment in your life right now, and ask what might it look like for you to choose your response?

In the Old Testament, ordinary people would have to appeal to God through powerful spiritual mediators—in this passage Elisha was called a Man of God. We know that because Jesus is our mediator, we can go straight to God through him and make our appeal. As you walk through your day today, is there an appeal that you’d like to make to God through your powerful mediator, Jesus? Approach his throne of grace with confidence today.

Music Credit:
"Expectation" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68051719Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 13. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2...Today is October 13.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.

15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.” 28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Imagine for a moment being in the shoes of the woman in this story. She was childless and her husband was old. She faced an uncertain future. She would receive no social security benefits, and would have nobody to rely on. But Elisha prayed for her and announced to her the unimaginable— she would have a miracle child! “No, my lord, don’t mislead your servant.”

Maybe the words, "too good to be true," crossed her mind. And then the unthinkable happened. Her beloved son died. She goes to find Elisha and says, “Didn’t I tell you? Don’t raise my hopes!” As you think about her experience, think about something in your own life of something you’ve hoped for but didn’t see or received and then lost? How did you feel in that moment?

Disappointment is an emotion and we do not easily control our emotions. We can't actually control the disappointment we feel when we lose something, but we can choose how to respond in the midst of disappointment. As you listen to the passage again, think of a disappointment in your life right now, and ask what might it look like for you to choose your response?

In the Old Testament, ordinary people would have to appeal to God through powerful spiritual mediators—in this passage Elisha was called a Man of God. We know that because Jesus is our mediator, we can go straight to God through him and make our appeal. As you walk through your day today, is there an appeal that you’d like to make to God through your powerful mediator, Jesus? Approach his throne of grace with confidence today.

Music Credit:
"Expectation" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78929audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-11th-2025--67970491
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970491Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-10th-2025--67970258Today is October 10  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.  
   
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.   
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.   
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”   
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”   
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”   
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”   
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.  
 
Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?  
  
In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him? 
   
Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.  
 
Music: "Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship 
WEAR THE CROWN [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970258Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 10   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 10  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.  
   
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.   
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.   
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”   
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”   
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”   
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”   
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.  
 
Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?  
  
In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him? 
   
Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.  
 
Music: "Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship 
WEAR THE CROWN [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>838audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-9th-2025--67970255Today is October 9 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.   
  
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.   
 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’   
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”   
 
As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone?  What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?  
 
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in. 

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.  
 
 Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship  
I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970255Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 9  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles,...Today is October 9 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.   
  
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.   
 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’   
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”   
 
As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone?  What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?  
 
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in. 

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.  
 
 Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship  
I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>987audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-8th-2025--67970254Today is October 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.


1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.


Good morning, and welcome to prayer. Consider this passage, and all the blessings it speaks over those who delight in the Lord. And what does it look like to delight in the Lord? It’s those who are “gracious and compassionate and righteous; those who are generous and lend freely; those who conduct their affairs with justice.” Does that seem like a tall order? Maybe even impossible? Talk to the Lord about this beautiful, and seemingly impossible, vision he invites us into… and how you feel about your capacity to engage with it this morning.

Fortunately for us, these aren’t a list of to-dos for us to attain God’s blessings. In fact, if you’re like me – you know that this list is not often lived up to in our day to day. We find similar refrains over in Matthew in Jesus’ famed sermon of the mount. Blessed are those who… The list is great and overwhelming to perform. How do you understand your sense of blessedness by God? Or do you sense yourself striving, or marked with shame, or overwhelmed... as you try to follow his pathways? Listen to the passage again and try to listen through the lens of it as an invitation toward something, not as an impossible expectation.

As we end our time of prayer today, can you hold both the darkness and weightiness in the world around you, and perhaps even in your own heart…. While you also hold the redemption and blessing of God? As the psalmist wrote: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Today, would you make this your prayer: even in darkness, light dawns…? Is there a person, or situation, you might pray this specifically toward today? This is my prayer for you today. What darkness are you present to right now? Could you hold that before the Lord?

Father God, would you accompany my sister or brother now with a light that is not overwhelmed or overcome by the darkness? Would you encourage their spirit by your presence? Would you guide and guard your child today? Amen.

Music: Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970254Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.


1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.


Good morning, and welcome to prayer. Consider this passage, and all the blessings it speaks over those who delight in the Lord. And what does it look like to delight in the Lord? It’s those who are “gracious and compassionate and righteous; those who are generous and lend freely; those who conduct their affairs with justice.” Does that seem like a tall order? Maybe even impossible? Talk to the Lord about this beautiful, and seemingly impossible, vision he invites us into… and how you feel about your capacity to engage with it this morning.

Fortunately for us, these aren’t a list of to-dos for us to attain God’s blessings. In fact, if you’re like me – you know that this list is not often lived up to in our day to day. We find similar refrains over in Matthew in Jesus’ famed sermon of the mount. Blessed are those who… The list is great and overwhelming to perform. How do you understand your sense of blessedness by God? Or do you sense yourself striving, or marked with shame, or overwhelmed... as you try to follow his pathways? Listen to the passage again and try to listen through the lens of it as an invitation toward something, not as an impossible expectation.

As we end our time of prayer today, can you hold both the darkness and weightiness in the world around you, and perhaps even in your own heart…. While you also hold the redemption and blessing of God? As the psalmist wrote: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Today, would you make this your prayer: even in darkness, light dawns…? Is there a person, or situation, you might pray this specifically toward today? This is my prayer for you today. What darkness are you present to right now? Could you hold that before the Lord?

Father God, would you accompany my sister or brother now with a light that is not overwhelmed or overcome by the darkness? Would you encourage their spirit by your presence? Would you guide and guard your child today? Amen.

Music: Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>777audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-7th-2025--67970256Today is October 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8.


20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”


This is a word of encouragement and strengthening to Job, who experienced unimaginable suffering and loss. We all experience suffering and loss in life. As we begin our reflection today, call to mind your own suffering and loss. What is a loss that comes to mind as you think about something that you’ve lost or an experience where you’ve suffered harm. Take a moment and consider how the place of suffering or lost impacted you. What did it do to you spiritually, psychologically, physically, relationally?

Sometimes our past can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to face our pain or loss because it’s too difficult. Sometimes we minimize it, thinking, Well, at least I’m not Job. But in the Bible pain isn’t minimized. And at the same time pain isn’t futile. Over and over again the scriptures offer us hope in the midst of our struggles. As you hear the passage again, can you allow the hope of God to begin to fill your soul?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. I love to laugh. People tell me all the time that they know I’m coming because they can hear my laugh. It’s a great antidote, and it’s a promise of God to those who are in pain. You will laugh again. Weeping endures the night but joy and laughter in the morning. As you go through your day today, ask God for moments of joy in your heart and laughter from your mouth.

Music: This Joy - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970256Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8. 20 “Surely...Today is October 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8.


20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”


This is a word of encouragement and strengthening to Job, who experienced unimaginable suffering and loss. We all experience suffering and loss in life. As we begin our reflection today, call to mind your own suffering and loss. What is a loss that comes to mind as you think about something that you’ve lost or an experience where you’ve suffered harm. Take a moment and consider how the place of suffering or lost impacted you. What did it do to you spiritually, psychologically, physically, relationally?

Sometimes our past can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to face our pain or loss because it’s too difficult. Sometimes we minimize it, thinking, Well, at least I’m not Job. But in the Bible pain isn’t minimized. And at the same time pain isn’t futile. Over and over again the scriptures offer us hope in the midst of our struggles. As you hear the passage again, can you allow the hope of God to begin to fill your soul?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. I love to laugh. People tell me all the time that they know I’m coming because they can hear my laugh. It’s a great antidote, and it’s a promise of God to those who are in pain. You will laugh again. Weeping endures the night but joy and laughter in the morning. As you go through your day today, ask God for moments of joy in your heart and laughter from your mouth.

Music: This Joy - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>681audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-6th-2025--67970257Today is October 6

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 4.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Take time as we begin to contemplate this famous verse: love covers over a multitude of sins. What does that speak to you, today?

There is a lot in these few verses: about love, hospitality, being grumpy, service... listen again to the text and think about what particular part of it connects with you today? What do you think the Lord wants to say to you? Is there a particular situation or person he’s reminding you to ‘love deeply’?

Above all, Peter writes, love each other deeply. Is that easy for you? Difficult? Do you ever think about the nature or quality of your love for other Christians? How about, for other Christians that you disagree with? As we end this week of prayer, ask God to fill you with His love, that you might overflow with Him and not have to rely on your own human strength to love others.

Music Credit:
"What You Ask" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67970257Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 6 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter,...Today is October 6

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 4.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Take time as we begin to contemplate this famous verse: love covers over a multitude of sins. What does that speak to you, today?

There is a lot in these few verses: about love, hospitality, being grumpy, service... listen again to the text and think about what particular part of it connects with you today? What do you think the Lord wants to say to you? Is there a particular situation or person he’s reminding you to ‘love deeply’?

Above all, Peter writes, love each other deeply. Is that easy for you? Difficult? Do you ever think about the nature or quality of your love for other Christians? How about, for other Christians that you disagree with? As we end this week of prayer, ask God to fill you with His love, that you might overflow with Him and not have to rely on your own human strength to love others.

Music Credit:
"What You Ask" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>811audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-4th-2025--67855067
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67855067Sat, 04 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-3rd-2025--67854568Today is October 3 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.  
 
      1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  
         LORD Almighty!  
      2 My soul yearns, even faints,  
         for the courts of the LORD;  
         my heart and my flesh cry out  
         for the living God.  
      3 Even the sparrow has found a home,  
         and the swallow a nest for herself,  
         where she may have her young—  
         a place near your altar,  
         LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  
      4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;  
         they are ever praising you.  
  
As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?  
  
How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.  
   

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today. 
 
Music: "Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship  
Your Dwelling Place | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Anabeth Morgan | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67854568Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 3  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 3 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.  
 
      1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  
         LORD Almighty!  
      2 My soul yearns, even faints,  
         for the courts of the LORD;  
         my heart and my flesh cry out  
         for the living God.  
      3 Even the sparrow has found a home,  
         and the swallow a nest for herself,  
         where she may have her young—  
         a place near your altar,  
         LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  
      4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;  
         they are ever praising you.  
  
As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?  
  
How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.  
   

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today. 
 
Music: "Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship  
Your Dwelling Place | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Anabeth Morgan | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>875audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-2nd-2025--67854569Today is October 2 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  
 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
  
Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. 
  
Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....  
  
The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.  
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
Your Love (feat. Tim Brown) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67854569Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 2  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  ...Today is October 2 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  
 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
  
Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. 
  
Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....  
  
The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.  
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
Your Love (feat. Tim Brown) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>665audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-1st-2025--67967432Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67967432Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:18:43 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill780falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-30th-2025--67854571Today is September 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Esther, chapter 4.  
  

5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.  
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.  
9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days passed since I was called to go to the king.”  
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  
17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 
  

Imagine today that you are in Esther’s place… having to stand up to the King in a time of great trouble for your entire people, fasting and praying and scared.... The task before you is all risk:  You are frightened, in over your head, and alone. . Esther is hungry, frightened, clear about the risks before her… and brave. Take a few moments to identify with what that may have felt like. 
   
Recall a time the Lord called you to obedience to Him, even though it felt like a risk. Listen to the story again with your own experience in mind. Pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you.  
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider any position of leadership, or authority, or privilege you may have. Do you ever consider that you have been placed where you are in order to walk out in bravery? What does it mean to you, that perhaps you have come to your own position ‘for such a time as this’? 

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67854571Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Esther,...Today is September 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Esther, chapter 4.  
  

5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.  
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.  
9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days passed since I was called to go to the king.”  
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  
17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 
  

Imagine today that you are in Esther’s place… having to stand up to the King in a time of great trouble for your entire people, fasting and praying and scared.... The task before you is all risk:  You are frightened, in over your head, and alone. . Esther is hungry, frightened, clear about the risks before her… and brave. Take a few moments to identify with what that may have felt like. 
   
Recall a time the Lord called you to obedience to Him, even though it felt like a risk. Listen to the story again with your own experience in mind. Pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you.  
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider any position of leadership, or authority, or privilege you may have. Do you ever consider that you have been placed where you are in order to walk out in bravery? What does it mean to you, that perhaps you have come to your own position ‘for such a time as this’? 

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>977audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-29th-2025--67854567Today is September 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 12.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”

This week, our scriptures have been focused on facing trials, rebuilding walls and towns, restoring relationships, and having God as our fortress. Consider how often scripture speaks to those of us who follow Jesus, and assumes we’re in a place of hardship, distress, or need. Revelation paints a prophetic picture of this last battle – and points to the triumph of Christ overall. What emotions does all of this bring up in you? Bring one of those emotions before the Lord.

It’s often easy for the language of our faith to become commonplace, to devolve from true faith into shallow religion or ritual. Revelation reminds us that our faith in Christ has implications that we can barely get our minds around: That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son – and through Him – the salvation, power, and kingdom of God, and the authority of the Messiah has broken into the world to save that which is lost. Listen again and ask God to allow it to rightly orient you to the mystery of your faith.

Our faith in God’s power will often come into conflict with our faith in worldly power. Worldly power coerces, but faith in Christ leads us to consenting to God’s power. Worldly power brings conflict, but faith in Christ bears peace that passes understanding. Worldly power uses might and the sword... but faith in Christ is made up of a reconciliation born out of humility and sacrifice. As we end our time of prayer today, allow these truths to draw you toward Christus Victor – Christ who is victorious in all and overall.
Music Credit:
"You Give Us Peace" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67854567Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 29 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 12.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”

This week, our scriptures have been focused on facing trials, rebuilding walls and towns, restoring relationships, and having God as our fortress. Consider how often scripture speaks to those of us who follow Jesus, and assumes we’re in a place of hardship, distress, or need. Revelation paints a prophetic picture of this last battle – and points to the triumph of Christ overall. What emotions does all of this bring up in you? Bring one of those emotions before the Lord.

It’s often easy for the language of our faith to become commonplace, to devolve from true faith into shallow religion or ritual. Revelation reminds us that our faith in Christ has implications that we can barely get our minds around: That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son – and through Him – the salvation, power, and kingdom of God, and the authority of the Messiah has broken into the world to save that which is lost. Listen again and ask God to allow it to rightly orient you to the mystery of your faith.

Our faith in God’s power will often come into conflict with our faith in worldly power. Worldly power coerces, but faith in Christ leads us to consenting to God’s power. Worldly power brings conflict, but faith in Christ bears peace that passes understanding. Worldly power uses might and the sword... but faith in Christ is made up of a reconciliation born out of humility and sacrifice. As we end our time of prayer today, allow these truths to draw you toward Christus Victor – Christ who is victorious in all and overall.
Music Credit:
"You Give Us Peace" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>737audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-27th-2025--67769297
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769297Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-26th-2025--67769293Today is September 26  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.   
  
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   
  
As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?  
  
What is it that keeps you going?  Is it God?  
 
How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth?  Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?  
   
As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.  
  
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship  
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769293Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 26   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 26  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.   
  
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   
  
As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?  
  
What is it that keeps you going?  Is it God?  
 
How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth?  Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?  
   
As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.  
  
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship  
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-25th-2025--67769294Today is September 25  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.   
  
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.   
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.   
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  
  
In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever? 
   
"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.  
   
As we close our time of contemplation think about this: 
Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God?  
Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.   
  
Music: "Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship  
Throne of Grace 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769294Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 25   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew,...Today is September 25  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.   
  
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.   
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.   
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  
  
In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever? 
   
"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.  
   
As we close our time of contemplation think about this: 
Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God?  
Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.   
  
Music: "Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship  
Throne of Grace 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-24th-2025--67769290Today is September 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4.  
  

      9 Two are better than one,  
         because they have a good return for their labor:  
      10 If either of them falls down,  
         one can help the other up.  
         But pity anyone who falls  
         and has no one to help them up.  
      11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  
         But how can one keep warm alone?  
      12 Though one may be overpowered,  
         two can defend themselves.  
         A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 
  

Welcome to prayer. Let’s begin by getting oriented to the Lord’s presence. HE is near to you, even now, wherever you find yourself. Invite Him to draw you further into awareness of His goodness.  
   
Our reading today is a well-known passage from Ecclesiastes, that speaks to the goodness of life in community. Two are better than one, the author says. But for so many in our world today, loneliness feels like more of a reality than community does. How do you come to prayer today? Do you feel ‘kept warm’ by community? Or do you feel alone? Talk to the Lord about this as we read the passage again. 
   
“Pity the one who falls and has no one to help them up…” do you know someone who is feeling particularly alone right now? Are you ever in a place to be present to someone who has ‘no one else to help them’? our world is full of lonely people. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God for eyes to see those who need a friend. And for those who feel lonely, invite the Lord into that as a conversation, and allow Him to minister His presence to you. 
 
Music: Dwell - Vineyard Columbus - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769290Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4.  
  

      9 Two are better than one,  
         because they have a good return for their labor:  
      10 If either of them falls down,  
         one can help the other up.  
         But pity anyone who falls  
         and has no one to help them up.  
      11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  
         But how can one keep warm alone?  
      12 Though one may be overpowered,  
         two can defend themselves.  
         A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 
  

Welcome to prayer. Let’s begin by getting oriented to the Lord’s presence. HE is near to you, even now, wherever you find yourself. Invite Him to draw you further into awareness of His goodness.  
   
Our reading today is a well-known passage from Ecclesiastes, that speaks to the goodness of life in community. Two are better than one, the author says. But for so many in our world today, loneliness feels like more of a reality than community does. How do you come to prayer today? Do you feel ‘kept warm’ by community? Or do you feel alone? Talk to the Lord about this as we read the passage again. 
   
“Pity the one who falls and has no one to help them up…” do you know someone who is feeling particularly alone right now? Are you ever in a place to be present to someone who has ‘no one else to help them’? our world is full of lonely people. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God for eyes to see those who need a friend. And for those who feel lonely, invite the Lord into that as a conversation, and allow Him to minister His presence to you. 
 
Music: Dwell - Vineyard Columbus - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>825audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-23rd-2025--67769291Today is September 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.  
  
  
      1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,  
         who walk in obedience to him.  
      2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;  
         blessings and prosperity will be yours.  
      3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine  
         within your house;  
         your children will be like olive shoots  
         around your table.  
      4 Yes, this will be the blessing  
         for the person who fears the LORD.  
       5 May the LORD bless you from Zion;  
         may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem  
         all the days of your life.  
      6 May you live to see your children’s children—  
         peace be on Israel. 
  
  
Four times this Psalm speaks blessing. God’s desire and heart is blessing. In the Bible, blessing is the flourishing and multiplication of life. Take a moment and settle yourself in the reality that God desires to bless, to bless, and not to curse. To cause your life to flourish and multiply.  
   
Blessing is practical and multi-dimensional. In this Psalm it’s the flouishing of family, of relationship, of provision, of prosperity, and of peace. As you listen to the Psalm again, ask the Lord to draw your attention to a particular phrase that you can hold onto today, an area where you would like to see the blessing of God in your life. 
   
Blessed are all those who walk in obedience to the Lord, the psalmist writes. As we end our time of prayer today, would you invite God to draw you further into obedience? What is one area where the Lord is asking for you to trust and obey him? Pray for grace today that you might persevere in obedience and experience the overflow of his blessing.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769291Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.              ...Today is September 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.  
  
  
      1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,  
         who walk in obedience to him.  
      2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;  
         blessings and prosperity will be yours.  
      3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine  
         within your house;  
         your children will be like olive shoots  
         around your table.  
      4 Yes, this will be the blessing  
         for the person who fears the LORD.  
       5 May the LORD bless you from Zion;  
         may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem  
         all the days of your life.  
      6 May you live to see your children’s children—  
         peace be on Israel. 
  
  
Four times this Psalm speaks blessing. God’s desire and heart is blessing. In the Bible, blessing is the flourishing and multiplication of life. Take a moment and settle yourself in the reality that God desires to bless, to bless, and not to curse. To cause your life to flourish and multiply.  
   
Blessing is practical and multi-dimensional. In this Psalm it’s the flouishing of family, of relationship, of provision, of prosperity, and of peace. As you listen to the Psalm again, ask the Lord to draw your attention to a particular phrase that you can hold onto today, an area where you would like to see the blessing of God in your life. 
   
Blessed are all those who walk in obedience to the Lord, the psalmist writes. As we end our time of prayer today, would you invite God to draw you further into obedience? What is one area where the Lord is asking for you to trust and obey him? Pray for grace today that you might persevere in obedience and experience the overflow of his blessing.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>660audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-22nd-2025--67769292Today is September 22

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 59.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You, LORD God Almighty,
you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
9 You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
10 my God on whom I can rely.

The Psalmist had just come under attack. There were forces against him that he wasn't prepared for, and he was trapped, inside his house, which was surrounded by men waiting to kill him. When he wrote, "fierce men conspire against me," he meant it was happening to him in that moment, and in that dark moment, the Psalmist chose to connect with God. Think about what you do when you feel threatened.

This Psalm is a prayer of desperation. It doesn't even pause to offer gratitude before asking for help. Yet it ends with a hope, a renewal of strength, and a confidence that God was going to keep him safe. As we begin our time of prayer today, consider ways that you can connect with God when you're under too much pressure. Do you think about Him in those moments? Are you able to draw on his peace?

The best way to choose to connect with God under pressure is to choose to connect with Him when you're not stressed out, too. Creating a rhythm to your relationship makes it easier to call on Him in the moment you need Him. Today, as you move through your day, look for a time to add a quiet moment with God to your routine, no matter how insufficient it seems.

Music Credit:
"Slow Kingdom Coming" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769292Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 22 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 59. 1...Today is September 22

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 59.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You, LORD God Almighty,
you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
9 You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
10 my God on whom I can rely.

The Psalmist had just come under attack. There were forces against him that he wasn't prepared for, and he was trapped, inside his house, which was surrounded by men waiting to kill him. When he wrote, "fierce men conspire against me," he meant it was happening to him in that moment, and in that dark moment, the Psalmist chose to connect with God. Think about what you do when you feel threatened.

This Psalm is a prayer of desperation. It doesn't even pause to offer gratitude before asking for help. Yet it ends with a hope, a renewal of strength, and a confidence that God was going to keep him safe. As we begin our time of prayer today, consider ways that you can connect with God when you're under too much pressure. Do you think about Him in those moments? Are you able to draw on his peace?

The best way to choose to connect with God under pressure is to choose to connect with Him when you're not stressed out, too. Creating a rhythm to your relationship makes it easier to call on Him in the moment you need Him. Today, as you move through your day, look for a time to add a quiet moment with God to your routine, no matter how insufficient it seems.

Music Credit:
"Slow Kingdom Coming" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-20th-2025--67693678
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693678Sat, 20 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-19th-2025--67693676Today is September 19  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.  
 
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king t 
o explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.   
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”   
  
The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first. 
  
God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming. 

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?   

Music: "Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
CHRIST ABOVE ME [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Kate Cooke 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693676Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 19   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 19  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.  
 
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king t 
o explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.   
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”   
  
The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first. 
  
God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming. 

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?   

Music: "Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
CHRIST ABOVE ME [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Kate Cooke 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>897audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-18th-2025--67693672Today is September 18  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.   
  
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  
  
The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today. 
  
We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us… 
   
Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough? 

Music: "Nothing But The Blood" - Joshua Miller 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC5tuDuJka8 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693672Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 18   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews,...Today is September 18  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.   
  
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  
  
The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today. 
  
We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us… 
   
Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough? 

Music: "Nothing But The Blood" - Joshua Miller 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC5tuDuJka8 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-17th-2025--67693674Today is September 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Colossians, chapter 3.  
  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  
  

This scripture points up... listen to the words: you have been raised. Set your heart on things above. Do you find that all too often, your mind and your heart gets pointed down, on what this passage calls ‘earthy things’? Give the Lord some space right now to reorient you. You might want to begin by listing things out to the Lord that are occupying your heart and your mind. 
   
I often forget that my life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’. I may know that verse by heart…. And yet not allow it to be a foundation for my day-to-day life. Listen to this brief passage again, and pay attention to a single word or simple phrase that stands out to you.  
   
This scripture reminds us who we are: what is true of Christ is true of us. He was raised, so we are raised—already. We are hidden with Christ, we are made alive in Christ. Even now, our minds and our hearts are meant to be directed toward this eternal reality. What are some ways you can interrupt your day with a reminder to re-direct your heart and mind toward Christ. Maybe an alarm on your phone? Maybe a midday walk and prayer? As we end, think of one way you can practically remind yourself today to set your mind and heart on things above.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693674Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Colossians, chapter 3.  
  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  
  

This scripture points up... listen to the words: you have been raised. Set your heart on things above. Do you find that all too often, your mind and your heart gets pointed down, on what this passage calls ‘earthy things’? Give the Lord some space right now to reorient you. You might want to begin by listing things out to the Lord that are occupying your heart and your mind. 
   
I often forget that my life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’. I may know that verse by heart…. And yet not allow it to be a foundation for my day-to-day life. Listen to this brief passage again, and pay attention to a single word or simple phrase that stands out to you.  
   
This scripture reminds us who we are: what is true of Christ is true of us. He was raised, so we are raised—already. We are hidden with Christ, we are made alive in Christ. Even now, our minds and our hearts are meant to be directed toward this eternal reality. What are some ways you can interrupt your day with a reminder to re-direct your heart and mind toward Christ. Maybe an alarm on your phone? Maybe a midday walk and prayer? As we end, think of one way you can practically remind yourself today to set your mind and heart on things above.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-16th-2025--67693673Today is September 16.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.  
  

9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:  
  
         “There is no one righteous, not even one;  
         11      there is no one who understands;  
         there is no one who seeks God.  
      12 All have turned away,  
         they have together become worthless;  
         there is no one who does good,  
         not even one.”  
      13 “Their throats are open graves;  
         their tongues practice deceit.” 
         “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”  
         14      “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”   
      15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;  
         16      ruin and misery mark their ways,  
      17 and the way of peace they do not know.”   
         18      “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  
  
 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 
  

As we come to prayer today, let’s begin with a consideration of ‘becoming conscious of our sin’. Remember: we do this only under the covering of God’s grace! Take a few moments right now and invite God to search you, to know you, and to reveal to you any area of sin or proclivity to sin that might be under the surface of your life. 
   
This text tells us that the law is useful not to help us be obedient, but to help us recognize our LACK of obedience. The law gives us a test that we simply cannot pass on our own strength. Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the strong way it speaks to our sinful nature. 
 
Do you often consider the power of God’s grace? Take time right now to recognize how wonderful and freeing it is to be a people who are forgiven by grace… not by works. Consider the love of God toward you that He would offer Himself to pay the debt you cannot pay. And allow God to convict you of any area – any hidden or secret ways – that need to be confessed to the God of all grace.

Music: You Have Our Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693673Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 16. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Romans,...Today is September 16.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.  
  

9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:  
  
         “There is no one righteous, not even one;  
         11      there is no one who understands;  
         there is no one who seeks God.  
      12 All have turned away,  
         they have together become worthless;  
         there is no one who does good,  
         not even one.”  
      13 “Their throats are open graves;  
         their tongues practice deceit.” 
         “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”  
         14      “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”   
      15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;  
         16      ruin and misery mark their ways,  
      17 and the way of peace they do not know.”   
         18      “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  
  
 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 
  

As we come to prayer today, let’s begin with a consideration of ‘becoming conscious of our sin’. Remember: we do this only under the covering of God’s grace! Take a few moments right now and invite God to search you, to know you, and to reveal to you any area of sin or proclivity to sin that might be under the surface of your life. 
   
This text tells us that the law is useful not to help us be obedient, but to help us recognize our LACK of obedience. The law gives us a test that we simply cannot pass on our own strength. Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the strong way it speaks to our sinful nature. 
 
Do you often consider the power of God’s grace? Take time right now to recognize how wonderful and freeing it is to be a people who are forgiven by grace… not by works. Consider the love of God toward you that He would offer Himself to pay the debt you cannot pay. And allow God to convict you of any area – any hidden or secret ways – that need to be confessed to the God of all grace.

Music: You Have Our Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>695audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-15th-2025--67693675Today is September 15

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel empty? Do you feel full? Give yourself space to become self-aware right now.

The word in this passage that I find most striking is the word: “YET”. Habakkuk first describes an emptiness, a lack, and poverty of sorts. And then comes the word YET. He writes that even in the midst of this emptiness, YET he will rejoice in the Lord. Listen again. What word or image stands out to you? What feels most resonant to how you are feeling today?

Scripture is filled with the exhortation to rejoice: despite our circumstances, despite our sense of lack, despite everything. YET I will rejoice in the Lord. Is that difficult for you? As we end prayer today, take time to either rejoice and be joyful, thanking God for His goodness..... or if feels too difficult for you, take time to be honest with God about why.

Music Credit:
"All Things" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693675Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 15 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 15

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel empty? Do you feel full? Give yourself space to become self-aware right now.

The word in this passage that I find most striking is the word: “YET”. Habakkuk first describes an emptiness, a lack, and poverty of sorts. And then comes the word YET. He writes that even in the midst of this emptiness, YET he will rejoice in the Lord. Listen again. What word or image stands out to you? What feels most resonant to how you are feeling today?

Scripture is filled with the exhortation to rejoice: despite our circumstances, despite our sense of lack, despite everything. YET I will rejoice in the Lord. Is that difficult for you? As we end prayer today, take time to either rejoice and be joyful, thanking God for His goodness..... or if feels too difficult for you, take time to be honest with God about why.

Music Credit:
"All Things" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>617audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-13th-2025--67619335
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619335Sat, 13 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-12th-2025--67619330Today is September 12. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.  
 
1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.  
  
What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind... 
  
The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God. 
  
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord. 
 
Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Sing His Name (ft. Alexandria Faison, Tina Colón Williams & Tim Brown) | Live 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619330Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 12.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is September 12. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.  
 
1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.  
  
What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind... 
  
The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God. 
  
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord. 
 
Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Sing His Name (ft. Alexandria Faison, Tina Colón Williams & Tim Brown) | Live 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-11th-2025--67619331Today is September 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.  
 
7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.  
  
Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this. 
  
When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...  
  
As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him... 
 
Music: "God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship  
GOD OF REST (Dios Del Descanso) | Official Lyric Video feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619331Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter...Today is September 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.  
 
7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.  
  
Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this. 
  
When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...  
  
As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him... 
 
Music: "God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship  
GOD OF REST (Dios Del Descanso) | Official Lyric Video feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>871audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-10th-2025--67619333Today is September 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joshua, chapter 8.  
  

So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night with these orders: “Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. The LORD your God will give it into your hand. When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the LORD has commanded. See to it; you have my orders.” Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai—but Joshua spent that night with the people.  
  

Welcome to prayer today. Our Old Testament text is a war story. How do you feel when you come across stories in the Bible that feel out of touch, or strange… or like this one: a story of something violent? How do you feel that the Bible tells the story of a real history… one that is filled with the fallenness of this world?  
  
Into a world filled with violence and hurt, God revealed himself in history as Jesus – the peacemaker. The redeemer. The merciful. Listen to the text again and consider the way of this world. With the way that Jesus teaches us in the beatitudes. What do you do with the breath of this distinction from the Old to the New Testament?  
   
As we end our time together, take a few moments to intercede for areas in your life, or your family, or in the world around you, that are experiencing violence and war. Pray for the revelation of Christ. Pray for protection of the innocent. And pray for God’s kingdom – of mercy, shalom, and loving-kindness, to increase. 

Music: When You Call My Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619333Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joshua, chapter 8.  
  

So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night with these orders: “Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. The LORD your God will give it into your hand. When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the LORD has commanded. See to it; you have my orders.” Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai—but Joshua spent that night with the people.  
  

Welcome to prayer today. Our Old Testament text is a war story. How do you feel when you come across stories in the Bible that feel out of touch, or strange… or like this one: a story of something violent? How do you feel that the Bible tells the story of a real history… one that is filled with the fallenness of this world?  
  
Into a world filled with violence and hurt, God revealed himself in history as Jesus – the peacemaker. The redeemer. The merciful. Listen to the text again and consider the way of this world. With the way that Jesus teaches us in the beatitudes. What do you do with the breath of this distinction from the Old to the New Testament?  
   
As we end our time together, take a few moments to intercede for areas in your life, or your family, or in the world around you, that are experiencing violence and war. Pray for the revelation of Christ. Pray for protection of the innocent. And pray for God’s kingdom – of mercy, shalom, and loving-kindness, to increase. 

Music: When You Call My Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>659audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-9th-2025--67619332Today is September 9.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 & 9.  
  
  
      “Now then, my children, listen to me;  
         blessed are those who keep my ways.  
      Listen to my instruction and be wise;  
         do not disregard it.  
      Blessed are those who listen to me,  
         watching daily at my doors,  
         waiting at my doorway.  
      For those who find me find life  
         and receive favor from the LORD.  
      But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  
         all who hate me love death.”  
Wisdom has built her house;  
         she has set up its seven pillars.  
      She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;  
         she has also set her table.  
      She has sent out her servants, and she calls  
         from the highest point of the city,  
               “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  
         To those who have no sense she says,  
               “Come, eat my food  
         and drink the wine I have mixed.  
      Leave your simple ways and you will live;  
         walk in the way of insight.” 
  

This message from Proverbs is all about our need for wisdom. As you come to prayer today, do you need wisdom for any area of your life? Take time as we begin to bring to mind one or two situations that are tricky or complex, or where the way forward isn’t clear.  Invite the Lord now to bring you wisdom.  
   
“For those who find me, find life.” Proverbs presents wisdom in a personified way… as though wisdom is a person who is present to guide us, to counsel us, and to nourish us. It’s communicating to us that God himself is wisdom. The way of wisdom is not the way of intelligence. The way of wisdom, of insight, goes beyond mere data or language or memorization, or following the crowd of what culture tells us is wise. The way of wisdom is the way of the Lord and the way to life. The way of wisdom, the proverbs say, is also a way that requires our attention. Listen to the pay again and pay attention to all of the blessings that wisdom brings to us… 
   
This passage ends with a great encouragement for us. Wisdom isn’t for the intelligent. It’s not just for the specially gifted. Wisdom isn’t out of reach. No, wisdom calls calls out to us and wants to be found. She stands outside her house and calls to us, and her doors are wide open. And when we come, we feast on an incredible banquet! As we close our time today, be encouraged— God wants to give you wisdom. Be confident that he will speak to you and lead you today. He is with you!

Music: If You Say Go (We Wait For You) - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619332Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 9. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs,...Today is September 9.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 & 9.  
  
  
      “Now then, my children, listen to me;  
         blessed are those who keep my ways.  
      Listen to my instruction and be wise;  
         do not disregard it.  
      Blessed are those who listen to me,  
         watching daily at my doors,  
         waiting at my doorway.  
      For those who find me find life  
         and receive favor from the LORD.  
      But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  
         all who hate me love death.”  
Wisdom has built her house;  
         she has set up its seven pillars.  
      She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;  
         she has also set her table.  
      She has sent out her servants, and she calls  
         from the highest point of the city,  
               “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  
         To those who have no sense she says,  
               “Come, eat my food  
         and drink the wine I have mixed.  
      Leave your simple ways and you will live;  
         walk in the way of insight.” 
  

This message from Proverbs is all about our need for wisdom. As you come to prayer today, do you need wisdom for any area of your life? Take time as we begin to bring to mind one or two situations that are tricky or complex, or where the way forward isn’t clear.  Invite the Lord now to bring you wisdom.  
   
“For those who find me, find life.” Proverbs presents wisdom in a personified way… as though wisdom is a person who is present to guide us, to counsel us, and to nourish us. It’s communicating to us that God himself is wisdom. The way of wisdom is not the way of intelligence. The way of wisdom, of insight, goes beyond mere data or language or memorization, or following the crowd of what culture tells us is wise. The way of wisdom is the way of the Lord and the way to life. The way of wisdom, the proverbs say, is also a way that requires our attention. Listen to the pay again and pay attention to all of the blessings that wisdom brings to us… 
   
This passage ends with a great encouragement for us. Wisdom isn’t for the intelligent. It’s not just for the specially gifted. Wisdom isn’t out of reach. No, wisdom calls calls out to us and wants to be found. She stands outside her house and calls to us, and her doors are wide open. And when we come, we feast on an incredible banquet! As we close our time today, be encouraged— God wants to give you wisdom. Be confident that he will speak to you and lead you today. He is with you!

Music: If You Say Go (We Wait For You) - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>875audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-8th-2025--67619329Today is September 8.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 8.

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

As we enter prayer today, I’m going to ask you to enter into this story as well. Imaginative prayer helps for us to read scripture not just as familiar stories… but as actual events. Can you call to mind a picture of a small boat? Nothing fancy. Nothing modern. It’s small, handmade, and probably rickety. Imagine the waves picking up, and the wind driving rain into your face. Try to smell the stormy air. Imagine the fear of lightening, as the furious storm pounds you and your friends. Have you ever felt terrified? Have you been out in nature, subject to the elements with no shelter. Imagine that. You’re afraid for your life. Take a few moments to imagine this scene, and to try to become connected to this fear and sense of being out of control, with both your senses, and emotions.

Now comes an interruption. In their desperation, the disciples wake Jesus. Perhaps in their anger: how is this guy sleeping through such an all-hands-on-deck-moment? Save us, they cry. We’re going to drown!, they cry. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? A prayer that feels like a last-ditch-effort? Listen again… and imagine now the frantic tone of their call to Jesus:

The Greek work that translates to: you of little faith is used multiple times in Matthew. We perhaps read it as an insult. Or a judgement. But read in context it has the ring of a something one dear friend might say to another… like a nickname of sorts. Now keep in mind, Jesus uses this word to describe his disciples – those who would become saints and martyrs. Their faith – though maybe little – was clearly sufficient! As small as a mustard seed, we might say. But the gospels remind us that even the tiniest seed of faith is all we need bring to God. Even the frustrated and frightened cry of ‘Lord save me!’ is sufficient. AS we end our time of prayer today, reflect on the goodness of God, and how Christ is present to all who call on His name: no matter the ‘size’ of faith we bring to Him.

Music Credit:
Peace Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67619329Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 8. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of...Today is September 8.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 8.

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

As we enter prayer today, I’m going to ask you to enter into this story as well. Imaginative prayer helps for us to read scripture not just as familiar stories… but as actual events. Can you call to mind a picture of a small boat? Nothing fancy. Nothing modern. It’s small, handmade, and probably rickety. Imagine the waves picking up, and the wind driving rain into your face. Try to smell the stormy air. Imagine the fear of lightening, as the furious storm pounds you and your friends. Have you ever felt terrified? Have you been out in nature, subject to the elements with no shelter. Imagine that. You’re afraid for your life. Take a few moments to imagine this scene, and to try to become connected to this fear and sense of being out of control, with both your senses, and emotions.

Now comes an interruption. In their desperation, the disciples wake Jesus. Perhaps in their anger: how is this guy sleeping through such an all-hands-on-deck-moment? Save us, they cry. We’re going to drown!, they cry. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? A prayer that feels like a last-ditch-effort? Listen again… and imagine now the frantic tone of their call to Jesus:

The Greek work that translates to: you of little faith is used multiple times in Matthew. We perhaps read it as an insult. Or a judgement. But read in context it has the ring of a something one dear friend might say to another… like a nickname of sorts. Now keep in mind, Jesus uses this word to describe his disciples – those who would become saints and martyrs. Their faith – though maybe little – was clearly sufficient! As small as a mustard seed, we might say. But the gospels remind us that even the tiniest seed of faith is all we need bring to God. Even the frustrated and frightened cry of ‘Lord save me!’ is sufficient. AS we end our time of prayer today, reflect on the goodness of God, and how Christ is present to all who call on His name: no matter the ‘size’ of faith we bring to Him.

Music Credit:
Peace Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>788audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-6th-2025--67543446
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543446Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-5th-2025--67543443Today is September 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 
 

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?  
  
The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.  
  
Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention. 
 
Music: Make Us One - Vineyard Worship: Make Us One (feat. Mike O'Brien) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543443Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is September 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 
 

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?  
  
The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.  
  
Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention. 
 
Music: Make Us One - Vineyard Worship: Make Us One (feat. Mike O'Brien) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>707audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-4th-2025--67543444Today is September 4.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.  
 

“This, then, is how you should pray:  
          ‘Our Father in heaven,  
         hallowed be your name,  
      your kingdom come,  
         your will be done,  
         on earth as it is in heaven.  
      Give us today our daily bread.  
      And forgive us our debts,  
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
      And lead us not into temptation, 
         but deliver us from the evil one. 
  
  
This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening? 
  
Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today. 
  
If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.   
 
Music: Our Father - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543444Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter...Today is September 4.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.  
 

“This, then, is how you should pray:  
          ‘Our Father in heaven,  
         hallowed be your name,  
      your kingdom come,  
         your will be done,  
         on earth as it is in heaven.  
      Give us today our daily bread.  
      And forgive us our debts,  
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
      And lead us not into temptation, 
         but deliver us from the evil one. 
  
  
This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening? 
  
Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today. 
  
If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.   
 
Music: Our Father - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1037audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-3rd-2025--67543440Today is September 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 4.  
  

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
  
  
As we begin, take a moment to slow down even more. Perhaps, if you’re able to, you can sit still and stop any multitasking. Perhaps you can take another slow deep breath. Remind yourself that God is near to you. Become aware of His presence. 
   
We begin with a reminder to rest because the passage today is all about striving for God, laboring for him. And we need to be reminded that our work comes out of an overflow of rest—God's rest. Paul is telling Timothy that spiritual training – spiritual formation – training in Godliness – is valuable. Essential even. A Christian is someone who becomes more and more like Christ. Christ meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us where we are. He changes us. As you listen to the passage again, consider your own spiritual training. Where are you strong? And where are you weak and in need of training and discipline? 
   
All of us in this world labor and strive for something. What are you striving for today? What is it that is taking up your thought-life, your energy and your time? How does that match up to the effort you put into training in Godliness? Speak to the Lord as we end, and invite Him to continue to draw you towards his grace to become like Christ… and not in the other things that we all to often strive for. 

Music: I Want To Be Faithful - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543440Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 3. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is September 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 4.  
  

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
  
  
As we begin, take a moment to slow down even more. Perhaps, if you’re able to, you can sit still and stop any multitasking. Perhaps you can take another slow deep breath. Remind yourself that God is near to you. Become aware of His presence. 
   
We begin with a reminder to rest because the passage today is all about striving for God, laboring for him. And we need to be reminded that our work comes out of an overflow of rest—God's rest. Paul is telling Timothy that spiritual training – spiritual formation – training in Godliness – is valuable. Essential even. A Christian is someone who becomes more and more like Christ. Christ meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us where we are. He changes us. As you listen to the passage again, consider your own spiritual training. Where are you strong? And where are you weak and in need of training and discipline? 
   
All of us in this world labor and strive for something. What are you striving for today? What is it that is taking up your thought-life, your energy and your time? How does that match up to the effort you put into training in Godliness? Speak to the Lord as we end, and invite Him to continue to draw you towards his grace to become like Christ… and not in the other things that we all to often strive for. 

Music: I Want To Be Faithful - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>610audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-2nd-2025--67543442Today is September 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.  


Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 
     who trains my hands for war, 
     my fingers for battle. 
He is my loving God and my fortress, 
     my stronghold and my deliverer, 
my shield, in whom I take refuge, 
     who subdues peoples[a] under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, 
     mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath; 
     their days are like a fleeting shadow. 
  

David, the shepherd king, wrote this song around the time he ascends to rulership over all of Israel. David had experienced a lot in his life: war, peace, violence, blessing, betrayal… As you come to prayer today, consider for a few moments some of the most significant of your own personal formation…. See if you can recall a formational – for good or bad - experience from each decade of your life. 
   
As David considers his own life, he writes this: what are human beings that you care for them?” As David reviews his past, he is struck by how fleeting our lives are. Do you ever consider things like that? How does it make you feel to listen to David’s words: “they are like a breath, their days are a fleeing shadow…”? The phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you will die”, and for Christians, it’s not meant to be a dark or depressing thought. Rather, it’s meant to orient us: to our fragility, to this temporal world, and to the reality of eternity in God’s kingdom. Listen to the text again and consider these things: 
   
When we are oriented towards the reality that it is from dust that we have come, and to dust that we will return, we become more oriented away from temporary things, and toward eternal things. For some who are listening, the idea of our own death may feel uncomfortably close. For others, it might feel unimaginable. What might it look like today to acknowledge, that God’s care is toward us, that He is mindful of us, even though we are ‘mere fragile mortals’?

Music: Our Victor and Peace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543442Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.   Praise be...Today is September 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.  


Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 
     who trains my hands for war, 
     my fingers for battle. 
He is my loving God and my fortress, 
     my stronghold and my deliverer, 
my shield, in whom I take refuge, 
     who subdues peoples[a] under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, 
     mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath; 
     their days are like a fleeting shadow. 
  

David, the shepherd king, wrote this song around the time he ascends to rulership over all of Israel. David had experienced a lot in his life: war, peace, violence, blessing, betrayal… As you come to prayer today, consider for a few moments some of the most significant of your own personal formation…. See if you can recall a formational – for good or bad - experience from each decade of your life. 
   
As David considers his own life, he writes this: what are human beings that you care for them?” As David reviews his past, he is struck by how fleeting our lives are. Do you ever consider things like that? How does it make you feel to listen to David’s words: “they are like a breath, their days are a fleeing shadow…”? The phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you will die”, and for Christians, it’s not meant to be a dark or depressing thought. Rather, it’s meant to orient us: to our fragility, to this temporal world, and to the reality of eternity in God’s kingdom. Listen to the text again and consider these things: 
   
When we are oriented towards the reality that it is from dust that we have come, and to dust that we will return, we become more oriented away from temporary things, and toward eternal things. For some who are listening, the idea of our own death may feel uncomfortably close. For others, it might feel unimaginable. What might it look like today to acknowledge, that God’s care is toward us, that He is mindful of us, even though we are ‘mere fragile mortals’?

Music: Our Victor and Peace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>652audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-1st-2025--67543441Today is September 1

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 1.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

As we come to an end of our week, can you reflect on what it means that Paul prays that we would ‘know God better’. That we would know His hope, and His inheritance, and His power? Do you feel – today – like you know Him this deeply?

Sometimes, there are seasons of faith where you might feel an incredible closeness to God… and deep sense of knowledge of His character. There are also seasons of faith where you feel far off. Where you feel like you don’t know God well at all. Maybe you don’t feel like you ‘know’ hope. Or power. You don’t know what it means to be called to the riches of his glorious inheritance. Listen again, and allow yourself to be honest about how you feel as you come to God today.

Would you allow this prayer of St Paul to hold you up and draw you nearer to God today? From the ancient church, believers have prayed this prayer forward for other believers – for us even! Paul prays in a verb tense that implies he asks and keeps asking and keeps asking… that this prayerful request is ongoing. Pray for yourself today, to know God better. And pray also for generations of believer still to come… pray forward… that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to the truth of who God is.

Music Credit:
"More than Anything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67543441Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 1 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 1

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 1.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

As we come to an end of our week, can you reflect on what it means that Paul prays that we would ‘know God better’. That we would know His hope, and His inheritance, and His power? Do you feel – today – like you know Him this deeply?

Sometimes, there are seasons of faith where you might feel an incredible closeness to God… and deep sense of knowledge of His character. There are also seasons of faith where you feel far off. Where you feel like you don’t know God well at all. Maybe you don’t feel like you ‘know’ hope. Or power. You don’t know what it means to be called to the riches of his glorious inheritance. Listen again, and allow yourself to be honest about how you feel as you come to God today.

Would you allow this prayer of St Paul to hold you up and draw you nearer to God today? From the ancient church, believers have prayed this prayer forward for other believers – for us even! Paul prays in a verb tense that implies he asks and keeps asking and keeps asking… that this prayerful request is ongoing. Pray for yourself today, to know God better. And pray also for generations of believer still to come… pray forward… that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to the truth of who God is.

Music Credit:
"More than Anything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>804audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-30th-2025--67470050
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470050Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-29th-2025--67470059Today is August 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.  
 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 
 

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?  
  
When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph. 
  
As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music: "For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470059Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is August 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.  
 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 
 

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?  
  
When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph. 
  
As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music: "For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>821audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-28th-2025--67470057Today is August 28.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.  
 

“In that day  
         “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—  
         I will repair its broken walls  
         and restore its ruins—  
         and will rebuild it as it used to be,  
      so that they may possess the remnant of Edom  
         and all the nations that bear my name, 
           declares the LORD, who will do these things.  
 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,  
         “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman  
         and the planter by the one treading grapes.  
         New wine will drip from the mountains  
         and flow from all the hills,  
        and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. 
  
         “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.  
         They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;  
         they will make gardens and eat their fruit.  
      I will plant Israel in their own land,  
         never again to be uprooted  
         from the land I have given them,”  
            says the LORD your God. 
  
 
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him. 
  
As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…  
 
We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.  
 
Music: "You Speak" -Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470057Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.    ...Today is August 28.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.  
 

“In that day  
         “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—  
         I will repair its broken walls  
         and restore its ruins—  
         and will rebuild it as it used to be,  
      so that they may possess the remnant of Edom  
         and all the nations that bear my name, 
           declares the LORD, who will do these things.  
 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,  
         “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman  
         and the planter by the one treading grapes.  
         New wine will drip from the mountains  
         and flow from all the hills,  
        and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. 
  
         “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.  
         They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;  
         they will make gardens and eat their fruit.  
      I will plant Israel in their own land,  
         never again to be uprooted  
         from the land I have given them,”  
            says the LORD your God. 
  
 
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him. 
  
As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…  
 
We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.  
 
Music: "You Speak" -Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>643audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-27th-2025--67470060Today is August 27.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 15.  
  

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  
  

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Maybe at a wedding where you didn't know anyone else but the bride, or at work where everyone seems to leave you out. Or you may even feel that way in your own family. Everyone experiences times when they feel alienated from others. No one likes feeling different. Call to mind a situation where you yourself felt as if you didn't belong. 
  
God created us for connection. As you hear these words of Jesus again, listen for a particular phrase that stands out to you, and talk to the Lord about what it brings up for you. 
   
The next time you feel like you don't belong, try to remember that you are not alone.  
You are meant to stand out as a beacon of hope in the darkness.  As we end our time of prayer, ask God to draw near to you, and to remind you of his faithfulness.

Music: Restore - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470060Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 27. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is August 27.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 15.  
  

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  
  

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Maybe at a wedding where you didn't know anyone else but the bride, or at work where everyone seems to leave you out. Or you may even feel that way in your own family. Everyone experiences times when they feel alienated from others. No one likes feeling different. Call to mind a situation where you yourself felt as if you didn't belong. 
  
God created us for connection. As you hear these words of Jesus again, listen for a particular phrase that stands out to you, and talk to the Lord about what it brings up for you. 
   
The next time you feel like you don't belong, try to remember that you are not alone.  
You are meant to stand out as a beacon of hope in the darkness.  As we end our time of prayer, ask God to draw near to you, and to remind you of his faithfulness.

Music: Restore - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>688audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-26th-2025--67470058Today is August 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 9.  
  

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.  
 

The Israelites had just spent time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the trials he has sustained them through. In looking back, they could see how their disobedience had caused all of the calamity that had come upon them, and how His hand had guided their ancestors through war, slavery, and desert wandering. They read the scriptures and meditated on them, and their response was penitence, confession, and worship. When you consider what God has brought you through in your life, what kind of response rises up in you?  
  
The Israelites had endured great instability and unrest, and had allowed their love for God and obligations to God to be neglected, including their regular observation of the Sabbath. As you hear the passage again, think about your own relationship with God. What aspects of your own devotion have you neglected?   
  
As we close our time of prayer today, take a few moments and confess your sin of neglect to God and ask him for a renewed desire for and love for his word? Ask him to come by his spirit to give you a pure heart toward him again. 

Music: Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470058Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah,...Today is August 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 9.  
  

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.  
 

The Israelites had just spent time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the trials he has sustained them through. In looking back, they could see how their disobedience had caused all of the calamity that had come upon them, and how His hand had guided their ancestors through war, slavery, and desert wandering. They read the scriptures and meditated on them, and their response was penitence, confession, and worship. When you consider what God has brought you through in your life, what kind of response rises up in you?  
  
The Israelites had endured great instability and unrest, and had allowed their love for God and obligations to God to be neglected, including their regular observation of the Sabbath. As you hear the passage again, think about your own relationship with God. What aspects of your own devotion have you neglected?   
  
As we close our time of prayer today, take a few moments and confess your sin of neglect to God and ask him for a renewed desire for and love for his word? Ask him to come by his spirit to give you a pure heart toward him again. 

Music: Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-25th-2025--67470056Today is August 25th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 133.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
3 For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

This is a simple couple of verses, but a challenging thing to take from paper into real life. As we begin our time of prayer, would you be willing to bring the places in your own heart where you are not feeling ‘unified’ with other Christians in your life?

So listen to the scripture again, and consider a time where you experienced the ‘good and pleasant’ reality of Christian unity that goes beyond all of our division and diversity. And keep in mind as you listen: this psalm was written to a people who were unique in being God’s chosen people. But the church of Jesus – the New Testament church – wasn’t a single culture . It was a new family, a family marked by not dividing walls of insider and outsider, but marked by: Jesus.

As we end our time of prayer today, talk with God about places where you experience division within church at large. Ask God for wisdom and instruction about how to walk forward in the most Christ-honoring way possible.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67470056Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 25th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 133. 1 How...Today is August 25th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 133.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
3 For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

This is a simple couple of verses, but a challenging thing to take from paper into real life. As we begin our time of prayer, would you be willing to bring the places in your own heart where you are not feeling ‘unified’ with other Christians in your life?

So listen to the scripture again, and consider a time where you experienced the ‘good and pleasant’ reality of Christian unity that goes beyond all of our division and diversity. And keep in mind as you listen: this psalm was written to a people who were unique in being God’s chosen people. But the church of Jesus – the New Testament church – wasn’t a single culture . It was a new family, a family marked by not dividing walls of insider and outsider, but marked by: Jesus.

As we end our time of prayer today, talk with God about places where you experience division within church at large. Ask God for wisdom and instruction about how to walk forward in the most Christ-honoring way possible.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-23rd-2025--67360105
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360105Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-22nd-2025--67360107Today is August 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.  
 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.   
 
 
St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ. 
  
So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.
  
When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music: "All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360107Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is August 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.  
 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.   
 
 
St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ. 
  
So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.
  
When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music: "All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-21st-2025--67360106Today is August 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. 
 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.  
 

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?  
  
The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…  
  
Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate?  What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.  
  
Music: "Reign In Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360106Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. ...Today is August 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. 
 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.  
 

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?  
  
The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…  
  
Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate?  What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.  
  
Music: "Reign In Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>773audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-20th-2025--67360109Today is August 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis, chapter 45.  
  

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.  
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 
  

This passage describes a man, Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. Slavery led him to prison to die, but a divine turn of events led to his rise to power over Egypt. Joseph had become a high ranking official in Egypt. He had risen above his circumstances, and he could see God's hand moving. Things had worked out quite well for him, despite the challenges, and now he was in a situation where he could help his family. But in this moment, Joseph was confronted with the fact that he hadn't been able to fully forgive them for what they had done. Take a moment and consider what it would have felt like to be Joseph in that situation. What would he have felt?    
  
Think for a moment about a situation in your life where you have been hurt. It could have been years ago, something that happened in your childhood. Or maybe a more recent break in a relationship with a loved one. Or a friend. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this passage is about you and that other person. What feelings or emotions rise to the surface as you consider your own situation?  
 
As we close our time of prayer today, I wonder if you could take an area of unforgiveness in your life and lay it before God. Ask Him to help you understand what his purpose is for your pain, and how you can take a small step toward forgiveness. Could you ask God for grace to see how this is part of your larger redemption story? One that ends with more joy than the pain you feel now.

Music: God Has Been Good To Me - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360109Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 20. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is August 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis, chapter 45.  
  

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.  
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 
  

This passage describes a man, Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. Slavery led him to prison to die, but a divine turn of events led to his rise to power over Egypt. Joseph had become a high ranking official in Egypt. He had risen above his circumstances, and he could see God's hand moving. Things had worked out quite well for him, despite the challenges, and now he was in a situation where he could help his family. But in this moment, Joseph was confronted with the fact that he hadn't been able to fully forgive them for what they had done. Take a moment and consider what it would have felt like to be Joseph in that situation. What would he have felt?    
  
Think for a moment about a situation in your life where you have been hurt. It could have been years ago, something that happened in your childhood. Or maybe a more recent break in a relationship with a loved one. Or a friend. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this passage is about you and that other person. What feelings or emotions rise to the surface as you consider your own situation?  
 
As we close our time of prayer today, I wonder if you could take an area of unforgiveness in your life and lay it before God. Ask Him to help you understand what his purpose is for your pain, and how you can take a small step toward forgiveness. Could you ask God for grace to see how this is part of your larger redemption story? One that ends with more joy than the pain you feel now.

Music: God Has Been Good To Me - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>867audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-19th-2025--67360108Today is August 19.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.  
  

      I will sing of your love and justice;  
         to you, LORD, I will sing praise.  
      I will be careful to lead a blameless life—  
         when will you come to me?  
         I will conduct the affairs of my house  
         with a blameless heart.  
      I will not look with approval  
         on anything that is vile.  
         I hate what faithless people do;  
         I will have no part in it.  
  

Welcome to prayer, my friends. This section of the psalm has a lot of divergent sorts of vocabulary: love, justice, careful, blameless, vile, faithless. It’s a bit all over the place. How are you feeling as you come to prayer? Invite the Lord to abide with you now, and take a bit more time of quiet contemplation. Welcome the spirit of God to increase His presence to you. 
   
Several of these phrases stand out to me: i will sing of your love. I will be careful to lead a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will not approve what is vile. What stands out to you? I’m noticing the polarity between that which is just, and blameless... and that which is vile, and faithless. Listen again and pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you. 
 
As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out and recall it to mind. Maybe you’ve already forgotten it! No problem, just rewind a bit and find it again. I want for you to ask God to deepen that scripture into your mind and heart so that it informs your behavior today. 

Music: You Are Worthy Of My Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360108Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 19. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.            I will...Today is August 19.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.  
  

      I will sing of your love and justice;  
         to you, LORD, I will sing praise.  
      I will be careful to lead a blameless life—  
         when will you come to me?  
         I will conduct the affairs of my house  
         with a blameless heart.  
      I will not look with approval  
         on anything that is vile.  
         I hate what faithless people do;  
         I will have no part in it.  
  

Welcome to prayer, my friends. This section of the psalm has a lot of divergent sorts of vocabulary: love, justice, careful, blameless, vile, faithless. It’s a bit all over the place. How are you feeling as you come to prayer? Invite the Lord to abide with you now, and take a bit more time of quiet contemplation. Welcome the spirit of God to increase His presence to you. 
   
Several of these phrases stand out to me: i will sing of your love. I will be careful to lead a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will not approve what is vile. What stands out to you? I’m noticing the polarity between that which is just, and blameless... and that which is vile, and faithless. Listen again and pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you. 
 
As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out and recall it to mind. Maybe you’ve already forgotten it! No problem, just rewind a bit and find it again. I want for you to ask God to deepen that scripture into your mind and heart so that it informs your behavior today. 

Music: You Are Worthy Of My Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>896audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-18th-2025--67360102Today is August 18

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Do you feel thirsty for God’s Spirit today? Is your cup overflowing? Instead of a lot of words today, let’s lean into a prayerful abiding with the Lord. We’ll take the next thirty seconds to quietly sit with the presence of God. If you’re able to, sit down or stand quietly with your eyes closed. You may open your hands to the Lord, or put one hand over your heart, or simple find a comfortable posture. Focus on taking a few, slow breaths, and pray… Come: Holy Spirit…

We are people of the presence of God, and while we know that He abides with us, we very often lose our sense of Him. Throughout your day today, bring your attention back to God and ask him to increase your hunger and thirst for His spirit. Be attentive to His presence with you, and the gift he has to give you.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67360102Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 18 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Joel,...Today is August 18

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Do you feel thirsty for God’s Spirit today? Is your cup overflowing? Instead of a lot of words today, let’s lean into a prayerful abiding with the Lord. We’ll take the next thirty seconds to quietly sit with the presence of God. If you’re able to, sit down or stand quietly with your eyes closed. You may open your hands to the Lord, or put one hand over your heart, or simple find a comfortable posture. Focus on taking a few, slow breaths, and pray… Come: Holy Spirit…

We are people of the presence of God, and while we know that He abides with us, we very often lose our sense of Him. Throughout your day today, bring your attention back to God and ask him to increase your hunger and thirst for His spirit. Be attentive to His presence with you, and the gift he has to give you.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>742audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-16th-2025--67284742
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284742Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-15th-2025--67284727Today is August 15.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.  
 

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  
 

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things…  Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?  
  
Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them. 
  
Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus. 
 
Music: "Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284727Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is August 15.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.  
 

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  
 

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things…  Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?  
  
Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them. 
  
Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus. 
 
Music: "Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>650audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-14th-2025--67284728Today is August 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.  
 

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 
  


The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.  
  
In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.  
  
I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.  
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284728Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter...Today is August 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.  
 

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 
  


The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.  
  
In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.  
  
I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.  
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-13th-2025--67284726Today is August 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18.  
  

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!”  
The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”  
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”  
The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there.  
Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”  
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”  
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 
  
  
Perhaps this passage is difficult to understand. To put it simply, King David is waiting for news about his son, Absalom. And the news he receives is bad... King David, the text tells us, is shaken, goes to his room to be on his own, and weeps. David’s life is full of emotion, and pain, and victory – and like in this passage – all those are often comingled. Talk to the Lord about how much emotion David demonstrates. How do you deal with your own emotions? With grief, or pain? 
   
The Bible is not afraid to narrate the truth of the world. The Bible doesn’t paint a picture of a spiritual life that is simplistic, or escapist, or void of difficulty. The Bible, which is a story about where we are coming from, and where we are heading, and what story we are a part of... is filled with the kind of disorder and emotional reality that are lives are filled with. Listen to the story again and consider how it describes David. Imagine him: a father... waiting.... for news. 
   
There is a lot of rich history and theology to this passage, but what I find striking is the plain grief. David was shaken. David wept. Oh my son, David cried out. Do you hold any areas of grief in your life right now? Do you know anyone else who does? How might you be present to your own grief, or to the grief of someone you care about? Ask the Lord to guide you in the ways of all comfort today.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284726Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 13.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is August 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18.  
  

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!”  
The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”  
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”  
The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there.  
Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”  
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”  
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 
  
  
Perhaps this passage is difficult to understand. To put it simply, King David is waiting for news about his son, Absalom. And the news he receives is bad... King David, the text tells us, is shaken, goes to his room to be on his own, and weeps. David’s life is full of emotion, and pain, and victory – and like in this passage – all those are often comingled. Talk to the Lord about how much emotion David demonstrates. How do you deal with your own emotions? With grief, or pain? 
   
The Bible is not afraid to narrate the truth of the world. The Bible doesn’t paint a picture of a spiritual life that is simplistic, or escapist, or void of difficulty. The Bible, which is a story about where we are coming from, and where we are heading, and what story we are a part of... is filled with the kind of disorder and emotional reality that are lives are filled with. Listen to the story again and consider how it describes David. Imagine him: a father... waiting.... for news. 
   
There is a lot of rich history and theology to this passage, but what I find striking is the plain grief. David was shaken. David wept. Oh my son, David cried out. Do you hold any areas of grief in your life right now? Do you know anyone else who does? How might you be present to your own grief, or to the grief of someone you care about? Ask the Lord to guide you in the ways of all comfort today.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>897audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-12th-2025--67284729Today is August 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 
  

The contrast of light and darkness in the Scripture is connected with our actions, our deeds. Good deeds are done often in the light and are like light. They shine God’s goodness all around. But bad deeds are often done in the dark and are like dark. They cover us with shame and darkness. Take a moment and consider your own life... think about a time when you did something good out of a good heart. How did that make you and others feel? Now, think for a moment about a time when you did something bad out of a bad heart. How did that make you or others feel?  
  
The Apostle Paul uses the image of light and darkness to describe that feeling. When we do bad things out of a bad heart it’s like cold darkness covering over us. But when we do good things from a good heart? It’s like warm light shining all around. In fact, he says we are the light in the Lord when we shine by doing good. As you hear the passage again, feel the light in this passage.  

All of us sin and at times walk in darkness. What’s important is to know that you can come into the light, right now! You don’t have to hide, or be ashamed, or be afraid? Why? Because we know that God always has forgiveness for us. When we confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and make us clean. So right now, as we close our time. Confess your sin to him and be clean. And now that you are clean, today, ask God to help you not only walk in the light, but be light to others.

Music: Eternal Light - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284729Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians,...Today is August 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 
  

The contrast of light and darkness in the Scripture is connected with our actions, our deeds. Good deeds are done often in the light and are like light. They shine God’s goodness all around. But bad deeds are often done in the dark and are like dark. They cover us with shame and darkness. Take a moment and consider your own life... think about a time when you did something good out of a good heart. How did that make you and others feel? Now, think for a moment about a time when you did something bad out of a bad heart. How did that make you or others feel?  
  
The Apostle Paul uses the image of light and darkness to describe that feeling. When we do bad things out of a bad heart it’s like cold darkness covering over us. But when we do good things from a good heart? It’s like warm light shining all around. In fact, he says we are the light in the Lord when we shine by doing good. As you hear the passage again, feel the light in this passage.  

All of us sin and at times walk in darkness. What’s important is to know that you can come into the light, right now! You don’t have to hide, or be ashamed, or be afraid? Why? Because we know that God always has forgiveness for us. When we confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and make us clean. So right now, as we close our time. Confess your sin to him and be clean. And now that you are clean, today, ask God to help you not only walk in the light, but be light to others.

Music: Eternal Light - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>677audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-11th-2025--67284731Today is August 11.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 30.

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

There is a lot in this ancient text that we find hard to understand. But there is one thing that makes perfect sense to us, even in our modern world: we know what it feels like to feel grief.

David and his men were grieved by profound and traumatic loss. They were greatly distressed. They wept until they had not more strength. As you come to prayer today... what emotions are you carrying? Can you speak them out to the Lord?

David cries until he has no more strength, the scripture tells us. And then: he found strength in the Lord. This scripture doesn’t tell us that David felt strong the whole way through. Quite the opposite: he felt totally empty. Totally weak. Totally bankrupt. And then, in that state, he turned to the Lord. Listen again. If you are in a season of grief, or weakness, or emptiness right now... can you turn to the Lord like David did? Can you ask Him to renew your strength?

Where is it that you feel emptied today? What is it that you need? What feels impossible, but by the grace of God? Sometimes we hold those things as worries, as anxieties. We ruminate on them instead of praying. As we end, take a moment and talk to God – out loud even – about where it is you feel grieved, or emptied, or weak. And invite Him, by the power of the Spirit, to fill you up. Again, sometimes giving voice to our prayers – even in a whisper – helps us to move from anxiously ruminating or worrying... to actually abiding with our Father in heaven.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67284731Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 11. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1...Today is August 11.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 30.

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

There is a lot in this ancient text that we find hard to understand. But there is one thing that makes perfect sense to us, even in our modern world: we know what it feels like to feel grief.

David and his men were grieved by profound and traumatic loss. They were greatly distressed. They wept until they had not more strength. As you come to prayer today... what emotions are you carrying? Can you speak them out to the Lord?

David cries until he has no more strength, the scripture tells us. And then: he found strength in the Lord. This scripture doesn’t tell us that David felt strong the whole way through. Quite the opposite: he felt totally empty. Totally weak. Totally bankrupt. And then, in that state, he turned to the Lord. Listen again. If you are in a season of grief, or weakness, or emptiness right now... can you turn to the Lord like David did? Can you ask Him to renew your strength?

Where is it that you feel emptied today? What is it that you need? What feels impossible, but by the grace of God? Sometimes we hold those things as worries, as anxieties. We ruminate on them instead of praying. As we end, take a moment and talk to God – out loud even – about where it is you feel grieved, or emptied, or weak. And invite Him, by the power of the Spirit, to fill you up. Again, sometimes giving voice to our prayers – even in a whisper – helps us to move from anxiously ruminating or worrying... to actually abiding with our Father in heaven.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1006audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-9th-2025--67189167
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189167Sat, 09 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-8th-2025--67189163Today is August 8.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8. 
 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
  

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?  
 
Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conquerer?   
  
As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen  
  
Music: What Can Seperate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189163Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is August 8.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8. 
 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
  

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?  
 
Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conquerer?   
  
As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen  
  
Music: What Can Seperate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>750audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-7th-2025--67189162Today is August 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  
 

Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  
 

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today? 
 
As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaning, interrogaing him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text? 
 
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love. 
 
Music: I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189162Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  ...Today is August 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  
 

Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  
 

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today? 
 
As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaning, interrogaing him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text? 
 
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love. 
 
Music: I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>947audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-6th-2025--67261930

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
  
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. 
  
Here the Apostle Paul shares with us a metaphor of the church. The church is like a body. It has hands and feet. It has eyes and ears. It has a mouth and a mind. And each person who is a follower of Christ is to fulfill their function in that body. Each of us has a part. You are vital—essential, even—to the church, to the body of Christ, to function well? Consider a body that has a mind but no mouth, no way to communicate. Or can see but not hear. Or has hands, but no feet to move? Take a moment and ask yourself if you are taking your place in the body of Christ? 
  
As you hear the passage again, consider what gift God has given you for the sake of others. Are you someone who is compelled to bring the good news of Jesus, like an apostle? Or do you have a word from God to share, like a prophet? Do you have faith to pray for miracles? Does God want you to release God’s healing power? D you have the ability to help others understand God’s word? Or do you have the gift of prayer, even praying in a spiritual language? What gift resonates with you today?   

These gifts aren’t meant to be exhaustive. And they aren’t natural gifts like your temperament. They are special gifts that God gives in order to be the body of Christ in the world. And the scriptures tell us that God gives these gifts to everyone who follows Jesus, so that the body of Christ might be built up and strengthened. As we close our time, would you take a few moments and name the one gift that resonated with you and hold it before the Lord, and ask him to fill it with his power and presence. As him to give you grace and courage to step out today and use the gift that he’s given you.  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67261930Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 6th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
  
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. 
  
Here the Apostle Paul shares with us a metaphor of the church. The church is like a body. It has hands and feet. It has eyes and ears. It has a mouth and a mind. And each person who is a follower of Christ is to fulfill their function in that body. Each of us has a part. You are vital—essential, even—to the church, to the body of Christ, to function well? Consider a body that has a mind but no mouth, no way to communicate. Or can see but not hear. Or has hands, but no feet to move? Take a moment and ask yourself if you are taking your place in the body of Christ? 
  
As you hear the passage again, consider what gift God has given you for the sake of others. Are you someone who is compelled to bring the good news of Jesus, like an apostle? Or do you have a word from God to share, like a prophet? Do you have faith to pray for miracles? Does God want you to release God’s healing power? D you have the ability to help others understand God’s word? Or do you have the gift of prayer, even praying in a spiritual language? What gift resonates with you today?   

These gifts aren’t meant to be exhaustive. And they aren’t natural gifts like your temperament. They are special gifts that God gives in order to be the body of Christ in the world. And the scriptures tell us that God gives these gifts to everyone who follows Jesus, so that the body of Christ might be built up and strengthened. As we close our time, would you take a few moments and name the one gift that resonated with you and hold it before the Lord, and ask him to fill it with his power and presence. As him to give you grace and courage to step out today and use the gift that he’s given you.  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>789audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-5th-2025--67189161Today is August 5.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
  

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 
  
  
The early Christians Paul was writing to needed to maintain relationships with Gentiles, while navigating their new, counter-cultural mindsets. Persecuted and surrounded by hostility, they were expected to maintain a positive, Christ like attitude among the people, who didn't understand, accept, or even like the idea of Jesus. As His followers, they wanted to think like Jesus did, but He had His Father guiding Him through the darkness, ignorance, and hate of the faithless world. His perfect mindset kept Him connected to the Father and allowed him to live in a world that contradicts the Word. Talk to the Lord about how you navigate these kinds of spaces. 
  
What qualities define this new mindset: Compassion. Loving. Humble. Righteousness and holiness. 
But also, relaxed. Jesus never hurried past people. He remained present, focused on who was in front of Him, and trusted in God's ability to finish the rest. He surrendered in the security of the power of God. His certainty that He was only doing the will of His Father took the pressure off of Him. He lived freely because of this connection to God. How much pressure do you carry with you? Where do you struggle because you're under too much pressure and won't let it go? As you listen again, call to mind an area of pressure you need to give to the Lord so that you can have a more Christ-like mind? 
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider what it could look like for you to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ask God to lead you towards becoming the person He made you to be.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189161Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians,...Today is August 5.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
  

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 
  
  
The early Christians Paul was writing to needed to maintain relationships with Gentiles, while navigating their new, counter-cultural mindsets. Persecuted and surrounded by hostility, they were expected to maintain a positive, Christ like attitude among the people, who didn't understand, accept, or even like the idea of Jesus. As His followers, they wanted to think like Jesus did, but He had His Father guiding Him through the darkness, ignorance, and hate of the faithless world. His perfect mindset kept Him connected to the Father and allowed him to live in a world that contradicts the Word. Talk to the Lord about how you navigate these kinds of spaces. 
  
What qualities define this new mindset: Compassion. Loving. Humble. Righteousness and holiness. 
But also, relaxed. Jesus never hurried past people. He remained present, focused on who was in front of Him, and trusted in God's ability to finish the rest. He surrendered in the security of the power of God. His certainty that He was only doing the will of His Father took the pressure off of Him. He lived freely because of this connection to God. How much pressure do you carry with you? Where do you struggle because you're under too much pressure and won't let it go? As you listen again, call to mind an area of pressure you need to give to the Lord so that you can have a more Christ-like mind? 
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider what it could look like for you to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ask God to lead you towards becoming the person He made you to be.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-4th-2025--67189152Today is August 4th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hosea, chapter 2.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the LORD,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the LORD—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

One of the ways to think about the story of the Bible is to think about a story of a troubled marriage. God had made a covenant with the people of Israel and described that covenant as something akin to a marriage covenant. And like every marriage it started with a honeymoon phase. And like every marriage things became difficult at a certain point. And in this case it became seemingly impossible to continue because Israel became so unfaithful. Israel’s heart for God, her heart for the relationship was gone. Reflect for a moment on where your heart with God is? How would you describe your relationship with God?

In the story of Hosea, God’s response is so different than our human inclination. He says, “No matter how cold your heart is toward me, I’m not going to stop loving you. Even though you have left me, I’m going to wait for you.” As you hear the passage again, consider the unbelievable faithfulness of God toward you, that no matter how warm or cold the state of your heart or how strong or poor your relationship is, he is faithful to you.

Consider the end of the story. The end of the story is a marriage made new, a love made new. God is preparing his bride, the body of Christ. And one day, you and I will experience the fulness and rightness of love as it was meant to be. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to fill your heart with a love that anticipates that day.

Music Credit:
Reckless Love - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67189152Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 4th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Hosea,...Today is August 4th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hosea, chapter 2.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the LORD,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the LORD—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

One of the ways to think about the story of the Bible is to think about a story of a troubled marriage. God had made a covenant with the people of Israel and described that covenant as something akin to a marriage covenant. And like every marriage it started with a honeymoon phase. And like every marriage things became difficult at a certain point. And in this case it became seemingly impossible to continue because Israel became so unfaithful. Israel’s heart for God, her heart for the relationship was gone. Reflect for a moment on where your heart with God is? How would you describe your relationship with God?

In the story of Hosea, God’s response is so different than our human inclination. He says, “No matter how cold your heart is toward me, I’m not going to stop loving you. Even though you have left me, I’m going to wait for you.” As you hear the passage again, consider the unbelievable faithfulness of God toward you, that no matter how warm or cold the state of your heart or how strong or poor your relationship is, he is faithful to you.

Consider the end of the story. The end of the story is a marriage made new, a love made new. God is preparing his bride, the body of Christ. And one day, you and I will experience the fulness and rightness of love as it was meant to be. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to fill your heart with a love that anticipates that day.

Music Credit:
Reckless Love - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>916audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-2nd-2025--67076516
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076516Sat, 02 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-1st-2025--67076301Today is August 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.   
  

Jesus answered... Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  
  

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?  
   
The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel? 
   
For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.  
   
Music: The Hidden Place - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076301Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is August 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.   
  

Jesus answered... Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  
  

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?  
   
The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel? 
   
For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.  
   
Music: The Hidden Place - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>680audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-31st-2025--67076303Today is July 31.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.   
  

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”   
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.  
  

This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul. This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?  
   
Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast…  And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.  
   
Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you. 
  
Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076303Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 31. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is July 31.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.   
  

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”   
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.  
  

This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul. This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?  
   
Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast…  And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.  
   
Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you. 
  
Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>918audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-30th-2025--67076300Today is July 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076300Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>851audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-29th-2025--67076302Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076302Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter...Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>625audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-28th-2025--67076320Today is July 28

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

For how long have you followed the Lord? take a moment to remember when it was you first gave your life to Christ?

Perhaps you are a sage… someone who has followed God since your youth, and who are now – as the psalmist writes – old and gray. American culture doesn’t do a very good job of honoring our elders… but it’s the patience, endurance, resilience, and faithfulness of sages in the church that inspires the next generation of believers. Listen to the psalm again, and note what word or phrase stands out to you.

The psalmist wants to declare God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Have you shared your faith story with anyone from the next generation? As we end our time of prayer, invite God to speak to you about who He might have for you to share your God story with.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67076320Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 28 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 71. 17 Since...Today is July 28

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

For how long have you followed the Lord? take a moment to remember when it was you first gave your life to Christ?

Perhaps you are a sage… someone who has followed God since your youth, and who are now – as the psalmist writes – old and gray. American culture doesn’t do a very good job of honoring our elders… but it’s the patience, endurance, resilience, and faithfulness of sages in the church that inspires the next generation of believers. Listen to the psalm again, and note what word or phrase stands out to you.

The psalmist wants to declare God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Have you shared your faith story with anyone from the next generation? As we end our time of prayer, invite God to speak to you about who He might have for you to share your God story with.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>654audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-26th-2025--66997210
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997210Sat, 26 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-25th-2025--66997179Today is July 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.   
  

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  
   

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?   
   
John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation. 
   
This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music: As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music: As Above So Below 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997179Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.   
  

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  
   

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?   
   
John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation. 
   
This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music: As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music: As Above So Below 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>768audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-24th-2025--66997178Today is July 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.   
  

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”   
I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
   

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage…  Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?  
   
Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?  
 
The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?” 
  
Music:  You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997178Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter...Today is July 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.   
  

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”   
I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
   

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage…  Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?  
   
Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?  
 
The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?” 
  
Music:  You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-23rd-2025--66997166Today is July 23.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.  
 
      From the ends of the earth I call to you,  
         I call as my heart grows faint;  
         lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  
      For you have been my refuge,  
         a strong tower against the foe.  
       I long to dwell in your tent forever  
         and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  
      For you, God, have heard my vows;  
         you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  
       Increase the days of the king’s life,  
         his years for many generations.  
      May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  
         appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.  
       Then I will ever sing in praise of your name  
         and fulfill my vows day after day. 
  
I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?  
   
Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.  
   
That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?

Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997166Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 23.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.  
 
      From the ends of the earth I call to you,  
         I call as my heart grows faint;  
         lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  
      For you have been my refuge,  
         a strong tower against the foe.  
       I long to dwell in your tent forever  
         and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  
      For you, God, have heard my vows;  
         you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  
       Increase the days of the king’s life,  
         his years for many generations.  
      May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  
         appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.  
       Then I will ever sing in praise of your name  
         and fulfill my vows day after day. 
  
I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?  
   
Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.  
   
That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?

Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1001audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-22nd-2025--66997164Today is July 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  
 
Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?  
   
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…   
   
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement. 

Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997164Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  ...Today is July 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  
 
Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?  
   
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…   
   
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement. 

Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-21st-2025--66997182Today is July 21

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66997182Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 21 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book 2...Today is July 21

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>678audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-19th-2025--66902969
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902969Sat, 19 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-18th-2025--66902965Today is July 18.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.  

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:  Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 
  
  
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that? 
  
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading. 
  
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902965Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 18.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.  

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:  Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 
  
  
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that? 
  
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading. 
  
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>956audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-17th-2025--66902963Today is July 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.  
 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  
  

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?   
  
As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.   
  
Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.  
 
Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902963Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.    ...Today is July 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.  
 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  
  

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?   
  
As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.   
  
Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.  
 
Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1041audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-16th-2025--66902967Today is July 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 142.  
 

      I cry aloud to the LORD;  
         I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  
      I pour out before him my complaint;  
         before him I tell my trouble.  
       When my spirit grows faint within me,  
         it is you who watch over my way.  
         In the path where I walk  
         people have hidden a snare for me.  
      Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;  
         no one is concerned for me.  
         I have no refuge;  
         no one cares for my life.  
       I cry to you, LORD;  
         I say, “You are my refuge,  
         my portion in the land of the living.”  
       Listen to my cry,  
         for I am in desperate need;  
         rescue me from those who pursue me,  
         for they are too strong for me.  
      Set me free from my prison,  
         that I may praise your name.  
         Then the righteous will gather about me  
         because of your goodness to me. 
 

I love the psalmists poetry. These words speak to my heart today as I read them: when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. Would you take some quiet time now to reflect on the state of YOUR spirit? How are you feeling? As my daughter used to ask a friend of hers when they were little: how’s your soul?  
   
Listen again to these words and pay attention to one or two that stand out to you. You might consider writing a few things down and carrying them around today.  
   
… because of your goodness to me. The nearness of God is my only good. His goodness and mercy are never ending. He is not only holy, He is forgiving. He is not only just, He is kind. He is not only powerful, He is gentle. Please, Lord, make us more like you…

Music: My Soul Finds Rest - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902967Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 16. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 142.  
 

      I cry aloud to the LORD;  
         I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  
      I pour out before him my complaint;  
         before him I tell my trouble.  
       When my spirit grows faint within me,  
         it is you who watch over my way.  
         In the path where I walk  
         people have hidden a snare for me.  
      Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;  
         no one is concerned for me.  
         I have no refuge;  
         no one cares for my life.  
       I cry to you, LORD;  
         I say, “You are my refuge,  
         my portion in the land of the living.”  
       Listen to my cry,  
         for I am in desperate need;  
         rescue me from those who pursue me,  
         for they are too strong for me.  
      Set me free from my prison,  
         that I may praise your name.  
         Then the righteous will gather about me  
         because of your goodness to me. 
 

I love the psalmists poetry. These words speak to my heart today as I read them: when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. Would you take some quiet time now to reflect on the state of YOUR spirit? How are you feeling? As my daughter used to ask a friend of hers when they were little: how’s your soul?  
   
Listen again to these words and pay attention to one or two that stand out to you. You might consider writing a few things down and carrying them around today.  
   
… because of your goodness to me. The nearness of God is my only good. His goodness and mercy are never ending. He is not only holy, He is forgiving. He is not only just, He is kind. He is not only powerful, He is gentle. Please, Lord, make us more like you…

Music: My Soul Finds Rest - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-15th-2025--66902964Today is July 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.  
 

When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” 
 

The book of Acts tells us origin stories from the early church – and this one is daunting, unsettling. This is a theme that you see throughout the book of Acts. When the Gospel is preached, when God’s kingdom comes, it is received by many as God’s peaceable kingdom bringing about a new order. For others it is resisted with hostility and anger. Think about your own spiritual journey. When you first heard the message, how did you respond? With anger, hostility, resistance, or with open arms, and an experience of joy and peace? 
 
In another place in the book of Acts, Paul was criticized as “turning the world upside down” with his message. I love that. The Gospel turns the world, and our lives upside down. As you hear the passage again, think of one person that you know who needs their world turned upside down by the Gospel, and pray that they may have an open heart toward God and the good news.   

There was so much oppression, so much opposition, to the way of Christ. If you don’t experience that in your own life, consider that this is a normal experience for many followers of Christ around the world. Would you pray today for God’s grace over the gospel message in your life, in our city, and for those followers of Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Pray for protection, for favor, for good soil, and for soft hearts as they share the upside down message of the gospel of Jesus.

Music: You Make All Things New - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902964Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.    ...Today is July 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.  
 

When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” 
 

The book of Acts tells us origin stories from the early church – and this one is daunting, unsettling. This is a theme that you see throughout the book of Acts. When the Gospel is preached, when God’s kingdom comes, it is received by many as God’s peaceable kingdom bringing about a new order. For others it is resisted with hostility and anger. Think about your own spiritual journey. When you first heard the message, how did you respond? With anger, hostility, resistance, or with open arms, and an experience of joy and peace? 
 
In another place in the book of Acts, Paul was criticized as “turning the world upside down” with his message. I love that. The Gospel turns the world, and our lives upside down. As you hear the passage again, think of one person that you know who needs their world turned upside down by the Gospel, and pray that they may have an open heart toward God and the good news.   

There was so much oppression, so much opposition, to the way of Christ. If you don’t experience that in your own life, consider that this is a normal experience for many followers of Christ around the world. Would you pray today for God’s grace over the gospel message in your life, in our city, and for those followers of Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Pray for protection, for favor, for good soil, and for soft hearts as they share the upside down message of the gospel of Jesus.

Music: You Make All Things New - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>889audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-14th-2025--66902966Today is July 14th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Timothy, chapter 6.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How are you feeling as this week comes to a close? This passage speaks of contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…. Vs the pursuit of a lot of other things that might come out of a lack of contentment… As yourself: am I in a place of contentment today? If not, why?

It seems like Paul is saying that the good fight of faith can be seen as the pursuit of the right things… kingdom things instead of worldly things… eternal life instead of living-in-the-moment… and contentment, instead of the search for bigger, better, faster, and more. Listen in again for what Paul is calling ‘great gain’…

I think that in order to maintain a spirit of contentment, we need proper perspective. We need to focus on ‘have’ vs ‘want’. If our eyes are always set on our ‘wants’… we lose perspective and live out of unmet desires, or lusts. If we are, on the other hand, content with our ‘haves’ we can live out of a place of sufficiency and enoughness… but God’s. What are your eyes on more? Wants, or haves? End prayer today by asking God to give you His perspective, and to help you focus on those things that Paul would call ‘great gain’ for your faith.

Music Credit:
Surrendered In Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902966Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 14th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st...Today is July 14th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Timothy, chapter 6.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How are you feeling as this week comes to a close? This passage speaks of contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…. Vs the pursuit of a lot of other things that might come out of a lack of contentment… As yourself: am I in a place of contentment today? If not, why?

It seems like Paul is saying that the good fight of faith can be seen as the pursuit of the right things… kingdom things instead of worldly things… eternal life instead of living-in-the-moment… and contentment, instead of the search for bigger, better, faster, and more. Listen in again for what Paul is calling ‘great gain’…

I think that in order to maintain a spirit of contentment, we need proper perspective. We need to focus on ‘have’ vs ‘want’. If our eyes are always set on our ‘wants’… we lose perspective and live out of unmet desires, or lusts. If we are, on the other hand, content with our ‘haves’ we can live out of a place of sufficiency and enoughness… but God’s. What are your eyes on more? Wants, or haves? End prayer today by asking God to give you His perspective, and to help you focus on those things that Paul would call ‘great gain’ for your faith.

Music Credit:
Surrendered In Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-12th-2025--66824034
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824034Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-11th-2025--66824012Today is July 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.  
 

      Vindicate me, LORD,  
         for I have led a blameless life;  
         I have trusted in the LORD  
         and have not faltered.  
      Test me, LORD, and try me,  
         examine my heart and my mind;  
      for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  
         and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.  
  

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?  
  
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.  
  
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.  
 
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: YOUR LOVE ENDURES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824012Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.  
 

      Vindicate me, LORD,  
         for I have led a blameless life;  
         I have trusted in the LORD  
         and have not faltered.  
      Test me, LORD, and try me,  
         examine my heart and my mind;  
      for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  
         and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.  
  

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?  
  
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.  
  
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.  
 
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: YOUR LOVE ENDURES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-10th-2025--66824015Today is July 10th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Eli, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Eli's response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Eli, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.

I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.

Music Credit:
I Am God - Vineyard Kids (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824015Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 10th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1. 9...Today is July 10th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Eli, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Eli's response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Eli, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.

I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.

Music Credit:
I Am God - Vineyard Kids (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>838audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-9th-2025--66824014Today is July 9.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 5.  
 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”  
 

Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?  
   
I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.  
   
James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824014Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 9.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 9.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 5.  
 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”  
 

Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?  
   
I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.  
   
James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>812audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-8th-2025--66824013Today is July 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824013Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter...Today is July 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>799audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-7th-2025--66824016Today is July 7th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 18.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

There are so many consolations in this short text: God reaches down to you, God takes hold of you and rescues you. God supports you. God brings you into a spacious place. And finally: God delights in you. As we begin our time of prayer today, can you close your eyes, and prayerfully imagine that the God of the universe is looking on you with love and delight?

Was that difficult to imagine? Imaginative prayer is simply a way of praying that takes scripture, and considers it not just intellectually, but imaginatively. In the same way a good book draws us into it’s larger story… and isn’t just a bunch of sentences strung together… scripture is meant to draw us into it, by the spirit’s presence, and breath life into us. As you listen again, imagine yourself, in your minds eye, as the object of God’s rescue, attention, and care…

Many people struggle to believe or experience the reality that God delights in them. What about you? When was the last time you felt – emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – a sense of God looking on you with love and delight? Can you take time right now to be a bit vulnerable, and to ask God to draw near to you, and to fill you with His spirit of love and affection? Can you pray, as the Psalmist did: Lord, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…

Music Credit:
Father of Lights - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66824016Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 7th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 16 He...Today is July 7th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 18.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

There are so many consolations in this short text: God reaches down to you, God takes hold of you and rescues you. God supports you. God brings you into a spacious place. And finally: God delights in you. As we begin our time of prayer today, can you close your eyes, and prayerfully imagine that the God of the universe is looking on you with love and delight?

Was that difficult to imagine? Imaginative prayer is simply a way of praying that takes scripture, and considers it not just intellectually, but imaginatively. In the same way a good book draws us into it’s larger story… and isn’t just a bunch of sentences strung together… scripture is meant to draw us into it, by the spirit’s presence, and breath life into us. As you listen again, imagine yourself, in your minds eye, as the object of God’s rescue, attention, and care…

Many people struggle to believe or experience the reality that God delights in them. What about you? When was the last time you felt – emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – a sense of God looking on you with love and delight? Can you take time right now to be a bit vulnerable, and to ask God to draw near to you, and to fill you with His spirit of love and affection? Can you pray, as the Psalmist did: Lord, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…

Music Credit:
Father of Lights - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>600audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-5th-2025--66742623
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742623Sat, 05 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-4th-2025--66742027Today is July 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.  


Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  
  

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life? 
  
Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.   
  
Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace. 
 
Music: Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship: Fall On Me (feat. Charlotte Naraine) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742027Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.  


Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  
  

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life? 
  
Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.   
  
Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace. 
 
Music: Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship: Fall On Me (feat. Charlotte Naraine) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>909audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-3rd-2025--66742078Today is July 3.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  
  

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God? 
  
The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith? 
  
Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.  
 
Music: I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship: I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) (feat. Matt Turrigiano) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742078Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 3.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians,...Today is July 3.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  
  

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God? 
  
The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith? 
  
Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.  
 
Music: I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship: I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) (feat. Matt Turrigiano) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>672audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-2nd-2025--66742028Today is July 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 31. And our passage is one that tells a historical story that is filled with chaos and trouble. It tells graphically about the death of Saul, his sons, and his armor bearer. If this feels like too intense of a passage to consider this morning, go ahead and move to the end for a moment of worship. 
 

The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.  
 

Today’s reading is troubling. It tells about the tragic demise of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. Saul, facing imminent capture and fearing dishonor, chose to end his own life rather than endure the enemy's brutality. Do you know anyone who might feel at the end of their rope? Anyone who might be experiencing shame? If so, end your time of prayer now, and instead reach out to the person you know who may be feeling vulnerable. Or take a moment now to intercede for those who know who might be facing a desperate situation.  
 
Saul had been the first king of Israel, but then demonstrated a pattern of pride, disobedience, selfishness, and ego. The more he chose against the ways of God, the more he spun out of control… becoming vain, angry, and violent. Over and over, turned his back on God. His is a story of the vector of sin… how our sin, and selfishness, and pride – over time – draw us away from becoming the person God has made us to be. Listen to the story again and ask God to help you understand the story of Saul.   
   
Sometimes these stories in scripture are disorienting. Why, we ask, does the Bible include such heavy, real, painful, texts? Well… I think it’s because they are true to life. The Bible, and Christian faith, describe things as they are. Christian faith is not afraid of or in denial about reality. And reality includes some rough things. This is why the interruption of the world’s reality through Jesus Christ is such good news! He gives us a different vector. A different way. And while our way is real, and often difficult, Christ is with us. No matter the shame or despair. God is with you, and God loves you. As we end our time together, ask God to show you more about who He has made you to be. And if you do happen to find yourself in despair today, or feeling personally vulnerable, please reach out to a friend, a safe person, a pastor. You are loved. You are not alone.  

Music: The Gospel - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742028Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 31. And our passage is one that tells a historical story that is filled with chaos and trouble. It tells graphically about the death of Saul, his sons, and his armor bearer. If this feels like too intense of a passage to consider this morning, go ahead and move to the end for a moment of worship. 
 

The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.  
 

Today’s reading is troubling. It tells about the tragic demise of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. Saul, facing imminent capture and fearing dishonor, chose to end his own life rather than endure the enemy's brutality. Do you know anyone who might feel at the end of their rope? Anyone who might be experiencing shame? If so, end your time of prayer now, and instead reach out to the person you know who may be feeling vulnerable. Or take a moment now to intercede for those who know who might be facing a desperate situation.  
 
Saul had been the first king of Israel, but then demonstrated a pattern of pride, disobedience, selfishness, and ego. The more he chose against the ways of God, the more he spun out of control… becoming vain, angry, and violent. Over and over, turned his back on God. His is a story of the vector of sin… how our sin, and selfishness, and pride – over time – draw us away from becoming the person God has made us to be. Listen to the story again and ask God to help you understand the story of Saul.   
   
Sometimes these stories in scripture are disorienting. Why, we ask, does the Bible include such heavy, real, painful, texts? Well… I think it’s because they are true to life. The Bible, and Christian faith, describe things as they are. Christian faith is not afraid of or in denial about reality. And reality includes some rough things. This is why the interruption of the world’s reality through Jesus Christ is such good news! He gives us a different vector. A different way. And while our way is real, and often difficult, Christ is with us. No matter the shame or despair. God is with you, and God loves you. As we end our time together, ask God to show you more about who He has made you to be. And if you do happen to find yourself in despair today, or feeling personally vulnerable, please reach out to a friend, a safe person, a pastor. You are loved. You are not alone.  

Music: The Gospel - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>817audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-1st-2025--66742026Today is July 1.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.  
 

      I love you, LORD, my strength.  
      The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  
         my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
         my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
       I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,  
         and I have been saved from my enemies.  
      The cords of death entangled me;  
         the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.  
      The cords of the grave coiled around me;  
         the snares of death confronted me.  
       In my distress I called to the LORD;  
         I cried to my God for help.  
         From his temple he heard my voice;  
         my cry came before him, into his ears.  
 

This psalm expresses a heartfelt expression of trust and reliance on God's strength and protection, even as it communicates the feelings of overwhelm. In times of trouble and danger, we turn to God for refuge, strength and deliverance. Talk to the Lord as we begin, and invite him into any areas of distress you’re experiencing. 
 
Do you see God as your source of strength and refuge? Are you quick to turn to him in times of distress, or do you first try to handle problems on your own? The psalmist write that he calls to God when He is in need of help. He cries out, even. Listen again to the psalm and find a few words or a phrase to hold to in your own times of trouble. 

This psalm reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is always ready to hear our cries for help. This is true for you personally, and for us corporately. As we end of our time of prayer today, ask yourself how you might entrust a significant concern to him, and what that would mean for you practically. What might you do differently as you abide in the truth that “from his temple he hears your voice, and your cry comes before him, and into his ears?”

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742026Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.           I love you,...Today is July 1.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.  
 

      I love you, LORD, my strength.  
      The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  
         my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
         my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
       I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,  
         and I have been saved from my enemies.  
      The cords of death entangled me;  
         the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.  
      The cords of the grave coiled around me;  
         the snares of death confronted me.  
       In my distress I called to the LORD;  
         I cried to my God for help.  
         From his temple he heard my voice;  
         my cry came before him, into his ears.  
 

This psalm expresses a heartfelt expression of trust and reliance on God's strength and protection, even as it communicates the feelings of overwhelm. In times of trouble and danger, we turn to God for refuge, strength and deliverance. Talk to the Lord as we begin, and invite him into any areas of distress you’re experiencing. 
 
Do you see God as your source of strength and refuge? Are you quick to turn to him in times of distress, or do you first try to handle problems on your own? The psalmist write that he calls to God when He is in need of help. He cries out, even. Listen again to the psalm and find a few words or a phrase to hold to in your own times of trouble. 

This psalm reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is always ready to hear our cries for help. This is true for you personally, and for us corporately. As we end of our time of prayer today, ask yourself how you might entrust a significant concern to him, and what that would mean for you practically. What might you do differently as you abide in the truth that “from his temple he hears your voice, and your cry comes before him, and into his ears?”

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-30th-2025--66742029Today is June 30

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 23 – the MSG version.

11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”
12 Next day the Jews worked up a plot against Paul. They took a solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed him.
16–17 Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard them plotting the ambush. He went immediately to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called over one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the captain. He has something important to tell him.”
18 The centurion brought him to the captain and said, “The prisoner Paul asked me to bring this young man to you. He said he has something urgent to tell you.”
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. “What is it? What do you have to tell me?”
20–21 Paul’s nephew said, “The Jews have worked up a plot against Paul. They’re going to ask you to bring Paul to the council first thing in the morning on the pretext that they want to investigate the charges against him in more detail. But it’s a trick to get him out of your safekeeping so they can murder him. Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.”
22 The captain dismissed the nephew with a warning: “Don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”

This is a story of a plot against Paul’s life. But interestingly, the story begins with the words “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best...”. How does this juxtaposition make you feel... these words of consolation and hope, followed by a story of impending doom?

Do you ever feel caught between faith and fear? Or deliverance and doom? Can you imagine being Paul in this situation? The Lord spoke a word of encouragement to him, and the next day, he woke up to bad news. Put yourself in Paul’s place as you listen to the scripture again. Remember that Paul doesn’t know the end of the story. He has no control over the situation. How would you feel, if you were in his place?

Is there a place in your reality that feels caught between: “the ambush is set” and “everything is going to turn out for the best”? Maybe you’re facing a frightening diagnosis or difficult treatment. Maybe you’re struggling financially. Whatever feels like an ‘ambush’ to you – can you hold that, and all the concern and anxiety it creates, alongside the truth that God is faithful to you? As we close our time, ask God to give you His peace, even when you don’t feel in control of your own circumstances.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66742029Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 30 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts,...Today is June 30

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 23 – the MSG version.

11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”
12 Next day the Jews worked up a plot against Paul. They took a solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed him.
16–17 Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard them plotting the ambush. He went immediately to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called over one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the captain. He has something important to tell him.”
18 The centurion brought him to the captain and said, “The prisoner Paul asked me to bring this young man to you. He said he has something urgent to tell you.”
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. “What is it? What do you have to tell me?”
20–21 Paul’s nephew said, “The Jews have worked up a plot against Paul. They’re going to ask you to bring Paul to the council first thing in the morning on the pretext that they want to investigate the charges against him in more detail. But it’s a trick to get him out of your safekeeping so they can murder him. Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.”
22 The captain dismissed the nephew with a warning: “Don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”

This is a story of a plot against Paul’s life. But interestingly, the story begins with the words “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best...”. How does this juxtaposition make you feel... these words of consolation and hope, followed by a story of impending doom?

Do you ever feel caught between faith and fear? Or deliverance and doom? Can you imagine being Paul in this situation? The Lord spoke a word of encouragement to him, and the next day, he woke up to bad news. Put yourself in Paul’s place as you listen to the scripture again. Remember that Paul doesn’t know the end of the story. He has no control over the situation. How would you feel, if you were in his place?

Is there a place in your reality that feels caught between: “the ambush is set” and “everything is going to turn out for the best”? Maybe you’re facing a frightening diagnosis or difficult treatment. Maybe you’re struggling financially. Whatever feels like an ‘ambush’ to you – can you hold that, and all the concern and anxiety it creates, alongside the truth that God is faithful to you? As we close our time, ask God to give you His peace, even when you don’t feel in control of your own circumstances.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>972audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-28th-2025--66582479
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582479Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-27th-2025--66582145Today is June 27

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?

You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.

The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?

Music Credit:
Creator - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582145Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 27 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is June 27

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?

You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.

The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?

Music Credit:
Creator - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-26th-2025--66582144Today is June 26.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.  

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  
  
This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things? 
  
Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?  
  
Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.  
 
Music: All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582144Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians,...Today is June 26.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.  

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  
  
This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things? 
  
Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?  
  
Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.  
 
Music: All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>733audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-25th-2025--66582147Today is June 25.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 9.  
 
Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”  
Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”  
 
Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.  
  
"He sinned again”. What a confronting line. Pharoh had hardened his heart. He asked for a sign from God, got a sign from God, and then: ignored it. As we come to prayer today, invite the Lord to search you, and know your heart... to see if there is any hardened way inside of you. 
   
Does it feel difficult to admit that there might be a part of your heart that is hardened toward God? Does that make you defensive? Listen again to the passage and pay attention to what the Lord highlights for you.  
   
Hardened hearts are sometimes found under unforgiveness, an inability to admit fault, pride, ego, or perfectionism. As we end our time of prayer, ask God for the grace to examine your own heart, and invite Him to soften you by His spirit. 

Music: Will You Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582147Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 25.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 9.  
 
Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”  
Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”  
 
Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.  
  
"He sinned again”. What a confronting line. Pharoh had hardened his heart. He asked for a sign from God, got a sign from God, and then: ignored it. As we come to prayer today, invite the Lord to search you, and know your heart... to see if there is any hardened way inside of you. 
   
Does it feel difficult to admit that there might be a part of your heart that is hardened toward God? Does that make you defensive? Listen again to the passage and pay attention to what the Lord highlights for you.  
   
Hardened hearts are sometimes found under unforgiveness, an inability to admit fault, pride, ego, or perfectionism. As we end our time of prayer, ask God for the grace to examine your own heart, and invite Him to soften you by His spirit. 

Music: Will You Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>675audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-24th-2025--66582146Today is June 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  

Welcome to prayer today. Listen again to a few descriptive passages from our text: gentle wind, caught by the storm, driven along, violent battering, gave up all hope... The story begins with a ‘gentle wind’, and ends with all hope lost. Which image feels more resonant to you today: being guided by a gentle wind? Feeling battered and without hope? Talk to the Lord about the state of your soul.  
   
Listen again to the text, and pay attention to one word of phrase that feels instructive or highlighted for you.  
   
In the storm, they let the ship be driven along. That’s a picture of lowering the sail, and allowing the wind and waves to take control. To stop fighting the storm. If you are in a place that feels like a place where ‘neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging... if you are tempted to give up all hope.... i pray that the God of all power meets you in this moment. I pray you feel His hands holding you together. And I pray for mercy and relief from the storm that you are facing. God’s peace to you in the midst of the wind and waves, in Jesus’ name.

Music: Fix My Eyes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582146Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  ...Today is June 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  

Welcome to prayer today. Listen again to a few descriptive passages from our text: gentle wind, caught by the storm, driven along, violent battering, gave up all hope... The story begins with a ‘gentle wind’, and ends with all hope lost. Which image feels more resonant to you today: being guided by a gentle wind? Feeling battered and without hope? Talk to the Lord about the state of your soul.  
   
Listen again to the text, and pay attention to one word of phrase that feels instructive or highlighted for you.  
   
In the storm, they let the ship be driven along. That’s a picture of lowering the sail, and allowing the wind and waves to take control. To stop fighting the storm. If you are in a place that feels like a place where ‘neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging... if you are tempted to give up all hope.... i pray that the God of all power meets you in this moment. I pray you feel His hands holding you together. And I pray for mercy and relief from the storm that you are facing. God’s peace to you in the midst of the wind and waves, in Jesus’ name.

Music: Fix My Eyes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-23rd-2025--66582141Today is June 23rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18.

10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Can you place yourself in this familiar story. We all KNOW we’re meaning to share the heart attitude of the tax collector... but very often, we don’t. Very often we develop into accidental pharisees. Our ego rises up, and our judgment of others does, too. Holding onto true humility is a discipline – it does come naturally to most. Think about your own heart. Think about how both show up in you.

Many of us don’t often reflect on our own sinfulness. Many of us don’t regularly say: have mercy of me, God – I'm a sinner! Well, we might say the words. But all too often, in our hearts we actually feel like we’re pretty good people. Living pretty good lives. Doing pretty well with our spiritual disciplines. Listen again and pay special attention to the one sentence the tax collector speaks.

Mercy is a wonderful thing. Mercy is when, instead of being given a punishment that is deserved... the punishment is withheld. Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. And Grace is GETTING what we do not deserve. This is the nature of God’s kingdom because it is God’s nature: mercy triumphs over judgement. Consider those words as we end our time of prayer, and in particular... consider how they might help to form your own heart, your own ego, and your own proclivity toward judgment.



Music Credit:
Have Mercy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66582141Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 23rd May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke,...Today is June 23rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18.

10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Can you place yourself in this familiar story. We all KNOW we’re meaning to share the heart attitude of the tax collector... but very often, we don’t. Very often we develop into accidental pharisees. Our ego rises up, and our judgment of others does, too. Holding onto true humility is a discipline – it does come naturally to most. Think about your own heart. Think about how both show up in you.

Many of us don’t often reflect on our own sinfulness. Many of us don’t regularly say: have mercy of me, God – I'm a sinner! Well, we might say the words. But all too often, in our hearts we actually feel like we’re pretty good people. Living pretty good lives. Doing pretty well with our spiritual disciplines. Listen again and pay special attention to the one sentence the tax collector speaks.

Mercy is a wonderful thing. Mercy is when, instead of being given a punishment that is deserved... the punishment is withheld. Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. And Grace is GETTING what we do not deserve. This is the nature of God’s kingdom because it is God’s nature: mercy triumphs over judgement. Consider those words as we end our time of prayer, and in particular... consider how they might help to form your own heart, your own ego, and your own proclivity toward judgment.



Music Credit:
Have Mercy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>828audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-21st-2025--66494196
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494196Sat, 21 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-20th-2025--66494188Today is June 20.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31. 

Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?  
  
Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.  
  
Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me.... 
 
Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494188Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 20. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is June 20.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31. 

Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?  
  
Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.  
  
Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me.... 
 
Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>787audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-19th-2025--66494190Today is June 19th.
 
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  
The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.  
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.    
 

      In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;  
         let me never be put to shame.  
      2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;  
         turn your ear to me and save me.  
      3 Be my rock of refuge,  
         to which I can always go;  
         give the command to save me,  
         for you are my rock and my fortress.  
      4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,  
         from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.  
       5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,  
         my confidence since my youth.  
      6 From birth I have relied on you;  
         you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  
         I will ever praise you.  
      7 I have become a sign to many;  
         you are my strong refuge.  
      8 My mouth is filled with your praise,  
         declaring your splendor all day long.


The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability. Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. 
  
As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge. 
  
As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?  
 
Music: The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494190Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 19th.   Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President...Today is June 19th.
 
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  
The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.  
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.    
 

      In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;  
         let me never be put to shame.  
      2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;  
         turn your ear to me and save me.  
      3 Be my rock of refuge,  
         to which I can always go;  
         give the command to save me,  
         for you are my rock and my fortress.  
      4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,  
         from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.  
       5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,  
         my confidence since my youth.  
      6 From birth I have relied on you;  
         you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  
         I will ever praise you.  
      7 I have become a sign to many;  
         you are my strong refuge.  
      8 My mouth is filled with your praise,  
         declaring your splendor all day long.


The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability. Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. 
  
As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge. 
  
As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?  
 
Music: The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>795audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-18th-2025--66494191Today is June 18.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 21.  
 
“Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says to you, house of David:   
         “ ‘Administer justice every morning;  
         rescue from the hand of the oppressor  
         the one who has been robbed,  
         or my wrath will break out and burn like fire...”  
           

It’s always so interesting to me to hear God’s passion for justice, for rescue, and for restitution. And on the other hand, to hear about the wrath associated with injustice and oppression. The very frame of justice and mercy and fairness and goodness comes from the character of God Himself. God is offended when His character isn’t expressed in this world. And not just offended, but God’s wrath burns toward injustice. This is why, as Christians, we are called to be kingdom people. Our work is to partner with God as He ushers in the coming kingdom... and to resist the ways of the world like injustice and oppression. Talk to the Lord about His heart for true justice, and take a moment to allow Him to speak to you. 
   
Listen to the text again and consider what it is instructing you to do when it tells us to ‘administer justice every morning’. What space are you in that you might be able to ‘administer justice’? It’s not just judges that do this. Is there any space in your life where you have authority to administer justice towards the vulnerable or oppressed?  
   
Perhaps you feel like you’ve got no way to be an ‘administer of justice’ in your life. Perhaps you do: you're an employer, you manage a team, you work in areas of social policy, your work in housing. As we end our time of prayer, ask God to speak to you about what it is for you to ‘administer justice’ in your normal day-to-day life and work.

Music: Restored - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494191Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 18.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 21.  
 
“Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says to you, house of David:   
         “ ‘Administer justice every morning;  
         rescue from the hand of the oppressor  
         the one who has been robbed,  
         or my wrath will break out and burn like fire...”  
           

It’s always so interesting to me to hear God’s passion for justice, for rescue, and for restitution. And on the other hand, to hear about the wrath associated with injustice and oppression. The very frame of justice and mercy and fairness and goodness comes from the character of God Himself. God is offended when His character isn’t expressed in this world. And not just offended, but God’s wrath burns toward injustice. This is why, as Christians, we are called to be kingdom people. Our work is to partner with God as He ushers in the coming kingdom... and to resist the ways of the world like injustice and oppression. Talk to the Lord about His heart for true justice, and take a moment to allow Him to speak to you. 
   
Listen to the text again and consider what it is instructing you to do when it tells us to ‘administer justice every morning’. What space are you in that you might be able to ‘administer justice’? It’s not just judges that do this. Is there any space in your life where you have authority to administer justice towards the vulnerable or oppressed?  
   
Perhaps you feel like you’ve got no way to be an ‘administer of justice’ in your life. Perhaps you do: you're an employer, you manage a team, you work in areas of social policy, your work in housing. As we end our time of prayer, ask God to speak to you about what it is for you to ‘administer justice’ in your normal day-to-day life and work.

Music: Restored - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>683audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-17th-2025--66494189Today is June 17.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14.  

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.  
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.  
 
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”  
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”  
Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”  
So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”  
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”  
  
Welcome to prayer. As you orient yourself to the Lord today, consider Jonathan and his armor bearer. Young, impetuous, full of faith, ready to take a risk and trust in the Lord’s provision. We might even call them: unwise. How is it that you come to prayer today? Are you full of faith? Ready to step out into mission? Talk to the Lord about how you’re feeling right now. 
   
Listen to the story again and pay attention to my favorite line: Jonathan says to his servant: come on, let’s go over to that enemy encampment. ‘perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf’. I love the ‘perhaps’ in this story.  
   
This is a story about courage, risk, and trust in the provision and providence of God. Jonathan has a sense of God’s power that compels him toward the enemy. Compels him toward the place of risk and total dependency on God. Ask God for the gift of courage today as we end our time of prayer.

Music: We Come Alive - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494189Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 17.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14.  

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.  
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.  
 
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”  
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”  
Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”  
So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”  
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”  
  
Welcome to prayer. As you orient yourself to the Lord today, consider Jonathan and his armor bearer. Young, impetuous, full of faith, ready to take a risk and trust in the Lord’s provision. We might even call them: unwise. How is it that you come to prayer today? Are you full of faith? Ready to step out into mission? Talk to the Lord about how you’re feeling right now. 
   
Listen to the story again and pay attention to my favorite line: Jonathan says to his servant: come on, let’s go over to that enemy encampment. ‘perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf’. I love the ‘perhaps’ in this story.  
   
This is a story about courage, risk, and trust in the provision and providence of God. Jonathan has a sense of God’s power that compels him toward the enemy. Compels him toward the place of risk and total dependency on God. Ask God for the gift of courage today as we end our time of prayer.

Music: We Come Alive - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>739audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-16th-2025--66494187Today is June 16

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Joshua 23.

After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man, 2 summoned all Israel—their elders, leaders, judges and officials—and said to them: “I am very old. 3 You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.

14 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua, this scripture tells us, is a very old man who is preparing for his transition. He speaks to all of Israel words of consolation. He reminds them what they already know: God is faithful. Sometimes – oftentimes – being reminded of truth by one who goes before us is profoundly encouraging. Is there a sage in your life – someone older – who brings you great courage?

There are a few sages in my community who regularly send me notes of encouragement through the post, pray for me, or take me to lunch. My parents, as well, speak encouragement to me about who God is. This intentional presence in my life of sages is incredibly meaningful. Listen to the words of Joshua again. Imagine all he’s seen and done. Imagine his massive failures. Imagine the time God passed right in front of him! Imagine yourself, as a very old person – some might be closer to that than others - reflecting on everything the Lord has done for your sake...


Joshua says to them – and to us - : you know heart and soul that God’s good promises do not fail. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel like we know that! Sometimes, we need a word of courage to remember who God is, and all He’s done. As you end your time of prayer, remember some of God’s good promises to you, and see if you can find the sort of ‘heart and soul’ knowing Joshua talks about.

Music Credit:
Faithful One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66494187Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 16 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Joshua 23. After a...Today is June 16

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Joshua 23.

After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man, 2 summoned all Israel—their elders, leaders, judges and officials—and said to them: “I am very old. 3 You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.

14 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua, this scripture tells us, is a very old man who is preparing for his transition. He speaks to all of Israel words of consolation. He reminds them what they already know: God is faithful. Sometimes – oftentimes – being reminded of truth by one who goes before us is profoundly encouraging. Is there a sage in your life – someone older – who brings you great courage?

There are a few sages in my community who regularly send me notes of encouragement through the post, pray for me, or take me to lunch. My parents, as well, speak encouragement to me about who God is. This intentional presence in my life of sages is incredibly meaningful. Listen to the words of Joshua again. Imagine all he’s seen and done. Imagine his massive failures. Imagine the time God passed right in front of him! Imagine yourself, as a very old person – some might be closer to that than others - reflecting on everything the Lord has done for your sake...


Joshua says to them – and to us - : you know heart and soul that God’s good promises do not fail. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel like we know that! Sometimes, we need a word of courage to remember who God is, and all He’s done. As you end your time of prayer, remember some of God’s good promises to you, and see if you can find the sort of ‘heart and soul’ knowing Joshua talks about.

Music Credit:
Faithful One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-14th-2025--66370553
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370553Sat, 14 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-13th-2025--66370544Today is June 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.  
 

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 
 

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?  
  
This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.  
  
As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?  
 
Music: Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370544Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 13.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is June 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.  
 

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 
 

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?  
  
This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.  
  
As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?  
 
Music: Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-12th-2025--66370543Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.  

“ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.  
“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’  

There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?   
  
I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.
  
This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.  
 
Music: You Speak - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370543Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.   “ ‘This is what the...Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.  

“ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.  
“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’  

There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?   
  
I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.
  
This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.  
 
Music: You Speak - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-11th-2025--66370542Today is June 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 18.  

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 
  
This story sounds strange to our ears... a trash-talking battle between prophets... and then, after a lot of drama that feels straight from an HBO miniseries.... a miraculous demonstration of power from God, ‘so that these people will know God, and so that they will know God wants their hearts to turn back to him’ from idols. Is there any place where you are praying: “answer me, Lord, answer me....”? 
   
Listen to the story again, and allow the Lord to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. 
   
Demonstrations of the power of God always points us to His presence. End your time of prayer today contemplating God’s presence and power in your life and thanking Him for his faithfulness to you.

Music: You Are Worthy Of Our Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370542Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 18.  

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 
  
This story sounds strange to our ears... a trash-talking battle between prophets... and then, after a lot of drama that feels straight from an HBO miniseries.... a miraculous demonstration of power from God, ‘so that these people will know God, and so that they will know God wants their hearts to turn back to him’ from idols. Is there any place where you are praying: “answer me, Lord, answer me....”? 
   
Listen to the story again, and allow the Lord to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. 
   
Demonstrations of the power of God always points us to His presence. End your time of prayer today contemplating God’s presence and power in your life and thanking Him for his faithfulness to you.

Music: You Are Worthy Of Our Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1179audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-10th-2025--66370545Today is June 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 7.  

So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” 
 
Samuel is directing the Israelites to turn away from idolatry... Baal and Ashtoreth were popular idols of the time. Sameul calls the people of God to repent from their sin of looking to idols instead of looking to God. Idols are things made of human hands, things that are not God, but that take the place of God in our lives. Idols are things we give our attention, energy, and emotions toward. As you come to prayer today, are there things in your life that perhaps have taken the place of a modern day idol? Things that you spend a lot of energy, attention, and energy on? Things that you rely on and trust in... instead of God? 
   
Confession is a powerful tool. Confession is when we say what is real, and allow God to meet us in that real. The Israelites confessed: we have sinned. That was real. Is there anything in your ‘real’ right now that you have not brought to the Lord intentionally? If so, take time right now to speak that thing out loud to the Lord. 
   
Samuel calls the people of God to return to the Lord with all their hearts. As we end our time of prayer today, turn your heart toward Jesus, and make time through the rest of your day to continue to reorient yourself toward Him. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370545Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 7.  

So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” 
 
Samuel is directing the Israelites to turn away from idolatry... Baal and Ashtoreth were popular idols of the time. Sameul calls the people of God to repent from their sin of looking to idols instead of looking to God. Idols are things made of human hands, things that are not God, but that take the place of God in our lives. Idols are things we give our attention, energy, and emotions toward. As you come to prayer today, are there things in your life that perhaps have taken the place of a modern day idol? Things that you spend a lot of energy, attention, and energy on? Things that you rely on and trust in... instead of God? 
   
Confession is a powerful tool. Confession is when we say what is real, and allow God to meet us in that real. The Israelites confessed: we have sinned. That was real. Is there anything in your ‘real’ right now that you have not brought to the Lord intentionally? If so, take time right now to speak that thing out loud to the Lord. 
   
Samuel calls the people of God to return to the Lord with all their hearts. As we end our time of prayer today, turn your heart toward Jesus, and make time through the rest of your day to continue to reorient yourself toward Him. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>781audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-9th-2025--66370541Today is June 9.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

This Psalm is overflowing with worship to God! It’s the kind of worship you’re supposed to listen to with the volume up, singing your heart out in community, dancing... clapping... singing... when was the last time you entered into a moment of worship that felt like that?

Worship is obedience, and a discipline, and also a freeing joy. So often, we feel freer at football games or concerts than we do during corporate worship. Listen to the psalmist again, and try to imagine yourself in a sea of God’s people, singing and dancing these words to the Lord.


Each line in this Psalm holds so much. As we come to the close of our time of prayer, meditate on these words: the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved.... Does that truth bring joy, or consolation to you today?

Music Credit:
You Are Good - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66370541Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 9. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 96. 1 Sing to...Today is June 9.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

This Psalm is overflowing with worship to God! It’s the kind of worship you’re supposed to listen to with the volume up, singing your heart out in community, dancing... clapping... singing... when was the last time you entered into a moment of worship that felt like that?

Worship is obedience, and a discipline, and also a freeing joy. So often, we feel freer at football games or concerts than we do during corporate worship. Listen to the psalmist again, and try to imagine yourself in a sea of God’s people, singing and dancing these words to the Lord.


Each line in this Psalm holds so much. As we come to the close of our time of prayer, meditate on these words: the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved.... Does that truth bring joy, or consolation to you today?

Music Credit:
You Are Good - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>652audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-7th-2025--66313225
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66313225Sat, 07 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-6th-2025--66313214Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.


I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.


That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.

We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music: I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66313214Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading...Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.


I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.


That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.

We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music: I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>714audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-5th-2025--66313212Today is June 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.

How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66313212Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is June 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.

How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>653audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-4th-2025--66313211Today is June 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns,  
         let the nations tremble;  
         he sits enthroned between the cherubim,  
         let the earth shake.  
      Great is the LORD in Zion;  
         he is exalted over all the nations.  
      Let them praise your great and awesome name—  
         he is holy.  
       The King is mighty, he loves justice—  
         you have established equity;  
         in Jacob you have done  
         what is just and right.  
      Exalt the LORD our God  
         and worship at his footstool;  
         he is holy.  
  
  
The psalmist is reorienting us to something deeply powerful: God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth... is exalted far about the nations. What does that mean, when the nations of our world seem to be in such disarray? What does it mean that we don’t trust in our nation, any nation, any politic? What does it mean that we trust in God, the king, who is mighty, who loves justice, who establishes equity, and who does what is good and right? What does it mean for you, today, to put your trust in the Lord? 
   
What are things, on a national level, that fill you with anxiety, or frustration, or fear, or even anger? What makes those negative feelings worsen? Perhaps social media? Watching the news? Arguing with family members? Could you imagine giving those things up? Could you imagine instead using that time to abide with Christ, the risen King? To pray and meditate on His kingdom? To commit your trust – over and over and over again – to Him... in faith, hope, and love... instead of in any nation or leader or earthly kingdom? Let’s listen to the scripture again: 
   
We don’t use the word exalt a lot these days, but I think of it like this: what I give my attention and my emotions and my energy to, I’m exalting. Sometimes we exalt athletic teams. Or influencers. Or politicians. To exalt the Lord our God means to give him the best of your attention, your emotion, and your energy. As we end our time of prayer today, consider one way you might need to reallocate attention, emotion, or energy toward the Lord today. Here is a pro-tip: unplug from social media and reduce your screentime. You’ll be amazed how much space you may find...

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66313211Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns,  
         let the nations tremble;  
         he sits enthroned between the cherubim,  
         let the earth shake.  
      Great is the LORD in Zion;  
         he is exalted over all the nations.  
      Let them praise your great and awesome name—  
         he is holy.  
       The King is mighty, he loves justice—  
         you have established equity;  
         in Jacob you have done  
         what is just and right.  
      Exalt the LORD our God  
         and worship at his footstool;  
         he is holy.  
  
  
The psalmist is reorienting us to something deeply powerful: God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth... is exalted far about the nations. What does that mean, when the nations of our world seem to be in such disarray? What does it mean that we don’t trust in our nation, any nation, any politic? What does it mean that we trust in God, the king, who is mighty, who loves justice, who establishes equity, and who does what is good and right? What does it mean for you, today, to put your trust in the Lord? 
   
What are things, on a national level, that fill you with anxiety, or frustration, or fear, or even anger? What makes those negative feelings worsen? Perhaps social media? Watching the news? Arguing with family members? Could you imagine giving those things up? Could you imagine instead using that time to abide with Christ, the risen King? To pray and meditate on His kingdom? To commit your trust – over and over and over again – to Him... in faith, hope, and love... instead of in any nation or leader or earthly kingdom? Let’s listen to the scripture again: 
   
We don’t use the word exalt a lot these days, but I think of it like this: what I give my attention and my emotions and my energy to, I’m exalting. Sometimes we exalt athletic teams. Or influencers. Or politicians. To exalt the Lord our God means to give him the best of your attention, your emotion, and your energy. As we end our time of prayer today, consider one way you might need to reallocate attention, emotion, or energy toward the Lord today. Here is a pro-tip: unplug from social media and reduce your screentime. You’ll be amazed how much space you may find...

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>886audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-3rd-2025--66313213Today is June 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2.  
 

Then Hannah prayed and said:  
          “My heart rejoices in the LORD;  
         in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  
         My mouth boasts over my enemies,  
         for I delight in your deliverance.  
       “There is no one holy like the LORD;  
         there is no one besides you;  
         there is no Rock like our God.  
       “Do not keep talking so proudly  
         or let your mouth speak such arrogance,  
         for the LORD is a God who knows,  
         and by him deeds are weighed.  
       “The bows of the warriors are broken,  
         but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  
      Those who were full hire themselves out for food,  
         but those who were hungry are hungry no more.  
         She who was barren has borne seven children,  
         but she who has had many sons pines away.  
       “The LORD brings death and makes alive;  
         he brings down to the grave and raises up.  
      The LORD sends poverty and wealth;  
         he humbles and he exalts.  
      He raises the poor from the dust  
         and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
         he seats them with princes  
         and has them inherit a throne of honor.  
          “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;  
         on them he has set the world.  
      He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,  
         but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.  
          “It is not by strength that one prevails;  
          those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 


Hannah’s prayer reminds us of the strength and faithfulness of God, and of way the kingdom of God interrupts the kingdom of this world. In the kingdom of God, the needy and the poor are lifted up. In the kingdom of god, it is not by our own strength that we prevail. Draw near to the Lord in this moment and try to center yourself in His strength and faithfulness, instead of in your own capacities and power. Pay attention to one area that you are feeling particularly self-reliant about. 
   
Are there things going on in your life, or in the world around you, that feel impossible? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of God’s deliverance? Let the words of scripture speak to you, and remind you of God’s power and provision.  
   
The foundations of the earth’s are the Lord’s. Scripture roots us deeply in the reality that the earth and all that is in it were made with intention, are held with intention, and are imbued with intention. When we are reminded that the foundations of the earth are the Lord, and when we’re reminded that the Lord’s character is good and perfect and just... we can be reminded that he rescues, and He redeems. Perhaps God’s redemption feels far off today for some who are listening. Would you pour out your heart to the Lord, and invite Him to tend to your soul in this time of waiting?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66313213Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 3. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2.  
 

Then Hannah prayed and said:  
          “My heart rejoices in the LORD;  
         in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  
         My mouth boasts over my enemies,  
         for I delight in your deliverance.  
       “There is no one holy like the LORD;  
         there is no one besides you;  
         there is no Rock like our God.  
       “Do not keep talking so proudly  
         or let your mouth speak such arrogance,  
         for the LORD is a God who knows,  
         and by him deeds are weighed.  
       “The bows of the warriors are broken,  
         but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  
      Those who were full hire themselves out for food,  
         but those who were hungry are hungry no more.  
         She who was barren has borne seven children,  
         but she who has had many sons pines away.  
       “The LORD brings death and makes alive;  
         he brings down to the grave and raises up.  
      The LORD sends poverty and wealth;  
         he humbles and he exalts.  
      He raises the poor from the dust  
         and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
         he seats them with princes  
         and has them inherit a throne of honor.  
          “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;  
         on them he has set the world.  
      He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,  
         but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.  
          “It is not by strength that one prevails;  
          those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 


Hannah’s prayer reminds us of the strength and faithfulness of God, and of way the kingdom of God interrupts the kingdom of this world. In the kingdom of God, the needy and the poor are lifted up. In the kingdom of god, it is not by our own strength that we prevail. Draw near to the Lord in this moment and try to center yourself in His strength and faithfulness, instead of in your own capacities and power. Pay attention to one area that you are feeling particularly self-reliant about. 
   
Are there things going on in your life, or in the world around you, that feel impossible? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of God’s deliverance? Let the words of scripture speak to you, and remind you of God’s power and provision.  
   
The foundations of the earth’s are the Lord’s. Scripture roots us deeply in the reality that the earth and all that is in it were made with intention, are held with intention, and are imbued with intention. When we are reminded that the foundations of the earth are the Lord, and when we’re reminded that the Lord’s character is good and perfect and just... we can be reminded that he rescues, and He redeems. Perhaps God’s redemption feels far off today for some who are listening. Would you pour out your heart to the Lord, and invite Him to tend to your soul in this time of waiting?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - 741audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-2nd-2025--66361754Today is June 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts chapter 16. 
 

35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 
37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” 
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. 
 

This boldness teaches us that faith isn’t passive. It's active, wise, and courageous. Paul used his legal status not for selfish gain, but to protect the gospel’s reputation and strengthen the believers around him. He understood that how he left the prison would speak just as loudly as why he was there. Is there a situation in your life where God might be calling you to speak up—not for your own comfort, but to protect others or uphold what is right?  
 
Paul and Silas didn’t just walk away quietly—they stood for justice, and then they went straight to encourage the church. Even after being wrongfully imprisoned, their focus was on building up others. This is a powerful reminder that our trials are not just about us. God often uses our experiences to strengthen the faith of those around us. As you listen to the passage again, consider someone in your life needs encouragement today? How might your story, your presence, or your words be a source of strength for someone else? 
  
Today, reflect on where God might be calling you to stand with courage and integrity. Is there a situation where you need to speak up? Pray for courage. And who can you encourage today? Reach out to someone with a message of hope, a prayer, or a simple reminder that they are not alone.  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66361754Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:11 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts chapter 16. ...Today is June 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts chapter 16. 
 

35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 
37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” 
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. 
 

This boldness teaches us that faith isn’t passive. It's active, wise, and courageous. Paul used his legal status not for selfish gain, but to protect the gospel’s reputation and strengthen the believers around him. He understood that how he left the prison would speak just as loudly as why he was there. Is there a situation in your life where God might be calling you to speak up—not for your own comfort, but to protect others or uphold what is right?  
 
Paul and Silas didn’t just walk away quietly—they stood for justice, and then they went straight to encourage the church. Even after being wrongfully imprisoned, their focus was on building up others. This is a powerful reminder that our trials are not just about us. God often uses our experiences to strengthen the faith of those around us. As you listen to the passage again, consider someone in your life needs encouragement today? How might your story, your presence, or your words be a source of strength for someone else? 
  
Today, reflect on where God might be calling you to stand with courage and integrity. Is there a situation where you need to speak up? Pray for courage. And who can you encourage today? Reach out to someone with a message of hope, a prayer, or a simple reminder that they are not alone.  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>823audio,be,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,still,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-31st-2025--66172453
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172453Sat, 31 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-30th-2025--66172179Today is May 30

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me. 
  

As you come to prayer today remember that the Lord is with you. Even now, he knows you, and He is familiar with you. How does that truth make you feel right now? Is it comforting? Or on the other hand, does it make you feel nervous? 
   
You hem me in behind and before... picture a seam being sewn around you. God’s protective presence is not just near to you, it surrounds you. The picture is of a good father, His hand resting on his child’s shoulder, leading the child in right ways. Is there something happening in your life right now where you need the Lord’s guidance, or direction? Listen again to this beautiful scripture and consider His nearness to you. 
   
God is Almighty, Father, and Creator of everything that is. And this God knows you. Knows me. He knows the entirety of the cosmos, and at the same time, He is familiar with you. As we end our time of prayer today, you might want to talk to God about your sense of His presence with you. Talk to Him about areas you need Him to lean you in. Thank Him for his presence.
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172179Fri, 30 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 30 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.         You...Today is May 30

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me. 
  

As you come to prayer today remember that the Lord is with you. Even now, he knows you, and He is familiar with you. How does that truth make you feel right now? Is it comforting? Or on the other hand, does it make you feel nervous? 
   
You hem me in behind and before... picture a seam being sewn around you. God’s protective presence is not just near to you, it surrounds you. The picture is of a good father, His hand resting on his child’s shoulder, leading the child in right ways. Is there something happening in your life right now where you need the Lord’s guidance, or direction? Listen again to this beautiful scripture and consider His nearness to you. 
   
God is Almighty, Father, and Creator of everything that is. And this God knows you. Knows me. He knows the entirety of the cosmos, and at the same time, He is familiar with you. As we end our time of prayer today, you might want to talk to God about your sense of His presence with you. Talk to Him about areas you need Him to lean you in. Thank Him for his presence.
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>717audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-29th-2025--66172177Today is May 29.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 4.  

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” 
 
As you come to prayer today, which image feels more connective to you: a lamp, either hidden or on it’s lampstand. Or a measuring cup... being used by you, and then toward you? 
 
As you listen to the words of this text again, ask God to illuminate them with His spirit. Be attentive to the word or phrase that stands out to you. 
   
Jesus tells his listeners to ‘consider carefully what you hear.’ As we end our time of prayer, ask God to increase your understanding of scripture. As Him to stir up your gifts of discernment and wisdom when you read the Bible. And finally, ask Him to teach you how to ‘consider carefully’ his words to you.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172177Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 29. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is May 29.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 4.  

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” 
 
As you come to prayer today, which image feels more connective to you: a lamp, either hidden or on it’s lampstand. Or a measuring cup... being used by you, and then toward you? 
 
As you listen to the words of this text again, ask God to illuminate them with His spirit. Be attentive to the word or phrase that stands out to you. 
   
Jesus tells his listeners to ‘consider carefully what you hear.’ As we end our time of prayer, ask God to increase your understanding of scripture. As Him to stir up your gifts of discernment and wisdom when you read the Bible. And finally, ask Him to teach you how to ‘consider carefully’ his words to you.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-28th-2025--66172175Today is May 28.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 25.  
 

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 
 

Welcome to prayer today. As you enter into your time with the Lord, consider one small phrase from our OT text. God says “I will meet with you” to his people. Invite the Lord to draw near to you right now, to meet with you.  
   
The details of this text are so specific, but ultimately there is one general thing that it draws our attention to: the face that God was continually making ways to be present to His people. Think about your own spiritual story. Through what experiences, or people, or ministries, have you experienced the presence of God? 
   
In the New Covenant of the new testament, we have access to God through grace in Christ Jesus. As you end your time of prayer, thank God for drawing near to you when you could not draw near to Him. Offer prayers of gratitude to the Lord today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "King Of Heaven" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172175Wed, 28 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 28.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 25.  
 

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 
 

Welcome to prayer today. As you enter into your time with the Lord, consider one small phrase from our OT text. God says “I will meet with you” to his people. Invite the Lord to draw near to you right now, to meet with you.  
   
The details of this text are so specific, but ultimately there is one general thing that it draws our attention to: the face that God was continually making ways to be present to His people. Think about your own spiritual story. Through what experiences, or people, or ministries, have you experienced the presence of God? 
   
In the New Covenant of the new testament, we have access to God through grace in Christ Jesus. As you end your time of prayer, thank God for drawing near to you when you could not draw near to Him. Offer prayers of gratitude to the Lord today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "King Of Heaven" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>779audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-27th-2025--66172176Today is May 27th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 4.  


After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  
“ ‘Holy, holy, holy  
is the Lord God Almighty,’  
who was, and is, and is to come. 
 

As we come to prayer this morning, consider what it means that you are joining in with a heavenly choir – an unimaginable chorus of worship for the uncreated creator. Take some time to allow yourself to adjust to that mystery and truth. 
   
Listen again to these words from Revelation and allow them to move your awareness of God from the incarnational – the close by – to the transcendent – the almighty...  
 
He was, and is, and is to come. God is your security. He is before all things, in all things, and beyond all things. As you come to the end of prayer today, spend some time meditating on the omnipotence of God. Ask God to increase your understanding and experience of His power.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172176Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 27th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter...Today is May 27th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 4.  


After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  
“ ‘Holy, holy, holy  
is the Lord God Almighty,’  
who was, and is, and is to come. 
 

As we come to prayer this morning, consider what it means that you are joining in with a heavenly choir – an unimaginable chorus of worship for the uncreated creator. Take some time to allow yourself to adjust to that mystery and truth. 
   
Listen again to these words from Revelation and allow them to move your awareness of God from the incarnational – the close by – to the transcendent – the almighty...  
 
He was, and is, and is to come. God is your security. He is before all things, in all things, and beyond all things. As you come to the end of prayer today, spend some time meditating on the omnipotence of God. Ask God to increase your understanding and experience of His power.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>879audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-26th-2025--66172168Today is May 26

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for you.

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66172168Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 26 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8 "14...Today is May 26

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for you.

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>736audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-24th-2025--66085410
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66085410Sat, 24 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-23rd-2025--66085393Today is May 23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66085393Fri, 23 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading...Today is May 23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>898audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-22nd-2025--66085377Today is May 22

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message Version

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

As you enter into prayer today, are any ‘wants’ tyrannizing you? Tyrannizing is a strong word. How do you feel, thinking about suffering as a way of learning that you can’t always get what you want?
The lesson Peter offers us isn’t as hars as it might sound. There is freedom, he says, in learning to let go, learning to offer our desires to God, learning to not be controlled by our desires as much as we usually are. Listen again for the exchange Peter is talking about: freedom, in place of tyranny.

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

Do you ever find it hard to understand what God wants for you? We usually know what we want for ourselves... but today - as we end our time of prayer, take some time to invite God to speak into what He wants for you. Take time to be quiet, and just listen for His voice.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66085377Thu, 22 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 22 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message...Today is May 22

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message Version

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

As you enter into prayer today, are any ‘wants’ tyrannizing you? Tyrannizing is a strong word. How do you feel, thinking about suffering as a way of learning that you can’t always get what you want?
The lesson Peter offers us isn’t as hars as it might sound. There is freedom, he says, in learning to let go, learning to offer our desires to God, learning to not be controlled by our desires as much as we usually are. Listen again for the exchange Peter is talking about: freedom, in place of tyranny.

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

Do you ever find it hard to understand what God wants for you? We usually know what we want for ourselves... but today - as we end our time of prayer, take some time to invite God to speak into what He wants for you. Take time to be quiet, and just listen for His voice.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>741audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-21st-2025--66156521Today is May 21.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit."

Today's reading is from the Book of Luke, Chapter 10.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher he asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul, all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

Take a few minutes as we begin to get connected with how you're doing right now. How are you feeling? What things are preoccupying your thoughts? How's your soul?

The expert asked Jesus a question in this story, but it feels a little more like he was trying to give him an exam. Jesus's answer, though pointed not to rituals or achievements or right answers, but to love. A wholehearted, all-encompassing love for God and a genuine compassionate love for others. Think about it this way. This religious guy tried to give Jesus a religious test, and Jesus answered it with a command to love.

Listen to the passage again and wonder a bit about what the teacher of the law might have experienced in this exchange.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.
What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

The essence of God's law is relational. This law is love that flows to us from God and then outward from us towards others. What might it mean for you to think about love as a law to follow? Just like the speed limit is a law to follow? What would it mean for your actions to be constrained by love, marked by love and aimed toward love? Is there any person in your life who you find it difficult to relate to in a loving way? Ask God to help you grow in your capacity to follow this law of love by His grace.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Observe me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66156521Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 21. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit." Today's reading is from the Book...Today is May 21.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit."

Today's reading is from the Book of Luke, Chapter 10.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher he asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul, all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

Take a few minutes as we begin to get connected with how you're doing right now. How are you feeling? What things are preoccupying your thoughts? How's your soul?

The expert asked Jesus a question in this story, but it feels a little more like he was trying to give him an exam. Jesus's answer, though pointed not to rituals or achievements or right answers, but to love. A wholehearted, all-encompassing love for God and a genuine compassionate love for others. Think about it this way. This religious guy tried to give Jesus a religious test, and Jesus answered it with a command to love.

Listen to the passage again and wonder a bit about what the teacher of the law might have experienced in this exchange.

On one occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.
What is written in the law, he replied, "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." You have answered correctly, Jesus replied, "Do this and you will live."

The essence of God's law is relational. This law is love that flows to us from God and then outward from us towards others. What might it mean for you to think about love as a law to follow? Just like the speed limit is a law to follow? What would it mean for your actions to be constrained by love, marked by love and aimed toward love? Is there any person in your life who you find it difficult to relate to in a loving way? Ask God to help you grow in your capacity to follow this law of love by His grace.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Observe me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>717audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-20th-2025--66157181Today is May 20th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit."

Today's reading is from Psalm 133.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of her men were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.

This Psalm beautifully illustrates the blessing of unity among God's people and in our relationships. This imagery of precious oil running down Aaron's beard, it signifies an anointing and a special consecration. This unity is not just pleasant but sacred and holy. Reflect for a moment on the relationships in your life. Your family, friends, church, and community. How are you contributing to fostering whole and healthy relationships? How is the spirit to highlight any relationship that needs a touch of His grace?

The Psalm also compares unity to the dew of her men falling on Mount Zion symbolizing refreshment and life. Just as dew nourishes the land, unity among God's people brings life and vitality to our relationships. As you hear the passage read again, reflect on the blessing of unity in your own life and your relationships.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard, 
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of her men were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.

Is there someone with whom you've had a disagreement? Someone that you could reach out to? Someone God is inviting you to move toward to foster connection and unity? Today could you make a gesture of kindness or share a word of encouragement and blessing? Pray for God's guidance and blessing as you seek to build connection and unity among your relationships.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day.
Preserve me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity, and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66157181Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 20th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit." Today's reading...Today is May 20th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God's presence and say, "Come, Holy Spirit."

Today's reading is from Psalm 133.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of her men were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.

This Psalm beautifully illustrates the blessing of unity among God's people and in our relationships. This imagery of precious oil running down Aaron's beard, it signifies an anointing and a special consecration. This unity is not just pleasant but sacred and holy. Reflect for a moment on the relationships in your life. Your family, friends, church, and community. How are you contributing to fostering whole and healthy relationships? How is the spirit to highlight any relationship that needs a touch of His grace?

The Psalm also compares unity to the dew of her men falling on Mount Zion symbolizing refreshment and life. Just as dew nourishes the land, unity among God's people brings life and vitality to our relationships. As you hear the passage read again, reflect on the blessing of unity in your own life and your relationships.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard, 
running down on Aaron's beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of her men were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.

Is there someone with whom you've had a disagreement? Someone that you could reach out to? Someone God is inviting you to move toward to foster connection and unity? Today could you make a gesture of kindness or share a word of encouragement and blessing? Pray for God's guidance and blessing as you seek to build connection and unity among your relationships.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day.
Preserve me with your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity, and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>607audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-19th-2025--66085374Today is May 19th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Todays reading is from Psalm 49.

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

Over and over again, the scriptures warn us to not put our hope in wealth. To not envy those who are in places of power or prestige. They remind us over and over again that the mighty will be humbled and the humble will be exalted. Think for a moment about yourself—do you find that you compare yourself with those who are better off? Those who have a better position than you, or more money?
Do you wish that you have what they have?

The psalmist reminds us that the comforts of this world are fleeting. That our life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. And instead of trusting in the things of this world, we are to put our trust and hope in God. As you hear the passage again, can you re-center your hope on the reality of God rather than fleeting things?

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."


But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. The psalmist wants us to put our sure hope in God’s power to raise us up and redeem our lives. As we close our time of prayer, take a moment and thank him for his saving power in your life.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66085374Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 19th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Todays reading is from Psalm 49. "People,...Today is May 19th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Todays reading is from Psalm 49.

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

Over and over again, the scriptures warn us to not put our hope in wealth. To not envy those who are in places of power or prestige. They remind us over and over again that the mighty will be humbled and the humble will be exalted. Think for a moment about yourself—do you find that you compare yourself with those who are better off? Those who have a better position than you, or more money?
Do you wish that you have what they have?

The psalmist reminds us that the comforts of this world are fleeting. That our life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. And instead of trusting in the things of this world, we are to put our trust and hope in God. As you hear the passage again, can you re-center your hope on the reality of God rather than fleeting things?

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."


But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. The psalmist wants us to put our sure hope in God’s power to raise us up and redeem our lives. As we close our time of prayer, take a moment and thank him for his saving power in your life.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>770audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-17th-2025--65971812
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971812Sat, 17 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-16th-2025--65971807Today is May 16th.   
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one 
    whose transgressions are forgiven, 
    whose sins are covered.
 Blessed is the one 
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them 
    and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
 When I kept silent, 
    my bones wasted away 
    through my groaning all day long. 
 For day and night 
    your hand was heavy on me; 
my strength was sapped 
    as in the heat of summer.  
 Then I acknowledged my sin to you 
    and did not cover up my iniquity. 
I said, “I will confess 
    my transgressions to the Lord.” 
And you forgave 
    the guilt of my sin.


It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?  
 
Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.  

Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971807Fri, 16 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 16th.        The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is May 16th.   
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one 
    whose transgressions are forgiven, 
    whose sins are covered.
 Blessed is the one 
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them 
    and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
 When I kept silent, 
    my bones wasted away 
    through my groaning all day long. 
 For day and night 
    your hand was heavy on me; 
my strength was sapped 
    as in the heat of summer.  
 Then I acknowledged my sin to you 
    and did not cover up my iniquity. 
I said, “I will confess 
    my transgressions to the Lord.” 
And you forgave 
    the guilt of my sin.


It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?  
 
Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.  

Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>717audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-15th-2025--65971802Today is May 15th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.  
 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 
 

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?  
 
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.  
 
We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ, we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971802Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 15th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.     See...Today is May 15th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.  
 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 
 

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?  
 
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.  
 
We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ, we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>797audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-14th-2025--65971782Today is May 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 1.  
 

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 
 

Christian leaders are called to live principled lives that reflect the model of Christ. Amongst our pastors, we talk often about our principles of integrity, humility, pastoral professionalism, accountability, and being above reproach. Consider spaces where you have influence—at home, at work, among your family, or church community. Ask the Lord for grace to search your heart to see if there are places where you are not ‘holding firmly’ to the way of Jesus. 
   
King David, scripture tells us, shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and skill of hand. If you are a leader in any way, as a Christian, that’s your aspiration too: to be skilled at what you do, and to do it with spiritual integrity. Listen again to these words from Titus, and allow them to draw your attention to any areas of your own life or leadership that may need strengthened or encouraged.  
   
It’s impossible to ‘hold firmly’ to God’s message without regular confession, repentance, and prayer with other believers. If you haven’t practiced these disciplines with someone recently, could you make a commitment to bring these practices into a current spiritual friendship? It’s so easy to keep our relationships shallow. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to show you a person in your life – perhaps a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor—you can talk with so you can continue to ‘hold firmly’ to the way of Christ.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971782Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 1.  
 

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 
 

Christian leaders are called to live principled lives that reflect the model of Christ. Amongst our pastors, we talk often about our principles of integrity, humility, pastoral professionalism, accountability, and being above reproach. Consider spaces where you have influence—at home, at work, among your family, or church community. Ask the Lord for grace to search your heart to see if there are places where you are not ‘holding firmly’ to the way of Jesus. 
   
King David, scripture tells us, shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and skill of hand. If you are a leader in any way, as a Christian, that’s your aspiration too: to be skilled at what you do, and to do it with spiritual integrity. Listen again to these words from Titus, and allow them to draw your attention to any areas of your own life or leadership that may need strengthened or encouraged.  
   
It’s impossible to ‘hold firmly’ to God’s message without regular confession, repentance, and prayer with other believers. If you haven’t practiced these disciplines with someone recently, could you make a commitment to bring these practices into a current spiritual friendship? It’s so easy to keep our relationships shallow. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to show you a person in your life – perhaps a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor—you can talk with so you can continue to ‘hold firmly’ to the way of Christ.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-13th-2025--65971774Today is May 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  
 

“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.   
“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.
 

Alright, I know what you are thinking: this is a strange passage! It’s instructions to Aaron with regard to the temple. It’s so detailed: instructions about the cloth, about the designs, about the colors, and about the religious ritual Aaron was to be a part of. And in the middle of it, one very significant line: “the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and comes out... so that he will not die.” You might not understand all of the other details, but that’s pretty stark. How do you think Aaron felt about that?  
   
How does that differ from what we read in Hebrews: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In the Old Testament, approaching God’s throne was fearful. In the New Testament, because of Jesus, we can approach him in confidence, knowing we will find mercy and grace in our time of need. How does this make you feel? Listen again and pay attention to the difference in ‘approaches to God’ we see between the old and New Testament.   
   
Take time as we end prayer today to ask God to give you the gift of confidence in His mercy and grace. Again: we’re not called to be only ‘self-confident’ the way so many understand it. Any self-confidence we have stands on our confidence in the character of God, and His availability to us through Jesus. Invite God to grow an understanding of this confidence in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: No One Like You - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971774Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 13. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  ...Today is May 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  
 

“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.   
“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.
 

Alright, I know what you are thinking: this is a strange passage! It’s instructions to Aaron with regard to the temple. It’s so detailed: instructions about the cloth, about the designs, about the colors, and about the religious ritual Aaron was to be a part of. And in the middle of it, one very significant line: “the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and comes out... so that he will not die.” You might not understand all of the other details, but that’s pretty stark. How do you think Aaron felt about that?  
   
How does that differ from what we read in Hebrews: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In the Old Testament, approaching God’s throne was fearful. In the New Testament, because of Jesus, we can approach him in confidence, knowing we will find mercy and grace in our time of need. How does this make you feel? Listen again and pay attention to the difference in ‘approaches to God’ we see between the old and New Testament.   
   
Take time as we end prayer today to ask God to give you the gift of confidence in His mercy and grace. Again: we’re not called to be only ‘self-confident’ the way so many understand it. Any self-confidence we have stands on our confidence in the character of God, and His availability to us through Jesus. Invite God to grow an understanding of this confidence in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: No One Like You - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-12th-2025--65971763Today is May 12th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude (1:3-4, 17-21).

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude, like many early Christians, is warning us about the various philosophies, ideas, and teachings that will lead us away from the truth found in the Gospel of Christ. Jude says that one common perversion is that grace gets turned into a license for immorality. The writer Deitrich Bohnoeffer called it “cheap grace.” Another perversion is that Jesus is denied his divine status. He becomes just one of many sources of inspiration. And his authority, his Lordship, in our lives is diminished.

As you hear the passage again, consider how these ideas have tempted you. How have you cheapened grace by not taking sin seriously in your own life? In what way have you not taken Jesus’ teachings seriously and not been obedient to his commands?

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."


Jude encourages us to build ourselves up in the faith. Consider what you can do to build yourself up in the faith. What practices have you done in the past that have built up your faith? Could you commit to do something today to build your faith? Jude also encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit. As we close our time of prayer, take some time and pray in the Holy Spirit. Welcome God’s presence and ask him to strengthen your faith.

Music Credit:
Room At the Table - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65971763Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 12th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jude...Today is May 12th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude (1:3-4, 17-21).

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude, like many early Christians, is warning us about the various philosophies, ideas, and teachings that will lead us away from the truth found in the Gospel of Christ. Jude says that one common perversion is that grace gets turned into a license for immorality. The writer Deitrich Bohnoeffer called it “cheap grace.” Another perversion is that Jesus is denied his divine status. He becomes just one of many sources of inspiration. And his authority, his Lordship, in our lives is diminished.

As you hear the passage again, consider how these ideas have tempted you. How have you cheapened grace by not taking sin seriously in your own life? In what way have you not taken Jesus’ teachings seriously and not been obedient to his commands?

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."


Jude encourages us to build ourselves up in the faith. Consider what you can do to build yourself up in the faith. What practices have you done in the past that have built up your faith? Could you commit to do something today to build your faith? Jude also encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit. As we close our time of prayer, take some time and pray in the Holy Spirit. Welcome God’s presence and ask him to strengthen your faith.

Music Credit:
Room At the Table - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>875audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-10th-2025--65796130
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796130Sat, 10 May 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-9th-2025--65796117Today is May 9th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

 
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 
 

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?   
 
Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.  

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796117Fri, 09 May 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 9th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is May 9th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

 
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 
 

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?   
 
Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.  

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>600audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-8th-2025--65796115Today is May 8th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.  
 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 
 

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?  
 
Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.  

Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796115Thu, 08 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 8th.          The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.    ...Today is May 8th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.  
 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 
 

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?  
 
Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.  

Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>783audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-7th-2025--65796112Today is May 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 93. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;  
         the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;  
         indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.  
      Your throne was established long ago;  
         you are from all eternity.  
      The seas have lifted up, LORD,  
         the seas have lifted up their voice;  
         the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  
      Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,  
         mightier than the breakers of the sea—  
         the LORD on high is mighty.  
       Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;  
         holiness adorns your house  
         for endless days. 
 
 
The psalmist sounds so certain and full of faith in this text. How are you feeling as you come to prayer today? What handful of words might describe how you are doing?  
   
I love the psalms because they express a full breadth of human experience – from absolute faith to delight to certainty to lament to doubt. Sometimes, all in the same psalm. The psalms are a model for us of how to approach God in worship and prayer: totally vulnerable, emotions and all. Listen to the psalmist again and pay attention to one word picture that stands out to you. 
   
Consider how writing your prayers out might help to deepen your devotional life. Perhaps you could take a few minutes as we end to write out a prayer to the Lord. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Who Can Compare?" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796112Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 93. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;  
         the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;  
         indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.  
      Your throne was established long ago;  
         you are from all eternity.  
      The seas have lifted up, LORD,  
         the seas have lifted up their voice;  
         the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  
      Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,  
         mightier than the breakers of the sea—  
         the LORD on high is mighty.  
       Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;  
         holiness adorns your house  
         for endless days. 
 
 
The psalmist sounds so certain and full of faith in this text. How are you feeling as you come to prayer today? What handful of words might describe how you are doing?  
   
I love the psalms because they express a full breadth of human experience – from absolute faith to delight to certainty to lament to doubt. Sometimes, all in the same psalm. The psalms are a model for us of how to approach God in worship and prayer: totally vulnerable, emotions and all. Listen to the psalmist again and pay attention to one word picture that stands out to you. 
   
Consider how writing your prayers out might help to deepen your devotional life. Perhaps you could take a few minutes as we end to write out a prayer to the Lord. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Who Can Compare?" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>532audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-6th-2025--65796111Today is May 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  
 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 
  
 
Paul is writing to the young man he’s mentoring. He’s calling Timothy to be a ‘man of God’, and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. As we enter into prayer today, think about a man in your life who you consider a ‘man of God’, who truly reflects these qualities. Thank God for these men- young and old - around you who have demonstrated Christlikeness to you. 
   
The language in this text is pretty directive and strong: flee from sin! Pursue righteousness! Fight the good fight! “take hold of...”. Listen again to the text and pay attention to what word stands out to you. 
  
The early church was made up of women and men who pursued God with passion and strength, as well as with humility and self-sacrifice. Would you take time as we close in prayer – right now - to write a letter, or text, or an email of encouragement to someone in your life who’s inspired you to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’ We all need to hear words of courage as we pursue God. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Take My Life" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796111Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  ...Today is May 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  
 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 
  
 
Paul is writing to the young man he’s mentoring. He’s calling Timothy to be a ‘man of God’, and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. As we enter into prayer today, think about a man in your life who you consider a ‘man of God’, who truly reflects these qualities. Thank God for these men- young and old - around you who have demonstrated Christlikeness to you. 
   
The language in this text is pretty directive and strong: flee from sin! Pursue righteousness! Fight the good fight! “take hold of...”. Listen again to the text and pay attention to what word stands out to you. 
  
The early church was made up of women and men who pursued God with passion and strength, as well as with humility and self-sacrifice. Would you take time as we close in prayer – right now - to write a letter, or text, or an email of encouragement to someone in your life who’s inspired you to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’ We all need to hear words of courage as we pursue God. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Take My Life" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>647audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-5th-2025--65796113

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 31.

Psalm 31:1-5
"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

How are you coming to today’s time of prayer? Are you in a place of quietness or prayerfulness? Do you feel restless, or in need of rescue? What tasks lie before you? How are you feeling, today?
Praying the psalms helps us to understand our own feelings, our own experiences. The psalmists often give us the words we need to describe what’s happening in our own souls. As you listen to this psalm again, pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you?

"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

The phrase that stands out to me is ‘my faithful God’. I love that the Psalmist refers to ‘my faithful God’… not just ‘a faithful God’ or ‘the faithful God’. The Psalmist has a deep sense of personal connection to God: He’s ‘mine’. For me, today, that is the phrase I will repeat throughout my day: ‘my faithful God’. As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out to you and write it down, or carry it in your heart, as you walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65796113Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 5th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 31. Psalm...

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 31.

Psalm 31:1-5
"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

How are you coming to today’s time of prayer? Are you in a place of quietness or prayerfulness? Do you feel restless, or in need of rescue? What tasks lie before you? How are you feeling, today?
Praying the psalms helps us to understand our own feelings, our own experiences. The psalmists often give us the words we need to describe what’s happening in our own souls. As you listen to this psalm again, pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you?

"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

The phrase that stands out to me is ‘my faithful God’. I love that the Psalmist refers to ‘my faithful God’… not just ‘a faithful God’ or ‘the faithful God’. The Psalmist has a deep sense of personal connection to God: He’s ‘mine’. For me, today, that is the phrase I will repeat throughout my day: ‘my faithful God’. As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out to you and write it down, or carry it in your heart, as you walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>693audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-3rd-2025--65705021
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65705021Sat, 03 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-2nd-2025--65703499Today is May 2nd.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.  

   
 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.  I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. 
 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety.  I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.  The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.  They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.  I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.  You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” 
   

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.  
   
Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.  
   
One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence  - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us through His Holy Spirit, but we are surrounded by so many distractions. As we end, could you consider a few ways to practice ‘being still’ and listening to God’s voice, abiding in God’s shalom, throughout your day. Something as small as taking three slow, deep breaths before each meal can help you learn to continually reorient yourself to God’s shalom.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703499Fri, 02 May 2025 04:00:11 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 2nd.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 2nd.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.  

   
 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.  I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. 
 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety.  I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.  The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.  They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.  I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.  You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” 
   

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.  
   
Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.  
   
One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence  - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us through His Holy Spirit, but we are surrounded by so many distractions. As we end, could you consider a few ways to practice ‘being still’ and listening to God’s voice, abiding in God’s shalom, throughout your day. Something as small as taking three slow, deep breaths before each meal can help you learn to continually reorient yourself to God’s shalom.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at...]]>915audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-1st-2025--65703278Today is May 1st.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.   
 
  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 
Worship the Lord with gladness; 
    come before him with joyful songs. 
Know that the Lord is God. 
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; 
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving 
    and his courts with praise; 
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; 
    his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
 

The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord? 
   
Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?  
   
The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship  
(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703278Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 1st.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.        Shout for...Today is May 1st.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.   
 
  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 
Worship the Lord with gladness; 
    come before him with joyful songs. 
Know that the Lord is God. 
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; 
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving 
    and his courts with praise; 
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; 
    his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
 

The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord? 
   
Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?  
   
The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship  
(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-30th-2025--65703263Today is April 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 32.  
 

      The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert,  
         his righteousness live in the fertile field.  
      The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;  
         its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  
      My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,  
         in secure homes,  
         in undisturbed places of rest.  
      Though hail flattens the forest  
         and the city is leveled completely,  
      how blessed you will be,  
         sowing your seed by every stream,  
         and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. 
 
 
This passage from Isaiah is an image of peace, of shalom. As we enter into prayer, can you bring the state of your heart to the Lord? Are you at peace? Distressed? Talk to God about how you are doing today? 
   
The kingdom of God filled with God’s peace, His mercy, His justice and His righteousness. The passage tells us that ‘the fruit of God’s righteousness will be peace, it’s effects will be quietness and confidence forever.’ So many in the world right now are longing for peace, for quietness and confidence. For undisturbed places of rest. As you listen to the scripture again, intercede for all those in the world who are trapped in oppressive or impossible situations.  
   
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Part of our work as kingdom people is to lean toward the ‘not yet’ of God’s kingdom, in order that his kingdom would come in THIS world. Is there one thing you can do to lean toward the kingdom today? Perhaps give your time or finances toward practical acts of justice or mercy? As we close ask God to speak to you about how you can be a kingdom-bringer today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703263Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 32.  
 

      The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert,  
         his righteousness live in the fertile field.  
      The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;  
         its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  
      My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,  
         in secure homes,  
         in undisturbed places of rest.  
      Though hail flattens the forest  
         and the city is leveled completely,  
      how blessed you will be,  
         sowing your seed by every stream,  
         and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. 
 
 
This passage from Isaiah is an image of peace, of shalom. As we enter into prayer, can you bring the state of your heart to the Lord? Are you at peace? Distressed? Talk to God about how you are doing today? 
   
The kingdom of God filled with God’s peace, His mercy, His justice and His righteousness. The passage tells us that ‘the fruit of God’s righteousness will be peace, it’s effects will be quietness and confidence forever.’ So many in the world right now are longing for peace, for quietness and confidence. For undisturbed places of rest. As you listen to the scripture again, intercede for all those in the world who are trapped in oppressive or impossible situations.  
   
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Part of our work as kingdom people is to lean toward the ‘not yet’ of God’s kingdom, in order that his kingdom would come in THIS world. Is there one thing you can do to lean toward the kingdom today? Perhaps give your time or finances toward practical acts of justice or mercy? As we close ask God to speak to you about how you can be a kingdom-bringer today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>767audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-29th-2025--65703256Today is April 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5.  
 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
  
  
As we enter into our time of prayer, chose one of the fruits of the spirit to meditate on: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Consider now how that fruit is demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Think of one New Testament story where you remember Christ showing us what it means to live by the fruit of the spirit... 
   
I think of Jesus’ invitation once to some children to come to Him. He was kind, and gentle. The disciples were shooing the kids away, but Jesus took time to switch things up. He seemed to want to use the moment to remind everyone around Him how to walk in the Spirit. Look for a time today to intentionally practice the fruit of God’s spirit. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to lead you into that time, and to give you insight into how you can be like Him in any particular moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Empowered" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703256Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter...Today is April 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5.  
 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
  
  
As we enter into our time of prayer, chose one of the fruits of the spirit to meditate on: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Consider now how that fruit is demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Think of one New Testament story where you remember Christ showing us what it means to live by the fruit of the spirit... 
   
I think of Jesus’ invitation once to some children to come to Him. He was kind, and gentle. The disciples were shooing the kids away, but Jesus took time to switch things up. He seemed to want to use the moment to remind everyone around Him how to walk in the Spirit. Look for a time today to intentionally practice the fruit of God’s spirit. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to lead you into that time, and to give you insight into how you can be like Him in any particular moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Empowered" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>729april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-28th-2025--65703268
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2.

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There are several tricky words in this text: submit, ignorant, slaves, fear, respect. What do you usually do when you come across parts of scripture that seem outdated or feel problematic? Do you dig in, research, and work to understand more deeply? Do you just skip over hard sections? Or do you feel offense, and immediately stop reading?

As you listen to the text again, can you listen to it from a curious vantage point? What is Peter telling the church about how to live as Christians? What tensions do you hear in the passage? Where do you personally feel challenged by Peter?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There’s something in this text about how our attitudes and actions as Christians are meant to be a reflection of our faith in God. Peter says elsewhere that we’re a peculiar people. A chosen people. Christians are meant to be non-conformists. Stand out, Peter tells us, but for the right reasons… and in all we do, our actions should bring honor to God. We’re free, Peter tells us, but not for our own sake. For Christ’s sake. As we close our time of prayer ask yourself: how does your life demonstrate the peculiar nature of a follower of Jesus? Are there places where your decisions, your behaviors, your attitudes… look more like the rest of the world than like a follower of the narrow way of Jesus?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703268Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 28th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2. "13...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2.

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There are several tricky words in this text: submit, ignorant, slaves, fear, respect. What do you usually do when you come across parts of scripture that seem outdated or feel problematic? Do you dig in, research, and work to understand more deeply? Do you just skip over hard sections? Or do you feel offense, and immediately stop reading?

As you listen to the text again, can you listen to it from a curious vantage point? What is Peter telling the church about how to live as Christians? What tensions do you hear in the passage? Where do you personally feel challenged by Peter?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There’s something in this text about how our attitudes and actions as Christians are meant to be a reflection of our faith in God. Peter says elsewhere that we’re a peculiar people. A chosen people. Christians are meant to be non-conformists. Stand out, Peter tells us, but for the right reasons… and in all we do, our actions should bring honor to God. We’re free, Peter tells us, but not for our own sake. For Christ’s sake. As we close our time of prayer ask yourself: how does your life demonstrate the peculiar nature of a follower of Jesus? Are there places where your decisions, your behaviors, your attitudes… look more like the rest of the world than like a follower of the narrow way of Jesus?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>653april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-26th-2025--65703678
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65703678Sat, 26 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-25th-2025--65614927Today is April 25th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2. 


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

   
This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past? 
   
Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you. 

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65614927Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 25th.          The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.         Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is April 25th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2. 


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

   
This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past? 
   
Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you. 

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>8182025,25th,april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-24th-2025--65708449Today is April 24th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.
 

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 
 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” 
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.  “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 
  

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it? 
 
As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today? 
   
This passage ends with a question: ‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’. In our minds, we know the answer to that question is: of course not! God is all powerful. All knowing. Ever-present. God is the creator of all that is. There is nothing too difficult for God. But in our hearts? In our hearts, sometimes we feel doubt. Our circumstances lead us to wonder if we’re out of God’s ability or desire to help. And our pain, or unanswered prayer, or sense of hopelessness in difficult circumstances, can cause us to languish in a place of spiritual despair. As we end our time of prayer, can you bring that which feels beyond God’s control, or that which leads you to doubt or that which causes you to ask your own hard questions… can you bring that to God? Take a moment and bring all of your questions and doubts to God. 
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65708449Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:05:00 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 24th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.  ...Today is April 24th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.
 

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 
 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” 
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.  “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 
  

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it? 
 
As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today? 
   
This passage ends with a question: ‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’. In our minds, we know the answer to that question is: of course not! God is all powerful. All knowing. Ever-present. God is the creator of all that is. There is nothing too difficult for God. But in our hearts? In our hearts, sometimes we feel doubt. Our circumstances lead us to wonder if we’re out of God’s ability or desire to help. And our pain, or unanswered prayer, or sense of hopelessness in difficult circumstances, can cause us to languish in a place of spiritual despair. As we end our time of prayer, can you bring that which feels beyond God’s control, or that which leads you to doubt or that which causes you to ask your own hard questions… can you bring that to God? Take a moment and bring all of your questions and doubts to God. 
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music:...]]>945audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-23rd-2025--65614928Today is April 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1.
 
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For since in the wisdom of God / the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  
 

As you come to prayer today, spend a few moments thinking about the word foolish and the word wise. How do you feel that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? Or the weak things to shame the strong? 
   
Listen again to Paul’s words and really think: what does this upside-down, counter cultural emphasis tell you about the character of God?  
 
Do you struggle being a ‘foolish thing’? Where in your heart or your ego do you resist allowing God to be the strong one, the competent one... instead of you? I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for His gift of humility. Talk to Him about your ego, and where you might be relying on the wrong kinds of things.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "God Has Been Good To Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65614928Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1.
 
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For since in the wisdom of God / the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  
 

As you come to prayer today, spend a few moments thinking about the word foolish and the word wise. How do you feel that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? Or the weak things to shame the strong? 
   
Listen again to Paul’s words and really think: what does this upside-down, counter cultural emphasis tell you about the character of God?  
 
Do you struggle being a ‘foolish thing’? Where in your heart or your ego do you resist allowing God to be the strong one, the competent one... instead of you? I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for His gift of humility. Talk to Him about your ego, and where you might be relying on the wrong kinds of things.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "God Has Been Good To Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-22nd-2025--65614930Today is April 22nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 12.  
 

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.  

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  

  
Take some time to play this scene back in your mind, at least what you remember of it. Maybe imagine yourself in the room as you watch this scene unfold. You see Jesus, and Martha and Lazarus. And you smell the food. You see a beautiful scene of worship as Mary washes Jesus’ feet with her hair. Then you see Judas. Notice your interior movement to what’s happening during this exchange. 
   
I notice how Jesus acts in a kind and protective way toward Mary. He’s the guest of honor, a person with power in that space. And in this moment, he uses that privilege to tell Judas to “leave Mary alone”.  Imagine how it would have felt for her to first hear Judas’ critique. And then imagine what it’d have been like to hear Jesus’ words of protection spoken over her.
   
Do you ever forget that Jesus of Nazareth was a man? God in the flesh, yes. But also... Jesus of Nazareth. A carpenter. Leader of a small movement. In this scene there is much to notice but I notice the protective, big-brother-ness of Jesus. It reminds me of how he treated the woman caught in adultery. With dignity. Jesus is a remarkable example of walking in both confidence and strength and humility and kindness. As you end your time of prayer today, consider the strength of Jesus... and where you might use your own strength to serve God, and protect the vulnerable.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Among the Poor" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65614930Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 22nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter...Today is April 22nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 12.  
 

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.  

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  

  
Take some time to play this scene back in your mind, at least what you remember of it. Maybe imagine yourself in the room as you watch this scene unfold. You see Jesus, and Martha and Lazarus. And you smell the food. You see a beautiful scene of worship as Mary washes Jesus’ feet with her hair. Then you see Judas. Notice your interior movement to what’s happening during this exchange. 
   
I notice how Jesus acts in a kind and protective way toward Mary. He’s the guest of honor, a person with power in that space. And in this moment, he uses that privilege to tell Judas to “leave Mary alone”.  Imagine how it would have felt for her to first hear Judas’ critique. And then imagine what it’d have been like to hear Jesus’ words of protection spoken over her.
   
Do you ever forget that Jesus of Nazareth was a man? God in the flesh, yes. But also... Jesus of Nazareth. A carpenter. Leader of a small movement. In this scene there is much to notice but I notice the protective, big-brother-ness of Jesus. It reminds me of how he treated the woman caught in adultery. With dignity. Jesus is a remarkable example of walking in both confidence and strength and humility and kindness. As you end your time of prayer today, consider the strength of Jesus... and where you might use your own strength to serve God, and protect the vulnerable.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Among the Poor" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-21st-2025--65569391Today is April 21 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Book of Job chapter 19.    
7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; 
    though I call for help, there is no justice. 
8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; 
    he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 
9 He has stripped me of my honor 
    and removed the crown from my head. 
10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; 
    he uproots my hope like a tree. 
11 His anger burns against me; 
    he counts me among his enemies. 
12 His troops advance in force; 
    they build a siege ramp against me 
    and encamp around my tent. 
… 
 
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, 
    that they were written on a scroll, 
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, 
    or engraved in rock forever! 
25 I know that my redeemer lives, 
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.  
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, 
    yet in my flesh I will see God; 
27 I myself will see him 
    with my own eyes—I, and not another. 
    How my heart yearns within me! 
  
The scriptures aren’t afraid of expressing emotions. God is an emotional God and he is not ashamed of emotions. Even emotions that we are sometimes uncomfortable with, the Bible doesn’t shy away from. How comfortable are you in expressing your feelings to God? Does it make you uncomfortable to express certain emotions to God?  
 
The book of Job is full of intense lament. And what Job is lamenting is that God is against him. It is God who has blocked him. It’s God who has stripped him. God tears him down. God’s anger burns against him. God’s armies lay siege to him. Have you ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt that God is against you? As you hear the passage again, listen for Job’s turn from lament to hope.  
7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; 
    though I call for help, there is no justice. 
8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; 
    he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 
9 He has stripped me of my honor 
    and removed the crown from my head. 
10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; 
    he uproots my hope like a tree. 
11 His anger burns against me; 
    he counts me among his enemies. 
12 His troops advance in force; 
    they build a siege ramp against me 
    and encamp around my tent. 
… 
 
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, 
    that they were written on a scroll, 
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, 
    or engraved in rock forever! 
25 I know that my redeemer lives, 
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.  
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, 
    yet in my flesh I will see God; 
27 I myself will see him 
    with my own eyes—I, and not another. 
    How my heart yearns within me! 
  
This is one of the earliest glimpses of resurrection that we see in scriptures. After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him, with my own eyes. Amid devastation, a word of hope, that suffering isn’t the last word. Resurrection is. As you go through your day today, hold on to this word of hope.  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" - Vineyard Worship (C Major) 
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65569391Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 21    May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the Book of...Today is April 21 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Book of Job chapter 19.    
7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; 
    though I call for help, there is no justice. 
8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; 
    he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 
9 He has stripped me of my honor 
    and removed the crown from my head. 
10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; 
    he uproots my hope like a tree. 
11 His anger burns against me; 
    he counts me among his enemies. 
12 His troops advance in force; 
    they build a siege ramp against me 
    and encamp around my tent. 
… 
 
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, 
    that they were written on a scroll, 
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, 
    or engraved in rock forever! 
25 I know that my redeemer lives, 
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.  
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, 
    yet in my flesh I will see God; 
27 I myself will see him 
    with my own eyes—I, and not another. 
    How my heart yearns within me! 
  
The scriptures aren’t afraid of expressing emotions. God is an emotional God and he is not ashamed of emotions. Even emotions that we are sometimes uncomfortable with, the Bible doesn’t shy away from. How comfortable are you in expressing your feelings to God? Does it make you uncomfortable to express certain emotions to God?  
 
The book of Job is full of intense lament. And what Job is lamenting is that God is against him. It is God who has blocked him. It’s God who has stripped him. God tears him down. God’s anger burns against him. God’s armies lay siege to him. Have you ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt that God is against you? As you hear the passage again, listen for Job’s turn from lament to hope.  
7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; 
    though I call for help, there is no justice. 
8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; 
    he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 
9 He has stripped me of my honor 
    and removed the crown from my head. 
10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; 
    he uproots my hope like a tree. 
11 His anger burns against me; 
    he counts me among his enemies. 
12 His troops advance in force; 
    they build a siege ramp against me 
    and encamp around my tent. 
… 
 
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, 
    that they were written on a scroll, 
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, 
    or engraved in rock forever! 
25 I know that my redeemer lives, 
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.  
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, 
    yet in my flesh I will see God; 
27 I myself will see him 
    with my own eyes—I, and not another. 
    How my heart yearns within me! 
  
This is one of the earliest glimpses of resurrection that we see in scriptures. After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him, with my own eyes. Amid devastation, a word of hope, that suffering isn’t the last word. Resurrection is. As you go through your day today, hold on to this word of hope.  
  839audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-19th-2025-silent-saturday--65530535Today is Saturday of Holy Week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 
    Why are you so far from saving me, 
    so far from my cries of anguish? 
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, 
    by night, but I find no rest. 
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; 
    you are the one Israel praises. 
In you our ancestors put their trust; 
    they trusted and you delivered them. 
To you they cried out and were saved; 
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
But I am a worm and not a man, 
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 
All who see me mock me; 
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say, 
    “let the Lord rescue him. 
Let him deliver him, 
    since he delights in him.” 
Yet you brought me out of the womb; 
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
From birth I was cast on you; 
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 
Do not be far from me, 
    for trouble is near 
    and there is no one to help. 
Many bulls surround me; 
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
Roaring lions that tear their prey 
    open their mouths wide against me. 
I am poured out like water, 
    and all my bones are out of joint. 
My heart has turned to wax; 
    it has melted within me. 
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, 
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; 
    you lay me in the dust of death. 
Dogs surround me, 
    a pack of villains encircles me; 
    they pierce my hands and my feet. 
All my bones are on display; 
    people stare and gloat over me. 
They divide my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment. 
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. 
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.


For Christians, this day is known as Silent Saturday. God is silent on Silent Saturday. Jesus, the one who called out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is forsaken and left for dead.  
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we remember that we are dust, and to dust we will return. And the day after Good Friday, we sit next to the tomb of Jesus, where his body lies, beaten and crucified.

Silent Saturday is the day we sit with injustice all around the world and recognize that for too many,  it feels as though God is dead. God cannot be found. God cannot be heard. God cannot be seen.

We Christians too quickly rush past Silent Saturday, rush past the forsakenness of the world, rush past those who cannot seem to find God. Kierkegaard called this quietness .... this is what he calls the Sickness unto Death. That is the world for so many. Sickness unto death. We Christians shouldn't rush through Silent Saturday too quickly. Remember that it is still night. The joy comes in the morning.

This week, we have entered into the experience of the disciples. You were with Mary when she washed Jesus’ feet with perfume. You were with John as you sat at the Last Supper. You were with Peter as Jesus washed your feet. You were with Jesus’ mother, Mary, and John, at the cross. I want you to choose one of those disciples and sit with them on this Silent Saturday, and consider what they were feeling and experiencing on this day after Jesus' death two thousand years ago.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530535Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Saturday of Holy Week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Saturday of Holy Week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 
    Why are you so far from saving me, 
    so far from my cries of anguish? 
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, 
    by night, but I find no rest. 
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; 
    you are the one Israel praises. 
In you our ancestors put their trust; 
    they trusted and you delivered them. 
To you they cried out and were saved; 
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
But I am a worm and not a man, 
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 
All who see me mock me; 
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say, 
    “let the Lord rescue him. 
Let him deliver him, 
    since he delights in him.” 
Yet you brought me out of the womb; 
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
From birth I was cast on you; 
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 
Do not be far from me, 
    for trouble is near 
    and there is no one to help. 
Many bulls surround me; 
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
Roaring lions that tear their prey 
    open their mouths wide against me. 
I am poured out like water, 
    and all my bones are out of joint. 
My heart has turned to wax; 
    it has melted within me. 
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, 
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; 
    you lay me in the dust of death. 
Dogs surround me, 
    a pack of villains encircles me; 
    they pierce my hands and my feet. 
All my bones are on display; 
    people stare and gloat over me. 
They divide my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment. 
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. 
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.


For Christians, this day is known as Silent Saturday. God is silent on Silent Saturday. Jesus, the one who called out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is forsaken and left for dead.  
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we remember that we are dust, and to dust we will return. And the day after Good Friday, we sit next to the tomb of Jesus, where his body lies, beaten and crucified.

Silent Saturday is the day we sit with injustice all around the world and recognize that for too many,  it feels as though God is dead. God cannot be found. God cannot be heard. God cannot be seen.

We Christians too quickly rush past Silent Saturday, rush past the forsakenness of the world, rush past those who cannot seem to find God. Kierkegaard called this quietness .... this is what he calls the Sickness unto Death. That is the world for so many. Sickness unto death. We Christians shouldn't rush through Silent Saturday too quickly. Remember that it is still night. The joy comes in the morning.

This week, we have entered into the experience of the disciples. You were with Mary when she washed Jesus’ feet with perfume. You were with John as you sat at the Last Supper. You were with Peter as...]]>665audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,easter,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-18th-2025-good-friday--65530536Today is Good Friday of Holy Week.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” 
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, 
“They divided my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment.” 
So this is what the soldiers did. 
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I’ve been watching the whole time. I was there watching Pilate wring his hands over what to do with him. Watching the soldiers beat him, mock him, spit on him. And with every blow he took I felt was a gut punch to me too. I’m sick to my stomach. All day my heart’s been pounding and head spinning so fast, I hardly know up from down. I'm watching him lose his life and I’m afraid for my life? But somehow, for some reason, I’m still here. Looking up at him. He’s almost unrecognizable to me.
 
Jesus’s head is moving now, he’s looking to see who remains there at the cross, with him. The unrecognizable one is straining to recognize someone. I see him lock eyes with his mother, Mary. I knew she was here, just a few yards away but hadn’t really seen her, really looked at her. Lots of people have cleared out now. But Mary’s still here, and her sister, and Clopas’ wife. And Mary Magdalene, too. And they’re holding on to each other. I can tell they wish they could hold on to him. I don’t see the other disciples, though. Where are they?

And now Jesus sees me too. The one he loves. I see him look at me again with those eyes. I actually can’t believe that he still sees me, but he does. And he does the unthinkable, he speaks to me. And to his mother. First to her, “Woman this is your son.” He’s talking about me. Looks over to me. And then he says, “Here is your mother.” And in this unexpected moment, everything changes for me. In hearing this last wish, this last will, I know what his will is for me. I know to whom I belong, and I know what I am to do. And right now, that’s all I need. 

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530536Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Good Friday of Holy Week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Good Friday of Holy Week.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” 
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, 
“They divided my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment.” 
So this is what the soldiers did. 
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I’ve been watching the whole time. I was there watching Pilate wring his hands over what to do with him. Watching the soldiers beat him, mock him, spit on him. And with every blow he took I felt was a gut punch to me too. I’m sick to my stomach. All day my heart’s been pounding and head spinning so fast, I hardly know up from down. I'm watching him lose his life and I’m afraid for my life? But somehow, for some reason, I’m still here. Looking up at him. He’s almost unrecognizable to me.
 
Jesus’s head is moving now, he’s looking to see who remains there at the cross, with him. The unrecognizable one is straining to recognize someone. I see him lock eyes with his mother, Mary. I knew she was here, just a few yards away but hadn’t really seen her, really looked at her. Lots of people have cleared out now. But Mary’s still here, and her sister, and Clopas’ wife. And Mary Magdalene, too. And they’re holding on to each other. I can tell they wish they could hold on to him. I don’t see the other disciples, though. Where are they?

And now Jesus sees me too. The one he loves. I see him look at me again with those eyes. I actually can’t believe that he still sees me, but he does. And he does the unthinkable, he speaks to me. And to his mother. First to her, “Woman this is your son.” He’s talking about me. Looks over to me. And then he says, “Here is your mother.” And in this unexpected moment, everything changes for me. In hearing this last wish, this last will, I know what his...]]>824audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,easter,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-17th-2025-maundy-thursday--65530537Today is Maundy Thursday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” 
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.


Today we are here at the Passover meal, the Last Supper. Imagine you are the disciple Peter in this moment, when, in the middle of the meal, Jesus stands up and does something completely unexpected. Without a word, he wraps a towel around his waist, fills a basin with water and kneels down at John's feet and starts washing them. I look at John and then to the others, and everyone has the same look on their faces? Eyes wide with shock. Hands open with a shrug that begs the question, What in the world is he doing? And as I sit quietly and watch him wash the feet of my brothers, over and over again, I feel the anger rising in me. Anger at them, anger at him.

I don't think you understand how wrong this is. Jesus is the Master, the Teacher, the Rabbi. My whole life I've heard the Mishnah, the teaching of the Rabbis, commanding me to be covered in the 'dust of the feet of my master.' I've followed behind him everywhere, covered in his dust. And now he is washing the dust off of me? I am supposed to sit at his feet, and here he sits at mine? By the time he gets to me, I erupt! You're going to wash my feet? Not a chance!

He calmly and knowingly looks at me. He's seen this kind of thing from me before. With a smile Jesus says quietly to me: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

Well, wash all of me then, master! And right there, as he knees, I break. He touches my feet and I can't hold back my tears. Through bleary vision I finally see so clearly. On this Maundy Thursday, this mandate Thursday, I finally understand the mandate he’s given me... to serve others like he serves me. This is what it means to love one another.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: You Give Us Peace - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530537Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Maundy Thursday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Maundy Thursday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” 
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.


Today we are here at the Passover meal, the Last Supper. Imagine you are the disciple Peter in this moment, when, in the middle of the meal, Jesus stands up and does something completely unexpected. Without a word, he wraps a towel around his waist, fills a basin with water and kneels down at John's feet and starts washing them. I look at John and then to the others, and everyone has the same look on their faces? Eyes wide with shock. Hands open with a shrug that begs the question, What in the world is he doing? And as I sit quietly and watch him wash the feet of my brothers, over and over again, I feel the anger rising in me. Anger at them, anger at him.

I don't think you understand how wrong this is. Jesus is the Master, the Teacher, the Rabbi. My whole life I've heard the Mishnah, the teaching of the Rabbis, commanding me to be covered in the 'dust of the feet of my master.' I've followed behind him everywhere, covered in his dust. And now he is washing the dust off of me? I am supposed to sit at his feet, and here he sits at mine? By the time he gets to me, I erupt! You're going to wash my feet? Not a chance!

He calmly and knowingly looks at me. He's seen this kind of thing from me before. With a smile Jesus says quietly to me: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

Well, wash all of me then, master! And right there, as he knees, I break. He touches my feet and I can't hold back my tears. Through bleary vision I finally see so clearly. On this Maundy...]]>864audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,easter,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-16th-2025--65530534Today is Wednesday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
  

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. 
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. 
When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.


Here you are with Jesus on the night before his crucifixion and death. But nothing of that is in your mind at the moment. You’ve just finished the Passover meal. Imagine that you are the disciple, John. This is the Gospel he wrote and when he writes about “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he is speaking in third person about himself. I am the one reclining next to Jesus. I am the one Jesus loves. I am the one who is completely known by him, yet completely secure in his love for me.

But once again there is tension in the room. Not just commotion, there’s always commotion. But tension. This time it’s Jesus. It’s Jesus who is troubled in spirit. We can all feel it. But I’m not sure how I feel about that. Jesus is the steady one. The rock. The voice of reason and truth. And now he speaks of betrayal. And now he speaks again in riddle. And as I watch him dip the bread in the bowl and hand it to Judas, I feel a mixture of concern, and conviction, and care for this one who cares so much for me.
 
But when Judas leaves there is once again peace. And words of glory, glory, glory, glory, glory. Five times he speaks of glory. And once again, I am brought back to the magnificence, the honor, the majesty, the worth, the loveliness, the grandeur of this man Jesus. Yes, he is one like me but he is so much more than one like me. He is so other than me. And the only way to describe him is glory.   

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Have Mercy - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530534Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Wednesday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Wednesday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
  

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. 
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. 
When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.


Here you are with Jesus on the night before his crucifixion and death. But nothing of that is in your mind at the moment. You’ve just finished the Passover meal. Imagine that you are the disciple, John. This is the Gospel he wrote and when he writes about “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he is speaking in third person about himself. I am the one reclining next to Jesus. I am the one Jesus loves. I am the one who is completely known by him, yet completely secure in his love for me.

But once again there is tension in the room. Not just commotion, there’s always commotion. But tension. This time it’s Jesus. It’s Jesus who is troubled in spirit. We can all feel it. But I’m not sure how I feel about that. Jesus is the steady one. The rock. The voice of reason and truth. And now he speaks of betrayal. And now he speaks again in riddle. And as I watch him dip the bread in the bowl and hand it to Judas, I feel a mixture of concern, and conviction, and care for this one who cares so much for me.
 
But when Judas leaves there is once again peace. And words of glory, glory, glory, glory, glory. Five times he speaks of glory. And once again, I am brought back to the magnificence, the honor, the majesty, the worth, the loveliness, the grandeur of this man Jesus. Yes, he is one like me but he is so much more than one like me. He is so other than me. And the only way to describe him is glory.   

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Have Mercy - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>793audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,easter,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-15th-2025--65530533
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.


Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.  Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.


Today we find ourselves in the Temple courts during the Passover festival. A day, maybe two, before the Passover. And it's buzzing with activity. Pilgrims from all over Israel, indeed from even further, have gathered here in the outer courts, the court of Gentiles. I imagine for a moment that I am Philip. In the midst of all of this noise and movement, I watch Jesus in the distance teaching, and my mind wanders for a few moments thinking about these three short years since I met him in my hometown of Bethsaida. It feels like a lifetime ago.
 
When he came into town teaching, I remember thinking immediately, this is the one Moses wrote about. The fulfillment of the Law. And I went to find Nathaniel and then we found Peter and I remember saying to them, Just come and see. You've got to see. We were just ordinary, hardly even ordinary, and now here we are. The whole world is abuzz because of this man.  

My mind snaps back to the here and now when a group of Greeks come and ask to see Jesus. They think because I'm also Greek that I can get them an introduction. Jesus is like a rock star these days, and everyone thinks I'm the ticket back stage. But Jesus is having none of it. He's in an entirely different mode. There is this urgency... like he sees something we don't see. It's like we are all watching a sunset and he looks at it and sees the sky opening up and swallowing the sun and the moon and everything. Swallowing him. And like so many other times, I stand here stunned, speechless.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Are You Who You Say You Are? - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530533Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Tuesday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.


Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.  Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.


Today we find ourselves in the Temple courts during the Passover festival. A day, maybe two, before the Passover. And it's buzzing with activity. Pilgrims from all over Israel, indeed from even further, have gathered here in the outer courts, the court of Gentiles. I imagine for a moment that I am Philip. In the midst of all of this noise and movement, I watch Jesus in the distance teaching, and my mind wanders for a few moments thinking about these three short years since I met him in my hometown of Bethsaida. It feels like a lifetime ago.
 
When he came into town teaching, I remember thinking immediately, this is the one Moses wrote about. The fulfillment of the Law. And I went to find Nathaniel and then we found Peter and I remember saying to them, Just come and see. You've got to see. We were just ordinary, hardly even ordinary, and now here we are. The whole world is abuzz because of this man.  

My mind snaps back to the here and now when a group of Greeks come and ask to see Jesus. They think because I'm also Greek that I can get them an introduction. Jesus is like a rock star these days, and everyone thinks I'm the ticket back stage. But Jesus is having none of it. He's in an entirely different mode. There is this urgency... like he sees something we don't see. It's like we are all watching a sunset and he looks at it and sees the sky opening up and swallowing the sun and the moon and everything. Swallowing him. And like so many other times, I stand here stunned, speechless.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Are You Who You Say You Are? - Heaven and Earth - fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-14th-2025--65530532Today is Monday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.  


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
 
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.


Here we are in this scene with Jesus, six days before Passover, when he becomes our Passover Lamb. And it is a scene filled with resurrection life. Why? Because we are in Lazarus’ home. The one Jesus already raised. And it is a special meal, one to honor Jesus. Imagine the sense of joy, of goodness, of life, that was around the table this evening. Who do you see with you around the table? What stories do you hear being told about Lazarus, about all that you’ve seen Jesus do?
 
In the midst of hearing those stories and remembering all that Jesus has done—all that you’ve experienced because of the power of this man’s life and words, the power of what you experience when he looks at you—in the midst of that, imagine this is the moment that you’ve prepared for. You stand and walk over to Jesus with your jar of expensive oil and kneel down and pouring it over Jesus dirty feet, and saying to him, “You are worth everything to me, Lord.”
  
Hold on, now you’ve caused a scene. And a controversy. Because you’re now being accused of being selfish, of not caring for the poor. For a moment, your anxiety peaks and your blood pressure rises. You think, maybe you have done something wrong. But then Jesus reminds you and everyone in the room that when you give your all for him, you don’t separate yourself from the poor, hold back from the poor. But you become poor yourself. So that you, like Christ, will be the poor who always has the poor among you.  

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: "House of Prayer" - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65530532Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Monday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Monday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.  


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
 
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.


Here we are in this scene with Jesus, six days before Passover, when he becomes our Passover Lamb. And it is a scene filled with resurrection life. Why? Because we are in Lazarus’ home. The one Jesus already raised. And it is a special meal, one to honor Jesus. Imagine the sense of joy, of goodness, of life, that was around the table this evening. Who do you see with you around the table? What stories do you hear being told about Lazarus, about all that you’ve seen Jesus do?
 
In the midst of hearing those stories and remembering all that Jesus has done—all that you’ve experienced because of the power of this man’s life and words, the power of what you experience when he looks at you—in the midst of that, imagine this is the moment that you’ve prepared for. You stand and walk over to Jesus with your jar of expensive oil and kneel down and pouring it over Jesus dirty feet, and saying to him, “You are worth everything to me, Lord.”
  
Hold on, now you’ve caused a scene. And a controversy. Because you’re now being accused of being selfish, of not caring for the poor. For a moment, your anxiety peaks and your blood pressure rises. You think, maybe you have done something wrong. But then Jesus reminds you and everyone in the room that when you give your all for him, you don’t separate yourself from the poor, hold back from the poor. But you become poor yourself. So that you, like Christ, will be the poor who always has the poor among you.  

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: "House of Prayer" - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and...]]>907audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,easter,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-april-12th-2025--65021881
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021881Sat, 12 Apr 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-11th-2025--65021697Today is the 33rd day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34.
 

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 
 

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?  
   
As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion? 
   
As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? As we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.    
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021697Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 33rd day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is the 33rd day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34.
 

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 
 

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?  
   
As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion? 
   
As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? As we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.    
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>781audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-10th-2025--65021699Today is the 32nd day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.     


Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, 
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 
 

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”  
 
Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.  
 
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart. 
   
As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Above All Else - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021699Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 32nd day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the Book...Today is the 32nd day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.     


Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, 
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 
 

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”  
 
Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.  
 
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart. 
   
As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Above All Else - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>791audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-9th-2025--65021701Today is the 31st day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-4.
 

“You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. 
 

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?  
   
God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words:  “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:  
 
Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021701Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 31st day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is the 31st day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-4.
 

“You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. 
 

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?  
   
God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words:  “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:  
 
Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>667audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-8th-2025--65021700Today is the 30th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.
   

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?  
 
You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.  
   
As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Adore Him - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021700Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 30th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 30th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.
   

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?  
 
You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.  
   
As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Adore Him - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>856audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-7th-2025--65021698Today is the 29th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.

 
Lord, hear my prayer, 
    listen to my cry for mercy; 
in your faithfulness and righteousness 
    come to my relief. 
Do not bring your servant into judgment, 
    for no one living is righteous before you. 
The enemy pursues me, 
    he crushes me to the ground; 
he makes me dwell in the darkness 
    like those long dead. 
So my spirit grows faint within me; 
    my heart within me is dismayed. 
I remember the days of long ago; 
    I meditate on all your works 
    and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; 
    I thirst for you like a parched land. 
  

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?  
   
Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.   
   
The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65021698Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:10 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 29th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.   Lord,...Today is the 29th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.

 
Lord, hear my prayer, 
    listen to my cry for mercy; 
in your faithfulness and righteousness 
    come to my relief. 
Do not bring your servant into judgment, 
    for no one living is righteous before you. 
The enemy pursues me, 
    he crushes me to the ground; 
he makes me dwell in the darkness 
    like those long dead. 
So my spirit grows faint within me; 
    my heart within me is dismayed. 
I remember the days of long ago; 
    I meditate on all your works 
    and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; 
    I thirst for you like a parched land. 
  

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?  
   
Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.   
   
The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>731audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-april-5th-2025--65019963
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019963Sat, 05 Apr 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-4th-2025--65019344Today is the 27th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

    
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 
“The kingdom of the world has become 
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, 
    and he will reign for ever and ever.” 
And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, 
    the One who is and who was, 
because you have taken your great power 
    and have begun to reign. 
The nations were angry, 
    and your wrath has come. 
The time has come for judging the dead, 
    and for rewarding your servants the prophets 
and your people who revere your name, 
    both great and small— 
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” 
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. 
 

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.     
 
Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t. This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!  

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Let Your Kingdom Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019344Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 27th day of Lent.    May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is the 27th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

    
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 
“The kingdom of the world has become 
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, 
    and he will reign for ever and ever.” 
And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, 
    the One who is and who was, 
because you have taken your great power 
    and have begun to reign. 
The nations were angry, 
    and your wrath has come. 
The time has come for judging the dead, 
    and for rewarding your servants the prophets 
and your people who revere your name, 
    both great and small— 
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” 
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. 
 

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.     
 
Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t. This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!  

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Let Your Kingdom Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>741audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-3rd-2025--65019340Today is the 26th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14.

 
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 
 

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving? 
   
Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life. 
   
I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote,

"in any definition we may give of New Testament  joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew  joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Life in Christ Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones) 
 
We live in an age that is marked for many by anxiety, depression, isolation, and exhaustion. As we end, would you invite God to give you the gift of His joy… Not a joy that pretends, or a joy that ignores, or a joy that denies… but a joy that can be present to you, no matter your circumstances, by the power of God’s spirit?  
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Cherry Blossoms - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019340Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 26th day of Lent.    Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the...Today is the 26th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14.

 
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 
 

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving? 
   
Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life. 
   
I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote,

"in any definition we may give of New Testament  joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew  joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Life in Christ Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones) 
 
We live in an age that is marked for many by anxiety, depression, isolation, and exhaustion. As we end, would you invite God to give you the gift of His joy… Not a joy that pretends, or a joy that ignores, or a joy that denies… but a joy that can be present to you, no matter your...]]>903audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-2nd-2025--65019342Today is the 25th day of Lent. 
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

 
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they replied. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 
 

Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?  
 
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”  
   
As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Expectation - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019342Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 25th day of Lent.    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s...Today is the 25th day of Lent. 
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

 
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they replied. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 
 

Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?  
 
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”  
   
As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Expectation - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>759audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-1st-2025--65019343Today is the 24th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21.
 

“For a long time I have kept silent, 
    I have been quiet and held myself back. 
But now, like a woman in childbirth, 
    I cry out, I gasp and pant. 
 I will lay waste the mountains and hills 
    and dry up all their vegetation; 
I will turn rivers into islands 
    and dry up the pools. 
 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, 
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; 
I will turn the darkness into light before them 
    and make the rough places smooth. 
These are the things I will do; 
    I will not forsake them. 
 But those who trust in idols, 
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ 
    will be turned back in utter shame. 
 “Hear, you deaf; 
    look, you blind, and see! 
 Who is blind but my servant, 
    and deaf like the messenger I send? 
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, 
    blind like the servant of the Lord? 
 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; 
    your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 
 It pleased the Lord 
    for the sake of his righteousness 
    to make his law great and glorious. 
 

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?  
 
Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention. 
   
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you, today, commit yourself to maintaining focus on your followership of Jesus… to keep ‘paying attention’ to Christ? And as we end our time of prayer today, consider writing this scripture down and working to memorize it this week: I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - More Than Anything - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019343Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 24th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 24th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21.
 

“For a long time I have kept silent, 
    I have been quiet and held myself back. 
But now, like a woman in childbirth, 
    I cry out, I gasp and pant. 
 I will lay waste the mountains and hills 
    and dry up all their vegetation; 
I will turn rivers into islands 
    and dry up the pools. 
 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, 
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; 
I will turn the darkness into light before them 
    and make the rough places smooth. 
These are the things I will do; 
    I will not forsake them. 
 But those who trust in idols, 
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ 
    will be turned back in utter shame. 
 “Hear, you deaf; 
    look, you blind, and see! 
 Who is blind but my servant, 
    and deaf like the messenger I send? 
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, 
    blind like the servant of the Lord? 
 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; 
    your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 
 It pleased the Lord 
    for the sake of his righteousness 
    to make his law great and glorious. 
 

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?  
 
Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention. 
   
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you, today, commit yourself to maintaining focus on your followership of Jesus… to keep ‘paying attention’ to Christ? And as we end our time of prayer today, consider writing this scripture down and working to memorize it this week: I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son,...]]>1003audio,bible,columbua,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-31st-2025--65019341Today is the 23rd day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.
  

So justice is far from us, 
    and righteousness does not reach us. 
We look for light, but all is darkness; 
    for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 
Like the blind we grope along the wall, 
    feeling our way like people without eyes. 
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; 
    among the strong, we are like the dead. 
We all growl like bears; 
    we moan mournfully like doves. 
We look for justice, but find none; 
    for deliverance, but it is far away. 
For our offenses are many in your sight, 
    and our sins testify against us. 
Our offenses are ever with us, 
    and we acknowledge our iniquities: 
rebellion and treachery against the Lord, 
    turning our backs on our God, 
inciting revolt and oppression, 
    uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 
So justice is driven back, 
    and righteousness stands at a distance; 
truth has stumbled in the streets, 
    honesty cannot enter. 
Truth is nowhere to be found, 
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. 
The Lord looked and was displeased 
    that there was no justice. 
He saw that there was no one, 
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; 
so his own arm achieved salvation for him, 
    and his own righteousness sustained him. 
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, 
    and the helmet of salvation on his head; 
he put on the garments of vengeance 
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 
 

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for you?  
 
But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.  
   
If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like God is absent, remember that God has already moved on your behalf through Christ. And remind yourself that he will move again. As you walk through your day, ask God to stir his hope in you that he will come again.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Love - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019341Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 23rd day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.    So...Today is the 23rd day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.
  

So justice is far from us, 
    and righteousness does not reach us. 
We look for light, but all is darkness; 
    for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 
Like the blind we grope along the wall, 
    feeling our way like people without eyes. 
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; 
    among the strong, we are like the dead. 
We all growl like bears; 
    we moan mournfully like doves. 
We look for justice, but find none; 
    for deliverance, but it is far away. 
For our offenses are many in your sight, 
    and our sins testify against us. 
Our offenses are ever with us, 
    and we acknowledge our iniquities: 
rebellion and treachery against the Lord, 
    turning our backs on our God, 
inciting revolt and oppression, 
    uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 
So justice is driven back, 
    and righteousness stands at a distance; 
truth has stumbled in the streets, 
    honesty cannot enter. 
Truth is nowhere to be found, 
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. 
The Lord looked and was displeased 
    that there was no justice. 
He saw that there was no one, 
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; 
so his own arm achieved salvation for him, 
    and his own righteousness sustained him. 
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, 
    and the helmet of salvation on his head; 
he put on the garments of vengeance 
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 
 

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for you?  
 
But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.  
   
If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like God is absent, remember that God has already moved on your behalf through Christ. And remind yourself that he will move again. As you walk through your day, ask God to stir his hope in you that he will come again.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Love - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>914audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-29th-2025--65019221
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019221Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-28th-2025--65018581Today is the 21st day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

 
Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.”
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

 
Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.
 
As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018581Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 21st day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is the 21st day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

 
Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.”
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

 
Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.
 
As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>781audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-27th-2025--65018578Today is the 20th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.  
 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?
 
David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
 

(CEV)
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
    makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.
 

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018578Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 20th day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm...Today is the 20th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.  
 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?
 
David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
 

(CEV)
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
    makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.
 

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>696audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,erick,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-26th-2025--65018580Today is the 19th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.  
 

“Go west and look in the land of Cyprus;
    go east and search through the land of Kedar.
Has anyone ever heard of anything
    as strange as this?
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones,
    even though they are not gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
    for worthless idols!
 The heavens are shocked at such a thing
    and shrink back in horror and dismay,”
    says the Lord.
“For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
    the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
    that can hold no water at all! 


God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.
 
As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Mighty River - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018580Wed, 26 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 19th day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s...Today is the 19th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.  
 

“Go west and look in the land of Cyprus;
    go east and search through the land of Kedar.
Has anyone ever heard of anything
    as strange as this?
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones,
    even though they are not gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
    for worthless idols!
 The heavens are shocked at such a thing
    and shrink back in horror and dismay,”
    says the Lord.
“For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
    the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
    that can hold no water at all! 


God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.
 
As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Mighty River - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>821audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-25th-2025--65018579Today is the 18th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians chapter 10.
 

I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 


The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018579Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 18th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 18th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians chapter 10.
 

I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 


The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>617audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,erick,julia,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-24th-2025--65018317Today is the 17th day of Lent.   
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.


“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings.
    O Israel, if you would only listen to me!
You must never have a foreign god;
    you must not bow down before a false god.
For it was I, the Lord your God,
    who rescued you from the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.
    Israel did not want me around.
So I let them follow their own stubborn desires,
    living according to their own ideas.
Oh, that my people would listen to me!
    Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
    How soon my hands would be upon their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him;
    they would be doomed forever.
But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
    I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
 

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.
 
The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018317Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 17th day of Lent.      The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm 81....Today is the 17th day of Lent.   
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.


“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings.
    O Israel, if you would only listen to me!
You must never have a foreign god;
    you must not bow down before a false god.
For it was I, the Lord your God,
    who rescued you from the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.
    Israel did not want me around.
So I let them follow their own stubborn desires,
    living according to their own ideas.
Oh, that my people would listen to me!
    Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
    How soon my hands would be upon their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him;
    they would be doomed forever.
But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
    I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
 

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.
 
The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>780audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-22nd-2025--64754717
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754717Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-21st-2025--64755142Today is the 15th day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.
 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

 
This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?
   
The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64755142Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 15th day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from...Today is the 15th day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.
 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

 
This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?
   
The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>600audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-20th-2025--64755146This is the 14th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1.
 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.


Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.
   
“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64755146Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 14th day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the...This is the 14th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1.
 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.


Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.
   
“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>689audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-19th-2025--64755147This is the 13th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8.

 
Then they all went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
 

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?

Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.
 
The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: O My Soul - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64755147Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 13th day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s...This is the 13th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8.

 
Then they all went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
 

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?

Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.
 
The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: O My Soul - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>826audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-18th-2025--64754991Today is the 12th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128.
 

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!

 
This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: All The Ways - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754991Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 12th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 12th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128.
 

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!

 
This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: All The Ways - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>627audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-17th-2025--64754992Today is the 11th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.
 

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.


Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754992Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 11th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is the 11th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.
 

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.


Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-14th-2025--64754413Today is the 9th day of Lent.   
    
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    
   
    
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy, chapter .   
    
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.   
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.   
   
Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.  
   
This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?   
    
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.   
   
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.   
   
Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.  
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
   
  Music: Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel (Bb Major) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754413Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 9th day of Lent.         Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.              Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading...Today is the 9th day of Lent.   
    
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    
   
    
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy, chapter .   
    
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.   
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.   
   
Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.  
   
This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?   
    
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.   
   
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.   
   
Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.  
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
   
  Music: Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel (Bb Major) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>711audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-13th-2025--64754266Today is the 8th day of Lent.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34   
    
34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”   
   
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”   
   
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”   
   
This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?  
    
Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.   
    
34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”   
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”   
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”   
   
Moses learned to be courageous with God. He prays: God… even though we are stubborn and wicked and sinful… even though we couldn’t get this right the first time… can we still be your people? Will you still take us as your inheritance? As we close our time, take heart because no matter what your track record is with God, his track record with you is consistent: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”     
     
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
   
Music: What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754266Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 8th day of Lent.        May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.           Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is the 8th day of Lent.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34   
    
34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”   
   
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”   
   
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”   
   
This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?  
    
Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.   
    
34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”   
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”   
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your...]]>566audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-12th-2025--64754099Today is the 7th day of Lent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?

Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754099Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 7th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...Today is the 7th day of Lent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?

Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>654audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-11th-2025--64754012Today is the 6th day of Lent.    
    
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32   
    
Blessed is the one   
      whose transgressions are forgiven,   
      whose sins are covered.   
2 Blessed is the one   
      whose sin the Lord does not count against them   
      and in whose spirit is no deceit.   
3 When I kept silent,   
      my bones wasted away   
      through my groaning all day long.   
4 For day and night   
      your hand was heavy on me;   
my strength was sapped   
      as in the heat of summer.  
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you   
      and did not cover up my iniquity.   
I said, “I will confess   
      my transgressions to the Lord.”   
And you forgave   
      the guilt of my sin.   
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you   
      while you may be found;   
surely the rising of the mighty waters   
      will not reach them.   
7 You are my hiding place;   
      you will protect me from trouble   
      and surround me with songs of deliverance.   
    
This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?   
    
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…   
    
Blessed is the one   
      whose transgressions are forgiven,   
      whose sins are covered.   
2 Blessed is the one   
      whose sin the Lord does not count against them   
      and in whose spirit is no deceit.   
3 When I kept silent,   
      my bones wasted away   
      through my groaning all day long.   
4 For day and night   
      your hand was heavy on me;   
my strength was sapped   
      as in the heat of summer.  
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you   
      and did not cover up my iniquity.   
I said, “I will confess   
      my transgressions to the Lord.”   
And you forgave   
      the guilt of my sin.   
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you   
      while you may be found;   
surely the rising of the mighty waters   
      will not reach them.   
7 You are my hiding place;   
      you will protect me from trouble   
      and surround me with songs of deliverance.   
   
We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.   
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
   
  Music: Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship (Db Major) 
Pour It Out (feat. Kelly Anderson) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64754012Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 6th day of Lent.          The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.         Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm...Today is the 6th day of Lent.    
    
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32   
    
Blessed is the one   
      whose transgressions are forgiven,   
      whose sins are covered.   
2 Blessed is the one   
      whose sin the Lord does not count against them   
      and in whose spirit is no deceit.   
3 When I kept silent,   
      my bones wasted away   
      through my groaning all day long.   
4 For day and night   
      your hand was heavy on me;   
my strength was sapped   
      as in the heat of summer.  
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you   
      and did not cover up my iniquity.   
I said, “I will confess   
      my transgressions to the Lord.”   
And you forgave   
      the guilt of my sin.   
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you   
      while you may be found;   
surely the rising of the mighty waters   
      will not reach them.   
7 You are my hiding place;   
      you will protect me from trouble   
      and surround me with songs of deliverance.   
    
This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?   
    
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…   
    
Blessed is the one   
      whose transgressions are forgiven,   
      whose sins are covered.   
2 Blessed is the one   
      whose sin the Lord does not count against them   
      and in whose spirit is no deceit.   
3 When I kept silent,   
      my bones wasted away   
      through my groaning all day long.   
4 For day and night   
      your hand was heavy on me;   
my strength was sapped   
      as in the heat of summer.  
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you   
      and did not cover up my iniquity.   
I said, “I will confess   
      my transgressions to the Lord.”   
And you forgave   
      the guilt of my sin.   
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you   
      while you may be found;   
surely the rising of the mighty waters   
      will not reach them.   
7 You are my hiding place;   
      you will protect me from trouble   
      and surround me with songs of deliverance.   
   
We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.   
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within...]]>622audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-10th-2024--64753968Today is the 5th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?
 
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64753968Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 5th day of Lent.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.   Blessed...Today is the 5th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?
 
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>623audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-march-8th-2025--64721487
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64721487Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:03:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-7th-2025--64721471Today is the third day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4.
 

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”


Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?
 
The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either. As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64721471Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the third day of Lent.    May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is the third day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4.
 

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”


Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?
 
The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either. As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>803audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-6th-2025--64721459This is the second day of Lent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51.

 
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


I know my transgressions, says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift.  It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Merciful - Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64721459Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the second day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the...This is the second day of Lent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51.

 
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


I know my transgressions, says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift.  It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Merciful - Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-5th-2025--64709626Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13 .


Let all who live in the land tremble,
    for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand—
     a day of darkness and gloom,
    a day of clouds and blackness.
Like dawn spreading across the mountains
    a large and mighty army comes,
such as never was in ancient times
    nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
 Before them the earth shakes,
    the heavens tremble,
the sun and moon are darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.
 The Lord thunders
    at the head of his army;
his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
The day of the Lord is great;
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?
 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.


The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.
 
Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64709626Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:33:27 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13 .


Let all who live in the land tremble,
    for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand—
     a day of darkness and gloom,
    a day of clouds and blackness.
Like dawn spreading across the mountains
    a large and mighty army comes,
such as never was in ancient times
    nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
 Before them the earth shakes,
    the heavens tremble,
the sun and moon are darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.
 The Lord thunders
    at the head of his army;
his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
The day of the Lord is great;
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?
 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.


The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.
 
Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>744audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-4th-2025--64684238Today is March 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus Acts chapter 10.    
   

23 ...The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 
  
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 
  
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” 
  

Welcome to prayer today. At first glance, this passage describes a simple meeting between two men. But let's consider it more deeply: Peter is a Jew, and Cornelious a Gentile. There is a religious and cultural barrier between them that in their time would have been considered unbreakable. But Peter has had a revelation from God: that through Christ – the old barriers have been torn down. And not only torn down – but what once had been a dividing wall has been replaced by a bridge. A bridge to God, through Christ... and also a bridge to one another, through Christ. When was the first time you realized that Christ came not only to reconcile you to God, but also to transform you into the sort of person who can cross boundaries or division or prejudice?  
 
Listen to the passage again and pay particular attention to how Cornelius describes himself. Not a Jew, he’s yet a man of prayer, a man who cares for the poor, and a man who hears from God! God has given Cornelius a holy curiosity about the gospel of Christ. As you think about Cornelius, ask yourself this question: is there someone in your world who may be in the same sort of space? Not a believer, yet filled with holy curiously?  
   
Peter would have been disinclined to see Cornelius as his brother. He would have initially been disinclined to go to his house even! But Peter’s heart had shifted in posture by the radical realization that the good news of Jesus is that God has invited all people into relationship with him. The old dividing walls and mean to be torn down by the grace of God, and replaced with bridges, with reconciliation... both to God, and to one another.  As we end our time of prayer today, invite the Lord to help you learn to stretch toward others, even if it might make you feel a bit uncomfortable... with grace, and with the message of the gospel.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64684238Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is March 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.            Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is March 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus Acts chapter 10.    
   

23 ...The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 
  
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 
  
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” 
  

Welcome to prayer today. At first glance, this passage describes a simple meeting between two men. But let's consider it more deeply: Peter is a Jew, and Cornelious a Gentile. There is a religious and cultural barrier between them that in their time would have been considered unbreakable. But Peter has had a revelation from God: that through Christ – the old barriers have been torn down. And not only torn down – but what once had been a dividing wall has been replaced by a bridge. A bridge to God, through Christ... and also a bridge to one another, through Christ. When was the first time you realized that Christ came not only to reconcile you to God, but also to transform you into the sort of person who can cross boundaries or division or prejudice?  
 
Listen to the passage again and pay particular attention to how Cornelius describes himself. Not a Jew, he’s yet a man of prayer, a man who cares for the poor, and a man who hears from God! God has given Cornelius a holy curiosity about the gospel of Christ. As you think about Cornelius, ask yourself this question: is there someone in your world who may be in the same sort of space? Not a believer, yet filled with holy curiously?  
   
Peter would have been disinclined to see Cornelius as his brother. He would have initially been disinclined to go to his house even! But Peter’s heart had shifted in posture by the radical realization that the good news of Jesus is that God has invited all people into relationship with him. The old dividing walls and mean to be torn down by the grace of God, and replaced with bridges, with reconciliation... both to God, and to one another.  As we end our time of prayer today, invite the Lord to help you learn to stretch toward others, even if it might make you feel a bit uncomfortable... with grace, and with the message of the gospel.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>932audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-3rd-2025--64629843Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64629843Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill826audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyard,wfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-march-1st-2025--64629262
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64629262Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-28th-2025--64571187Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64571187Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill665columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-27th-2025--64571146Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64571146Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill697columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-26th-2025--64571107Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64571107Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill677audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-25th-2025--64535097Today is February 25.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.          
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Samuel, chapter 24.    
   

After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. 
  
3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe... 
  
8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.   
  

David and Saul have a relationship marked by power, distrust, and significant dysfunction. Are there any relationships in your life right now that feel out of joint? As we enter into a time of prayer today, take an extra few moments to reflect on as many relationships as come to mind. If a broken relationship does come to mind, or perhaps it's an individual who you feel like is bent on doing you in justice, pray specifically for them, and for the situation right now. 
   
Along with all of this dysfunction, David and Saul's relationship had a massive bit of miscommunication in it. They're both chasing each other around, and they're both feeling chased. listen to the text again and pay attention for particular parts of the story that stand out for you, or a word or phrase that seems particularly meaningful. 
   
Human relationships, because of sin, will always experience breakdown and dysfunction. The natural way of the world is toward entropy… And that means that it takes work to build good and healthy things. As we end our time of prayer today, ask yourself how much energy, you are putting into the most important relationships in your life. Are you doing the kind of work that represents the importance of that relationship if you feel like there is a gap in your practical investment in relationships in your life, take time today to pray and ask for wise counsel about how you can do good work to build good and healthy relationships. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64535097Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 25.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.              Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is February 25.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.          
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Samuel, chapter 24.    
   

After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. 
  
3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe... 
  
8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.   
  

David and Saul have a relationship marked by power, distrust, and significant dysfunction. Are there any relationships in your life right now that feel out of joint? As we enter into a time of prayer today, take an extra few moments to reflect on as many relationships as come to mind. If a broken relationship does come to mind, or perhaps it's an individual who you feel like is bent on doing you in justice, pray specifically for them, and for the situation right now. 
   
Along with all of this dysfunction, David and Saul's relationship had a massive bit of miscommunication in it. They're both chasing each other around, and they're both feeling chased. listen to the text again and pay attention for particular parts of the story that stand out for you, or a word or phrase that seems particularly meaningful. 
   
Human relationships, because of sin, will always experience breakdown and dysfunction. The natural way of the world is toward entropy… And that means that it takes work to build good and healthy things. As we end our time of prayer today, ask yourself how much energy, you are putting into the most important relationships in your life. Are you doing the kind of work that represents the importance of that relationship if you feel like there is a gap in your practical investment in relationships in your life, take time today to pray and ask for wise counsel about how you can do good work to build good and healthy relationships. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>996audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-24th-2025--64530981Today is February 24.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis, chapter 33.    
   

Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 
  
4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.   
   

Today, we witness a powerful moment of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. Despite their past conflicts and Jacob's fear of Esau's anger, Esau runs to embrace his brother with love and forgiveness. This story reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and the healing it can bring to our relationships. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation with someone. How did it impact your relationship and your heart? 
 
Jacob's act of bowing down to Esau seven times shows his humility and desire for peace. It highlights the importance of humility in mending broken relationships. As you listen to the story again, consider areas in your life where you might need to approach someone with humility and seek reconciliation. How can you take the first step towards healing a strained relationship?  
   
Today, take a step towards reconciliation with someone you may have had a conflict with. It could be a simple gesture of kindness, an apology, or reaching out to start a conversation. Pray for the courage and humility to seek peace and forgiveness, and trust that God will guide you in this process. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64530981Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 24.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis,...Today is February 24.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis, chapter 33.    
   

Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. 
  
4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.   
   

Today, we witness a powerful moment of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. Despite their past conflicts and Jacob's fear of Esau's anger, Esau runs to embrace his brother with love and forgiveness. This story reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and the healing it can bring to our relationships. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation with someone. How did it impact your relationship and your heart? 
 
Jacob's act of bowing down to Esau seven times shows his humility and desire for peace. It highlights the importance of humility in mending broken relationships. As you listen to the story again, consider areas in your life where you might need to approach someone with humility and seek reconciliation. How can you take the first step towards healing a strained relationship?  
   
Today, take a step towards reconciliation with someone you may have had a conflict with. It could be a simple gesture of kindness, an apology, or reaching out to start a conversation. Pray for the courage and humility to seek peace and forgiveness, and trust that God will guide you in this process. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>639audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-22nd-2025--64474813
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64474813Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-21st-2025--64474760Today is February 21st

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118:5-14

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

The Psalmist is pouring his heart out to God. He feels hard pressed, surrounded, pushed back, and about to fail. He also has seen the Lord answer him in those places... and he writes “the Lord helped me.” Where is it that you feel overwhelmed, as though you were surrounded by a swarm of bees?

Where do you need the Lord’s help today?

The psalmist is honest about both sides of the coin: he feels hard pressed, he cries to the Lord... and also, the Lord answers, and brings the psalmist into a spacious place. As you hear the passage read again… listen to the rhythm of personal complaint, and God’s answer. Does your own spiritual life ever follow this rhythm?

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord…” Think about the things that you take refuge in. Maybe it’s your savings or retirement account, or maybe a trusted friend, or a perhaps you take refuge in something feels protective but is actually harmful—maybe eating or drinking too much. Or maybe isolating from others feels like a safe refuge, but you still feel deep longing for connection. What would it look like for you today to surrender the things you trust in, for God’s refuge? Take a moment now and tell God that you want him to be your refuge in the storm.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Your Love - Vineyard Worship Deaturing Tim Brown (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64474760Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 21st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is February 21st

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118:5-14

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

The Psalmist is pouring his heart out to God. He feels hard pressed, surrounded, pushed back, and about to fail. He also has seen the Lord answer him in those places... and he writes “the Lord helped me.” Where is it that you feel overwhelmed, as though you were surrounded by a swarm of bees?

Where do you need the Lord’s help today?

The psalmist is honest about both sides of the coin: he feels hard pressed, he cries to the Lord... and also, the Lord answers, and brings the psalmist into a spacious place. As you hear the passage read again… listen to the rhythm of personal complaint, and God’s answer. Does your own spiritual life ever follow this rhythm?

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord…” Think about the things that you take refuge in. Maybe it’s your savings or retirement account, or maybe a trusted friend, or a perhaps you take refuge in something feels protective but is actually harmful—maybe eating or drinking too much. Or maybe isolating from others feels like a safe refuge, but you still feel deep longing for connection. What would it look like for you today to surrender the things you trust in, for God’s refuge? Take a moment now and tell God that you want him to be your refuge in the storm.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Your Love - Vineyard Worship Deaturing Tim Brown (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 |...]]>607audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-20th-2025--64474692Today is February 20th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was a military man, a man with power and authority. Roman centurions had a reputation for meting out harsh punishment. The Roman historian Tacitus tells a story of a centurion who had been given the nickname "Cedo Alteram", which basically means: "Fetch Me Another"… because he punished those under his service so harshly that he often needed to replace them. So consider this: the centurion came to Jesus and did two remarkable things: first, he asked for help. Second, he showed empathy with his suffering servant. Does this surprise you? Ask God for insight into the centurion: what was going on in this encounter withJesus that allowed such a man in such a hardened role to demonstrate humility and compassion?

We often hear the centurion praised because of His faith in Christ to heal his servant. As you hear the passage read again… consider how his faith in Christ must have transformed the centurion himself... and healed not just the servant, but perhaps his own hardened heart as well.

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was part of a culture that valued brute strength, authority, and power above all. Humility was a despised weakness. But Christ made it a paramount value, transforming our whole understanding of how God’s kingdom works. Invite God to speak to you about how you exercise power and authority in your own life and relationships. Ask God to transform any hardness or harshness in you, into the virtues of humility and empathy, just like the centurion demonstrated.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Surrender - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64474692Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:17:50 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 20th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13 "5 When...Today is February 20th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was a military man, a man with power and authority. Roman centurions had a reputation for meting out harsh punishment. The Roman historian Tacitus tells a story of a centurion who had been given the nickname "Cedo Alteram", which basically means: "Fetch Me Another"… because he punished those under his service so harshly that he often needed to replace them. So consider this: the centurion came to Jesus and did two remarkable things: first, he asked for help. Second, he showed empathy with his suffering servant. Does this surprise you? Ask God for insight into the centurion: what was going on in this encounter withJesus that allowed such a man in such a hardened role to demonstrate humility and compassion?

We often hear the centurion praised because of His faith in Christ to heal his servant. As you hear the passage read again… consider how his faith in Christ must have transformed the centurion himself... and healed not just the servant, but perhaps his own hardened heart as well.

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was part of a culture that valued brute strength, authority, and power above all. Humility was a despised weakness. But Christ made it a paramount value, transforming our whole understanding of how God’s kingdom works. Invite God to speak to you about how you exercise power and authority in your own life and relationships. Ask God...]]>679audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-19th-2025--64441624Today is February 19.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 11.    
   

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. 
  
39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 
  
42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 
  
43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. 
  
44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” 
   
  
To summarize this scripture, Jesus is calling out the reality that talk is cheap, and that the interior is way more important to God than the exterior. The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus didn’t wash his hand. Notice here that the text does not tell us that he said anything to Jesus about it. He was just surprised. Somehow, supernaturally, Jesus must've sensed judgment coming from this Pharisee because he responded in a way that was addressing judgment and not handwashing. Not only that he addressed the silliness of paying so much attention to the surface, when everything beneath the surface can be corrupt. In Jesus's word… You can wash the outside of a cup, but if the inside is filled with mold and mess… It's still unclean. In the same way we can look really great on the outside… And have some pretty messed up internal realities. As you come to prayer today, think about your inside and your outside. Think about your secret self, or your private self… And the public persona that you walk around showing. How are those two selves to one another? 
 
Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the intensity with which Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees. In the last line of our text, he says "Woe to you because you were like unmarked Graves, which people walk over without knowing it". That's a picture of being dead on the inside. Pay attention to how it makes you feel as you listen to the text. 
   
In particular, Jesus says to these guys that while they give a 10th of all their herbs and spices… They are not generous to the poor. And they neglect mercy and justice. They do everything on the outside to look right, but they're actual behavior and the state of their heart isn't clean before the Lord, as we end our time of prayer today, take some time to reflect on the state of your own private self. Ask the Lord to help you continually become transformed, not just exteriorly… But in the very core of your being, into the likeness of Christ. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64441624Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 19.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s...Today is February 19.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 11.    
   

37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. 
  
39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 
  
42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. 
  
43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. 
  
44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” 
   
  
To summarize this scripture, Jesus is calling out the reality that talk is cheap, and that the interior is way more important to God than the exterior. The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus didn’t wash his hand. Notice here that the text does not tell us that he said anything to Jesus about it. He was just surprised. Somehow, supernaturally, Jesus must've sensed judgment coming from this Pharisee because he responded in a way that was addressing judgment and not handwashing. Not only that he addressed the silliness of paying so much attention to the surface, when everything beneath the surface can be corrupt. In Jesus's word… You can wash the outside of a cup, but if the inside is filled with mold and mess… It's still unclean. In the same way we can look really great on the outside… And have some pretty messed up internal realities. As you come to prayer today, think about your inside and your outside. Think about your secret self, or your private self… And the public persona that you walk around showing. How are those two selves to one another? 
 
Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the intensity with which Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees. In the last line of our text, he says "Woe to you because you were like unmarked Graves, which people walk over without knowing it". That's a picture of being dead on the inside. Pay attention to how it makes you feel as you listen to the text. 
   
In particular, Jesus says to these guys that while they give a 10th of all their herbs and spices… They are not generous to the poor. And they neglect mercy and justice. They do everything on the outside to look right, but they're actual behavior and the state of their heart isn't clean before the Lord, as we end our time of prayer today, take some time to reflect on the state of your own private self. Ask the Lord to help you continually become transformed, not just exteriorly… But in the very core of your being, into the likeness of Christ. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>921audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-18th-2025--64425508Today is February 18.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ezra, chapter 1.    
   

1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: 
  
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 
  
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’” 
  
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. 
  
7 Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god.  
  
 

In Ezra, we see how God moves the heart of King Cyrus to fulfill His divine plan. Cyrus wasn’t an Israelite King; he was Persian. This reminds us that God can use anyone, even those who do not know Him, to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected people and circumstances. Consider a time in your life when God used an unlikely person or situation to bless you or guide you. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 
 
The willingness of the people to support the rebuilding of the temple with their resources is a powerful example of communal faith and generosity. It challenges us to consider how we can contribute to God's work today. It’s countercultural to give your time and money and energy to the work of building God’s kingdom. It says here, “everyone whose heart God had move” participated. As you hear the passage again, consider a time that God has moved your heart in the past, or, how do you sense him moving you now to invest in building his kingdom?  
 
Today, take a step to support God's work through your local church community. It could be serving in a ministry, or giving cheerfully, or simply offering your skills to help someone in need. Pray for guidance on how you can best use your resources to serve others and glorify God. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64425508Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 18.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is February 18.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ezra, chapter 1.    
   

1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: 
  
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 
  
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’” 
  
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. 
  
7 Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god.  
  
 

In Ezra, we see how God moves the heart of King Cyrus to fulfill His divine plan. Cyrus wasn’t an Israelite King; he was Persian. This reminds us that God can use anyone, even those who do not know Him, to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected people and circumstances. Consider a time in your life when God used an unlikely person or situation to bless you or guide you. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 
 
The willingness of the people to support the rebuilding of the temple with their resources is a powerful example of communal faith and generosity. It challenges us to consider how we can contribute to God's work today. It’s countercultural to give your time and money and energy to the work of building God’s kingdom. It says here, “everyone whose heart God had move” participated. As you hear the passage again, consider a time that God has moved your heart in the past, or, how do you sense him moving you now to invest in building his kingdom?  
 
Today, take a step to support God's work through your local church community. It could be serving in a ministry, or giving cheerfully, or simply offering your skills to help someone in need. Pray for guidance on how you can best use your resources to serve others and glorify God. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>813audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-17th-2025--64382793Today is February 17th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

This passage ends with Joseph forgiving and providing for his family, even after they had caused Joseph great pain. Joseph didn’t respond out of anger to his family’s faithlessness, but he responded out of God’s faithfulness. As we end our time of prayer, what is God’s wisdom to you for your own family situation? Ask God for grace to response in the ways that he is leading you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take Me With You - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64382793Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:10:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 17th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is February 17th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed...]]>798falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-15th-2025--64254773
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64254773Sat, 15 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-14th-2025--64254737Today is February 14th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

The psalmist writes that the love of God is higher than the heavens, and that his faithfulness reaches to the skies. He’s painting a picture of the eternal and immeasurable nature of God’s love and faithfulness. It is so hard for us to fathom such love and faithfulness... All we have to compare it to is our own versions of these two: and our own version of love and faithfulness are so limited and so temperamental. Our own love disappoints, and human faithfulness is insufficient. Have you forgotten how immeasurable God’s love is for you? Consider the last time that you felt a tangible sense of God’s love for you.

As you hear the passage read again… take note that the writer asks to be saved and helped. Even in the midst of being loved by a faithful God, there are times that we need help, times when we need to be saved or rescued... Where do you need help today? Ask God for His help.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

Every day, there are so many things to remember: appointments, deadlines, projects, taking medicine, setting out the garbage... and sometimes our minds get so full of those sorts of things, that we forget the most important thing to remember: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Remember that truth through your day. And perhaps remind someone else of it, as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64254737Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 14th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is February 14th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

The psalmist writes that the love of God is higher than the heavens, and that his faithfulness reaches to the skies. He’s painting a picture of the eternal and immeasurable nature of God’s love and faithfulness. It is so hard for us to fathom such love and faithfulness... All we have to compare it to is our own versions of these two: and our own version of love and faithfulness are so limited and so temperamental. Our own love disappoints, and human faithfulness is insufficient. Have you forgotten how immeasurable God’s love is for you? Consider the last time that you felt a tangible sense of God’s love for you.

As you hear the passage read again… take note that the writer asks to be saved and helped. Even in the midst of being loved by a faithful God, there are times that we need help, times when we need to be saved or rescued... Where do you need help today? Ask God for His help.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

Every day, there are so many things to remember: appointments, deadlines, projects, taking medicine, setting out the garbage... and sometimes our minds get so full of those sorts of things, that we forget the most important thing to remember: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Remember that truth through your day. And perhaps remind someone else of it, as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>546audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-13th-2025--64254736Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64254736Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 13th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew,...Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-12th-2025--64254762Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64254762Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter...Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>981audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-11th-2025--64309498Today is Tuesday, February 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version 
   

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.  
 

Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? 
   
I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life.  

As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64309498Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Tuesday, February 11.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is Tuesday, February 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version 
   

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.  
 

Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? 
   
I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life.  

As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>905audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-10th-2025--64254763Today is February 10th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64254763Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 10th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians...Today is February 10th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-8th-2025--64085790
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64085790Sat, 08 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-7th-2025--64085786Today is February 7th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.


Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
  

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?
 
Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story. Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64085786Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 7th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is February 7th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.


Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
  

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?
 
Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story. Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>846audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-6th-2025--64085771Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64085771Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 6th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4....Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>674audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-5th-2025--64085770Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64085770Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4. One...Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>855audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-4th-2025--64168681Today is Tuesday, February 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapter 56.    
   

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
4     In God, whose word I praise— 
in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
5 All day long they twist my words; 
    all their schemes are for my ruin. 
6 They conspire, they lurk, 
    they watch my steps, 
    hoping to take my life. 
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; 
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 
  
8 Record my misery; 
    list my tears on your scroll— 
    are they not in your record? 
9 Then my enemies will turn back 
    when I call for help. 
    By this I will know that God is for me. 
  
10 In God, whose word I praise, 
    in the Lord, whose word I praise— 
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can man do to me? 
  

The psalmist begins by declaring: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you". This verse highlights a fundamental choice we face in moments of anxiety. Do you turn inward and let fear dominate, or do you, like the psalmist, intentionally choose to place your trust in God? The psalmist acknowledges the reality of human threats and schemes, but immediately redirects his focus to the power and faithfulness of God. Can you identify any place of fear that God is inviting you to re-orient, away from fear and towards trust in God? 
   
The psalmist is vulnerable and honest with God. He asks God to notice his suffering, and declares that God will turn back his enemies when he calls for help. Do you believe that God sees your suffering, and that he will fight for you? As you hear the scripture again, consider a place in your life where you feel vulnerable, or even under attack, and trust that God is fighting for you.  
 
Take some time today to actively praise God, either through singing or spoken words, even if you don't feel like it. If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, write down the things that are causing your fear and ask God to notice your pain. Make a choice to trust in God’s power and presence. Ask God to show you how to rely on his word and to quiet your fears.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64168681Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Tuesday, February 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is Tuesday, February 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Psalms, chapter 56.    
   

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 
4     In God, whose word I praise— 
in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
5 All day long they twist my words; 
    all their schemes are for my ruin. 
6 They conspire, they lurk, 
    they watch my steps, 
    hoping to take my life. 
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; 
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 
  
8 Record my misery; 
    list my tears on your scroll— 
    are they not in your record? 
9 Then my enemies will turn back 
    when I call for help. 
    By this I will know that God is for me. 
  
10 In God, whose word I praise, 
    in the Lord, whose word I praise— 
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. 
    What can man do to me? 
  

The psalmist begins by declaring: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you". This verse highlights a fundamental choice we face in moments of anxiety. Do you turn inward and let fear dominate, or do you, like the psalmist, intentionally choose to place your trust in God? The psalmist acknowledges the reality of human threats and schemes, but immediately redirects his focus to the power and faithfulness of God. Can you identify any place of fear that God is inviting you to re-orient, away from fear and towards trust in God? 
   
The psalmist is vulnerable and honest with God. He asks God to notice his suffering, and declares that God will turn back his enemies when he calls for help. Do you believe that God sees your suffering, and that he will fight for you? As you hear the scripture again, consider a place in your life where you feel vulnerable, or even under attack, and trust that God is fighting for you.  
 
Take some time today to actively praise God, either through singing or spoken words, even if you don't feel like it. If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, write down the things that are causing your fear and ask God to notice your pain. Make a choice to trust in God’s power and presence. Ask God to show you how to rely on his word and to quiet your fears.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>740audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-3rd-2025--64085780Today is February 3rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64085780Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 3rd May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16...Today is February 3rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>735audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-1st-2025--63733005
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63733005Sat, 01 Feb 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-31st-2025--63877744Today is January 31st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives.

Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63877744Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 31st. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 31st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives.

Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>765audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-30th-2025--63877745Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63877745Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 30th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is Psalm 43. Vindicate me, my God, and plead...Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.

Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>705audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-29th-2025--63877743Today is January 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63877743Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21. Then...Today is January 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>857audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-28th-2025--63944889

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119, beginning in verse 89. 
 

Your word, Lord, is eternal; 
    it stands firm in the heavens. 
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; 
    you established the earth, and it endures. 
91 Your laws endure to this day, 
    for all things serve you. 
92 If your law had not been my delight, 
    I would have perished in my affliction. 
93 I will never forget your precepts, 
    for by them you have preserved my life. 
94 Save me, for I am yours; 
    I have sought out your precepts. 
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, 
    but I will ponder your statutes. 
96 To all perfection I see a limit, 
    but your commands are boundless. 
 
     
 This psalm in it’s entire is the longest psalm in the bible, and it’s focused on glorifying God and his word. The words for word… sometimes ‘law’, sometimes ‘precepts’, sometimes ‘statues or commands’ – together build a picture that the psalmist is glorifying God’s revelations, God’s discernment, His instructions. The psalmist is saying than in a world where everything changes, where rules change where values change, where people change… God’s word is stable. It’s the only stable thing we have, actually. As you come to prayer today, think about all of the ever-changing things in the world around you. Does that ever feel disorienting?  
   
Our world, for many people, feels like a sea filled with waves, storms, and winds blowing in opposite directions. It doesn’t feel like anything has a firm foundation: even truth. Or virtue. It feels like nothing is enduring. Cultural rules change faster than we can keep track! So do allegiances. The psalmist is describing what we feel – that sense of homelessness, the sense of confusion, the same that we don’t ever have a firm foundation for truth. Listen again for the consolation that the psalmist has found in God’s enduring revelation. God doesn’t change. God always loves mercy and justice. God always is compassionate. God always is willing and wanting to forgive. God always, always, always, offers grace.  
   
Many of us grew up in religious environments where God’s word felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules. Or we grew up in secular environments where cultural norms felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules! Either way, the revelation God brought to the world in Christ is that God’s word isn’t a list of rules…. God’s gracious revelation to us is in Christ, our brother. The spirit, our helper. And they are an ever-present foundation, a tall strong tower to find protection in. I would love for you to, this year, work to read scripture with these sorts of eyes… to read the Bible looking not for a list of rules, but for the steady, firm, and consistent presence of your good and gracious Father God. If you don’t read the Bible regularly, would you consider giving yourself a time each week to sit down, read, journal, and pray. If you don’t understand what you read, look for the passage on a web resource called The Bible Project and there’s a good chance you’ll find a video that will help you understand what’s going on in the book or text you’re looking at.

Music: Dwell - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63944889Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119, beginning in verse 89. 
 

Your word, Lord, is eternal; 
    it stands firm in the heavens. 
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; 
    you established the earth, and it endures. 
91 Your laws endure to this day, 
    for all things serve you. 
92 If your law had not been my delight, 
    I would have perished in my affliction. 
93 I will never forget your precepts, 
    for by them you have preserved my life. 
94 Save me, for I am yours; 
    I have sought out your precepts. 
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, 
    but I will ponder your statutes. 
96 To all perfection I see a limit, 
    but your commands are boundless. 
 
     
 This psalm in it’s entire is the longest psalm in the bible, and it’s focused on glorifying God and his word. The words for word… sometimes ‘law’, sometimes ‘precepts’, sometimes ‘statues or commands’ – together build a picture that the psalmist is glorifying God’s revelations, God’s discernment, His instructions. The psalmist is saying than in a world where everything changes, where rules change where values change, where people change… God’s word is stable. It’s the only stable thing we have, actually. As you come to prayer today, think about all of the ever-changing things in the world around you. Does that ever feel disorienting?  
   
Our world, for many people, feels like a sea filled with waves, storms, and winds blowing in opposite directions. It doesn’t feel like anything has a firm foundation: even truth. Or virtue. It feels like nothing is enduring. Cultural rules change faster than we can keep track! So do allegiances. The psalmist is describing what we feel – that sense of homelessness, the sense of confusion, the same that we don’t ever have a firm foundation for truth. Listen again for the consolation that the psalmist has found in God’s enduring revelation. God doesn’t change. God always loves mercy and justice. God always is compassionate. God always is willing and wanting to forgive. God always, always, always, offers grace.  
   
Many of us grew up in religious environments where God’s word felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules. Or we grew up in secular environments where cultural norms felt like a bunch of arbitrary rules! Either way, the revelation God brought to the world in Christ is that God’s word isn’t a list of rules…. God’s gracious revelation to us is in Christ, our brother. The spirit, our helper. And they are an ever-present foundation, a tall strong tower to find protection in. I would love for you to, this year, work to read scripture with these sorts of eyes… to read the Bible looking not for a list of rules, but for the steady, firm, and consistent presence of your good and gracious Father God. If you don’t read the Bible regularly, would you consider giving yourself a time each week to sit down, read, journal, and pray. If you don’t understand what you read, look for the passage on a web resource called The Bible Project and there’s a good chance you’ll find a video that will help you understand what’s going on in the book or text you’re looking at.

Music: Dwell - Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>975audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-27th-2025--63877742Today is January 27th   
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version 
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or ‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between? 
  
Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.  
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him. 
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
  
Music: Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63877742Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 27th       May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is January 27th   
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version 
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or ‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between? 
  
Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.  
  
You got me when I was an unformed youth, 
     God, and taught me everything I know. 
Now I’m telling the world your wonders; 
     I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray. 
God, don’t walk off and leave me 
     until I get out the news 
Of your strong right arm to this world, 
     news of your power to the world yet to come, 
Your famous and righteous 
     ways, O God. 
God, you’ve done it all! 
     Who is quite like you? 
You, who made me stare trouble in the face, 
     Turn me around; 
Now let me look life in the face. 
     I’ve been to the bottom; 
Bring me up, streaming with honors; 
     turn to me, be tender to me, 
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you 
     to the tune of your faithfulness, God. 
I’ll make music for you on a harp, 
     Holy One of Israel. 
  
The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him. 
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
  
Music: Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-25th-2024--63374414
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63374414Sat, 25 Jan 2025 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,dayly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-24th-2024--63733007Today is January 24th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12.


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”


The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you? Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63733007Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:10:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 24th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 24th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12.


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”


The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you? Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>731audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-23rd-2025--63733002Today is January 23rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63733002Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 23rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22....Today is January 23rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>715audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-22nd-2025--63733003Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63733003Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 46. God is our refuge and...Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>683audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-21st-2025--63756469Today is January 21.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63756469Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is January 21.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>712audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-20th-2025--63731068Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63731068Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:50:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 20th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John...Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>585audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-18th-2024--63374570
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63374570Sat, 18 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-17th-2025--63353807Today is January 25th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church, persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you met Jesus?

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God?

As we end, ask God to reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353807Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 25th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians remember...Today is January 25th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church, persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you met Jesus?

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God?

As we end, ask God to reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>705audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-16th-2025--63353810Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353810Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 16th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8. At dawn...Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-15-2025--63353813Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353813Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 15 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>737audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-14th-2025--63681375Today is January 14th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 John, chapter 5.   
 
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 
 
As we enter into prayer today, would you take some time and consider what word you would use to describe how it is YOU approach God? Is it confidence? Fear? Tiredness? Are you rushed? Get quiet for a few moments and think about how you felt just now – before you hit play on Be Still? Share that feeling with God. 
 
These words from first John aren’t meant to tell us that every single thing we pray for will be given to us. We all know that’s not the case in our real lives. It’s meant to speak to something far deeper… that God desires proximity with us. That God hears our prayers. That God’s will is sufficient for us. And most importantly: that God has granted us eternal life, with Him. John’s words are meant to bring comfort to a people who are used to God keeping them at arms length, because of His holiness. They are used to the idea that ‘approaching God’ would come with fear and trembling, like when the priest would enter into the temple. As you listen again, let yourself wrestle with these two truths: God wants us to be near to Him and He hears our prayers….. and sometimes, we feel otherwise.  

What do you think it means to ‘ask according to God’s will?’ That seems to me to have to do with our prayerfulness coming out of deep connection with God. That our prayer would be informed by discernment about what God is up to. IT also seems to me that a lot of times I THINK my prayers are according to God’s will. And yet I don’t feel like I ‘have what I asked of him’. Do you relate to that tension? How do you sit with those realities? As we end today, join me in being vulnerable and authentic with God and talk with Him about things or prayers that haven’t been answered, and that I don’t understand. He loves you, and wants to accompany you as you seek Him in this confusing space.   

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63681375Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 14th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is January 14th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 John, chapter 5.   
 
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 
 
As we enter into prayer today, would you take some time and consider what word you would use to describe how it is YOU approach God? Is it confidence? Fear? Tiredness? Are you rushed? Get quiet for a few moments and think about how you felt just now – before you hit play on Be Still? Share that feeling with God. 
 
These words from first John aren’t meant to tell us that every single thing we pray for will be given to us. We all know that’s not the case in our real lives. It’s meant to speak to something far deeper… that God desires proximity with us. That God hears our prayers. That God’s will is sufficient for us. And most importantly: that God has granted us eternal life, with Him. John’s words are meant to bring comfort to a people who are used to God keeping them at arms length, because of His holiness. They are used to the idea that ‘approaching God’ would come with fear and trembling, like when the priest would enter into the temple. As you listen again, let yourself wrestle with these two truths: God wants us to be near to Him and He hears our prayers….. and sometimes, we feel otherwise.  

What do you think it means to ‘ask according to God’s will?’ That seems to me to have to do with our prayerfulness coming out of deep connection with God. That our prayer would be informed by discernment about what God is up to. IT also seems to me that a lot of times I THINK my prayers are according to God’s will. And yet I don’t feel like I ‘have what I asked of him’. Do you relate to that tension? How do you sit with those realities? As we end today, join me in being vulnerable and authentic with God and talk with Him about things or prayers that haven’t been answered, and that I don’t understand. He loves you, and wants to accompany you as you seek Him in this confusing space.   

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>848audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-13th-2025--63355307Today is January 13th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.


We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63355307Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 13th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the...Today is January 13th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.


We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>570audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-11th-2024--63374415
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63374415Sat, 11 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-10th-2025--63353808Today is January 10th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.

Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Familia - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353808Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 10th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 10th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.

Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Familia - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>568audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-9th-2025--63353809Today is January 9th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353809Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 9th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5. Jesus...Today is January 9th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>641audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-8th-2024--63353806Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353806Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 8 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Psalm 69. Save me, O God, for...Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>685audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-7th-2024--63596339Today is January 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 4.    
   

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. 
 
  
I am glad you are taking time to Be Still today. As we enter into our time of prayer, consider these three incredible words from the passage we just read… perhaps three words you missed while paying attention to everything else: Paul says that you are ‘dearly loved children’ of God. Which implies you love God dearly. How near – or far – do you feel to a dearly loved Child of God right now? 
   
Paul is speaking to the Ephesian church – giving them a specific example of what it means to ‘follow the example’ set before us by Christ himself: in our speech, and treatment of one another. You may notice that the words Paul uses in the first bit are action words. They are not only things we might feel…. They are feelings we might express in the way we treat others: being unwholesome, or crude. Bitterness or anger or rage – which all too often spill out sideways into our actions. As you listen to the reading again, I’d encourage you to do so with humility and curiosity: is your speech generally filled with compassion and forgiveness? Is the way you talk to and about others generally helpful to them? Or might you have succumbed to the temptation of anger? Bitterness? Slander or gossip? Be honest before the Lord. 
   
One the one hand, our culture today can sometimes be experienced as a purity patrol…. Where our speech gets policed and we’re afraid to say the wrong thing! On the other hand, our culture today has a problem with angry and bitter and untrue speech – social media platforms and online comment sections are proof of that. Paul doesn’t just tell Christians to ‘be nice’ or ‘don’t say mean things’. Paul says: you’re supposed to have the same heart for others that He has for you: a heart of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This week, and maybe forever – when you go to open your mouth or post online… as yourself: is this kind? Is it compassionate? Is it helpful? If not… do I need to practice forgiveness in some area?

The Bible says that the things that come out of our mouths reflect the state of our heart. That’s not always a pretty picture. This year, if you struggle with your patterns of speech, with coarseness, with anger, or with gossip… be serious about your commitment to follow the way of Christ – as God’s dearly loved children. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63596339Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is January 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 4.    
   

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.   
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. 
 
  
I am glad you are taking time to Be Still today. As we enter into our time of prayer, consider these three incredible words from the passage we just read… perhaps three words you missed while paying attention to everything else: Paul says that you are ‘dearly loved children’ of God. Which implies you love God dearly. How near – or far – do you feel to a dearly loved Child of God right now? 
   
Paul is speaking to the Ephesian church – giving them a specific example of what it means to ‘follow the example’ set before us by Christ himself: in our speech, and treatment of one another. You may notice that the words Paul uses in the first bit are action words. They are not only things we might feel…. They are feelings we might express in the way we treat others: being unwholesome, or crude. Bitterness or anger or rage – which all too often spill out sideways into our actions. As you listen to the reading again, I’d encourage you to do so with humility and curiosity: is your speech generally filled with compassion and forgiveness? Is the way you talk to and about others generally helpful to them? Or might you have succumbed to the temptation of anger? Bitterness? Slander or gossip? Be honest before the Lord. 
   
One the one hand, our culture today can sometimes be experienced as a purity patrol…. Where our speech gets policed and we’re afraid to say the wrong thing! On the other hand, our culture today has a problem with angry and bitter and untrue speech – social media platforms and online comment sections are proof of that. Paul doesn’t just tell Christians to ‘be nice’ or ‘don’t say mean things’. Paul says: you’re supposed to have the same heart for others that He has for you: a heart of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This week, and maybe forever – when you go to open your mouth or post online… as yourself: is this kind? Is it compassionate? Is it helpful? If not… do I need to practice forgiveness in some area?

The Bible says that the things that come out of our mouths reflect the state of our heart. That’s not always a pretty picture. This year, if you struggle with your patterns of speech, with coarseness, with anger, or with gossip… be serious about your commitment to follow the way of Christ – as God’s dearly loved children. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>906audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-6th-2025--63353805Today is January 6th.  
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 
  
 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?   
  
The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
As you continue through your day, consider how you might seek Jesus and worship him with the gifts that you have.    
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
  
Music: Doxology Anthem (Lord We Praise You) - Vineyard Worship 
DOXOLOGY ANTHEM [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353805Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 6th.      May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today Christians throughout...Today is January 6th.  
  
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 
  
 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 
  
The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?   
  
The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?  
  
Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him… 
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,...]]>720audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-4th-2024--63374416
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63374416Sat, 04 Jan 2025 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-3rd-2025--63353804Today is January 3rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from

ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

You're All I Need
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Columbus

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353804Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 3rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 3rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from

ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

You're All I Need
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Columbus

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>561audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-2nd-2024--63353812Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Draw me close to you - H & E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353812Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1. The...Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Draw me close to you - H & E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>947audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-1st-2025--63353811Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63353811Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 1 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6....Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>629audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-31st-2024--63365136Today is December 31st.
 
Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year? 
 
To the production crew: Richard Smith, Drew Nichols, Abram Murphy, Logan Stone... and to Pastor Paul Cullen who selects the worship, AND to volunteer writer Emily Selvey AND to Marsha Martin who holds us all together with dates and recording and the managing of many projects: massive thanks! 
  
If Be Still has been a grace to you, please take a moment right now to rate us with five stars. The only reason we ask you to do this is that your ratings will help Be Still show up for others who are searching for daily devotionals. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking – so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find.  
    
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit.  
 
May God’s peace and presence be to you in 2025. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63365136Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 31st.   Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year?    To the production crew: Richard Smith, Drew...Today is December 31st.
 
Hey friends, can we together take a moment to make some space to be thankful to all of the folks around Vineyard Columbus who helped co-create the Be Still devotional this year? 
 
To the production crew: Richard Smith, Drew Nichols, Abram Murphy, Logan Stone... and to Pastor Paul Cullen who selects the worship, AND to volunteer writer Emily Selvey AND to Marsha Martin who holds us all together with dates and recording and the managing of many projects: massive thanks! 
  
If Be Still has been a grace to you, please take a moment right now to rate us with five stars. The only reason we ask you to do this is that your ratings will help Be Still show up for others who are searching for daily devotionals. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking – so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find.  
    
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit.  
 
May God’s peace and presence be to you in 2025. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>372audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-30th-2024--63365083Today is December 30th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.

  
11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. 
 

One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?  

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ. 

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63365083Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 30th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter...Today is December 30th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.

  
11-14 God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. 
 

One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?  

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ. 

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>759audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-december-28th-2024--63292923
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292923Sat, 28 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-27th-2024--63347473Today is December 27.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.  
 

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; 
    sing to the Lord, all the earth. 
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; 
    proclaim his salvation day after day. 
3 Declare his glory among the nations, 
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; 
    he is to be feared above all gods. 
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, 
    but the Lord made the heavens. 
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; 
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, 
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; 
    bring an offering and come into his courts. 
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 
    tremble before him, all the earth. 
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” 
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; 
    he will judge the peoples with equity. 
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; 
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; 
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, 
    he comes to judge the earth. 
He will judge the world in righteousness 
    and the peoples in his faithfulness. 
 

One of the ways to think of Advent is a baby being born after a long, arduous pregnancy. There have been bouts of morning sickness. There have been sleepless nights. There have been uncomfortable car rides with baby bearing down with each bump. There have been uneasy conversations with the doctor or midwife. There have been many long contractions and birthpains through the night. And then, this psalm. Like the first words out of a mother’s mouth after holding her new baby. Sing to the Lord a new song! Praise his name! Declare his glory! This Christmas week, consider the places in our world, or the people in your life, that are in birth pains, still waiting to sing this song. Pray for them.
 
Now, take a moment to consider places in your life where you are waiting to see God break in, places where you are in waiting.  

Finally, turn to give God praise for the places you’ve seen God’s goodness break in after a long and arduous wait. Over what can you declare, Let the heavens rejoice. Let the fields be jubilant. Let all creation rejoice! Think of something that God has brought to birth in your life that you are grateful for and thank God for that now.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63347473Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 27. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from...Today is December 27.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.  
 

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; 
    sing to the Lord, all the earth. 
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; 
    proclaim his salvation day after day. 
3 Declare his glory among the nations, 
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; 
    he is to be feared above all gods. 
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, 
    but the Lord made the heavens. 
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; 
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, 
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; 
    bring an offering and come into his courts. 
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 
    tremble before him, all the earth. 
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” 
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; 
    he will judge the peoples with equity. 
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; 
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; 
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, 
    he comes to judge the earth. 
He will judge the world in righteousness 
    and the peoples in his faithfulness. 
 

One of the ways to think of Advent is a baby being born after a long, arduous pregnancy. There have been bouts of morning sickness. There have been sleepless nights. There have been uncomfortable car rides with baby bearing down with each bump. There have been uneasy conversations with the doctor or midwife. There have been many long contractions and birthpains through the night. And then, this psalm. Like the first words out of a mother’s mouth after holding her new baby. Sing to the Lord a new song! Praise his name! Declare his glory! This Christmas week, consider the places in our world, or the people in your life, that are in birth pains, still waiting to sing this song. Pray for them.
 
Now, take a moment to consider places in your life where you are waiting to see God break in, places where you are in waiting.  

Finally, turn to give God praise for the places you’ve seen God’s goodness break in after a long and arduous wait. Over what can you declare, Let the heavens rejoice. Let the fields be jubilant. Let all creation rejoice! Think of something that God has brought to birth in your life that you are grateful for and thank God for that now.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78923audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-26th-2024--63347472Today is December 26.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9. 
 

The people walking in darkness 
    have seen a great light; 
on those living in the land of deep darkness 
    a light has dawned. 
3 You have enlarged the nation 
    and increased their joy; 
they rejoice before you 
    as people rejoice at the harvest, 
as warriors rejoice 
    when dividing the plunder. 
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, 
    you have shattered 
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders, 
    the rod of their oppressor. 
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle 
    and every garment rolled in blood 
will be destined for burning, 
    will be fuel for the fire. 
6 For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given, 
    and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace 
    there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
    and over his kingdom, 
establishing and upholding it 
    with justice and righteousness 
    from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
    will accomplish this. 
 

I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord. 
 
Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray… 
 
The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63347472Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 26.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is December 26.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9. 
 

The people walking in darkness 
    have seen a great light; 
on those living in the land of deep darkness 
    a light has dawned. 
3 You have enlarged the nation 
    and increased their joy; 
they rejoice before you 
    as people rejoice at the harvest, 
as warriors rejoice 
    when dividing the plunder. 
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, 
    you have shattered 
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders, 
    the rod of their oppressor. 
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle 
    and every garment rolled in blood 
will be destined for burning, 
    will be fuel for the fire. 
6 For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given, 
    and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace 
    there will be no end. 
He will reign on David’s throne 
    and over his kingdom, 
establishing and upholding it 
    with justice and righteousness 
    from that time on and forever. 
The zeal of the Lord Almighty 
    will accomplish this. 
 

I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord. 
 
Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray… 
 
The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.  

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>919audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-24th-2024--63364971Today is December 24th in the final week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 


Consider what it means for a child to have a healthy, stable attachment to the caregiver. This passage speaks to followers of Jesus as children. And chosen children. God himself has received us, and calls us His own 
 
This Christmas Eve, think about how God, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, humbled himself, becoming ordinary, and subjecting himself to real humanity. All for the sake of drawing us near to Him. Pray, this evening, for those who do not know that they are loved by God. Pray for a revelation of God’s love to them. 
 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63364971Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 24th in the final week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 24th in the final week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 


Consider what it means for a child to have a healthy, stable attachment to the caregiver. This passage speaks to followers of Jesus as children. And chosen children. God himself has received us, and calls us His own 
 
This Christmas Eve, think about how God, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, humbled himself, becoming ordinary, and subjecting himself to real humanity. All for the sake of drawing us near to Him. Pray, this evening, for those who do not know that they are loved by God. Pray for a revelation of God’s love to them. 
 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>575advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-23rd-2024--63364878Today is December 23rd in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1. 


28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 


In this passage, we witness a profound moment of divine intervention. The angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary is both startling and reassuring. Mary, a young woman from a humble background, is told that she is highly favored and that the Lord is with her. This greeting, while comforting, also brings a sense of awe and fear. As you reflect on this passage, consider how Mary must have felt. She was greatly troubled and wondered about the meaning of this extraordinary message. Consider a time in your life where you felt both startled by life’s circumstances yet reassured by the presence of God with you.  
  
The angel's words, "Do not be afraid," offer a powerful reminder of God's presence and favor. Mary's response to the angel's message is a testament to her faith and trust in God. Despite her initial fear and confusion, she embraces her role in God's plan with humility and courage. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to God's call. Is there something happening your life where God is inviting you to trust him in the midst of fear or confusion?  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63364878Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 23rd in the final week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.   Today’s reading is from the...Today is December 23rd in the final week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1. 


28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 


In this passage, we witness a profound moment of divine intervention. The angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary is both startling and reassuring. Mary, a young woman from a humble background, is told that she is highly favored and that the Lord is with her. This greeting, while comforting, also brings a sense of awe and fear. As you reflect on this passage, consider how Mary must have felt. She was greatly troubled and wondered about the meaning of this extraordinary message. Consider a time in your life where you felt both startled by life’s circumstances yet reassured by the presence of God with you.  
  
The angel's words, "Do not be afraid," offer a powerful reminder of God's presence and favor. Mary's response to the angel's message is a testament to her faith and trust in God. Despite her initial fear and confusion, she embraces her role in God's plan with humility and courage. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we respond to God's call. Is there something happening your life where God is inviting you to trust him in the midst of fear or confusion?  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>568advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-22nd-2024--63347212LOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ.

Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Above all these, put on love.

Reflect now, on How God demonstrated His love To you. Consider the act of God becoming human. Taking on flesh. Not just becoming human, but becoming an infant. A vulnerable, needy, dependent infant. The birth of Jesus is a love story – God demonstrating to us His desire to create a way for us to be near to Him. Just like a loving parent desires nearness with a child… or a loving friend desires togetherness. God Himself chose nearness to us. Because He loves us. God loves you.

Consider this love – love that is of God, and love that IS God. For you. For the whole world. For all the ordinary people, in all of their ordinariness. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have experienced the love of God toward yourself?

In the beginning, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? For God so loved the world that He gave his only son. Because God IS love. As we consider the fourth Advent candle, let’s reflect on the love of God toward us, and how the light of His love is meant to overflow from our lives toward others.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63347212Sun, 22 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillLOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ. Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and...LOVE Fourth Sunday of Advent Today, this final Advent Sunday, we reflect on the love of Christ.

Paul exhorts the Colossian church… 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Above all these, put on love.

Reflect now, on How God demonstrated His love To you. Consider the act of God becoming human. Taking on flesh. Not just becoming human, but becoming an infant. A vulnerable, needy, dependent infant. The birth of Jesus is a love story – God demonstrating to us His desire to create a way for us to be near to Him. Just like a loving parent desires nearness with a child… or a loving friend desires togetherness. God Himself chose nearness to us. Because He loves us. God loves you.

Consider this love – love that is of God, and love that IS God. For you. For the whole world. For all the ordinary people, in all of their ordinariness. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have experienced the love of God toward yourself?

In the beginning, the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? For God so loved the world that He gave his only son. Because God IS love. As we consider the fourth Advent candle, let’s reflect on the love of God toward us, and how the light of His love is meant to overflow from our lives toward others.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>258advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-21st-2024--63292863This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292863Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.  I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-20th-2024--63292946Today is December 20th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 
 

Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them… 
 
Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?   
 
As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for a stirring up of faith in you, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant savior.  
 
Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.  
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292946Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 20th in the 3rd week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s...Today is December 20th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 
 

Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them… 
 
Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?   
 
As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for a stirring up of faith in you, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant savior.  
 
Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.  
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>703advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-19th-2024--63292714Today is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 
 
 
Simeon, scripture tells us, had been waiting his whole life ‘for the consolation of Israel’. To be consoled means to be comforted in grief. We might think of the Greek word paraclete – the word we use to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraclete literally means ‘one called alongside’. Or comforter. Israel was waiting, as was Simeon, for that comfort that only a savior would bring. In what ways are you waiting for the comfort of Christ today? In what ways do you see the world longing? 
 
Somehow – Simeon recognizes that the Christ child was God, come alongside of humanity. Luke tells us that “Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God”. Take time to prayerfully imagine this scene: they’re at the temple courts, fulfilling the standard duty of all Jewish parents to consecrate their child to the Lord. All of a sudden, and old man comes toward them. I imagine tears in his eyes. I imagine his praise coming out like a hushed and holy whisper. I imagine Simeon, holding the Christ child close, maybe resting forehead to forehead, feeling some sort of unexplainable relief: GOD IS WITH US. 
 
Take time now in personal prayer and imagine this scene. What is the Lord drawing your attention to? 

Our world remains desperate for consolation. We have in Christ the coming of the kingdom of God, and yet… we remain in between the now and the not yet of the kingdom. Intercede now for those who are desperate for consolation. Pray that the holy spirit – would draw near to those who live in shadows, that they might know the light of Christ.  This is how I pray: God of all comfort, please come alongside the brokenhearted, and rescue those who are crushed in spirit. And make me not only watchful and prayerful, but also faithful in my call to be your body in this world. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292714Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is...Today is December 19th in the 3rd week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 
 
 
Simeon, scripture tells us, had been waiting his whole life ‘for the consolation of Israel’. To be consoled means to be comforted in grief. We might think of the Greek word paraclete – the word we use to describe the Holy Spirit. Paraclete literally means ‘one called alongside’. Or comforter. Israel was waiting, as was Simeon, for that comfort that only a savior would bring. In what ways are you waiting for the comfort of Christ today? In what ways do you see the world longing? 
 
Somehow – Simeon recognizes that the Christ child was God, come alongside of humanity. Luke tells us that “Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God”. Take time to prayerfully imagine this scene: they’re at the temple courts, fulfilling the standard duty of all Jewish parents to consecrate their child to the Lord. All of a sudden, and old man comes toward them. I imagine tears in his eyes. I imagine his praise coming out like a hushed and holy whisper. I imagine Simeon, holding the Christ child close, maybe resting forehead to forehead, feeling some sort of unexplainable relief: GOD IS WITH US. 
 
Take time now in personal prayer and imagine this scene. What is the Lord drawing your attention to? 

Our world remains desperate for consolation. We have in Christ the coming of the kingdom of God, and yet… we remain in between the now and the not yet of the kingdom. Intercede now for those who are desperate for consolation. Pray that the holy spirit – would draw near to those who live in shadows, that they might know the light of Christ.  This is how I pray: God of all comfort, please come alongside the brokenhearted, and rescue those who are crushed in spirit. And make me not only watchful and prayerful, but also faithful in my call to be your body in this world. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional...]]>1011advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-18th-2024--63292881Today is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 
 

We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary? 
 
Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?  
 
Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness. 
 
Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292881Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  ...Today is December 18th in the 3rd week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 
 

We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary? 
 
Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?  
 
Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness. 
 
Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas. 
 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>610advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-17th-2024--63292683Today is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 
  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
  
  
The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season? 
  
But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see. 
  
Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life. 
  
As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
  
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
  
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292683Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say...Today is December 17th in the 3rd week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. 
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 
  

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
  
  
The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season? 
  
But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see. 
  
Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life. 
  
As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
  
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
  
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>732advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/decmeber-16th-2024--63292588
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” 
 

This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you. 
 
We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today? 
 
Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it. 
 
Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee.
 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63292588Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 16th in the 3rd week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is from the...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.  
 

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” 
 

This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you. 
 
We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today? 
 
Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it. 
 
Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee.
 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-15th-2024--63231181JOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent.

Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through things like the laughter of children and the sharing of a meal that we discover a deeper joy that can transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Psalm 30:11 declares, You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Consider, this advent, what it means to be ‘clothed’ with joy. The psalmist isn’t speaking of a joy that is denial of the hardships of life. Rather, it’s a joy that is transformational. A joy that takes something ordinary, or even something difficult… and transcends the momentary with the eternal. Take a moment to reflect on the sources of joy in your life: Where have you experienced unexpected joy? How has God used ordinary moments to bring extraordinary happiness to your heart? Who, this week, has brought you joy? (pause) The world around us is filled with lots of things, but not often with joy. How can we be bringers of joy in a world that is often overshadowed by sorrow and hardship

Consider the words from the prophet Zephaniah, chapter 3: Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[a] 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The psalmist writes: I will change their shame into praise. In faith, ask God to draw near to those who are brokenhearted, or ashamed, or who are in mourning, or for whom this time of year feels weighty or sad.

Pray the grace and goodness and joy of the Lord over all those who are lighting candles tonight. Like the prophet writes: ‘the lord our god is in our midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and quiet you by his love…” Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63231181Sun, 15 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillJOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through...JOY | Third Sunday of Advent Today is the third Sunday of Advent.

Today, we’re being reminded that some of the most ordinary things can also be the most holy: the laughter of kids, a filled room at the food pantry, and a busy kitchen. It’s through things like the laughter of children and the sharing of a meal that we discover a deeper joy that can transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Psalm 30:11 declares, You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Consider, this advent, what it means to be ‘clothed’ with joy. The psalmist isn’t speaking of a joy that is denial of the hardships of life. Rather, it’s a joy that is transformational. A joy that takes something ordinary, or even something difficult… and transcends the momentary with the eternal. Take a moment to reflect on the sources of joy in your life: Where have you experienced unexpected joy? How has God used ordinary moments to bring extraordinary happiness to your heart? Who, this week, has brought you joy? (pause) The world around us is filled with lots of things, but not often with joy. How can we be bringers of joy in a world that is often overshadowed by sorrow and hardship

Consider the words from the prophet Zephaniah, chapter 3: Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.[a] 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The psalmist writes: I will change their shame into praise. In faith, ask God to draw near to those who are brokenhearted, or ashamed, or who are in mourning, or for whom this time of year feels weighty or sad.

Pray the grace and goodness and joy of the Lord over all those who are lighting candles tonight. Like the prophet writes: ‘the lord our god is in our midst, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, and quiet you by his love…” Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>342advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-14th-2024--63231183This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63231183Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>360advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-13-2024--63224982Today is December 13th in the second week of Advent.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.  
 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” 
 

This is something to behold, indeed: God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved. Consider this as we begin our time of prayer this advent-time: God so loved the world… 
 
John tells us that God so loved the word in the same breath as he says that the world loved darkness more than the light of Christ! Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God loved us and gave himself for us. Consider now what it cost God to come into a world, to become man, to bring us His light and peace EVEN WHILE we embraced the darkness… 
 
Talk to the Lord now about any of your deeds that may need to be exposed. Be honest with him, and enter into a place of confession about where you might tend to prefer darkness over light…  
 
How do you experience ‘coming into the light of Christ’? Does it bring you peace, to bring your confessions to Jesus? Ask God to fill you with his light and peace as you offer up your confession and walk in repentance today. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224982Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 13th in the second week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy...Today is December 13th in the second week of Advent.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.  
 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” 
 

This is something to behold, indeed: God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved. Consider this as we begin our time of prayer this advent-time: God so loved the world… 
 
John tells us that God so loved the word in the same breath as he says that the world loved darkness more than the light of Christ! Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God loved us and gave himself for us. Consider now what it cost God to come into a world, to become man, to bring us His light and peace EVEN WHILE we embraced the darkness… 
 
Talk to the Lord now about any of your deeds that may need to be exposed. Be honest with him, and enter into a place of confession about where you might tend to prefer darkness over light…  
 
How do you experience ‘coming into the light of Christ’? Does it bring you peace, to bring your confessions to Jesus? Ask God to fill you with his light and peace as you offer up your confession and walk in repentance today. 

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>672advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-12th-2024--63224983Today is December 12th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60. 
 

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 
 

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul. 
 
Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.  
 
Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ. 
 
All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224983Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 12th in the second week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 12th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60. 
 

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 
 

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul. 
 
Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.  
 
Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ. 
 
All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>700advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-11th-2024--63224984Today is December 11th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.   
 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
 

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is? 
 
Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.  
 
Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of his kingdom.  

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow…  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224984Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 11th in the second week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is from the...Today is December 11th in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.   
 

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 
 

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is? 
 
Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.  
 
Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of his kingdom.  

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow…  
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-10th-2024--63224985Today is December 10th in the second week of Advent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  
 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” 
 

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel? 
 
“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him? 
 
As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’… 
 
This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224985Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 10th in the second week of Advent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s reading is...Today is December 10th in the second week of Advent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  
 

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” 
 

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel? 
 
“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him? 
 
As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’… 
 
This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent. 

 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-9th-2024--63224686 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.  
 

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” 
 

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?  
 
Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.  
 
Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?  

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent. 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224686Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 9th, in the second week of Advent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     Today’s... 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.  
 

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.” 
 

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?  
 
Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.  
 
Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?  

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent. 
 
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-8th-2024--63224541PEACE | Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a child – the peace of Christ is near to us, and we can learn to be attentive to it, just like we can pay attention to small flames of these advent candle in a dark room. Jesus assures us along with the early church that Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Advent reminds us that the peace of Christ is a grace that brings peace in ways we can’t understand, to situations that feel impossible. The peace of Christ is not childish, and it does not deny the reality that surrounds us that’s filled with unrest. Actually, Advent reminds us that Christian peace is brought into a hostile world through the birth of a baby…. Tender and vulnerable… fragile and meek. The peace of Christ is supernatural. It is a gift from God. As we consider the light of our second Advent candle, remember that the peace that calms our fears and fills our hearts with tranquility comes from Christ alone In what ways are you lacking peace today? (pause) from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

In the light of the candles, pray to find the courage to be a person of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace, at all times, in every way. The Lord be with us all. Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63224541Sun, 08 Dec 2024 16:41:13 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillPEACE | Second Sunday of Advent Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a...PEACE | Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. In the quiet, simple routines of our ordinary daily lives – things like taking a moment for Advent. OR things like: washing dishes, caring for an elderly parent, or playing with a child – the peace of Christ is near to us, and we can learn to be attentive to it, just like we can pay attention to small flames of these advent candle in a dark room. Jesus assures us along with the early church that Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Advent reminds us that the peace of Christ is a grace that brings peace in ways we can’t understand, to situations that feel impossible. The peace of Christ is not childish, and it does not deny the reality that surrounds us that’s filled with unrest. Actually, Advent reminds us that Christian peace is brought into a hostile world through the birth of a baby…. Tender and vulnerable… fragile and meek. The peace of Christ is supernatural. It is a gift from God. As we consider the light of our second Advent candle, remember that the peace that calms our fears and fills our hearts with tranquility comes from Christ alone In what ways are you lacking peace today? (pause) from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn[a] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

In the light of the candles, pray to find the courage to be a person of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Now may the Lord of peace himself give us peace, at all times, in every way. The Lord be with us all. Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>281advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-7th-2024--63099947This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63099947Sat, 07 Dec 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.  I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. 

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-6th-2024--63099944Today is Dec 6 in the first week of Advent.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40. 
  
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 
  
Behold, the savior of the world, who comes into the world with comfort, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing. What do you think it means that Isaiah prophesied that God would enter into the world in this fashion? Do you find it strange, that a savior is described with words that feel so kind?  
  
The character of God often surprises us: that our savior comes not with an eye-roll, filled with frustration at our inability to get things right, a sense of ‘I told you so’ in the air? Consider for a moment a time you actually needed saved: from a stupid decision, a bad choice, an error of judgement… or even from your own sin and recklessness. Consider what it means that God draws near as your savior as a comforter, with tenderness, words of peace, forgiveness, and blessing… 
  
Now enter a personal time of prayer and that God that He demonstrates is salvation power to us through love. Consider if you are following in His way…  
  
This Advent, our world – your world – is filled with people who need the comfort of Christ. Not a word of judgement, or a condemnation. As you have received the comfort and tenderness of Christ yourself, be diligent about treating those around you with the same kindness. Ask the Lord to lead you in love: who can you serve today? Who can you pray for or offer tenderness to?  

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63099944Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Dec 6 in the first week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.     ...Today is Dec 6 in the first week of Advent.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40. 
  
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 
  
Behold, the savior of the world, who comes into the world with comfort, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing. What do you think it means that Isaiah prophesied that God would enter into the world in this fashion? Do you find it strange, that a savior is described with words that feel so kind?  
  
The character of God often surprises us: that our savior comes not with an eye-roll, filled with frustration at our inability to get things right, a sense of ‘I told you so’ in the air? Consider for a moment a time you actually needed saved: from a stupid decision, a bad choice, an error of judgement… or even from your own sin and recklessness. Consider what it means that God draws near as your savior as a comforter, with tenderness, words of peace, forgiveness, and blessing… 
  
Now enter a personal time of prayer and that God that He demonstrates is salvation power to us through love. Consider if you are following in His way…  
  
This Advent, our world – your world – is filled with people who need the comfort of Christ. Not a word of judgement, or a condemnation. As you have received the comfort and tenderness of Christ yourself, be diligent about treating those around you with the same kindness. Ask the Lord to lead you in love: who can you serve today? Who can you pray for or offer tenderness to?  

Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>696advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-5th-2024--63099943Today is December 5th in the first week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. 
  

“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ / ‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ 
  

The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.  
  
All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?  
  
Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love. 
  
Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63099943Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 5th in the first week of Advent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and...Today is December 5th in the first week of Advent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. 
  

“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ / ‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ 
  

The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.  
  
All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?  
  
Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love. 
  
Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them. 
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-4th-2024--63100387Today is December 4th in the first week of Advent.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.  


“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 
  

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.  
  
Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn… that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 
  
Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.  
  
Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63100387Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 4th in the first week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.      Today’s...Today is December 4th in the first week of Advent.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.  


“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 
  

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.  
  
Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn… that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 
  
Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.  
  
Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>840advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-3rd-2024--63099986Today is December 3rd in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55. 
  

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” 
  

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. 
  
I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross.  
  
Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?  
  
Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63099986Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 3rd in the first week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.      Today’s reading is...Today is December 3rd in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.  
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55. 
  

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” 
  

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. 
  
I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross.  
  
Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?  
  
Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.  
  
Come, thou long expected Jesus, 
born to set thy people free; 
from our fears and sins release us, 
let us find our rest in thee. 
Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>846advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-2nd-2024--63038557Today is December 2 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63038557Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 2 - in the first week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...Today is December 2 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>725advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-1st-2024--63038556HOPE | First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the simple act of waiting.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. The season of Advent reminds us that hope and waiting are intertwined. Advent reminds us that hope has to be tended and stirred up by the presence of the spirit of God. Because of Him, our hope persists when the news is dark, when the situation feels impossible and… in times of waiting. Most of us don’t like to wait. The virtues of self-control, and of patience, are difficult for us to practice. Our ability to wait for the Lord very often rests on our trust in His character, and in His presence, and in His timing. Is there something that you find yourself waiting for, today? Perhaps it’s a small thing, that seems inconsequential. Or maybe you are waiting for something that feels terribly meaningful, deeply important. Advent, in a way that is not naïve nor patronizing invites us to consent to times of waiting… by putting our trust and hope in the promises of God’s goodness, and His provision… even though His ways are not always clear to us.

Todays’ reading is from the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah, chapter 33: 14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ Consider this phrase: the days are coming when I will fulfill the good promises…. The Lord is looking forward to the fulfillment found in Jesus of Nazareth. In God, putting on flesh, and moving into our world. Humbling himself. Identifying with all the waiting found in our human condition. It is because of Him that we can wait in hope. Consider your own life: for what are you waiting? Are you waiting with hope? (moment of pause) As we consider our first Advent candle… the candle that after all this season of Advent will have burned the longest… place any areas of long waiting into the care of Christ. Speak out loud to the Lord what you are waiting for, hoping for...

For those listening now who might not feel hope, or who are struggling to experience the hope found in Christ… my prayer is that you would know that your sisters and brothers are carrying you right now as we pray together these words from Psalm 130: We wait for the Lord, our souls waits. And in His word we do hope. Our souls wait for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Yes, more than those who watch for the morning…. We wait for the Lord… Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63038556Sun, 01 Dec 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillHOPE | First Sunday of Advent Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the...HOPE | First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In whatever small moment of stillness you can make as December begins today, I want to invite you to make space for HOPE… through cultivating hope through giving yourself to the simple act of waiting.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. The season of Advent reminds us that hope and waiting are intertwined. Advent reminds us that hope has to be tended and stirred up by the presence of the spirit of God. Because of Him, our hope persists when the news is dark, when the situation feels impossible and… in times of waiting. Most of us don’t like to wait. The virtues of self-control, and of patience, are difficult for us to practice. Our ability to wait for the Lord very often rests on our trust in His character, and in His presence, and in His timing. Is there something that you find yourself waiting for, today? Perhaps it’s a small thing, that seems inconsequential. Or maybe you are waiting for something that feels terribly meaningful, deeply important. Advent, in a way that is not naïve nor patronizing invites us to consent to times of waiting… by putting our trust and hope in the promises of God’s goodness, and His provision… even though His ways are not always clear to us.

Todays’ reading is from the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah, chapter 33: 14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ Consider this phrase: the days are coming when I will fulfill the good promises…. The Lord is looking forward to the fulfillment found in Jesus of Nazareth. In God, putting on flesh, and moving into our world. Humbling himself. Identifying with all the waiting found in our human condition. It is because of Him that we can wait in hope. Consider your own life: for what are you waiting? Are you waiting with hope? (moment of pause) As we consider our first Advent candle… the candle that after all this season of Advent will have burned the longest… place any areas of long waiting into the care of Christ. Speak out loud to the Lord what you are waiting for, hoping for...

For those listening now who might not feel hope, or who are struggling to experience the hope found in Christ… my prayer is that you would know that your sisters and brothers are carrying you right now as we pray together these words from Psalm 130: We wait for the Lord, our souls waits. And in His word we do hope. Our souls wait for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning. Yes, more than those who watch for the morning…. We wait for the Lord… Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>355advent,audio,bible,columbus,daily,eric,examen,fevotional,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-30th-2024--62727435
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727435Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-29th-2024--62727330Today is November 29 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 42.  
 
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,  
         my chosen one in whom I delight;  
         I will put my Spirit on him,  
         and he will bring justice to the nations.  
      2 He will not shout or cry out,  
         or raise his voice in the streets.  
      3 A bruised reed he will not break,  
         and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  
         In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;  
         4   he will not falter or be discouraged  
         till he establishes justice on earth.  
         In his teaching the nations will put their hope.” 
  
This is a familiar passage for many, with two powerful images. A bruised reed… and a Smoldering wick. Imagine a plant, growing tall, that is broken halfway up. The top half hanging down limply. imagine a candle that’s just been snuffed out, still a few embers lit, still smoking. These are images of who we are. We are tender, wounded, weak… And Isaiah tells us that even to those in these conditions, the Christ will bring forth justice. He will bring forth hope? How does that make you feel? 
  
Jesus sees value in us, even in our weakness. And God is gentle and compassionate to us even when we feel almost entirely burned out. Listen to the text again and try to rest in this truth of where our Hope lies. 
  
Scripture tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance. As we under time of prayer today, consider how radical that is. Consider how upside down that is. An invite God to make you more into that kind of person… a person who is kind, compassionate, full of mercy… 
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zihyfv_EVAo 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727330Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 29  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is November 29 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 42.  
 
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,  
         my chosen one in whom I delight;  
         I will put my Spirit on him,  
         and he will bring justice to the nations.  
      2 He will not shout or cry out,  
         or raise his voice in the streets.  
      3 A bruised reed he will not break,  
         and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  
         In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;  
         4   he will not falter or be discouraged  
         till he establishes justice on earth.  
         In his teaching the nations will put their hope.” 
  
This is a familiar passage for many, with two powerful images. A bruised reed… and a Smoldering wick. Imagine a plant, growing tall, that is broken halfway up. The top half hanging down limply. imagine a candle that’s just been snuffed out, still a few embers lit, still smoking. These are images of who we are. We are tender, wounded, weak… And Isaiah tells us that even to those in these conditions, the Christ will bring forth justice. He will bring forth hope? How does that make you feel? 
  
Jesus sees value in us, even in our weakness. And God is gentle and compassionate to us even when we feel almost entirely burned out. Listen to the text again and try to rest in this truth of where our Hope lies. 
  
Scripture tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance. As we under time of prayer today, consider how radical that is. Consider how upside down that is. An invite God to make you more into that kind of person… a person who is kind, compassionate, full of mercy… 
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zihyfv_EVAo 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>592audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-28th-2024--62727328Today is November 28 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.  
 
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”  
 
Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…  
 
This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.  
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?  
 
Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlrvO_FwHU 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727328Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 28  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 28 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.  
 
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”  
 
Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…  
 
This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.  
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?  
 
Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlrvO_FwHU 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>649audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-27th-2024--62727327Today is November 27 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.  
 
 
      14 As for me, I will always have hope;  
         I will praise you more and more.  
       15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,  
         of your saving acts all day long—  
         though I know not how to relate them all.  
      16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;  
         I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  
      17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,  
         and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  
      18 Even when I am old and gray,  
         do not forsake me, my God,  
         till I declare your power to the next generation,  
         your mighty acts to all who are to come.  
 
This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between?  How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at 
 
What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…  
  
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer. 
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKcSGvj_lQ 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727327Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 27  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.             14 As for...Today is November 27 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.  
 
 
      14 As for me, I will always have hope;  
         I will praise you more and more.  
       15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,  
         of your saving acts all day long—  
         though I know not how to relate them all.  
      16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;  
         I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  
      17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,  
         and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  
      18 Even when I am old and gray,  
         do not forsake me, my God,  
         till I declare your power to the next generation,  
         your mighty acts to all who are to come.  
 
This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between?  How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at 
 
What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…  
  
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer. 
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKcSGvj_lQ 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>728audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-26-2024--62795466Today is November 26.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 63.   


1 You, God, are my God,  
    earnestly I seek you;  
I thirst for you,  
    my whole being longs for you,  
in a dry and parched land  
    where there is no water.  
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary  
    and beheld your power and your glory.  
3 Because your love is better than life,  
    my lips will glorify you.  
4 I will praise you as long as I live,  
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.  
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;  
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  
6 On my bed I remember you;  
    I think of you through the watches of the night.  
7 Because you are my help,  
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.  
8 I cling to you;  
    your right hand upholds me.  
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;  
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.  
10 They will be given over to the sword  
    and become food for jackals.  
11 But the king will rejoice in God;  
    all who swear by God will glory in him,  
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.  
  

David is once again writing this Psalm as he is escaping and running for his life from his rebellious son Absalom. David and his men were in desperate need for food and water as they were crossing the Jordan River. In that very moment of starvation and thirst, David pauses and describes his deepest need as his need for God.  I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.  
    
David’s physical needs reminded him of his spiritual needs. Instead of first seeking for his physical needs to be met, David seeks first for his spiritual needs to be met, trusting that God also cares about his physical needs. As you listen to the Psalm again, consider your own needs, both spiritual and physical. Bring all of your needs to the Lord through David’s prayer.   
    
Jesus declared in the Gospel of John, "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  Will you take his words into your heart today? Will you seek Jesus for every need of your life, even hunger and thirst – trusting that when you come to him that he will meet all of your needs?  

Music: "Breathe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62795466Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 26.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 26.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 63.   


1 You, God, are my God,  
    earnestly I seek you;  
I thirst for you,  
    my whole being longs for you,  
in a dry and parched land  
    where there is no water.  
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary  
    and beheld your power and your glory.  
3 Because your love is better than life,  
    my lips will glorify you.  
4 I will praise you as long as I live,  
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.  
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;  
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  
6 On my bed I remember you;  
    I think of you through the watches of the night.  
7 Because you are my help,  
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.  
8 I cling to you;  
    your right hand upholds me.  
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;  
    they will go down to the depths of the earth.  
10 They will be given over to the sword  
    and become food for jackals.  
11 But the king will rejoice in God;  
    all who swear by God will glory in him,  
    while the mouths of liars will be silenced.  
  

David is once again writing this Psalm as he is escaping and running for his life from his rebellious son Absalom. David and his men were in desperate need for food and water as they were crossing the Jordan River. In that very moment of starvation and thirst, David pauses and describes his deepest need as his need for God.  I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.  
    
David’s physical needs reminded him of his spiritual needs. Instead of first seeking for his physical needs to be met, David seeks first for his spiritual needs to be met, trusting that God also cares about his physical needs. As you listen to the Psalm again, consider your own needs, both spiritual and physical. Bring all of your needs to the Lord through David’s prayer.   
    
Jesus declared in the Gospel of John, "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  Will you take his words into your heart today? Will you seek Jesus for every need of your life, even hunger and thirst – trusting that when you come to him that he will meet all of your needs?  

Music: "Breathe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>866audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-25th-2024--62795465Today is November 25.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 23.   
  

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.  
  

Time and time again God calls his people to become holy. He reminds them of their proclivity to worship idols and vague spiritualities instead of God. Sometimes, even now in the midst of a holiday season, we become distracted, and our attention, our heart, our soul, our strength… gets aimed toward wrong, unhelpful, or harmful distractions. Take a moment as you come to prayer and ask God to help you turn your heart to the Lord.  
  
King Josiah does his part in bringing the people of Israel toward the call of holiness before God, and attention toward God. In order to do this, scripture tells us that he ‘gets rid of’ all sorts of things. In other words, he cleans house. As you listen to the text again, search your own heart for one thing that you may need to ‘clean up’ or ‘get rid of’ so that you can turn your full attention toward the Lord. What is distracting you from faithfulness today?   
  
As we close our time of prayer, consider what it means for you to live in such a way as to turn to the Lord with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Ask God for grace to be so oriented to him that you become an overflow of His loving-kindness to those around you. 

Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62795465Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 25.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings,...Today is November 25.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 23.   
  

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.  
  

Time and time again God calls his people to become holy. He reminds them of their proclivity to worship idols and vague spiritualities instead of God. Sometimes, even now in the midst of a holiday season, we become distracted, and our attention, our heart, our soul, our strength… gets aimed toward wrong, unhelpful, or harmful distractions. Take a moment as you come to prayer and ask God to help you turn your heart to the Lord.  
  
King Josiah does his part in bringing the people of Israel toward the call of holiness before God, and attention toward God. In order to do this, scripture tells us that he ‘gets rid of’ all sorts of things. In other words, he cleans house. As you listen to the text again, search your own heart for one thing that you may need to ‘clean up’ or ‘get rid of’ so that you can turn your full attention toward the Lord. What is distracting you from faithfulness today?   
  
As we close our time of prayer, consider what it means for you to live in such a way as to turn to the Lord with your whole heart, soul, and strength. Ask God for grace to be so oriented to him that you become an overflow of His loving-kindness to those around you. 

Music: "Prayer of Consecration" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>637audio,bible,columus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-23rd-2024--62727434
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727434Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-22nd-2024--62727329Today is November 22 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 35.  
 
The desert and the parched land will be glad;  
         the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.  
         Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;  
         it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.  
      3 Strengthen the feeble hands,  
         steady the knees that give way;  
      4 say to those with fearful hearts,  
         “Be strong, do not fear;  
         your God will come,  
         he will come with vengeance;  
         with divine retribution  
         he will come to save you.”  
       5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened  
         and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  
      6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,  
         and the mute tongue shout for joy.  
         Water will gush forth in the wilderness  
         and streams in the desert.  
        10   and those the LORD has rescued will return.  
         They will enter Zion with singing;  
         everlasting joy will crown their heads.  
         Gladness and joy will overtake them,  
         and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 
  
Isaiah speaks about great life, beauty, and fruitfulness that will transform a desert land. This is a song of joy, of hope, and of promise. We’re in a season of autumn that for many feels lush – full of family and joy. And that for many others feels barren – full of loneliness and desolation. Begin your time of prayer today by interceding for those you pass by each day who are lonely, or feeble, or unsteady. 
  
The Kingdom of God brings with it life ‘as it was meant to be’ – eyes that see, bodies that work and are healthy, fields that are fertile, and people who are free, at peace, and redeemed. We of course live in the now, and the not yet… of that Kingdom. Would you listen again and ask the Lord to draw your attention to one word or phrase in particular? Something that might help you become fully aware of both the life, and the longing, that God wants to bring to you today? 
  
Sorrow and sighing will flee away. Let it be, Lord! Ask God to give you an occasion today week to hear the sighing of someone in the world around you. Ask God to allow you to bring comfort, care, or practical help to them… so that you might be a part of God’s transformation in the world around you. Consider someone who might be lonely this holiday season, and extend the welcome of Christ’s big table… where there is always a seat for just… one… more. 
 
Music: "Face to Face" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-RM7oxQUGA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727329Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 22  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is November 22 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 35.  
 
The desert and the parched land will be glad;  
         the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.  
         Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;  
         it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.  
      3 Strengthen the feeble hands,  
         steady the knees that give way;  
      4 say to those with fearful hearts,  
         “Be strong, do not fear;  
         your God will come,  
         he will come with vengeance;  
         with divine retribution  
         he will come to save you.”  
       5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened  
         and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  
      6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,  
         and the mute tongue shout for joy.  
         Water will gush forth in the wilderness  
         and streams in the desert.  
        10   and those the LORD has rescued will return.  
         They will enter Zion with singing;  
         everlasting joy will crown their heads.  
         Gladness and joy will overtake them,  
         and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 
  
Isaiah speaks about great life, beauty, and fruitfulness that will transform a desert land. This is a song of joy, of hope, and of promise. We’re in a season of autumn that for many feels lush – full of family and joy. And that for many others feels barren – full of loneliness and desolation. Begin your time of prayer today by interceding for those you pass by each day who are lonely, or feeble, or unsteady. 
  
The Kingdom of God brings with it life ‘as it was meant to be’ – eyes that see, bodies that work and are healthy, fields that are fertile, and people who are free, at peace, and redeemed. We of course live in the now, and the not yet… of that Kingdom. Would you listen again and ask the Lord to draw your attention to one word or phrase in particular? Something that might help you become fully aware of both the life, and the longing, that God wants to bring to you today? 
  
Sorrow and sighing will flee away. Let it be, Lord! Ask God to give you an occasion today week to hear the sighing of someone in the world around you. Ask God to allow you to bring comfort, care, or practical help to them… so that you might be a part of God’s transformation in the world around you. Consider someone who might be lonely this holiday season, and extend the welcome of Christ’s big table… where there is always a seat for just… one… more. 
 
Music: "Face to Face" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-RM7oxQUGA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1016audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerrill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-21st-2024--62727325Today is November 21 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.  
 
      3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  
         4   In God, whose word I praise—  
         in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can mere mortals do to me? 
      10 In God, whose word I praise,  
         in the LORD, whose word I praise—  
      11 in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can man do to me?  
  
Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord. 
 
Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet. 
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus. 
 
Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gofYxnWpE&list=OLAK5uy_lORjIs-fhaoAb6ot2t54vI3oFG2Cvhwms&index=3 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727325Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 21  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 21 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.  
 
      3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  
         4   In God, whose word I praise—  
         in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can mere mortals do to me? 
      10 In God, whose word I praise,  
         in the LORD, whose word I praise—  
      11 in God I trust and am not afraid.  
         What can man do to me?  
  
Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord. 
 
Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet. 
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus. 
 
Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gofYxnWpE&list=OLAK5uy_lORjIs-fhaoAb6ot2t54vI3oFG2Cvhwms&index=3 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>824audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerrill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-20th-2024--62727326Today is November 20 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  
 
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”  
“John’s baptism,” they replied.  
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 
       
Paul tells the church in Corinth to Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?  
   
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God. 
  
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Music: "Fall Afresh" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YUirsQjXmU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62727326Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 20  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  ...Today is November 20 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.  
 
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”  
“John’s baptism,” they replied.  
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 
       
Paul tells the church in Corinth to Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?  
   
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God. 
  
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.  
 
Music: "Fall Afresh" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YUirsQjXmU 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>623audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-19th-2024--62783090Today is November 19.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 10.   
  

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,  
“In just a little while,  
    he who is coming will come  
    and will not delay.”   
38 And,  
“But my righteous one will live by faith.  
    And I take no pleasure  
    in the one who shrinks back.”   
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.  
  

The writer of Hebrew is exhorting the Christians following a sobering caution for those who fall away from faith in Jesus. Then, he turns toward encouragement for those who are hanging on in their faith through obedience. As you come to prayer today, take a moment to reflect on the condition of your faith. Are you demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Are you practicing obedience to the way of Christ? Are there areas where you are shrinking back?  
    
A major theme of the letter to the Hebrews have been the need to "hold fast" during suffering and hardships. The original audience of this letter were most likely persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. Most had already experienced some level of hardship for the sake of their faith. Sometimes we listen to scripture and forget the real suffering and persecution the early church lived through. Listen again and consider how these words would sound if you were suffering for your faith in prison.  
    
Are you facing such challenges? Hardships? Even suffering for your faith in Jesus today? If not now, do you remember facing such opposition for your faith in the past? We don’t need to look far than the very grace of God which carried us through those challenging moments. Recount them today as you come to the Lord in prayer today.   
  
Thank God for the grace given to us. Pray for those who might be suffering for their faith today. If someone comes to mind today, would you reach out to them and share an encouraging word? 

Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62783090Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 19.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 19.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 10.   
  

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,  
“In just a little while,  
    he who is coming will come  
    and will not delay.”   
38 And,  
“But my righteous one will live by faith.  
    And I take no pleasure  
    in the one who shrinks back.”   
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.  
  

The writer of Hebrew is exhorting the Christians following a sobering caution for those who fall away from faith in Jesus. Then, he turns toward encouragement for those who are hanging on in their faith through obedience. As you come to prayer today, take a moment to reflect on the condition of your faith. Are you demonstrating the fruits of the spirit? Are you practicing obedience to the way of Christ? Are there areas where you are shrinking back?  
    
A major theme of the letter to the Hebrews have been the need to "hold fast" during suffering and hardships. The original audience of this letter were most likely persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. Most had already experienced some level of hardship for the sake of their faith. Sometimes we listen to scripture and forget the real suffering and persecution the early church lived through. Listen again and consider how these words would sound if you were suffering for your faith in prison.  
    
Are you facing such challenges? Hardships? Even suffering for your faith in Jesus today? If not now, do you remember facing such opposition for your faith in the past? We don’t need to look far than the very grace of God which carried us through those challenging moments. Recount them today as you come to the Lord in prayer today.   
  
Thank God for the grace given to us. Pray for those who might be suffering for their faith today. If someone comes to mind today, would you reach out to them and share an encouraging word? 

Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>789audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-18th-2024--62781171Today is November 18.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.   


1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!  
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  
4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  
7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  
8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.  
  

This Psalm is David’s heart cry to God as his own son, Absalom, began a violent revolution sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father David and take his throne. Imagine the deep pain of betrayal that David felt in that moment. Have you ever experienced a personal betrayal? Consider what you felt like in that moment?   
    
In David’s moment of deep pain and betrayal, when he was most exasperated about his circumstances, he cried out to God. Not only does he cry out to God, but he declares his faith that God will rescue him, God will deliver him. As you listen to the passage again, listen for David’s faith in God and ask God to increase your own faith.  

What challenges are you facing today? Even if it’s not tens of thousands people are assailing you, sometimes if can feel like ten thousand challenges are assailing you. Today, can you respond like David to the growing opposition you face? Today, can you call out to the Lord and as for his protection and deliverance?  

Music: "My Soul Depends on You" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62781171Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 18.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.    1 Lord,...Today is November 18.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 3.   


1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!  
2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  
4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  
7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  
8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.  
  

This Psalm is David’s heart cry to God as his own son, Absalom, began a violent revolution sending a 12,000-man army to kill his father David and take his throne. Imagine the deep pain of betrayal that David felt in that moment. Have you ever experienced a personal betrayal? Consider what you felt like in that moment?   
    
In David’s moment of deep pain and betrayal, when he was most exasperated about his circumstances, he cried out to God. Not only does he cry out to God, but he declares his faith that God will rescue him, God will deliver him. As you listen to the passage again, listen for David’s faith in God and ask God to increase your own faith.  

What challenges are you facing today? Even if it’s not tens of thousands people are assailing you, sometimes if can feel like ten thousand challenges are assailing you. Today, can you respond like David to the growing opposition you face? Today, can you call out to the Lord and as for his protection and deliverance?  

Music: "My Soul Depends on You" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>756audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-16th-2024--62721065
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62721065Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-15th-2024--62719702Today is November 15  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 15, read from the MSG version.  
  
Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God. But they weren’t alone. There were a number of teachers and preachers at that time in Antioch. After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John along (the John nicknamed Mark). But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.  
  
This text brings to mind two seemingly unrelated things: first, the importance of scripture and good teaching… and second, how easy it is to experience relational breaks. Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, and John Mark, called a ‘quitter’, had walked away from followership.    
   
Can you relate at all to these church leaders, committed followers of Jesus, teachers of God’s word… missionaries, even! And yet still finding themselves in a situation in which ‘tempers flared’? Which ended in them going separate ways? If you can relate to that scene of a relational break with a sister or brother in Christ, bring that before the Lord right now…  
   
The work of Christ is found in reconciliation: us to God, us to ourselves, and us to those around us. Sometimes it’s easier to have a great quiet time, to study God’s word… than it is to do the things we read inside of it. Is there a relationship in your life that is broken? Talk to God about what His word says to you about the continual work of ‘coming back’ from separate ways of conflict. Ask God for wisdom about any relationship you are in that needs repair.  
  
Music:  "Make Us Like Jesus" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUKCzy6Q0TE  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62719702Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 15   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading...Today is November 15  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 15, read from the MSG version.  
  
Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God. But they weren’t alone. There were a number of teachers and preachers at that time in Antioch. After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John along (the John nicknamed Mark). But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.  
  
This text brings to mind two seemingly unrelated things: first, the importance of scripture and good teaching… and second, how easy it is to experience relational breaks. Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, and John Mark, called a ‘quitter’, had walked away from followership.    
   
Can you relate at all to these church leaders, committed followers of Jesus, teachers of God’s word… missionaries, even! And yet still finding themselves in a situation in which ‘tempers flared’? Which ended in them going separate ways? If you can relate to that scene of a relational break with a sister or brother in Christ, bring that before the Lord right now…  
   
The work of Christ is found in reconciliation: us to God, us to ourselves, and us to those around us. Sometimes it’s easier to have a great quiet time, to study God’s word… than it is to do the things we read inside of it. Is there a relationship in your life that is broken? Talk to God about what His word says to you about the continual work of ‘coming back’ from separate ways of conflict. Ask God for wisdom about any relationship you are in that needs repair.  
  
Music:  "Make Us Like Jesus" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUKCzy6Q0TE  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-14th-2024--62719703Today is November 14  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.   
  
      3 Trust in the LORD and do good;   
         dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.   
      4 Take delight in the LORD,   
         and he will give you the desires of your heart.   
       5 Commit your way to the LORD;   
         trust in him and he will do this:   
      6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,   
         your vindication like the noonday sun.   
   
God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.  
   
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.  
  
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.  
  
Music: "All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzLh0Za5jg  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62719703Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:06 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 14   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is November 14  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.   
  
      3 Trust in the LORD and do good;   
         dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.   
      4 Take delight in the LORD,   
         and he will give you the desires of your heart.   
       5 Commit your way to the LORD;   
         trust in him and he will do this:   
      6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,   
         your vindication like the noonday sun.   
   
God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.  
   
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.  
  
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.  
  
Music: "All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzLh0Za5jg  

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>633audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerril,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-13th-2024--62719621Today is November 13 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.   
  
      7 The path of the righteous is level;   
         you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.   
      8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,   
         we wait for you;   
         your name and renown   
         are the desire of our hearts.   
      9 My soul yearns for you in the night;   
         in the morning my spirit longs for you...   
          
The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  
   
I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again, and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.   
   
Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.   
  Music: "No Rush" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1v0I-02AJA 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62719621Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:22:39 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 13    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter...Today is November 13 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.   
  
      7 The path of the righteous is level;   
         you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.   
      8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,   
         we wait for you;   
         your name and renown   
         are the desire of our hearts.   
      9 My soul yearns for you in the night;   
         in the morning my spirit longs for you...   
          
The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  
   
I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again, and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.   
   
Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.   
  Music: "No Rush" - Heaven & Earth 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1v0I-02AJA 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>835audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-12th-2024--62699075Today is November 12.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 24.


12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”  
15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.  
17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”  
18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.  
19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”  
26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”  
  
  
The servant in this passage prays to the God of Abraham. He asks Abraham's God to give him success in this mission for Abraham in finding a wife for his Son Isaac. This servant asks that God would, in doing so, show his kindness and faithfulness toward Abraham. Is there something in your life that you would like to ask for God to bless? A situation where you need wisdom, or you need God’s provision for you or someone else?   

The prayer that Abraham’s servant prays is so humble, and so full of simple faith. “Lord make me successful today. And show kindness to my master Abraham.” Is that a prayer that you could pray for yourself? And for someone that you love? Do you believe that God would hear your prayer, and answer your prayer? As you hear the passage again, could you pray that prayer for you and for someone you know?   
    
The prayer is not just full of simple, humble faith, but also a prayer that is specific. On a very particular day, in a very particular situation, in a very particular moment, he prayed for particular things to happen. As you go through your day today, look for a very particular situation that you or someone you love are facing, and take a step to pray a very particular prayer for them, and ask for a particular outcome. And watch and see what the Lord does. 

Music: "Invitacion Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62699075Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 12.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 12.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 24.


12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”  
15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.  
17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”  
18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.  
19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”  
26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”  
  
  
The servant in this passage prays to the God of Abraham. He asks Abraham's God to give him success in this mission for Abraham in finding a wife for his Son Isaac. This servant asks that God would, in doing so, show his kindness and faithfulness toward Abraham. Is there something in your life that you would like to ask for God to bless? A situation where you need wisdom, or you need God’s provision for you or someone else?   

The prayer that Abraham’s servant prays is so humble, and so full of simple faith. “Lord make me successful today. And show kindness to my master Abraham.” Is that a prayer that you could pray for yourself? And for someone that you love? Do you believe that God would hear your prayer, and answer your prayer? As you hear the passage again, could you pray that prayer for you and for someone you know?   
    
The prayer is not just full of simple, humble faith, but also a prayer that is specific. On a very particular day, in a very particular situation, in a very particular moment, he prayed for particular things to happen. As you go through your day today, look for a very particular situation that you or someone you love are facing, and take a step to pray a very particular prayer for them, and ask for a particular outcome. And watch and see what the Lord does. 

Music: "Invitacion Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1091audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-11th-2024--62686780Today is November 11.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 113.


1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.  
2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  
4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.  
5 Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,  
6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.  
9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  
  

Psalms 113-118 are often known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations which commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus narrative. The psalms were sung as part of the Passover ceremony by all the Jews thereafter. There is no doubt that these exact words were sung by Jesus and his disciples during the Passover meals. As you come to prayer today, consider that you are entering into the presence of ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ in the faith. Take a moment to become aware of the long history of our faith.  
    
Listen to this Psalm once again – the very words that Jesus himself sang: consider how Israel – the poor, needy and lowly are lifted by God who is over all things. Think of where you might feel poor, needy and lowly and think of the God who sits enthroned on high above heavens and the earth.  
    
The Psalmist declares that the unchanging God never becomes unworthy of our praise. For the child of God with open eyes, time only reveals even more reasons to praise God. For the Psalmist, what amazes him is that God is exalted so high that he stoops low to see not only the earth but also the heavens, and yet at the same time he cares for the every day person. Can you receive this truth in your heart today? In whatever areas you are feeling poor and needy, express your heart to God and know that this almighty God knows you and cares for you.

Music: "You're Worthy of My Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62686780Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 11.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 113. 1 Praise...Today is November 11.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 113.


1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.  
2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  
4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.  
5 Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,  
6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.  
9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  
  

Psalms 113-118 are often known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations which commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in the Exodus narrative. The psalms were sung as part of the Passover ceremony by all the Jews thereafter. There is no doubt that these exact words were sung by Jesus and his disciples during the Passover meals. As you come to prayer today, consider that you are entering into the presence of ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ in the faith. Take a moment to become aware of the long history of our faith.  
    
Listen to this Psalm once again – the very words that Jesus himself sang: consider how Israel – the poor, needy and lowly are lifted by God who is over all things. Think of where you might feel poor, needy and lowly and think of the God who sits enthroned on high above heavens and the earth.  
    
The Psalmist declares that the unchanging God never becomes unworthy of our praise. For the child of God with open eyes, time only reveals even more reasons to praise God. For the Psalmist, what amazes him is that God is exalted so high that he stoops low to see not only the earth but also the heavens, and yet at the same time he cares for the every day person. Can you receive this truth in your heart today? In whatever areas you are feeling poor and needy, express your heart to God and know that this almighty God knows you and cares for you.

Music: "You're Worthy of My Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>976audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-9th-2024--62611798
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62611798Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-8th-2024--62611791Today is November 8 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.  
 
 
      1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  
         Why are you so far from saving me,  
         so far from my cries of anguish?  
      2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,  
         by night, but I find no rest.  
       3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;  
         you are the one Israel praises.  
      4 In you our ancestors put their trust;  
         they trusted and you delivered them.  
      5 To you they cried out and were saved;  
         in you they trusted and were not put to shame.  
       6 But I am a worm and not a man,  
         scorned by everyone, despised by the people.  
      7 All who see me mock me;  
         they hurl insults, shaking their heads.  
      8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say,  
         “let the LORD rescue him.  
         Let him deliver him,  
         since he delights in him.”  
       9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;  
         you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.  
      10 From birth I was cast on you;  
         from my mother’s womb you have been my God.  
       11 Do not be far from me,  
         for trouble is near  
         and there is no one to help. 
      
This is a Psalm of lament, full of emotions, grief, and pain. It is a messianic Psalm, and we hear these words repeated from Jesus on the cross. And yet, this line: “from my mothers womb you have been my God; do not be far from me”. We know that on the cross, Jesus laments the loss of the Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, he cries. Allow yourself to consider places of lament in your own life. Can you invite God to ‘not be far from you’ right now?  
 
Are there places where trouble feels near to you? Do you feel alone – as though there is no one to help? Can you use the words of this psalm to pour out your heart to God?  

“…in you they trusted and were not put to shame”. We know that Christ was ultimately not put to shame. He was vindicated through his resurrection from the dead. But he first experienced deep humiliation through the cross. As we end our time of prayer today, what might it mean for you to put your trust in the Lord? Is there a specific situation or person that you struggle to trust God for? Something that feels like a humiliation or a loss? Take time now to ask God for the grace to trust in Him and to await his vindication.  
 
Music: "My Soul Depends On You" - Vineyard Worship  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB7b2SQ4cKw

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62611791Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 8  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is November 8 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.  
 
 
      1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  
         Why are you so far from saving me,  
         so far from my cries of anguish?  
      2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,  
         by night, but I find no rest.  
       3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;  
         you are the one Israel praises.  
      4 In you our ancestors put their trust;  
         they trusted and you delivered them.  
      5 To you they cried out and were saved;  
         in you they trusted and were not put to shame.  
       6 But I am a worm and not a man,  
         scorned by everyone, despised by the people.  
      7 All who see me mock me;  
         they hurl insults, shaking their heads.  
      8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say,  
         “let the LORD rescue him.  
         Let him deliver him,  
         since he delights in him.”  
       9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;  
         you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.  
      10 From birth I was cast on you;  
         from my mother’s womb you have been my God.  
       11 Do not be far from me,  
         for trouble is near  
         and there is no one to help. 
      
This is a Psalm of lament, full of emotions, grief, and pain. It is a messianic Psalm, and we hear these words repeated from Jesus on the cross. And yet, this line: “from my mothers womb you have been my God; do not be far from me”. We know that on the cross, Jesus laments the loss of the Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, he cries. Allow yourself to consider places of lament in your own life. Can you invite God to ‘not be far from you’ right now?  
 
Are there places where trouble feels near to you? Do you feel alone – as though there is no one to help? Can you use the words of this psalm to pour out your heart to God?  

“…in you they trusted and were not put to shame”. We know that Christ was ultimately not put to shame. He was vindicated through his resurrection from the dead. But he first experienced deep humiliation through the cross. As we end our time of prayer today, what might it mean for you to put your trust in the Lord? Is there a specific situation or person that you struggle to trust God for? Something that feels like a humiliation or a loss? Take time now to ask God for the grace to trust in Him and to await his vindication.  
 
Music: "My Soul Depends On You" - Vineyard Worship  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB7b2SQ4cKw

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>907audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-7th-2024--62611790Today is November 7 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.  
 
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.  
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.  
  
This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you? 
  
Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of… 

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today… 
 
Music: "Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv61EA2CW5U  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62611790Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 7  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 7 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.  
 
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.  
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.  
  
This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you? 
  
Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of… 

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today… 
 
Music: "Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv61EA2CW5U  


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>784audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-6th-2024--62611789Today is November 6 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  
 
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ 
 
There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.  
  
What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.  

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.  

Music: "Everything" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF3h5wJJ5eA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62611789Wed, 06 Nov 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 6  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  ...Today is November 6 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.  
 
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.  
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ 
 
There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.  
  
What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.  

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.  

Music: "Everything" - Vineyard Worship 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF3h5wJJ5eA 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>832audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-5th-2024--62615991Today is November 5.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 


25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful to the blameless you show yourself blameless,  
26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.  
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  
29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 


This reading reminds me of some parts of the Sermon on the Mount: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. What do you think the psalmist is saying about how God interacts with us, and about how we experience God?   
    
It is not insignificance that this Psalm was written to celebrate David’s victory over Saul. It speaks of David’s trust in the Lord throughout the tough relationship that he had with Saul. Listen again to the Psalm in the light of David’s struggle against a mighty king coming for his life and his utmost trust in God through all the challenges.  

What are some challenges you’re facing today? What circumstances seem just impossible to you in this season? Which relationships are bringing pain? If you are navigating some rough waters – will you pray this Psalm over your heart today? Will you turn your trust in the Lord today? Can you work to surrender the temptation to be devious and haughty?

Music: When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62615991Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 5.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is November 5.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 


25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful to the blameless you show yourself blameless,  
26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.  
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.  
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  
29 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.  
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 


This reading reminds me of some parts of the Sermon on the Mount: For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. What do you think the psalmist is saying about how God interacts with us, and about how we experience God?   
    
It is not insignificance that this Psalm was written to celebrate David’s victory over Saul. It speaks of David’s trust in the Lord throughout the tough relationship that he had with Saul. Listen again to the Psalm in the light of David’s struggle against a mighty king coming for his life and his utmost trust in God through all the challenges.  

What are some challenges you’re facing today? What circumstances seem just impossible to you in this season? Which relationships are bringing pain? If you are navigating some rough waters – will you pray this Psalm over your heart today? Will you turn your trust in the Lord today? Can you work to surrender the temptation to be devious and haughty?

Music: When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>601audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-4th-2024--62599032Today is November 4.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 12.   


17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.   
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.   
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  
  

Today’s reading uses a weighty word, the word evil. The Apostle Paul assumes the reality of evil in our world and in our lives. How do you feel about that word? And where might you see evil in the world around you, or in your life?   
  
Increasingly, our culture makes two mistakes about evil. On the one hand, we deny evil. Things or people aren’t evil, we reason. People are broken, but not bad. Bad things may happen but not evil things. On the other hand our culture wants to make evil things or evil people unredeemable. It’s a way of making something or someone unforgiveable.  But the Apostle Paul denies both approaches. On the one hand, he says, “yes evil things happen, sometimes by evil people.” On the other hand, he says, we are to respond by trusting in God, even showing love and goodness to evil people. As you hear the passage again, consider your own response to evil in the world today.   
  
The word for evil is both personal and moral. When you experience evil, it hurts personally. And we inherently know it’s wrong, it’s bad! It’s normal to respond with hurt and anger when you experience evil or sin. But the Gospel invites us to not allow our hurt and anger to be the final word about those experiences. It invites us to a deeper work of trust in God, of forgiveness, and love. As we close our time of prayer today, consider someone who you may feel hurt or anger toward because of something they have done. Can you move toward a work of trust, forgiveness, and love through the power of Christ? 

Music: Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62599032Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 4.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from the book of Romans,...Today is November 4.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 12.   


17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.   
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.   
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  
  

Today’s reading uses a weighty word, the word evil. The Apostle Paul assumes the reality of evil in our world and in our lives. How do you feel about that word? And where might you see evil in the world around you, or in your life?   
  
Increasingly, our culture makes two mistakes about evil. On the one hand, we deny evil. Things or people aren’t evil, we reason. People are broken, but not bad. Bad things may happen but not evil things. On the other hand our culture wants to make evil things or evil people unredeemable. It’s a way of making something or someone unforgiveable.  But the Apostle Paul denies both approaches. On the one hand, he says, “yes evil things happen, sometimes by evil people.” On the other hand, he says, we are to respond by trusting in God, even showing love and goodness to evil people. As you hear the passage again, consider your own response to evil in the world today.   
  
The word for evil is both personal and moral. When you experience evil, it hurts personally. And we inherently know it’s wrong, it’s bad! It’s normal to respond with hurt and anger when you experience evil or sin. But the Gospel invites us to not allow our hurt and anger to be the final word about those experiences. It invites us to a deeper work of trust in God, of forgiveness, and love. As we close our time of prayer today, consider someone who you may feel hurt or anger toward because of something they have done. Can you move toward a work of trust, forgiveness, and love through the power of Christ? 

Music: Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>887audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-2nd-2024--62545361
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62545361Sat, 02 Nov 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-1st-2024--62545355Today is November 1 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 14.  
 
      12 How you have fallen from heaven,  
         morning star, son of the dawn!  
         You have been cast down to the earth,  
         you who once laid low the nations!  
      13 You said in your heart,  
         “I will ascend to the heavens;  
         I will raise my throne  
         above the stars of God;  
         I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,  
         on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.  
      14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;  
         I will make myself like the Most High.”  
      15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,  
         to the depths of the pit. 
    
This prophetic scripture describes the fall of Lucifer – which itself means ‘morning star’ or ‘bright star’. Let’s consider something simple in what might feel like a confusing passage. Isaiah is prophesying about the final fall of Satan, and Isaiah describes to Satan the attitude of “wanting to ascend, to be like God…” in other words, he wants to grasp equality with God. And for that, He is brought down to the realm of the dead. Let me remind you of the nature of God Himself… who as Christ… ‘humbled himself, taking on the very nature of a slave…’ Think about that juxtaposition for a few moments.  
  
Jesus is God, takes on flesh and DECENDS … humbling himself to death on a cross. And then He is raised up. Lucifer desires the opposite: to ASCEND and to be like God. He is proud. And then He is brought down. Listen to the scripture again and contemplate these things…  

As you end your time of prayer, talk with the Lord about what this passage, or these reflections, have brought to your mind. What does it mean for you to follow the way of Christ? Where might you feel tempted by the sin of pride?  
 
Music: "Humble King" - Vineyard Worship 
Humble King (feat. Tina Colón Williams) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62545355Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 1  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is November 1 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 14.  
 
      12 How you have fallen from heaven,  
         morning star, son of the dawn!  
         You have been cast down to the earth,  
         you who once laid low the nations!  
      13 You said in your heart,  
         “I will ascend to the heavens;  
         I will raise my throne  
         above the stars of God;  
         I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,  
         on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.  
      14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;  
         I will make myself like the Most High.”  
      15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,  
         to the depths of the pit. 
    
This prophetic scripture describes the fall of Lucifer – which itself means ‘morning star’ or ‘bright star’. Let’s consider something simple in what might feel like a confusing passage. Isaiah is prophesying about the final fall of Satan, and Isaiah describes to Satan the attitude of “wanting to ascend, to be like God…” in other words, he wants to grasp equality with God. And for that, He is brought down to the realm of the dead. Let me remind you of the nature of God Himself… who as Christ… ‘humbled himself, taking on the very nature of a slave…’ Think about that juxtaposition for a few moments.  
  
Jesus is God, takes on flesh and DECENDS … humbling himself to death on a cross. And then He is raised up. Lucifer desires the opposite: to ASCEND and to be like God. He is proud. And then He is brought down. Listen to the scripture again and contemplate these things…  

As you end your time of prayer, talk with the Lord about what this passage, or these reflections, have brought to your mind. What does it mean for you to follow the way of Christ? Where might you feel tempted by the sin of pride?  
 
Music: "Humble King" - Vineyard Worship 
Humble King (feat. Tina Colón Williams) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>671audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-31st-2024--62545353Today is October 31 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.  
 
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 
  
Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers? 
  
Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like. 
 
Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.  
 
Music: "Familia" - Vineyard Worship 
FAMILIA [Official Live In Studio] | Feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62545353Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 31  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 31 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.  
 
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 
  
Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers? 
  
Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like. 
 
Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.  
 
Music: "Familia" - Vineyard Worship 
FAMILIA [Official Live In Studio] | Feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-30th-2024--62545354Today is October 30 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  
 
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  
  
I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?  
  
I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…  
  
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…   
 
Music: "As Children" - Vineyard Worship 
AS CHILDREN [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Sarah Elmer 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62545354Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 30  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  ...Today is October 30 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.  
 
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  
  
I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?  
  
I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…  
  
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…   
 
Music: "As Children" - Vineyard Worship 
AS CHILDREN [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Sarah Elmer 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>773audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-29th-2024--62536046Today is October 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 9.   
  

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
  

The book of Acts are about the acts of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. You could also call it the acts of the Holy Spirit because God continued to act through signs and wonders, including healing like the one in this passage. When you read about stories of healing in the Bible, what is your reaction? Is it belief? Is it faith? Or is it doubt?  

Miracles are indeed a spectacular way that one can come to believe but was not necessary for one’s faith and trust in Jesus. In fact, we see that Jesus was sometimes frustrated by people seeking miracles as proof of his authenticity. Yet there were many who were “never healed” yet believed in Jesus. Let’s listen again and consider the purpose of the miracle in this story.  
    
All those who saw turned to the Lord. Miracles like healing were called “signs” because they were pointers to the reality of God. All of us doubt and struggle to believe. Where is it you need a pointer today to the reality of God? To the reality that he loves you? To the reality that he is active in your life? As we close our time, ask God to again show you a sign today that he is with you and that he loves you, so that your heart might be turned toward the Lord again in faith and trust.

Music: Now Until Forever - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62536046Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 9.   
  

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
  

The book of Acts are about the acts of the disciples after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. You could also call it the acts of the Holy Spirit because God continued to act through signs and wonders, including healing like the one in this passage. When you read about stories of healing in the Bible, what is your reaction? Is it belief? Is it faith? Or is it doubt?  

Miracles are indeed a spectacular way that one can come to believe but was not necessary for one’s faith and trust in Jesus. In fact, we see that Jesus was sometimes frustrated by people seeking miracles as proof of his authenticity. Yet there were many who were “never healed” yet believed in Jesus. Let’s listen again and consider the purpose of the miracle in this story.  
    
All those who saw turned to the Lord. Miracles like healing were called “signs” because they were pointers to the reality of God. All of us doubt and struggle to believe. Where is it you need a pointer today to the reality of God? To the reality that he loves you? To the reality that he is active in your life? As we close our time, ask God to again show you a sign today that he is with you and that he loves you, so that your heart might be turned toward the Lord again in faith and trust.

Music: Now Until Forever - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>759audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-28th-2024--62523580Today is October 28.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.   
  

      1 To you, LORD, I call;   
         you are my Rock,   
         do not turn a deaf ear to me.   
         For if you remain silent,   
         I will be like those who go down to the pit.   
      2 Hear my cry for mercy   
         as I call to you for help,   
         as I lift up my hands   
         toward your Most Holy Place.   
       3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,   
         with those who do evil,   
         who speak cordially with their neighbors   
         but harbor malice in their hearts.   
      4 Repay them for their deeds   
         and for their evil work;   
         repay them for what their hands have done   
         and bring back on them what they deserve.   
       5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD   
         and what his hands have done,   
         he will tear them down   
         and never build them up again.   
       6 Praise be to the LORD,   
         for he has heard my cry for mercy.   
      7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;   
         my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   
         My heart leaps for joy,   
         and with my song I praise him.   
       8 The LORD is the strength of his people,   
         a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.   
      9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;   
         be their shepherd and carry them forever.  
  

The text today shows the Psalmist crying out for justice against his enemies. We might ask, didn’t Jesus command those who follow him to not avenge themselves or try to "get even?" Aren’t we told to “love our enemies?” Revenge is simply not an option for us – right? The answer, is yes – and the Psalmist today sheds light then how we might respond to injustice: He calls out to God for mercy and justice.  
    
We see throughout scriptures in the Old and the New Testaments that God has always declared his intention to make things right in the world. To demonstrate true justice. The Psalmist points us to trust God's timing and power to deliver justice as he sees fit. Do you feel the strength, and the challenge, of that call to trust? Listen to the text again and pay attention to the psalmists emotional intensity, as well as the direction of that intensity toward God.  
   
The Psalm ends with a surrender to trust in God and find joy and strength in God. It simply points us to trust that God knows all and will not remain silent toward injustice. Can we trust in such a God today? Who has dishonored you and caused pain unjustly? Where have you felt slighted or offended lately? Can you bring those things to God, as the psalmist teaches us to do? 

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62523580Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 28.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.             1...Today is October 28.
  
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 28.   
  

      1 To you, LORD, I call;   
         you are my Rock,   
         do not turn a deaf ear to me.   
         For if you remain silent,   
         I will be like those who go down to the pit.   
      2 Hear my cry for mercy   
         as I call to you for help,   
         as I lift up my hands   
         toward your Most Holy Place.   
       3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,   
         with those who do evil,   
         who speak cordially with their neighbors   
         but harbor malice in their hearts.   
      4 Repay them for their deeds   
         and for their evil work;   
         repay them for what their hands have done   
         and bring back on them what they deserve.   
       5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD   
         and what his hands have done,   
         he will tear them down   
         and never build them up again.   
       6 Praise be to the LORD,   
         for he has heard my cry for mercy.   
      7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;   
         my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   
         My heart leaps for joy,   
         and with my song I praise him.   
       8 The LORD is the strength of his people,   
         a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.   
      9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;   
         be their shepherd and carry them forever.  
  

The text today shows the Psalmist crying out for justice against his enemies. We might ask, didn’t Jesus command those who follow him to not avenge themselves or try to "get even?" Aren’t we told to “love our enemies?” Revenge is simply not an option for us – right? The answer, is yes – and the Psalmist today sheds light then how we might respond to injustice: He calls out to God for mercy and justice.  
    
We see throughout scriptures in the Old and the New Testaments that God has always declared his intention to make things right in the world. To demonstrate true justice. The Psalmist points us to trust God's timing and power to deliver justice as he sees fit. Do you feel the strength, and the challenge, of that call to trust? Listen to the text again and pay attention to the psalmists emotional intensity, as well as the direction of that intensity toward God.  
   
The Psalm ends with a surrender to trust in God and find joy and strength in God. It simply points us to trust that God knows all and will not remain silent toward injustice. Can we trust in such a God today? Who has dishonored you and caused pain unjustly? Where have you felt slighted or offended lately? Can you bring those things to God, as the psalmist teaches us to do? 

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-26th-2024--62398671
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398671Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-25th-2024--62398667Today is October 25 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 7.  
 
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.  
      
This is a well known prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God promises a sign through the prophet Isaiah. The messiah Jesus would be born to a virgin. But it didn’t come quickly. It came 700 years after this prophecy was given. As you come to prayer today, how does it feel to hear the words: “the Lord himself will give you a sign”? Consider God’s people through history – who experienced both waiting and fulfillment…. longing and hope…. Where are you feeling on that continuum today? Are you in a season of waiting? Are you holding on to a sign that points to hope?  
  
Think about hope, for a moment. When was the last time you felt a visceral experience of hope? What did that feel like? Can you walk yourself through a remembrance of that moment before we hear the scripture again? 

The sign that is promised in this text seems impossible. It’s otherworldly. It’s upside down. It’s hidden in the ordinariness of life. As we end our time of prayer today, can you ask God for eyes to see, and a heart to remember, the hope he’s spoken and the fulfillment you’ve received?  
 
Music: "Cherry Blossoms" -Vineyard Worship 
CHERRY BLOSSOMS (LIVE in Studio) | Official Video | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398667Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 25  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is October 25 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 7.  
 
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.  
      
This is a well known prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God promises a sign through the prophet Isaiah. The messiah Jesus would be born to a virgin. But it didn’t come quickly. It came 700 years after this prophecy was given. As you come to prayer today, how does it feel to hear the words: “the Lord himself will give you a sign”? Consider God’s people through history – who experienced both waiting and fulfillment…. longing and hope…. Where are you feeling on that continuum today? Are you in a season of waiting? Are you holding on to a sign that points to hope?  
  
Think about hope, for a moment. When was the last time you felt a visceral experience of hope? What did that feel like? Can you walk yourself through a remembrance of that moment before we hear the scripture again? 

The sign that is promised in this text seems impossible. It’s otherworldly. It’s upside down. It’s hidden in the ordinariness of life. As we end our time of prayer today, can you ask God for eyes to see, and a heart to remember, the hope he’s spoken and the fulfillment you’ve received?  
 
Music: "Cherry Blossoms" -Vineyard Worship 
CHERRY BLOSSOMS (LIVE in Studio) | Official Video | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>678audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-24th-2024--62398666Today is October 24 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.  
 
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 
  
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought... 
  
I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.  
                                
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?  
 
Music: "Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Invitacion Fountain (ft. Kyle Howard & Alexandria Faison) [Official Live Video] 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398666Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 24  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 24 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.  
 
3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 
  
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought... 
  
I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.  
                                
“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?  
 
Music: "Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Invitacion Fountain (ft. Kyle Howard & Alexandria Faison) [Official Live Video] 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1062audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-23rd-2024--62398665Today is October 23 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.  
 
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  
 
Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.  
 
Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.  
  
James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’.  Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.  
 
Music: "I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
I BLESS THE LORD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Jodie Alexander-Frye



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398665Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 23  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.    ...Today is October 23 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.  
 
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  
 
Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.  
 
Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.  
  
James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’.  Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.  
 
Music: "I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
I BLESS THE LORD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Jodie Alexander-Frye



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>750audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-22nd-2024--62456805Today is October 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 6.   
  

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.   
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.  
  

In this passage… which is about covenant, keeping promises, and the trustworthiness of God, we heard: ‘we have his hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. As you come to prayer this morning, how would you describe the state of your soul? We’ll take a bit more quiet time than usual now… so settle in, maybe close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Ask the Lord to help you be still, and aware of your spiritual condition this morning  
  
The writer of today’s passage is concerned that the persecuted Christians he is writing to are in danger of running out of patience in their race of faith amidst persecution. These Christians might be doing okay for now, but there is a danger they might lose confidence in God’s promises. The writer is reminding them that God is absolutely trustworthy. That we can anchor our hope in Him. Listen again to the text and be attentive to a single word or phrase that stands out to you.  

All of us wrestle with spiritual doubt; everyone struggles at times to trust God. God is firm and secure, scripture tells us – so we can hold to him in the midst of our own times of spiritual tenderness, struggle, and doubt. If we ignore those things in our own souls, we are holding a part of ourselves away from God. Instead, we are to bring our full selves to Him, so that He might be our anchor. God tells us the unchanging nature of his purpose: to seek and to save that which is lost. To be our firm foundation in times of trouble. As we end our time of prayer today, bring your full self to God.

Music: This Is Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62456805Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
    
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 6.   
  

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.   
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.  
  

In this passage… which is about covenant, keeping promises, and the trustworthiness of God, we heard: ‘we have his hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure’. As you come to prayer this morning, how would you describe the state of your soul? We’ll take a bit more quiet time than usual now… so settle in, maybe close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Ask the Lord to help you be still, and aware of your spiritual condition this morning  
  
The writer of today’s passage is concerned that the persecuted Christians he is writing to are in danger of running out of patience in their race of faith amidst persecution. These Christians might be doing okay for now, but there is a danger they might lose confidence in God’s promises. The writer is reminding them that God is absolutely trustworthy. That we can anchor our hope in Him. Listen again to the text and be attentive to a single word or phrase that stands out to you.  

All of us wrestle with spiritual doubt; everyone struggles at times to trust God. God is firm and secure, scripture tells us – so we can hold to him in the midst of our own times of spiritual tenderness, struggle, and doubt. If we ignore those things in our own souls, we are holding a part of ourselves away from God. Instead, we are to bring our full selves to Him, so that He might be our anchor. God tells us the unchanging nature of his purpose: to seek and to save that which is lost. To be our firm foundation in times of trouble. As we end our time of prayer today, bring your full self to God.

Music: This Is Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>840audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-21st-2024--62432177Today is October 21.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.   
  

      1 We praise you, God,   
         we praise you, for your Name is near;   
         people tell of your wonderful deeds.   
       2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;   
         it is I who judge with equity.   
      3 When the earth and all its people quake,   
         it is I who hold its pillars firm.   
      4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’   
         and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.   
      5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;   
         do not speak so defiantly.’ ”   
      6 No one from the east or the west   
         or from the desert can exalt themselves.   
      7 It is God who judges:   
         He brings one down, he exalts another.   
            9 As for me, I will declare this forever;   
         I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.   
  

This Psalm describes God as the ultimate judge – a judge who is righteous, fair, holy and most importantly, trustworthy. The Psalmist declares that God is the only one we can trust to always do the right thing without partiality. When you consider the wrongs in the world, or in your own life, how does it make you feel to hear that there is a perfect judge?   
    
This God, contrary to popular understanding, isn’t a spiteful God who wields his power from heaven favorably toward people who does what he says and destroys people who are disobedient and sinful. If that were the case, there would be no one left on earth. Listen to the Psalm again and see if you can hear what the Psalmist is declaring.   

The Psalm draws us over and over again to hope. No matter what injustice you have experienced or may be experiencing even now, God is the perfect Judge and he will one day overturn every wrong and make everything right and good again. Think about one thing today that you’d like to be put right again, and as we close our time, can you put your hope in God to make that thing new again, in his time?  

Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62432177Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 21.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.             1...Today is October 21.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     
    
Today’s reading is from Psalm 75.   
  

      1 We praise you, God,   
         we praise you, for your Name is near;   
         people tell of your wonderful deeds.   
       2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;   
         it is I who judge with equity.   
      3 When the earth and all its people quake,   
         it is I who hold its pillars firm.   
      4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’   
         and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.   
      5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;   
         do not speak so defiantly.’ ”   
      6 No one from the east or the west   
         or from the desert can exalt themselves.   
      7 It is God who judges:   
         He brings one down, he exalts another.   
            9 As for me, I will declare this forever;   
         I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.   
  

This Psalm describes God as the ultimate judge – a judge who is righteous, fair, holy and most importantly, trustworthy. The Psalmist declares that God is the only one we can trust to always do the right thing without partiality. When you consider the wrongs in the world, or in your own life, how does it make you feel to hear that there is a perfect judge?   
    
This God, contrary to popular understanding, isn’t a spiteful God who wields his power from heaven favorably toward people who does what he says and destroys people who are disobedient and sinful. If that were the case, there would be no one left on earth. Listen to the Psalm again and see if you can hear what the Psalmist is declaring.   

The Psalm draws us over and over again to hope. No matter what injustice you have experienced or may be experiencing even now, God is the perfect Judge and he will one day overturn every wrong and make everything right and good again. Think about one thing today that you’d like to be put right again, and as we close our time, can you put your hope in God to make that thing new again, in his time?  

Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>840audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-19th-2024--62334583
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62334583Sat, 19 Oct 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-18th-2024--62334280Today is October 18  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, the MSG version.   
  
1 - 4  So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.  
 
As we begin our time of prayer, consider what it means to you that Luke investigated, in detail, the first hand accounts of what happened during the life of Jesus. Luke, a doctor, was looking for the truth, and that led him to believe the incredible story that follows this passage. Luke probably started this project with a healthy amount of skepticism, but he finished it as a full believer in Christ. Do you approach the Gospel with skepticism? Does faith become any easier to believe when you see that someone as thorough as Luke was so convinced that this was the truth? 

Luke’s gospel was written to assure a man named Theophilus that what he had learned was true. Does this assure you that the story is true. Luke has not been swayed by the bias of knowing Jesus, or the need to prove anything but the truth. How does this make his account different than the others? As you listen again, think about what it means that after Luke approached the evidence with doubt, yet. He became convinced “beyond a shadow,” that what he had written was true. 

As you go through your day, consider what it would take for you to believe, “beyond the shadow of a doubt,” that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Or, maybe you do believe without doubt. Think about what it is that convinced you it was true.  
 
Music: "Stand In Awe" - Vineyard Worship 
Stand in Awe 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62334280Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 18   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading...Today is October 18  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, the MSG version.   
  
1 - 4  So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.  
 
As we begin our time of prayer, consider what it means to you that Luke investigated, in detail, the first hand accounts of what happened during the life of Jesus. Luke, a doctor, was looking for the truth, and that led him to believe the incredible story that follows this passage. Luke probably started this project with a healthy amount of skepticism, but he finished it as a full believer in Christ. Do you approach the Gospel with skepticism? Does faith become any easier to believe when you see that someone as thorough as Luke was so convinced that this was the truth? 

Luke’s gospel was written to assure a man named Theophilus that what he had learned was true. Does this assure you that the story is true. Luke has not been swayed by the bias of knowing Jesus, or the need to prove anything but the truth. How does this make his account different than the others? As you listen again, think about what it means that after Luke approached the evidence with doubt, yet. He became convinced “beyond a shadow,” that what he had written was true. 

As you go through your day, consider what it would take for you to believe, “beyond the shadow of a doubt,” that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Or, maybe you do believe without doubt. Think about what it is that convinced you it was true.  
 
Music: "Stand In Awe" - Vineyard Worship 
Stand in Awe 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>719audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-17th-2024--62334279Today is October 17 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.   
  
      9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?   
         By living according to your word.   
      10 I seek you with all my heart;   
         do not let me stray from your commands.   
      11 I have hidden your word in my heart   
         that I might not sin against you.   
      12 Praise be to you, LORD;   
         teach me your decrees.   
      13 With my lips I recount   
         all the laws that come from your mouth.   
      14 I rejoice in following your statutes   
         as one rejoices in great riches.   
      15 I meditate on your precepts   
         and consider your ways.   
      16 I delight in your decrees;   
         I will not neglect your word.   
   
Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?  
 
In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?  

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.  
  
Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul 
ALL THINGS RISE [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Soul [feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62334279Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 17  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 17 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.   
  
      9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?   
         By living according to your word.   
      10 I seek you with all my heart;   
         do not let me stray from your commands.   
      11 I have hidden your word in my heart   
         that I might not sin against you.   
      12 Praise be to you, LORD;   
         teach me your decrees.   
      13 With my lips I recount   
         all the laws that come from your mouth.   
      14 I rejoice in following your statutes   
         as one rejoices in great riches.   
      15 I meditate on your precepts   
         and consider your ways.   
      16 I delight in your decrees;   
         I will not neglect your word.   
   
Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?  
 
In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?  

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.  
  
Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul 
ALL THINGS RISE [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Soul [feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>848audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-16th-2024--62334281Today is October 16 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.   
  
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.   
 
As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others? 
 
It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.  
 
How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?  
  
 Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship 
ALL THE SAME | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62334281Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 16  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.       7...Today is October 16 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.   
  
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.   
 
As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others? 
 
It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.  
 
How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?  
  
 Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship 
ALL THE SAME | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>774audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-15th-2024--62367738Today is October 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 8.


1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.


This passage from Revelation describes the kind of worship that is happening in heaven. I love how it begins… there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. In our noise filled world, we usually think of worship as something full of sounds—voices and choirs, instruments and melodies, building into a crescendo. But here worship is silence … for 30 minutes. Let’s take just 30 seconds right now and be silent.

What do you notice when you are silent? Maybe you notice the noise around you. Maybe you notice the noise within you. The distractions. The pull to today’s to dos. It takes practice to learn how to worship God through silence. Because we are first learning to quiet the noise within our own soul. After you hear the passage again, I want to again pause for thirty seconds, and this time I want you to pay attention to the noise within your soul, and try to put a name on what that noise is.

What did you notice? Could you put a name to it? A lot of times it feels frustrating that there is so much noise in our soul. But instead of being frustrated by it, just quietly bring that noise to God and ask God to quiet that noise with his peace. As you continue through your day, could you take one or two more moments of silence: bring noise of your soul to God, and to ask him to meet you there.

Music: All For You Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62367738Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 8.


1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.


This passage from Revelation describes the kind of worship that is happening in heaven. I love how it begins… there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. In our noise filled world, we usually think of worship as something full of sounds—voices and choirs, instruments and melodies, building into a crescendo. But here worship is silence … for 30 minutes. Let’s take just 30 seconds right now and be silent.

What do you notice when you are silent? Maybe you notice the noise around you. Maybe you notice the noise within you. The distractions. The pull to today’s to dos. It takes practice to learn how to worship God through silence. Because we are first learning to quiet the noise within our own soul. After you hear the passage again, I want to again pause for thirty seconds, and this time I want you to pay attention to the noise within your soul, and try to put a name on what that noise is.

What did you notice? Could you put a name to it? A lot of times it feels frustrating that there is so much noise in our soul. But instead of being frustrated by it, just quietly bring that noise to God and ask God to quiet that noise with his peace. As you continue through your day, could you take one or two more moments of silence: bring noise of your soul to God, and to ask him to meet you there.

Music: All For You Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>727audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-14th-2024--62353415Today is October 14.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26.


Then Job replied…: 7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. 8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. 9 He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. 10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. 11 The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. 12 By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. 13 By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. 14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?


Job is meditating on the transcendence God through the vastness and power of the natural world. Can you recall the times when you gazed out into the immense beauty of a sunset, or looked upon the magnificent face of mountains, or surveyed the endless sea of stars in the sky? Have you looked out into the ocean in a terrifying storm to be reminded of our utter small-ness? Call to mind the last time you sensed or were interrupted by God’s presence through the natural world.

Job has experienced immense pain and utter loss. In the midst of his suffering, he stops to consider the vastness of the universe and endless stories of the past in a way that seems to create perspective… but he does not shrink from the reality of His suffering. Instead, he allows himself to experience his real suffering alongside the truth that there is so much he cannot understand about the character and power and way of God. Job allows two things to exist at the same time: the unimaginable power of God, and his own unimaginable suffering. This is a hard thing for me to hold… as you listen again, allow yourself to respond honestly and freely to God…

My friend, there are things of God that are so difficult for us to hold, and impossible for us to understand. Scripture tells us that God pursues us with ‘hesed’ – his loving kindness that endures forever… and also that in this world we will have trouble. We know we are to set our eyes to eternity, and to the fulfillment of God’s perfect kingdom come. And yet: There is so much we do not understand. Do you know you can bring that disorientation to God? He is our maker, and we are the made. Talk to the Lord as we end about whatever feelings have come up for you.

Music: They Are Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62353415Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26. Then Job...Today is October 14.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 26.


Then Job replied…: 7 He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. 8 He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. 9 He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. 10 He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. 11 The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. 12 By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. 13 By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. 14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?


Job is meditating on the transcendence God through the vastness and power of the natural world. Can you recall the times when you gazed out into the immense beauty of a sunset, or looked upon the magnificent face of mountains, or surveyed the endless sea of stars in the sky? Have you looked out into the ocean in a terrifying storm to be reminded of our utter small-ness? Call to mind the last time you sensed or were interrupted by God’s presence through the natural world.

Job has experienced immense pain and utter loss. In the midst of his suffering, he stops to consider the vastness of the universe and endless stories of the past in a way that seems to create perspective… but he does not shrink from the reality of His suffering. Instead, he allows himself to experience his real suffering alongside the truth that there is so much he cannot understand about the character and power and way of God. Job allows two things to exist at the same time: the unimaginable power of God, and his own unimaginable suffering. This is a hard thing for me to hold… as you listen again, allow yourself to respond honestly and freely to God…

My friend, there are things of God that are so difficult for us to hold, and impossible for us to understand. Scripture tells us that God pursues us with ‘hesed’ – his loving kindness that endures forever… and also that in this world we will have trouble. We know we are to set our eyes to eternity, and to the fulfillment of God’s perfect kingdom come. And yet: There is so much we do not understand. Do you know you can bring that disorientation to God? He is our maker, and we are the made. Talk to the Lord as we end about whatever feelings have come up for you.

Music: They Are Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-12th-2024--62284740
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62284740Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:15:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-11th-2024--62274362Today is October 11
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jude, chapter 1, read from the MSG version.   
  
17 –19      But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!  
20–21       But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!  
22–23       Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin.   

Think about how you act toward people who sin. Everyone is a sinner, we simply sin in different ways. Are you tender with everyone when they sin? Do you extend the love and mercy of Christ to sinners around you? What about you? Are you tender toward yourself when you sin? Because this verse says you're supposed to be. "Be tender with sinners," also applies to you, if you're a sinner. Are you harder on yourself than you are on others?  Or, do you allow God’s mercy and love to fill you? 

Jude wrote to be tender with sinners, but not the sins themselves. We aren't supposed to take sin lightly, but we aren't supposed to live in condemnation, either. The people who sat above everyone and judged them, because they believed they were so holy, were the people Jesus called out. Jesus is the only one who can condemn us, and in giving up his life as a sacrifice for all of our sins, he showed us that he chooses not to. Listen again, and think about how God’s arms are outstretched toward you today.   

How do we go about living without condemnation and avoid being soft on sin? We try. That's all. We try as hard as we can to live like Jesus, but we let go when we don't measure up, because it's impossible to be perfect. But if our constant goal is to be as much like Jesus as we can, we can rest assured that his grace is sufficient. Today, try to focus on doing things the way Jesus would do them, instead of on doing everything right, and see if it shifts your perspective, and be tender toward yourself when you fall short.  

Music: "Abounding Grace" - Vineyard Soul 
Abounding Grace (feat. Alicia Shepherd & Dee Wilson) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62274362Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 11    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading...Today is October 11
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jude, chapter 1, read from the MSG version.   
  
17 –19      But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!  
20–21       But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!  
22–23       Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin.   

Think about how you act toward people who sin. Everyone is a sinner, we simply sin in different ways. Are you tender with everyone when they sin? Do you extend the love and mercy of Christ to sinners around you? What about you? Are you tender toward yourself when you sin? Because this verse says you're supposed to be. "Be tender with sinners," also applies to you, if you're a sinner. Are you harder on yourself than you are on others?  Or, do you allow God’s mercy and love to fill you? 

Jude wrote to be tender with sinners, but not the sins themselves. We aren't supposed to take sin lightly, but we aren't supposed to live in condemnation, either. The people who sat above everyone and judged them, because they believed they were so holy, were the people Jesus called out. Jesus is the only one who can condemn us, and in giving up his life as a sacrifice for all of our sins, he showed us that he chooses not to. Listen again, and think about how God’s arms are outstretched toward you today.   

How do we go about living without condemnation and avoid being soft on sin? We try. That's all. We try as hard as we can to live like Jesus, but we let go when we don't measure up, because it's impossible to be perfect. But if our constant goal is to be as much like Jesus as we can, we can rest assured that his grace is sufficient. Today, try to focus on doing things the way Jesus would do them, instead of on doing everything right, and see if it shifts your perspective, and be tender toward yourself when you fall short.  

Music: "Abounding Grace" - Vineyard Soul 
Abounding Grace (feat. Alicia Shepherd & Dee Wilson) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>941audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-10th-2024--62233942Today is October 10  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.  
   
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.   
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.   
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”   
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”   
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”   
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”   
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.  
 
Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?  
  
In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him? 
   
Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.  
 
Music: "Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship 
WEAR THE CROWN [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62233942Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 10   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       ...Today is October 10  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.  
   
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.   
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.   
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”   
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”   
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”   
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”   
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.  
 
Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?  
  
In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him? 
   
Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.  
 
Music: "Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship 
WEAR THE CROWN [Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>838audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-9th-2024--62274203Today is October 9 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.   
  
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.   
 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’   
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”   
 
As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone?  What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?  
 
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in. 

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.  
 
 Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship  
I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62274203Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 9  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles,...Today is October 9 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.   
  
2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.   
 “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’   
12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”   
 
As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone?  What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?  
 
"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in. 

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.  
 
 Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship  
I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>986audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-8th-2024--62277371Today is October 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.


1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.


Good morning, and welcome to prayer. Consider this passage, and all the blessings it speaks over those who delight in the Lord. And what does it look like to delight in the Lord? It’s those who are “gracious and compassionate and righteous; those who are generous and lend freely; those who conduct their affairs with justice.” Does that seem like a tall order? Maybe even impossible? Talk to the Lord about this beautiful, and seemingly impossible, vision he invites us into… and how you feel about your capacity to engage with it this morning.

Fortunately for us, these aren’t a list of to-dos for us to attain God’s blessings. In fact, if you’re like me – you know that this list is not often lived up to in our day to day. We find similar refrains over in Matthew in Jesus’ famed sermon of the mount. Blessed are those who… The list is great and overwhelming to perform. How do you understand your sense of blessedness by God? Or do you sense yourself striving, or marked with shame, or overwhelmed... as you try to follow his pathways? Listen to the passage again and try to listen through the lens of it as an invitation toward something, not as an impossible expectation.

As we end our time of prayer today, can you hold both the darkness and weightiness in the world around you, and perhaps even in your own heart…. While you also hold the redemption and blessing of God? As the psalmist wrote: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Today, would you make this your prayer: even in darkness, light dawns…? Is there a person, or situation, you might pray this specifically toward today? This is my prayer for you today. What darkness are you present to right now? Could you hold that before the Lord?

Father God, would you accompany my sister or brother now with a light that is not overwhelmed or overcome by the darkness? Would you encourage their spirit by your presence? Would you guide and guard your child today? Amen.

Music: Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62277371Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.


1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. 7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.


Good morning, and welcome to prayer. Consider this passage, and all the blessings it speaks over those who delight in the Lord. And what does it look like to delight in the Lord? It’s those who are “gracious and compassionate and righteous; those who are generous and lend freely; those who conduct their affairs with justice.” Does that seem like a tall order? Maybe even impossible? Talk to the Lord about this beautiful, and seemingly impossible, vision he invites us into… and how you feel about your capacity to engage with it this morning.

Fortunately for us, these aren’t a list of to-dos for us to attain God’s blessings. In fact, if you’re like me – you know that this list is not often lived up to in our day to day. We find similar refrains over in Matthew in Jesus’ famed sermon of the mount. Blessed are those who… The list is great and overwhelming to perform. How do you understand your sense of blessedness by God? Or do you sense yourself striving, or marked with shame, or overwhelmed... as you try to follow his pathways? Listen to the passage again and try to listen through the lens of it as an invitation toward something, not as an impossible expectation.

As we end our time of prayer today, can you hold both the darkness and weightiness in the world around you, and perhaps even in your own heart…. While you also hold the redemption and blessing of God? As the psalmist wrote: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Today, would you make this your prayer: even in darkness, light dawns…? Is there a person, or situation, you might pray this specifically toward today? This is my prayer for you today. What darkness are you present to right now? Could you hold that before the Lord?

Father God, would you accompany my sister or brother now with a light that is not overwhelmed or overcome by the darkness? Would you encourage their spirit by your presence? Would you guide and guard your child today? Amen.

Music: Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>776audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-7th-2024--62263624Today is October 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8.


20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”


This is a word of encouragement and strengthening to Job, who experienced unimaginable suffering and loss. We all experience suffering and loss in life. As we begin our reflection today, call to mind your own suffering and loss. What is a loss that comes to mind as you think about something that you’ve lost or an experience where you’ve suffered harm. Take a moment and consider how the place of suffering or lost impacted you. What did it do to you spiritually, psychologically, physically, relationally?

Sometimes our past can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to face our pain or loss because it’s too difficult. Sometimes we minimize it, thinking, Well, at least I’m not Job. But in the Bible pain isn’t minimized. And at the same time pain isn’t futile. Over and over again the scriptures offer us hope in the midst of our struggles. As you hear the passage again, can you allow the hope of God to begin to fill your soul?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. I love to laugh. People tell me all the time that they know I’m coming because they can hear my laugh. It’s a great antidote, and it’s a promise of God to those who are in pain. You will laugh again. Weeping endures the night but joy and laughter in the morning. As you go through your day today, ask God for moments of joy in your heart and laughter from your mouth.

Music: This Joy - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62263624Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8. 20 “Surely...Today is October 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8.


20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”


This is a word of encouragement and strengthening to Job, who experienced unimaginable suffering and loss. We all experience suffering and loss in life. As we begin our reflection today, call to mind your own suffering and loss. What is a loss that comes to mind as you think about something that you’ve lost or an experience where you’ve suffered harm. Take a moment and consider how the place of suffering or lost impacted you. What did it do to you spiritually, psychologically, physically, relationally?

Sometimes our past can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to face our pain or loss because it’s too difficult. Sometimes we minimize it, thinking, Well, at least I’m not Job. But in the Bible pain isn’t minimized. And at the same time pain isn’t futile. Over and over again the scriptures offer us hope in the midst of our struggles. As you hear the passage again, can you allow the hope of God to begin to fill your soul?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. I love to laugh. People tell me all the time that they know I’m coming because they can hear my laugh. It’s a great antidote, and it’s a promise of God to those who are in pain. You will laugh again. Weeping endures the night but joy and laughter in the morning. As you go through your day today, ask God for moments of joy in your heart and laughter from your mouth.

Music: This Joy - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>680audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-5th-2024--62133493
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62133493Sat, 05 Oct 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-4th-2024--62133166Today is October 4 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24.  
 
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.  
 
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  
  
 
These words are weighty, maybe even frightening. They describe a time of war, deception, and natural disaster. They also describe significant persecution, anger, and wickedness. Dark days, indeed. It sort of reminds me of the nightly news, to be honest. I often leave the headlines feeling a sense of overwhelm, or dread. How about you? How do you feel when you consider the events of the world around us?  
  
Jesus doesn’t seem surprised at this litany of bad news. He is warning his disciples, as a matter of fact, to expect it! And he says that the result of all of the chaos and destruction is that ‘love will grow cold’. Why do you think this is the case? Why does our love grow cold in times of upheaval? Does that ring true to you?  
 
What do you think it takes to stand firm? Do have your love stay warm, strong, and vibrant? End this time of prayer considering how it is you might ‘watch out’, as Jesus says in the text... and how you might ‘stand firm’. Ask God to give you His wisdom and His gift of faith for this. 
 
Music: "Breathe In, Sing Out" - Vineyard Worship  
Breathe In, Sing Out | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Kyle Howard | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62133166Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 4  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is October 4 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24.  
 
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.  
 
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  
  
 
These words are weighty, maybe even frightening. They describe a time of war, deception, and natural disaster. They also describe significant persecution, anger, and wickedness. Dark days, indeed. It sort of reminds me of the nightly news, to be honest. I often leave the headlines feeling a sense of overwhelm, or dread. How about you? How do you feel when you consider the events of the world around us?  
  
Jesus doesn’t seem surprised at this litany of bad news. He is warning his disciples, as a matter of fact, to expect it! And he says that the result of all of the chaos and destruction is that ‘love will grow cold’. Why do you think this is the case? Why does our love grow cold in times of upheaval? Does that ring true to you?  
 
What do you think it takes to stand firm? Do have your love stay warm, strong, and vibrant? End this time of prayer considering how it is you might ‘watch out’, as Jesus says in the text... and how you might ‘stand firm’. Ask God to give you His wisdom and His gift of faith for this. 
 
Music: "Breathe In, Sing Out" - Vineyard Worship  
Breathe In, Sing Out | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Kyle Howard | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>835audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-3rd-2024--62133165Today is October 3 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.  
 
      1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  
         LORD Almighty!  
      2 My soul yearns, even faints,  
         for the courts of the LORD;  
         my heart and my flesh cry out  
         for the living God.  
      3 Even the sparrow has found a home,  
         and the swallow a nest for herself,  
         where she may have her young—  
         a place near your altar,  
         LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  
      4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;  
         they are ever praising you.  
  
As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?  
  
How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.  
   

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today. 
 
Music: "Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship  
Your Dwelling Place | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Anabeth Morgan | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62133165Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:15:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 3  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is October 3 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.  
 
      1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  
         LORD Almighty!  
      2 My soul yearns, even faints,  
         for the courts of the LORD;  
         my heart and my flesh cry out  
         for the living God.  
      3 Even the sparrow has found a home,  
         and the swallow a nest for herself,  
         where she may have her young—  
         a place near your altar,  
         LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  
      4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;  
         they are ever praising you.  
  
As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?  
  
How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.  
   

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today. 
 
Music: "Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship  
Your Dwelling Place | Live from Anchour Studio feat. Anabeth Morgan | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>875audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-2nd-2024--62133167Today is October 2 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  
 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
  
Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. 
  
Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....  
  
The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.  
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
Your Love (feat. Tim Brown) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62133167Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 2  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  ...Today is October 2 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.  
 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
  
Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. 
  
Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....  
  
The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.  
 
Music: "Your Love" -Vineyard Worship  
Your Love (feat. Tim Brown) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>665audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-1st-2024--62173480**This devotional contains an editing error. The scripture read was supposed to be from Psalm 5 and that devotion refers to it but the edited in reading is from the book of John. We are working to fix this.**

Today is October 1st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Psalm, chapter 5.


Listen, God! Please, pay attention!
    Can you make sense of these ramblings,
    my groans and cries?
    King-God, I need your help.
Every morning
    you’ll hear me at it again.
Every morning
    I lay out the pieces of my life
    on your altar
    and watch for fire to descend.


Music: I Need You - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62173480Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill**This devotional contains an editing error. The scripture read was supposed to be from Psalm 5 and that devotion refers to it but the edited in reading is from the book of John. We are working to fix this.** Today is October 1st. The grace of our...**This devotional contains an editing error. The scripture read was supposed to be from Psalm 5 and that devotion refers to it but the edited in reading is from the book of John. We are working to fix this.**

Today is October 1st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Psalm, chapter 5.


Listen, God! Please, pay attention!
    Can you make sense of these ramblings,
    my groans and cries?
    King-God, I need your help.
Every morning
    you’ll hear me at it again.
Every morning
    I lay out the pieces of my life
    on your altar
    and watch for fire to descend.


Music: I Need You - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>873audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-30th-2024--62159512Today is September 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Esther, chapter 4.  
  

5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.  
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.  
9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days passed since I was called to go to the king.”  
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  
17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 
  

Imagine today that you are in Esther’s place… having to stand up to the King in a time of great trouble for your entire people, fasting and praying and scared.... The task before you is all risk:  You are frightened, in over your head, and alone. . Esther is hungry, frightened, clear about the risks before her… and brave. Take a few moments to identify with what that may have felt like. 
   
Recall a time the Lord called you to obedience to Him, even though it felt like a risk. Listen to the story again with your own experience in mind. Pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you.  
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider any position of leadership, or authority, or privilege you may have. Do you ever consider that you have been placed where you are in order to walk out in bravery? What does it mean to you, that perhaps you have come to your own position ‘for such a time as this’? 

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62159512Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Esther,...Today is September 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Esther, chapter 4.  
  

5 Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.  
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.  
9 Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days passed since I was called to go to the king.”  
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  
17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 
  

Imagine today that you are in Esther’s place… having to stand up to the King in a time of great trouble for your entire people, fasting and praying and scared.... The task before you is all risk:  You are frightened, in over your head, and alone. . Esther is hungry, frightened, clear about the risks before her… and brave. Take a few moments to identify with what that may have felt like. 
   
Recall a time the Lord called you to obedience to Him, even though it felt like a risk. Listen to the story again with your own experience in mind. Pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you.  
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider any position of leadership, or authority, or privilege you may have. Do you ever consider that you have been placed where you are in order to walk out in bravery? What does it mean to you, that perhaps you have come to your own position ‘for such a time as this’? 

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>976audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-28th-2024--62049357
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62049357Sat, 28 Sep 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-27th-2024--62046140Today is September 27 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 14.  
 
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. 5 He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6 He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.  
7 “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.  
  
This is a story that starts with Asa turning from Idolatry of foreign Gods to the one true God. It is easy to shift our worship from the one true God to other idols – maybe money, or power, or some other temptation. As we begin prayer can you examine your life for places where you might be centering yourself around something other than God? 
 
Why do you think it is so easy for us to shift our orientation from God to other things? In ancient times, people worshipped physical idols. What are things that people in our culture worship, other than worshipping God? Consider, as you listen again, how Asa dealt with those false idols. 
  
Asa reoriented the city from idols to the one true God, and the city was built up and prospered. God gave the city rest as it oriented back to God. What does that speak to you about your own life? Where do you search for peace? As we close our time of prayer, might you give yourself fully to God, so that you might receive his rest?  
 
Music: "You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship  
YOU HAVE OUR YES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship (Feat. Marc James & Cathy Burton) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62046140Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 27  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is September 27 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 14.  
 
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. 5 He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6 He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.  
7 “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.  
  
This is a story that starts with Asa turning from Idolatry of foreign Gods to the one true God. It is easy to shift our worship from the one true God to other idols – maybe money, or power, or some other temptation. As we begin prayer can you examine your life for places where you might be centering yourself around something other than God? 
 
Why do you think it is so easy for us to shift our orientation from God to other things? In ancient times, people worshipped physical idols. What are things that people in our culture worship, other than worshipping God? Consider, as you listen again, how Asa dealt with those false idols. 
  
Asa reoriented the city from idols to the one true God, and the city was built up and prospered. God gave the city rest as it oriented back to God. What does that speak to you about your own life? Where do you search for peace? As we close our time of prayer, might you give yourself fully to God, so that you might receive his rest?  
 
Music: "You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship  
YOU HAVE OUR YES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship (Feat. Marc James & Cathy Burton) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-26th-2024--62046138Today is September 26  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.   
  
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   
  
As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?  
  
What is it that keeps you going?  Is it God?  
 
How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth?  Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?  
   
As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.  
  
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship  
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62046138Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 26   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 26  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.   
  
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   
  
As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?  
  
What is it that keeps you going?  Is it God?  
 
How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth?  Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?  
   
As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.  
  
Music: "You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship  
You Don't Have To Lose Heart | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-25th-2024--62046139Today is September 25  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.   
  
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.   
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.   
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  
  
In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever? 
   
"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.  
   
As we close our time of contemplation think about this: 
Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God?  
Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.   
  
Music: "Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship  
Throne of Grace 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62046139Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 25   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew,...Today is September 25  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.   
  
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.   
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.   
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  
  
In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever? 
   
"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.  
   
As we close our time of contemplation think about this: 
Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God?  
Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.   
  
Music: "Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship  
Throne of Grace 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-24th-2024--62082103Today is September 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4.  
  

      9 Two are better than one,  
         because they have a good return for their labor:  
      10 If either of them falls down,  
         one can help the other up.  
         But pity anyone who falls  
         and has no one to help them up.  
      11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  
         But how can one keep warm alone?  
      12 Though one may be overpowered,  
         two can defend themselves.  
         A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 
  

Welcome to prayer. Let’s begin by getting oriented to the Lord’s presence. HE is near to you, even now, wherever you find yourself. Invite Him to draw you further into awareness of His goodness.  
   
Our reading today is a well-known passage from Ecclesiastes, that speaks to the goodness of life in community. Two are better than one, the author says. But for so many in our world today, loneliness feels like more of a reality than community does. How do you come to prayer today? Do you feel ‘kept warm’ by community? Or do you feel alone? Talk to the Lord about this as we read the passage again. 
   
“Pity the one who falls and has no one to help them up…” do you know someone who is feeling particularly alone right now? Are you ever in a place to be present to someone who has ‘no one else to help them’? our world is full of lonely people. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God for eyes to see those who need a friend. And for those who feel lonely, invite the Lord into that as a conversation, and allow Him to minister His presence to you. 
 
Music: Dwell - Vineyard Columbus - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62082103Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4.  
  

      9 Two are better than one,  
         because they have a good return for their labor:  
      10 If either of them falls down,  
         one can help the other up.  
         But pity anyone who falls  
         and has no one to help them up.  
      11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  
         But how can one keep warm alone?  
      12 Though one may be overpowered,  
         two can defend themselves.  
         A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 
  

Welcome to prayer. Let’s begin by getting oriented to the Lord’s presence. HE is near to you, even now, wherever you find yourself. Invite Him to draw you further into awareness of His goodness.  
   
Our reading today is a well-known passage from Ecclesiastes, that speaks to the goodness of life in community. Two are better than one, the author says. But for so many in our world today, loneliness feels like more of a reality than community does. How do you come to prayer today? Do you feel ‘kept warm’ by community? Or do you feel alone? Talk to the Lord about this as we read the passage again. 
   
“Pity the one who falls and has no one to help them up…” do you know someone who is feeling particularly alone right now? Are you ever in a place to be present to someone who has ‘no one else to help them’? our world is full of lonely people. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God for eyes to see those who need a friend. And for those who feel lonely, invite the Lord into that as a conversation, and allow Him to minister His presence to you. 
 
Music: Dwell - Vineyard Columbus - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>825audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-23rd-2024--62070523Today is September 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.  
  
  
      1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,  
         who walk in obedience to him.  
      2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;  
         blessings and prosperity will be yours.  
      3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine  
         within your house;  
         your children will be like olive shoots  
         around your table.  
      4 Yes, this will be the blessing  
         for the person who fears the LORD.  
       5 May the LORD bless you from Zion;  
         may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem  
         all the days of your life.  
      6 May you live to see your children’s children—  
         peace be on Israel. 
  
  
Four times this Psalm speaks blessing. God’s desire and heart is blessing. In the Bible, blessing is the flourishing and multiplication of life. Take a moment and settle yourself in the reality that God desires to bless, to bless, and not to curse. To cause your life to flourish and multiply.  
   
Blessing is practical and multi-dimensional. In this Psalm it’s the flouishing of family, of relationship, of provision, of prosperity, and of peace. As you listen to the Psalm again, ask the Lord to draw your attention to a particular phrase that you can hold onto today, an area where you would like to see the blessing of God in your life. 
   
Blessed are all those who walk in obedience to the Lord, the psalmist writes. As we end our time of prayer today, would you invite God to draw you further into obedience? What is one area where the Lord is asking for you to trust and obey him? Pray for grace today that you might persevere in obedience and experience the overflow of his blessing.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62070523Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.              ...Today is September 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 128.  
  
  
      1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,  
         who walk in obedience to him.  
      2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;  
         blessings and prosperity will be yours.  
      3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine  
         within your house;  
         your children will be like olive shoots  
         around your table.  
      4 Yes, this will be the blessing  
         for the person who fears the LORD.  
       5 May the LORD bless you from Zion;  
         may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem  
         all the days of your life.  
      6 May you live to see your children’s children—  
         peace be on Israel. 
  
  
Four times this Psalm speaks blessing. God’s desire and heart is blessing. In the Bible, blessing is the flourishing and multiplication of life. Take a moment and settle yourself in the reality that God desires to bless, to bless, and not to curse. To cause your life to flourish and multiply.  
   
Blessing is practical and multi-dimensional. In this Psalm it’s the flouishing of family, of relationship, of provision, of prosperity, and of peace. As you listen to the Psalm again, ask the Lord to draw your attention to a particular phrase that you can hold onto today, an area where you would like to see the blessing of God in your life. 
   
Blessed are all those who walk in obedience to the Lord, the psalmist writes. As we end our time of prayer today, would you invite God to draw you further into obedience? What is one area where the Lord is asking for you to trust and obey him? Pray for grace today that you might persevere in obedience and experience the overflow of his blessing.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>660audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-21st-2024--62012934
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62012934Sat, 21 Sep 2024 16:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,biblie,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-20th-2024--61981586Today is September 20. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Haggai, chapter 2.   
  
6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”   
   
God points out that the gold and silver are his. God is demanding what is rightly His not so He can store it up for himself and count it, or build statues of himself so that people bow down and show their reverence to him. He's planning a place for His peace for the people. A place to restore what was lost to sin. Where do you go to restore what has been lost to sin?  
  
What if we used all of God's silver and gold to glorify him? Can you think of a better use for it? What if instead of wrapping it around our necks and arms, we worked together to build a place of perfect peace on Earth with it.  
  
What can you give back to God today that is rightfully His? Silver? Gold? Time? Energy? Love? Give something back to God today, no matter how insignificant it feels.  
  
Music: "Restore" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship  
Restore - Samuel Lane [lyric video taken from The Difference] 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61981586Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 20.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s...Today is September 20. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Haggai, chapter 2.   
  
6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”   
   
God points out that the gold and silver are his. God is demanding what is rightly His not so He can store it up for himself and count it, or build statues of himself so that people bow down and show their reverence to him. He's planning a place for His peace for the people. A place to restore what was lost to sin. Where do you go to restore what has been lost to sin?  
  
What if we used all of God's silver and gold to glorify him? Can you think of a better use for it? What if instead of wrapping it around our necks and arms, we worked together to build a place of perfect peace on Earth with it.  
  
What can you give back to God today that is rightfully His? Silver? Gold? Time? Energy? Love? Give something back to God today, no matter how insignificant it feels.  
  
Music: "Restore" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship  
Restore - Samuel Lane [lyric video taken from The Difference] 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>777audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-19th-2024--61981588Today is September 19  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.  
 
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king t 
o explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.   
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”   
  
The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first. 
  
God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming. 

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?   

Music: "Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
CHRIST ABOVE ME [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Kate Cooke 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61981588Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:15:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 19   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 19  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.  
 
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king t 
o explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.   
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”   
  
The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first. 
  
God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming. 

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?   

Music: "Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) 
CHRIST ABOVE ME [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Kate Cooke 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>897audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-18th-2024--61981587Today is September 18  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.   
  
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  
  
The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today. 
  
We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us… 
   
Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough? 

Music: "Nothing But The Blood" - Joshua Miller 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC5tuDuJka8 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61981587Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:15:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 18   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews,...Today is September 18  

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.   
  
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!  
  
The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today. 
  
We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us… 
   
Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough? 

Music: "Nothing But The Blood" - Joshua Miller 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC5tuDuJka8 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotiona,erick,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-17th-2024--61878448Today is September 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Colossians, chapter 3.  
  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  
  

This scripture points up... listen to the words: you have been raised. Set your heart on things above. Do you find that all too often, your mind and your heart gets pointed down, on what this passage calls ‘earthy things’? Give the Lord some space right now to reorient you. You might want to begin by listing things out to the Lord that are occupying your heart and your mind. 
   
I often forget that my life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’. I may know that verse by heart…. And yet not allow it to be a foundation for my day-to-day life. Listen to this brief passage again, and pay attention to a single word or simple phrase that stands out to you.  
   
This scripture reminds us who we are: what is true of Christ is true of us. He was raised, so we are raised—already. We are hidden with Christ, we are made alive in Christ. Even now, our minds and our hearts are meant to be directed toward this eternal reality. What are some ways you can interrupt your day with a reminder to re-direct your heart and mind toward Christ. Maybe an alarm on your phone? Maybe a midday walk and prayer? As we end, think of one way you can practically remind yourself today to set your mind and heart on things above.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61878448Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Colossians, chapter 3.  
  

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  
  

This scripture points up... listen to the words: you have been raised. Set your heart on things above. Do you find that all too often, your mind and your heart gets pointed down, on what this passage calls ‘earthy things’? Give the Lord some space right now to reorient you. You might want to begin by listing things out to the Lord that are occupying your heart and your mind. 
   
I often forget that my life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’. I may know that verse by heart…. And yet not allow it to be a foundation for my day-to-day life. Listen to this brief passage again, and pay attention to a single word or simple phrase that stands out to you.  
   
This scripture reminds us who we are: what is true of Christ is true of us. He was raised, so we are raised—already. We are hidden with Christ, we are made alive in Christ. Even now, our minds and our hearts are meant to be directed toward this eternal reality. What are some ways you can interrupt your day with a reminder to re-direct your heart and mind toward Christ. Maybe an alarm on your phone? Maybe a midday walk and prayer? As we end, think of one way you can practically remind yourself today to set your mind and heart on things above.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-16th-2024--61776035Today is September 16.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.  
  

9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:  
  
         “There is no one righteous, not even one;  
         11      there is no one who understands;  
         there is no one who seeks God.  
      12 All have turned away,  
         they have together become worthless;  
         there is no one who does good,  
         not even one.”  
      13 “Their throats are open graves;  
         their tongues practice deceit.” 
         “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”  
         14      “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”   
      15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;  
         16      ruin and misery mark their ways,  
      17 and the way of peace they do not know.”   
         18      “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  
  
 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 
  

As we come to prayer today, let’s begin with a consideration of ‘becoming conscious of our sin’. Remember: we do this only under the covering of God’s grace! Take a few moments right now and invite God to search you, to know you, and to reveal to you any area of sin or proclivity to sin that might be under the surface of your life. 
   
This text tells us that the law is useful not to help us be obedient, but to help us recognize our LACK of obedience. The law gives us a test that we simply cannot pass on our own strength. Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the strong way it speaks to our sinful nature. 
 
Do you often consider the power of God’s grace? Take time right now to recognize how wonderful and freeing it is to be a people who are forgiven by grace… not by works. Consider the love of God toward you that He would offer Himself to pay the debt you cannot pay. And allow God to convict you of any area – any hidden or secret ways – that need to be confessed to the God of all grace.

Music: You Have Our Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61776035Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 16. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Romans,...Today is September 16.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.  
  

9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:  
  
         “There is no one righteous, not even one;  
         11      there is no one who understands;  
         there is no one who seeks God.  
      12 All have turned away,  
         they have together become worthless;  
         there is no one who does good,  
         not even one.”  
      13 “Their throats are open graves;  
         their tongues practice deceit.” 
         “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”  
         14      “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”   
      15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;  
         16      ruin and misery mark their ways,  
      17 and the way of peace they do not know.”   
         18      “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  
  
 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 
  

As we come to prayer today, let’s begin with a consideration of ‘becoming conscious of our sin’. Remember: we do this only under the covering of God’s grace! Take a few moments right now and invite God to search you, to know you, and to reveal to you any area of sin or proclivity to sin that might be under the surface of your life. 
   
This text tells us that the law is useful not to help us be obedient, but to help us recognize our LACK of obedience. The law gives us a test that we simply cannot pass on our own strength. Listen to the scripture again and pay attention to the strong way it speaks to our sinful nature. 
 
Do you often consider the power of God’s grace? Take time right now to recognize how wonderful and freeing it is to be a people who are forgiven by grace… not by works. Consider the love of God toward you that He would offer Himself to pay the debt you cannot pay. And allow God to convict you of any area – any hidden or secret ways – that need to be confessed to the God of all grace.

Music: You Have Our Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>695audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-14th-2024--61233408
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61233408Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-13th-2024--61325325Today is September 13 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.  
 
 
      1 Blessed is the one  
         whose transgressions are forgiven,  
         whose sins are covered.  
      2 Blessed is the one  
         whose sin the LORD does not count against them  
         and in whose spirit is no deceit.  
       3 When I kept silent,  
         my bones wasted away  
         through my groaning all day long.  
      4 For day and night  
         your hand was heavy on me;  
         my strength was sapped  
         as in the heat of summer.  
       5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you  
         and did not cover up my iniquity.  
         I said, “I will confess  
         my transgressions to the LORD.”  
         And you forgave  
         the guilt of my sin.  
  
 
It’s not easy to reflect on our own sin... and actually acknowledging our sin is sometimes even more difficult. The psalmist writes that we are blessed, though, when we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and see forgiveness. As you enter into prayer, can you invite the Lord to help you see one area of sin that is present in you? It might be an action, or an inaction. It could be an attitude, or a behavior. Take a few moments to examine your heart and your choices and see what God calls to your attention. 
  
Scripture gives us a tool – confession – that helps us navigate our way through and past our sins, or sinful patters. Confession is the act of speaking honestly about our areas of brokenness... and is accompanied by repentace... which is the act of turning away from sin toward holiness. Listen again, and prepare your heart for the opportunity to pray a prayer of confession to the Lord. 
  
God forgives the guilt of our sins. With this truth in mind, we’ll end our time of prayer in confession....... can you talk to the Lord about what has come to mind? …............ Take time now to ask God for His gift of forgiveness, and abide with Him as you experience His grace. 
 
Music: "You're All I Need" - Heaven & Earth 
You're All I Need (feat. Paul Cullen & Mallory Headings) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61325325Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is September 13 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.  
 
 
      1 Blessed is the one  
         whose transgressions are forgiven,  
         whose sins are covered.  
      2 Blessed is the one  
         whose sin the LORD does not count against them  
         and in whose spirit is no deceit.  
       3 When I kept silent,  
         my bones wasted away  
         through my groaning all day long.  
      4 For day and night  
         your hand was heavy on me;  
         my strength was sapped  
         as in the heat of summer.  
       5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you  
         and did not cover up my iniquity.  
         I said, “I will confess  
         my transgressions to the LORD.”  
         And you forgave  
         the guilt of my sin.  
  
 
It’s not easy to reflect on our own sin... and actually acknowledging our sin is sometimes even more difficult. The psalmist writes that we are blessed, though, when we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and see forgiveness. As you enter into prayer, can you invite the Lord to help you see one area of sin that is present in you? It might be an action, or an inaction. It could be an attitude, or a behavior. Take a few moments to examine your heart and your choices and see what God calls to your attention. 
  
Scripture gives us a tool – confession – that helps us navigate our way through and past our sins, or sinful patters. Confession is the act of speaking honestly about our areas of brokenness... and is accompanied by repentace... which is the act of turning away from sin toward holiness. Listen again, and prepare your heart for the opportunity to pray a prayer of confession to the Lord. 
  
God forgives the guilt of our sins. With this truth in mind, we’ll end our time of prayer in confession....... can you talk to the Lord about what has come to mind? …............ Take time now to ask God for His gift of forgiveness, and abide with Him as you experience His grace. 
 
Music: "You're All I Need" - Heaven & Earth 
You're All I Need (feat. Paul Cullen & Mallory Headings) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>833audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,erick,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-12th-2024--61325326Today is September 12 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.  
 
1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.  
  
What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind... 
  
The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God. 
  
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord. 
 
Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Sing His Name (ft. Alexandria Faison, Tina Colón Williams & Tim Brown) | Live 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61325326Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 12  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is September 12 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.  
 
1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.  
  
What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind... 
  
The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God. 
  
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord. 
 
Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship 
Vineyard Worship | Sing His Name (ft. Alexandria Faison, Tina Colón Williams & Tim Brown) | Live 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-11th-2024--61325324Today is September 11 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.  
 
7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.  
  
Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this. 
  
When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...  
  
As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him... 
 
Music: "God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship  
GOD OF REST (Dios Del Descanso) | Official Lyric Video feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61325324Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 11  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter...Today is September 11 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.  
 
7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.  
  
Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this. 
  
When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...  
  
As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him... 
 
Music: "God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship  
GOD OF REST (Dios Del Descanso) | Official Lyric Video feat. Tina Colón Williams | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>871audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-10th-2024--61316761Today is September 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joshua, chapter 8.  
  

So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night with these orders: “Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. The LORD your God will give it into your hand. When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the LORD has commanded. See to it; you have my orders.” Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai—but Joshua spent that night with the people.  
  

Welcome to prayer today. Our Old Testament text is a war story. How do you feel when you come across stories in the Bible that feel out of touch, or strange… or like this one: a story of something violent? How do you feel that the Bible tells the story of a real history… one that is filled with the fallenness of this world?  
  
Into a world filled with violence and hurt, God revealed himself in history as Jesus – the peacemaker. The redeemer. The merciful. Listen to the text again and consider the way of this world. With the way that Jesus teaches us in the beatitudes. What do you do with the breath of this distinction from the Old to the New Testament?  
   
As we end our time together, take a few moments to intercede for areas in your life, or your family, or in the world around you, that are experiencing violence and war. Pray for the revelation of Christ. Pray for protection of the innocent. And pray for God’s kingdom – of mercy, shalom, and loving-kindness, to increase. 

Music: When You Call My Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61316761Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is September 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joshua, chapter 8.  
  

So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai. He chose thirty thousand of his best fighting men and sent them out at night with these orders: “Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. The LORD your God will give it into your hand. When you have taken the city, set it on fire. Do what the LORD has commanded. See to it; you have my orders.” Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai—but Joshua spent that night with the people.  
  

Welcome to prayer today. Our Old Testament text is a war story. How do you feel when you come across stories in the Bible that feel out of touch, or strange… or like this one: a story of something violent? How do you feel that the Bible tells the story of a real history… one that is filled with the fallenness of this world?  
  
Into a world filled with violence and hurt, God revealed himself in history as Jesus – the peacemaker. The redeemer. The merciful. Listen to the text again and consider the way of this world. With the way that Jesus teaches us in the beatitudes. What do you do with the breath of this distinction from the Old to the New Testament?  
   
As we end our time together, take a few moments to intercede for areas in your life, or your family, or in the world around you, that are experiencing violence and war. Pray for the revelation of Christ. Pray for protection of the innocent. And pray for God’s kingdom – of mercy, shalom, and loving-kindness, to increase. 

Music: When You Call My Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>658audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-9th-2024--61305588Today is September 9.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 & 9.  
  
  
      “Now then, my children, listen to me;  
         blessed are those who keep my ways.  
      Listen to my instruction and be wise;  
         do not disregard it.  
      Blessed are those who listen to me,  
         watching daily at my doors,  
         waiting at my doorway.  
      For those who find me find life  
         and receive favor from the LORD.  
      But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  
         all who hate me love death.”  
Wisdom has built her house;  
         she has set up its seven pillars.  
      She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;  
         she has also set her table.  
      She has sent out her servants, and she calls  
         from the highest point of the city,  
               “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  
         To those who have no sense she says,  
               “Come, eat my food  
         and drink the wine I have mixed.  
      Leave your simple ways and you will live;  
         walk in the way of insight.” 
  

This message from Proverbs is all about our need for wisdom. As you come to prayer today, do you need wisdom for any area of your life? Take time as we begin to bring to mind one or two situations that are tricky or complex, or where the way forward isn’t clear.  Invite the Lord now to bring you wisdom.  
   
“For those who find me, find life.” Proverbs presents wisdom in a personified way… as though wisdom is a person who is present to guide us, to counsel us, and to nourish us. It’s communicating to us that God himself is wisdom. The way of wisdom is not the way of intelligence. The way of wisdom, of insight, goes beyond mere data or language or memorization, or following the crowd of what culture tells us is wise. The way of wisdom is the way of the Lord and the way to life. The way of wisdom, the proverbs say, is also a way that requires our attention. Listen to the pay again and pay attention to all of the blessings that wisdom brings to us… 
   
This passage ends with a great encouragement for us. Wisdom isn’t for the intelligent. It’s not just for the specially gifted. Wisdom isn’t out of reach. No, wisdom calls calls out to us and wants to be found. She stands outside her house and calls to us, and her doors are wide open. And when we come, we feast on an incredible banquet! As we close our time today, be encouraged— God wants to give you wisdom. Be confident that he will speak to you and lead you today. He is with you!

Music: If You Say Go (We Wait For You) - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61305588Mon, 09 Sep 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 9. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs,...Today is September 9.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Proverbs, chapters 8 & 9.  
  
  
      “Now then, my children, listen to me;  
         blessed are those who keep my ways.  
      Listen to my instruction and be wise;  
         do not disregard it.  
      Blessed are those who listen to me,  
         watching daily at my doors,  
         waiting at my doorway.  
      For those who find me find life  
         and receive favor from the LORD.  
      But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  
         all who hate me love death.”  
Wisdom has built her house;  
         she has set up its seven pillars.  
      She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;  
         she has also set her table.  
      She has sent out her servants, and she calls  
         from the highest point of the city,  
               “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  
         To those who have no sense she says,  
               “Come, eat my food  
         and drink the wine I have mixed.  
      Leave your simple ways and you will live;  
         walk in the way of insight.” 
  

This message from Proverbs is all about our need for wisdom. As you come to prayer today, do you need wisdom for any area of your life? Take time as we begin to bring to mind one or two situations that are tricky or complex, or where the way forward isn’t clear.  Invite the Lord now to bring you wisdom.  
   
“For those who find me, find life.” Proverbs presents wisdom in a personified way… as though wisdom is a person who is present to guide us, to counsel us, and to nourish us. It’s communicating to us that God himself is wisdom. The way of wisdom is not the way of intelligence. The way of wisdom, of insight, goes beyond mere data or language or memorization, or following the crowd of what culture tells us is wise. The way of wisdom is the way of the Lord and the way to life. The way of wisdom, the proverbs say, is also a way that requires our attention. Listen to the pay again and pay attention to all of the blessings that wisdom brings to us… 
   
This passage ends with a great encouragement for us. Wisdom isn’t for the intelligent. It’s not just for the specially gifted. Wisdom isn’t out of reach. No, wisdom calls calls out to us and wants to be found. She stands outside her house and calls to us, and her doors are wide open. And when we come, we feast on an incredible banquet! As we close our time today, be encouraged— God wants to give you wisdom. Be confident that he will speak to you and lead you today. He is with you!

Music: If You Say Go (We Wait For You) - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>874audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-7th-2024--61233407
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61233407Sat, 07 Sep 2024 04:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-6th-2024--61274172

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Micah, chapter. 4.  
 

In the last days   
         the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established  
         as the highest of the mountains;  
         it will be exalted above the hills,  
         and peoples will stream to it.   
Many nations will come and say,  
          “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,  
         to the temple of the God of Jacob.  
         He will teach us his ways,  
         so that we may walk in his paths.”  
         The law will go out from Zion,  
         the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  
      He will judge between many peoples  
         and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.  
         They will beat their swords into plowshares  
         and their spears into pruning hooks.  
         Nation will not take up sword against nation,  
         nor will they train for war anymore.  
      Everyone will sit under their own vine  
         and under their own fig tree,  
         and no one will make them afraid,  
         for the LORD Almighty has spoken.  
     All the nations may walk  
         in the name of their gods,  
         but we will walk in the name of the LORD  
         our God for ever and ever. 
 
 
‘We will walk in the name of the lord our god for ever and ever…’ As you come to prayer today, take some time to get oriented to the state of your heart, your mind, and your ‘walk’ with God…   
  
Listen again to the prophet Micah, and ask God to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase to meditate on today… 

This part of Micah is pointing the hearers toward the promise of coming restoration. Just as we live in between the now of the kingdom, and the not yet… the people listening to Micah’s words were living in a time of exile, listing to words of hope and anticipation about a coming kingdom. As we end our time of prayer, asking God to help you turn your eyes toward Him in faith, hope and love… and to fill you with anticipation of his restoration. 
 
Music: God of All Glory - Vineyard Worship: God of All Glory 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61274172Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 6. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Micah, chapter. 4.  
 

In the last days   
         the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established  
         as the highest of the mountains;  
         it will be exalted above the hills,  
         and peoples will stream to it.   
Many nations will come and say,  
          “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,  
         to the temple of the God of Jacob.  
         He will teach us his ways,  
         so that we may walk in his paths.”  
         The law will go out from Zion,  
         the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  
      He will judge between many peoples  
         and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.  
         They will beat their swords into plowshares  
         and their spears into pruning hooks.  
         Nation will not take up sword against nation,  
         nor will they train for war anymore.  
      Everyone will sit under their own vine  
         and under their own fig tree,  
         and no one will make them afraid,  
         for the LORD Almighty has spoken.  
     All the nations may walk  
         in the name of their gods,  
         but we will walk in the name of the LORD  
         our God for ever and ever. 
 
 
‘We will walk in the name of the lord our god for ever and ever…’ As you come to prayer today, take some time to get oriented to the state of your heart, your mind, and your ‘walk’ with God…   
  
Listen again to the prophet Micah, and ask God to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase to meditate on today… 

This part of Micah is pointing the hearers toward the promise of coming restoration. Just as we live in between the now of the kingdom, and the not yet… the people listening to Micah’s words were living in a time of exile, listing to words of hope and anticipation about a coming kingdom. As we end our time of prayer, asking God to help you turn your eyes toward Him in faith, hope and love… and to fill you with anticipation of his restoration. 
 
Music: God of All Glory - Vineyard Worship: God of All Glory 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>661audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-5th-2024--61267966
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 
 

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?  
  
The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.  
  
Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention. 
 
Music: Make Us One - Vineyard Worship: Make Us One (feat. Mike O'Brien) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61267966Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 
 

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?  
  
The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.  
  
Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention. 
 
Music: Make Us One - Vineyard Worship: Make Us One (feat. Mike O'Brien) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-4th-2024--61257434

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.  
 

“This, then, is how you should pray:  
          ‘Our Father in heaven,  
         hallowed be your name,  
      your kingdom come,  
         your will be done,  
         on earth as it is in heaven.  
      Give us today our daily bread.  
      And forgive us our debts,  
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
      And lead us not into temptation, 
         but deliver us from the evil one. 
  
  
This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening? 
  
Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today. 
  
If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.   
 
Music: Our Father - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61257434Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.  
 

“This, then, is how you should pray:  
          ‘Our Father in heaven,  
         hallowed be your name,  
      your kingdom come,  
         your will be done,  
         on earth as it is in heaven.  
      Give us today our daily bread.  
      And forgive us our debts,  
         as we also have forgiven our debtors.  
      And lead us not into temptation, 
         but deliver us from the evil one. 
  
  
This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening? 
  
Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today. 
  
If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.   
 
Music: Our Father - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1037audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vneyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-3rd-2024--61246040
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 4.  
  

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
  
  
As we begin, take a moment to slow down even more. Perhaps, if you’re able to, you can sit still and stop any multitasking. Perhaps you can take another slow deep breath. Remind yourself that God is near to you. Become aware of His presence. 
   
We begin with a reminder to rest because the passage today is all about striving for God, laboring for him. And we need to be reminded that our work comes out of an overflow of rest—God's rest. Paul is telling Timothy that spiritual training – spiritual formation – training in Godliness – is valuable. Essential even. A Christian is someone who becomes more and more like Christ. Christ meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us where we are. He changes us. As you listen to the passage again, consider your own spiritual training. Where are you strong? And where are you weak and in need of training and discipline? 
   
All of us in this world labor and strive for something. What are you striving for today? What is it that is taking up your thought-life, your energy and your time? How does that match up to the effort you put into training in Godliness? Speak to the Lord as we end, and invite Him to continue to draw you towards his grace to become like Christ… and not in the other things that we all to often strive for. 

Music: I Want To Be Faithful - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61246040Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 3. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 4.  
  

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
  
  
As we begin, take a moment to slow down even more. Perhaps, if you’re able to, you can sit still and stop any multitasking. Perhaps you can take another slow deep breath. Remind yourself that God is near to you. Become aware of His presence. 
   
We begin with a reminder to rest because the passage today is all about striving for God, laboring for him. And we need to be reminded that our work comes out of an overflow of rest—God's rest. Paul is telling Timothy that spiritual training – spiritual formation – training in Godliness – is valuable. Essential even. A Christian is someone who becomes more and more like Christ. Christ meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us where we are. He changes us. As you listen to the passage again, consider your own spiritual training. Where are you strong? And where are you weak and in need of training and discipline? 
   
All of us in this world labor and strive for something. What are you striving for today? What is it that is taking up your thought-life, your energy and your time? How does that match up to the effort you put into training in Godliness? Speak to the Lord as we end, and invite Him to continue to draw you towards his grace to become like Christ… and not in the other things that we all to often strive for. 

Music: I Want To Be Faithful - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>610audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-2nd-2024--61233114Today is September 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.  


Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 
     who trains my hands for war, 
     my fingers for battle. 
He is my loving God and my fortress, 
     my stronghold and my deliverer, 
my shield, in whom I take refuge, 
     who subdues peoples[a] under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, 
     mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath; 
     their days are like a fleeting shadow. 
  

David, the shepherd king, wrote this song around the time he ascends to rulership over all of Israel. David had experienced a lot in his life: war, peace, violence, blessing, betrayal… As you come to prayer today, consider for a few moments some of the most significant of your own personal formation…. See if you can recall a formational – for good or bad - experience from each decade of your life. 
   
As David considers his own life, he writes this: what are human beings that you care for them?” As David reviews his past, he is struck by how fleeting our lives are. Do you ever consider things like that? How does it make you feel to listen to David’s words: “they are like a breath, their days are a fleeing shadow…”? The phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you will die”, and for Christians, it’s not meant to be a dark or depressing thought. Rather, it’s meant to orient us: to our fragility, to this temporal world, and to the reality of eternity in God’s kingdom. Listen to the text again and consider these things: 
   
When we are oriented towards the reality that it is from dust that we have come, and to dust that we will return, we become more oriented away from temporary things, and toward eternal things. For some who are listening, the idea of our own death may feel uncomfortably close. For others, it might feel unimaginable. What might it look like today to acknowledge, that God’s care is toward us, that He is mindful of us, even though we are ‘mere fragile mortals’?

Music: Our Victor and Peace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61233114Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.   Praise be...Today is September 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 144.  


Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 
     who trains my hands for war, 
     my fingers for battle. 
He is my loving God and my fortress, 
     my stronghold and my deliverer, 
my shield, in whom I take refuge, 
     who subdues peoples[a] under me.
Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, 
     mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath; 
     their days are like a fleeting shadow. 
  

David, the shepherd king, wrote this song around the time he ascends to rulership over all of Israel. David had experienced a lot in his life: war, peace, violence, blessing, betrayal… As you come to prayer today, consider for a few moments some of the most significant of your own personal formation…. See if you can recall a formational – for good or bad - experience from each decade of your life. 
   
As David considers his own life, he writes this: what are human beings that you care for them?” As David reviews his past, he is struck by how fleeting our lives are. Do you ever consider things like that? How does it make you feel to listen to David’s words: “they are like a breath, their days are a fleeing shadow…”? The phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you will die”, and for Christians, it’s not meant to be a dark or depressing thought. Rather, it’s meant to orient us: to our fragility, to this temporal world, and to the reality of eternity in God’s kingdom. Listen to the text again and consider these things: 
   
When we are oriented towards the reality that it is from dust that we have come, and to dust that we will return, we become more oriented away from temporary things, and toward eternal things. For some who are listening, the idea of our own death may feel uncomfortably close. For others, it might feel unimaginable. What might it look like today to acknowledge, that God’s care is toward us, that He is mindful of us, even though we are ‘mere fragile mortals’?

Music: Our Victor and Peace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>652audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-31st-2024--61120121
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61120121Sat, 31 Aug 2024 04:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-30th-2024--61203730Today is August 30.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 146.  
 
 
      He is the Maker of heaven and earth,  
         the sea, and everything in them—  
         he remains faithful forever.  
      He upholds the cause of the oppressed  
         and gives food to the hungry.  
         The LORD sets prisoners free,  
        the LORD gives sight to the blind,  
         the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,  
         the LORD loves the righteous.  
      The LORD watches over the foreigner  
         and sustains the fatherless and the widow... 
  
          
This psalm makes a lot of statements about who God is: God is maker. Faithful. He upholds and nourishes and sets free. He gives sight, lifts up, and loves. God watches over and sustains. And he does these things not just for me or you. But for those in our world who are often unseen, vulnerable, and disregarded. Our news is filled with images of refugees standing at borders. Of fatherless children being mistreated. Of oppression, of hunger. The pain of the world is so hard to absorb… it can be tempting to turn away, or to feel paralyzed. Talk to God about how you feel considering this today in prayer. 
 
Let’s listen again to this psalmist reflect on God’s character, and point us to God’s response. Let’s listen again, considering that you and I are called – as the church – to be the body of Christ in the world. His hands, and His feet… Every Christian is a part of the corporate church. Every Christian has the opportunity to reflect the heart of God to a watching world, and to a world that needs the care of God. Listen again and consider: how might you – as a representative of God through His body the church – become a more faithful representation of this psalm: 
  
None of us are makers, we are made. And none of us can save the world, Jesus did. But we can partner with the work of Christ in the world. We can help to give food, to lift up, to love and watch over, to sustain… Invite the Lord, as David did, to search you and know you today. Invite the Lord to be present to you as you take inventory of your own partnership with the work of Christ. Invite the Lord, as we end our time of prayer, to speak to you about ways He might be inviting you further to be his hands, and his feet, in the world around you today.
 
Music: "Form Us" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61203730Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 30. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...Today is August 30.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 146.  
 
 
      He is the Maker of heaven and earth,  
         the sea, and everything in them—  
         he remains faithful forever.  
      He upholds the cause of the oppressed  
         and gives food to the hungry.  
         The LORD sets prisoners free,  
        the LORD gives sight to the blind,  
         the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,  
         the LORD loves the righteous.  
      The LORD watches over the foreigner  
         and sustains the fatherless and the widow... 
  
          
This psalm makes a lot of statements about who God is: God is maker. Faithful. He upholds and nourishes and sets free. He gives sight, lifts up, and loves. God watches over and sustains. And he does these things not just for me or you. But for those in our world who are often unseen, vulnerable, and disregarded. Our news is filled with images of refugees standing at borders. Of fatherless children being mistreated. Of oppression, of hunger. The pain of the world is so hard to absorb… it can be tempting to turn away, or to feel paralyzed. Talk to God about how you feel considering this today in prayer. 
 
Let’s listen again to this psalmist reflect on God’s character, and point us to God’s response. Let’s listen again, considering that you and I are called – as the church – to be the body of Christ in the world. His hands, and His feet… Every Christian is a part of the corporate church. Every Christian has the opportunity to reflect the heart of God to a watching world, and to a world that needs the care of God. Listen again and consider: how might you – as a representative of God through His body the church – become a more faithful representation of this psalm: 
  
None of us are makers, we are made. And none of us can save the world, Jesus did. But we can partner with the work of Christ in the world. We can help to give food, to lift up, to love and watch over, to sustain… Invite the Lord, as David did, to search you and know you today. Invite the Lord to be present to you as you take inventory of your own partnership with the work of Christ. Invite the Lord, as we end our time of prayer, to speak to you about ways He might be inviting you further to be his hands, and his feet, in the world around you today.
 
Music: "Form Us" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>983audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-29th-2024--61190130Today is August 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.  
 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 
 

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?  
  
When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph. 
  
As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music: "For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61190130Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is August 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.  
 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 
 

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?  
  
When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph. 
  
As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music: "For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>820audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-28th-2024--61174599Today is August 28.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.  
 

“In that day  
         “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—  
         I will repair its broken walls  
         and restore its ruins—  
         and will rebuild it as it used to be,  
      so that they may possess the remnant of Edom  
         and all the nations that bear my name, 
           declares the LORD, who will do these things.  
 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,  
         “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman  
         and the planter by the one treading grapes.  
         New wine will drip from the mountains  
         and flow from all the hills,  
        and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. 
  
         “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.  
         They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;  
         they will make gardens and eat their fruit.  
      I will plant Israel in their own land,  
         never again to be uprooted  
         from the land I have given them,”  
            says the LORD your God. 
  
 
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him. 
  
As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…  
 
We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.  
 
Music: "You Speak" -Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61174599Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.    ...Today is August 28.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.  
 

“In that day  
         “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—  
         I will repair its broken walls  
         and restore its ruins—  
         and will rebuild it as it used to be,  
      so that they may possess the remnant of Edom  
         and all the nations that bear my name, 
           declares the LORD, who will do these things.  
 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,  
         “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman  
         and the planter by the one treading grapes.  
         New wine will drip from the mountains  
         and flow from all the hills,  
        and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. 
  
         “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.  
         They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;  
         they will make gardens and eat their fruit.  
      I will plant Israel in their own land,  
         never again to be uprooted  
         from the land I have given them,”  
            says the LORD your God. 
  
 
Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him. 
  
As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…  
 
We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.  
 
Music: "You Speak" -Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>642audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-27th-2024--61163508Today is August 27.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 15.  
  

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  
  

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Maybe at a wedding where you didn't know anyone else but the bride, or at work where everyone seems to leave you out. Or you may even feel that way in your own family. Everyone experiences times when they feel alienated from others. No one likes feeling different. Call to mind a situation where you yourself felt as if you didn't belong. 
  
God created us for connection. As you hear these words of Jesus again, listen for a particular phrase that stands out to you, and talk to the Lord about what it brings up for you. 
   
The next time you feel like you don't belong, try to remember that you are not alone.  
You are meant to stand out as a beacon of hope in the darkness.  As we end our time of prayer, ask God to draw near to you, and to remind you of his faithfulness.

Music: Restore - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61163508Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 27. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is August 27.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 15.  
  

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  
  

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Maybe at a wedding where you didn't know anyone else but the bride, or at work where everyone seems to leave you out. Or you may even feel that way in your own family. Everyone experiences times when they feel alienated from others. No one likes feeling different. Call to mind a situation where you yourself felt as if you didn't belong. 
  
God created us for connection. As you hear these words of Jesus again, listen for a particular phrase that stands out to you, and talk to the Lord about what it brings up for you. 
   
The next time you feel like you don't belong, try to remember that you are not alone.  
You are meant to stand out as a beacon of hope in the darkness.  As we end our time of prayer, ask God to draw near to you, and to remind you of his faithfulness.

Music: Restore - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>687audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-26th-2024--61157306Today is August 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 9.  
  

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.  
 

The Israelites had just spent time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the trials he has sustained them through. In looking back, they could see how their disobedience had caused all of the calamity that had come upon them, and how His hand had guided their ancestors through war, slavery, and desert wandering. They read the scriptures and meditated on them, and their response was penitence, confession, and worship. When you consider what God has brought you through in your life, what kind of response rises up in you?  
  
The Israelites had endured great instability and unrest, and had allowed their love for God and obligations to God to be neglected, including their regular observation of the Sabbath. As you hear the passage again, think about your own relationship with God. What aspects of your own devotion have you neglected?   
  
As we close our time of prayer today, take a few moments and confess your sin of neglect to God and ask him for a renewed desire for and love for his word? Ask him to come by his spirit to give you a pure heart toward him again. 

Music: Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61157306Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:34:29 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah,...Today is August 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 9.  
  

On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.  
 

The Israelites had just spent time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the trials he has sustained them through. In looking back, they could see how their disobedience had caused all of the calamity that had come upon them, and how His hand had guided their ancestors through war, slavery, and desert wandering. They read the scriptures and meditated on them, and their response was penitence, confession, and worship. When you consider what God has brought you through in your life, what kind of response rises up in you?  
  
The Israelites had endured great instability and unrest, and had allowed their love for God and obligations to God to be neglected, including their regular observation of the Sabbath. As you hear the passage again, think about your own relationship with God. What aspects of your own devotion have you neglected?   
  
As we close our time of prayer today, take a few moments and confess your sin of neglect to God and ask him for a renewed desire for and love for his word? Ask him to come by his spirit to give you a pure heart toward him again. 

Music: Come Now Is The Time To Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>644audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-24th-2024--61120122
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61120122Sat, 24 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-23rd-2024--61119892
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 11.  
 

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die. When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.  
 

The last line of this translation feels pretty understated to me. David lusted after his friend’s wife, so he sent his friend to the front lines of fighting, abandoned him on purpose, and left him to be killed. When I listen to this passage, I feel angry. Angry at David and angry at the way human beings can be so callus and hurtful. Angry at how even God-followers have hearts full of evil. Angry even at myself… because I know I have this same thread of sin in my own heart. Often, when we come to prayer, we feel like we need to hide our anger, or other ‘negative’ emotions. Take some time to examine your own heart. What feelings are you holding onto today?  
  
Our translation says that the Lord was displeased. The actual Hebrew word is much stronger. It means distressed by that which is dysfunctional or evil. It has connotations of that which is broken or crushed. What David did didn’t just make God angry like it made me angry. David’s actions had a crushing, a breaking impact. Because God is just. God is good. God saw what David did and saw that it was evil. Listen to the passage again with this more robust translation in mind. 
  
It is easy to read about this horrid episode in the life of David and call it egregious sinfulness. But I wonder where it is that I have done something that has displeased the Lord. I wonder: what have I done, or what am I doing, that has a crushing or breaking impact on God’s character. This is not easy to consider! It’s not something I like to think about! But as we end our time of prayer, can you ask God for grace to show you if there is anything happening in your own life, or heart, or actions… that is displeasing to Him?  Talk to God about these things.   
 
Music: "Kyrie Eleison" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61119892Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 23. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 11.  
 

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die. When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.  
 

The last line of this translation feels pretty understated to me. David lusted after his friend’s wife, so he sent his friend to the front lines of fighting, abandoned him on purpose, and left him to be killed. When I listen to this passage, I feel angry. Angry at David and angry at the way human beings can be so callus and hurtful. Angry at how even God-followers have hearts full of evil. Angry even at myself… because I know I have this same thread of sin in my own heart. Often, when we come to prayer, we feel like we need to hide our anger, or other ‘negative’ emotions. Take some time to examine your own heart. What feelings are you holding onto today?  
  
Our translation says that the Lord was displeased. The actual Hebrew word is much stronger. It means distressed by that which is dysfunctional or evil. It has connotations of that which is broken or crushed. What David did didn’t just make God angry like it made me angry. David’s actions had a crushing, a breaking impact. Because God is just. God is good. God saw what David did and saw that it was evil. Listen to the passage again with this more robust translation in mind. 
  
It is easy to read about this horrid episode in the life of David and call it egregious sinfulness. But I wonder where it is that I have done something that has displeased the Lord. I wonder: what have I done, or what am I doing, that has a crushing or breaking impact on God’s character. This is not easy to consider! It’s not something I like to think about! But as we end our time of prayer, can you ask God for grace to show you if there is anything happening in your own life, or heart, or actions… that is displeasing to Him?  Talk to God about these things.   
 
Music: "Kyrie Eleison" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>755audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-22nd-2024--61108981Today is August 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.  
 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.   
 
 
St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ. 
  
So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.
  
When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music: "All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61108981Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     ...Today is August 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.  
 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.   
 
 
St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ. 
  
So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.
  
When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music: "All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>785audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-21st-2024--61097793Today is August 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. 
 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.  
 

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?  
  
The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…  
  
Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate?  What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.  
  
Music: "Reign In Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61097793Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. ...Today is August 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. 
 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.  
 

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?  
  
The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…  
  
Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate?  What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.  
  
Music: "Reign In Me - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>773audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-20th-2024--61086417Today is August 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis, chapter 45.  
  

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.  
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 
  

This passage describes a man, Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. Slavery led him to prison to die, but a divine turn of events led to his rise to power over Egypt. Joseph had become a high ranking official in Egypt. He had risen above his circumstances, and he could see God's hand moving. Things had worked out quite well for him, despite the challenges, and now he was in a situation where he could help his family. But in this moment, Joseph was confronted with the fact that he hadn't been able to fully forgive them for what they had done. Take a moment and consider what it would have felt like to be Joseph in that situation. What would he have felt?    
  
Think for a moment about a situation in your life where you have been hurt. It could have been years ago, something that happened in your childhood. Or maybe a more recent break in a relationship with a loved one. Or a friend. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this passage is about you and that other person. What feelings or emotions rise to the surface as you consider your own situation?  
 
As we close our time of prayer today, I wonder if you could take an area of unforgiveness in your life and lay it before God. Ask Him to help you understand what his purpose is for your pain, and how you can take a small step toward forgiveness. Could you ask God for grace to see how this is part of your larger redemption story? One that ends with more joy than the pain you feel now.

Music: God Has Been Good To Me - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61086417Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 20. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is August 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis, chapter 45.  
  

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.  
16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 
  

This passage describes a man, Joseph forgiving his brothers for selling him into slavery. Slavery led him to prison to die, but a divine turn of events led to his rise to power over Egypt. Joseph had become a high ranking official in Egypt. He had risen above his circumstances, and he could see God's hand moving. Things had worked out quite well for him, despite the challenges, and now he was in a situation where he could help his family. But in this moment, Joseph was confronted with the fact that he hadn't been able to fully forgive them for what they had done. Take a moment and consider what it would have felt like to be Joseph in that situation. What would he have felt?    
  
Think for a moment about a situation in your life where you have been hurt. It could have been years ago, something that happened in your childhood. Or maybe a more recent break in a relationship with a loved one. Or a friend. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this passage is about you and that other person. What feelings or emotions rise to the surface as you consider your own situation?  
 
As we close our time of prayer today, I wonder if you could take an area of unforgiveness in your life and lay it before God. Ask Him to help you understand what his purpose is for your pain, and how you can take a small step toward forgiveness. Could you ask God for grace to see how this is part of your larger redemption story? One that ends with more joy than the pain you feel now.

Music: God Has Been Good To Me - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>866audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-19th-2024--61075448Today is August 19.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.  
  

      I will sing of your love and justice;  
         to you, LORD, I will sing praise.  
      I will be careful to lead a blameless life—  
         when will you come to me?  
         I will conduct the affairs of my house  
         with a blameless heart.  
      I will not look with approval  
         on anything that is vile.  
         I hate what faithless people do;  
         I will have no part in it.  
  

Welcome to prayer, my friends. This section of the psalm has a lot of divergent sorts of vocabulary: love, justice, careful, blameless, vile, faithless. It’s a bit all over the place. How are you feeling as you come to prayer? Invite the Lord to abide with you now, and take a bit more time of quiet contemplation. Welcome the spirit of God to increase His presence to you. 
   
Several of these phrases stand out to me: i will sing of your love. I will be careful to lead a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will not approve what is vile. What stands out to you? I’m noticing the polarity between that which is just, and blameless... and that which is vile, and faithless. Listen again and pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you. 
 
As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out and recall it to mind. Maybe you’ve already forgotten it! No problem, just rewind a bit and find it again. I want for you to ask God to deepen that scripture into your mind and heart so that it informs your behavior today. 

Music: You Are Worthy Of My Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61075448Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 19. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.            I will...Today is August 19.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 101.  
  

      I will sing of your love and justice;  
         to you, LORD, I will sing praise.  
      I will be careful to lead a blameless life—  
         when will you come to me?  
         I will conduct the affairs of my house  
         with a blameless heart.  
      I will not look with approval  
         on anything that is vile.  
         I hate what faithless people do;  
         I will have no part in it.  
  

Welcome to prayer, my friends. This section of the psalm has a lot of divergent sorts of vocabulary: love, justice, careful, blameless, vile, faithless. It’s a bit all over the place. How are you feeling as you come to prayer? Invite the Lord to abide with you now, and take a bit more time of quiet contemplation. Welcome the spirit of God to increase His presence to you. 
   
Several of these phrases stand out to me: i will sing of your love. I will be careful to lead a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will not approve what is vile. What stands out to you? I’m noticing the polarity between that which is just, and blameless... and that which is vile, and faithless. Listen again and pay attention for a word or phrase that stands out to you. 
 
As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out and recall it to mind. Maybe you’ve already forgotten it! No problem, just rewind a bit and find it again. I want for you to ask God to deepen that scripture into your mind and heart so that it informs your behavior today. 

Music: You Are Worthy Of My Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>896audio,bble,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-17th-2024--60942561
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60942561Sat, 17 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-16th-2024--61045989

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.  
 

      Praise the LORD.   
         Blessed are those who fear the LORD,  
         who find great delight in his commands.  
       Their children will be mighty in the land;  
         the generation of the upright will be blessed.  
      Wealth and riches are in their houses,  
         and their righteousness endures forever.  
      Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,  
         for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  
      Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,  
         who conduct their affairs with justice.  
       Surely the righteous will never be shaken;  
         they will be remembered forever.  
      They will have no fear of bad news;  
         their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  
      Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;  
         in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.  
      They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,  
         their righteousness endures forever;  
         their horn will be lifted high in honor.  
 

As I pray for you, I am struck by this verse: they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. As you take some quiet with the Lord today, are there places of fear, or of bad news that you might bring before Him? Take a few moments to talk to God about those things. 
  
Consider the word ‘steadfast’. It means to be ‘firmly fixed’. Now consider the condition of your own heart before the Lord. Before we read the scripture again, ask God to share with you some words or descriptions or realities about the state of your own heart…… Be honest with God. He is near to you whatever the condition of your heart….  
 
Now, take a deep breath…. And listen again to the words of the psalm: 
  
Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous… Today, if you bring fear, or bad news, or darkness to this time of prayer, take a moment now and allow the light of God to break over your heart like a new dawn, for his light to flood you throughout the day.  
 
Music: "You Are God" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61045989Fri, 16 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 16. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.  
 

      Praise the LORD.   
         Blessed are those who fear the LORD,  
         who find great delight in his commands.  
       Their children will be mighty in the land;  
         the generation of the upright will be blessed.  
      Wealth and riches are in their houses,  
         and their righteousness endures forever.  
      Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,  
         for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  
      Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,  
         who conduct their affairs with justice.  
       Surely the righteous will never be shaken;  
         they will be remembered forever.  
      They will have no fear of bad news;  
         their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  
      Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;  
         in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.  
      They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,  
         their righteousness endures forever;  
         their horn will be lifted high in honor.  
 

As I pray for you, I am struck by this verse: they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. As you take some quiet with the Lord today, are there places of fear, or of bad news that you might bring before Him? Take a few moments to talk to God about those things. 
  
Consider the word ‘steadfast’. It means to be ‘firmly fixed’. Now consider the condition of your own heart before the Lord. Before we read the scripture again, ask God to share with you some words or descriptions or realities about the state of your own heart…… Be honest with God. He is near to you whatever the condition of your heart….  
 
Now, take a deep breath…. And listen again to the words of the psalm: 
  
Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous… Today, if you bring fear, or bad news, or darkness to this time of prayer, take a moment now and allow the light of God to break over your heart like a new dawn, for his light to flood you throughout the day.  
 
Music: "You Are God" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>803audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-15th-2024--61031965Today is August 15.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.  
 

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  
 

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things…  Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?  
  
Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them. 
  
Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus. 
 
Music: "Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61031965Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is August 15.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.  
 

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  
 

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things…  Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?  
  
Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them. 
  
Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus. 
 
Music: "Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>649audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-14th-2024--61017245Today is August 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.  
 

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 
  


The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.  
  
In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.  
  
I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.  
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61017245Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter...Today is August 14.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.  
 

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 
  


The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.  
  
In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.  
  
I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.  
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-13th-2024--61008603Today is August 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18.  
  

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!”  
The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”  
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”  
The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there.  
Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”  
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”  
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 
  
  
Perhaps this passage is difficult to understand. To put it simply, King David is waiting for news about his son, Absalom. And the news he receives is bad... King David, the text tells us, is shaken, goes to his room to be on his own, and weeps. David’s life is full of emotion, and pain, and victory – and like in this passage – all those are often comingled. Talk to the Lord about how much emotion David demonstrates. How do you deal with your own emotions? With grief, or pain? 
   
The Bible is not afraid to narrate the truth of the world. The Bible doesn’t paint a picture of a spiritual life that is simplistic, or escapist, or void of difficulty. The Bible, which is a story about where we are coming from, and where we are heading, and what story we are a part of... is filled with the kind of disorder and emotional reality that are lives are filled with. Listen to the story again and consider how it describes David. Imagine him: a father... waiting.... for news. 
   
There is a lot of rich history and theology to this passage, but what I find striking is the plain grief. David was shaken. David wept. Oh my son, David cried out. Do you hold any areas of grief in your life right now? Do you know anyone else who does? How might you be present to your own grief, or to the grief of someone you care about? Ask the Lord to guide you in the ways of all comfort today.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61008603Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 13.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is August 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 18.  
  

While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it. The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer. Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!”  
The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”  
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”  
The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there.  
Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”  
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”  
The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”  
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 
  
  
Perhaps this passage is difficult to understand. To put it simply, King David is waiting for news about his son, Absalom. And the news he receives is bad... King David, the text tells us, is shaken, goes to his room to be on his own, and weeps. David’s life is full of emotion, and pain, and victory – and like in this passage – all those are often comingled. Talk to the Lord about how much emotion David demonstrates. How do you deal with your own emotions? With grief, or pain? 
   
The Bible is not afraid to narrate the truth of the world. The Bible doesn’t paint a picture of a spiritual life that is simplistic, or escapist, or void of difficulty. The Bible, which is a story about where we are coming from, and where we are heading, and what story we are a part of... is filled with the kind of disorder and emotional reality that are lives are filled with. Listen to the story again and consider how it describes David. Imagine him: a father... waiting.... for news. 
   
There is a lot of rich history and theology to this passage, but what I find striking is the plain grief. David was shaken. David wept. Oh my son, David cried out. Do you hold any areas of grief in your life right now? Do you know anyone else who does? How might you be present to your own grief, or to the grief of someone you care about? Ask the Lord to guide you in the ways of all comfort today.

Music: Great Are You Lord - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>896audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-12th-2024--60993894Today is August 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 
  

The contrast of light and darkness in the Scripture is connected with our actions, our deeds. Good deeds are done often in the light and are like light. They shine God’s goodness all around. But bad deeds are often done in the dark and are like dark. They cover us with shame and darkness. Take a moment and consider your own life... think about a time when you did something good out of a good heart. How did that make you and others feel? Now, think for a moment about a time when you did something bad out of a bad heart. How did that make you or others feel?  
  
The Apostle Paul uses the image of light and darkness to describe that feeling. When we do bad things out of a bad heart it’s like cold darkness covering over us. But when we do good things from a good heart? It’s like warm light shining all around. In fact, he says we are the light in the Lord when we shine by doing good. As you hear the passage again, feel the light in this passage.  

All of us sin and at times walk in darkness. What’s important is to know that you can come into the light, right now! You don’t have to hide, or be ashamed, or be afraid? Why? Because we know that God always has forgiveness for us. When we confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and make us clean. So right now, as we close our time. Confess your sin to him and be clean. And now that you are clean, today, ask God to help you not only walk in the light, but be light to others.

Music: Eternal Light - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60993894Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians,...Today is August 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.  


For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 
  

The contrast of light and darkness in the Scripture is connected with our actions, our deeds. Good deeds are done often in the light and are like light. They shine God’s goodness all around. But bad deeds are often done in the dark and are like dark. They cover us with shame and darkness. Take a moment and consider your own life... think about a time when you did something good out of a good heart. How did that make you and others feel? Now, think for a moment about a time when you did something bad out of a bad heart. How did that make you or others feel?  
  
The Apostle Paul uses the image of light and darkness to describe that feeling. When we do bad things out of a bad heart it’s like cold darkness covering over us. But when we do good things from a good heart? It’s like warm light shining all around. In fact, he says we are the light in the Lord when we shine by doing good. As you hear the passage again, feel the light in this passage.  

All of us sin and at times walk in darkness. What’s important is to know that you can come into the light, right now! You don’t have to hide, or be ashamed, or be afraid? Why? Because we know that God always has forgiveness for us. When we confess, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and make us clean. So right now, as we close our time. Confess your sin to him and be clean. And now that you are clean, today, ask God to help you not only walk in the light, but be light to others.

Music: Eternal Light - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>676audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-10th-2024--60942518
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60942518Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-9th-2024--60942517

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.  
 
 
      Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;  
         let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  
      Let us come before him with thanksgiving  
         and extol him with music and song.  
       For the LORD is the great God,  
         the great King above all gods.  
      In his hand are the depths of the earth,  
         and the mountain peaks belong to him.  
      The sea is his, for he made it,  
         and his hands formed the dry land.  
       Come, let us bow down in worship,  
         let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;  
      for he is our God  
         and we are the people of his pasture,  
         the flock under his care.  
  
  
To be under the care of a good and gracious God is a wonderful thing! Think for a moment as we begin: do you have a sense of God’s goodness sin your life? Do you have an experience of His care that you can reflect on?  
  
As you listen to this passage again, ask the Lord to highlight a word or phrase to you... something that you can consider, or even meditate on, through your day...  
 
In His hands are the depths of the earth.... The sea is His, for He made it... the mountain peaks belong to him... God is all, and all is in the care and keeping of God. Many times we forget the truth of our position under the care of God. As you end this time of prayer, draw yourself back to this truth: God holds you in the palm of his hand... and You can cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, because he cares for you!


Music: Bless His Name/To Hime Who Sits On The Throne - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60942517Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 9.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is...

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.  
 
 
      Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;  
         let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  
      Let us come before him with thanksgiving  
         and extol him with music and song.  
       For the LORD is the great God,  
         the great King above all gods.  
      In his hand are the depths of the earth,  
         and the mountain peaks belong to him.  
      The sea is his, for he made it,  
         and his hands formed the dry land.  
       Come, let us bow down in worship,  
         let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;  
      for he is our God  
         and we are the people of his pasture,  
         the flock under his care.  
  
  
To be under the care of a good and gracious God is a wonderful thing! Think for a moment as we begin: do you have a sense of God’s goodness sin your life? Do you have an experience of His care that you can reflect on?  
  
As you listen to this passage again, ask the Lord to highlight a word or phrase to you... something that you can consider, or even meditate on, through your day...  
 
In His hands are the depths of the earth.... The sea is His, for He made it... the mountain peaks belong to him... God is all, and all is in the care and keeping of God. Many times we forget the truth of our position under the care of God. As you end this time of prayer, draw yourself back to this truth: God holds you in the palm of his hand... and You can cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, because he cares for you!


Music: Bless His Name/To Hime Who Sits On The Throne - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1008audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-8th-2024--60942329

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8. 
 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
  

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?  
 
Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conquerer?   
  
As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen  
  
Music: What Can Seperate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60942329Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8. 
 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
  

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?  
 
Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conquerer?   
  
As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen  
  
Music: What Can Seperate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>750audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-7th-2024--60942078Today is August 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  
 

Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  
 

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today? 
 
As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaning, interrogaing him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text? 
 
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love. 
 
Music: I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60942078Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:00:09 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  ...Today is August 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  
 

Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  
 

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today? 
 
As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaning, interrogaing him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text? 
 
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love. 
 
Music: I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>947audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/08-06-eric-be-still--60928095Today is August 6.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
  

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. 
 
 
Here the Apostle Paul shares with us a metaphor of the church. The church is like a body. It has hands and feet. It has eyes and ears. It has a mouth and a mind. And each person who is a follower of Christ is to fulfill their function in that body. Each of us has a part. You are vital—essential, even—to the church, to the body of Christ, to function well? Consider a body that has a mind but no mouth, no way to communicate. Or can see but not hear. Or has hands, but no feet to move? Take a moment and ask yourself if you are taking your place in the body of Christ? 
  
As you hear the passage again, consider what gift God has given you for the sake of others. Are you someone who is compelled to bring the good news of Jesus, like an apostle? Or do you have a word from God to share, like a prophet? Do you have faith to pray for miracles? Does God want you to release God’s healing power? Do you have the ability to help others understand God’s word? Or do you have the gift of prayer, even praying in a spiritual language? What gift resonates with you today?   
   
These gifts aren’t meant to be exhaustive. And they aren’t natural gifts like your temperament. They are special gifts that God gives in order to be the body of Christ in the world. And the scriptures tell us that God gives these gifts to everyone who follows Jesus, so that the body of Christ might be built up and strengthened. As we close our time, would you take a few moments and name the one gift that resonated with you and hold it before the Lord, and ask him to fill it with his power and presence. As him to give you grace and courage to step out today and use the gift that he’s given you.

Music: Above All Else - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60928095Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is August 6.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
  

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. 
 
 
Here the Apostle Paul shares with us a metaphor of the church. The church is like a body. It has hands and feet. It has eyes and ears. It has a mouth and a mind. And each person who is a follower of Christ is to fulfill their function in that body. Each of us has a part. You are vital—essential, even—to the church, to the body of Christ, to function well? Consider a body that has a mind but no mouth, no way to communicate. Or can see but not hear. Or has hands, but no feet to move? Take a moment and ask yourself if you are taking your place in the body of Christ? 
  
As you hear the passage again, consider what gift God has given you for the sake of others. Are you someone who is compelled to bring the good news of Jesus, like an apostle? Or do you have a word from God to share, like a prophet? Do you have faith to pray for miracles? Does God want you to release God’s healing power? Do you have the ability to help others understand God’s word? Or do you have the gift of prayer, even praying in a spiritual language? What gift resonates with you today?   
   
These gifts aren’t meant to be exhaustive. And they aren’t natural gifts like your temperament. They are special gifts that God gives in order to be the body of Christ in the world. And the scriptures tell us that God gives these gifts to everyone who follows Jesus, so that the body of Christ might be built up and strengthened. As we close our time, would you take a few moments and name the one gift that resonated with you and hold it before the Lord, and ask him to fill it with his power and presence. As him to give you grace and courage to step out today and use the gift that he’s given you.

Music: Above All Else - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>789audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-5th-2024--60918755Today is August 5.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
  

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 
  
  
The early Christians Paul was writing to needed to maintain relationships with Gentiles, while navigating their new, counter-cultural mindsets. Persecuted and surrounded by hostility, they were expected to maintain a positive, Christ like attitude among the people, who didn't understand, accept, or even like the idea of Jesus. As His followers, they wanted to think like Jesus did, but He had His Father guiding Him through the darkness, ignorance, and hate of the faithless world. His perfect mindset kept Him connected to the Father and allowed him to live in a world that contradicts the Word. Talk to the Lord about how you navigate these kinds of spaces. 
  
What qualities define this new mindset: Compassion. Loving. Humble. Righteousness and holiness. 
But also, relaxed. Jesus never hurried past people. He remained present, focused on who was in front of Him, and trusted in God's ability to finish the rest. He surrendered in the security of the power of God. His certainty that He was only doing the will of His Father took the pressure off of Him. He lived freely because of this connection to God. How much pressure do you carry with you? Where do you struggle because you're under too much pressure and won't let it go? As you listen again, call to mind an area of pressure you need to give to the Lord so that you can have a more Christ-like mind? 
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider what it could look like for you to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ask God to lead you towards becoming the person He made you to be.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60918755Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians,...Today is August 5.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.  
  

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 
  
  
The early Christians Paul was writing to needed to maintain relationships with Gentiles, while navigating their new, counter-cultural mindsets. Persecuted and surrounded by hostility, they were expected to maintain a positive, Christ like attitude among the people, who didn't understand, accept, or even like the idea of Jesus. As His followers, they wanted to think like Jesus did, but He had His Father guiding Him through the darkness, ignorance, and hate of the faithless world. His perfect mindset kept Him connected to the Father and allowed him to live in a world that contradicts the Word. Talk to the Lord about how you navigate these kinds of spaces. 
  
What qualities define this new mindset: Compassion. Loving. Humble. Righteousness and holiness. 
But also, relaxed. Jesus never hurried past people. He remained present, focused on who was in front of Him, and trusted in God's ability to finish the rest. He surrendered in the security of the power of God. His certainty that He was only doing the will of His Father took the pressure off of Him. He lived freely because of this connection to God. How much pressure do you carry with you? Where do you struggle because you're under too much pressure and won't let it go? As you listen again, call to mind an area of pressure you need to give to the Lord so that you can have a more Christ-like mind? 
   
As we end our time of prayer, consider what it could look like for you to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ask God to lead you towards becoming the person He made you to be.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-3rd-2024--60225409
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60225409Sat, 03 Aug 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-2nd-2024--60891273Today is August 2.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.   
  

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.   
  

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with rich and robust theological statements. How do you engage with ideas that are so complex? Do you feel overwhelmed by them? Or are you drawn to the work of understanding them? Think for a moment about how you tend to engage with scripture: more reflectively, or more studiously? With the head, or the heart? 
   
If I were summarizing this rich and complex passage, I would put it like this: When I could do nothing to get to God, God did everything to get to me. As you listen to this passage again, I wonder if you could summarize it in your own words. What stands out to you in these words?  
  
Paul writes deep truths out of a knowledge of who God is. Paul didn’t just know about God… Paul had an encounter with God… and that encounter spoke to both Paul’s heart and his mind… Do you have a sense of needing an encounter with God today?  As we close, talk to your heavenly Father as a child might talk to their good and gracious Father… asking for what you you need from Him.   
  
Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60891273Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 2. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is August 2.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.   
  

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.   
  

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with rich and robust theological statements. How do you engage with ideas that are so complex? Do you feel overwhelmed by them? Or are you drawn to the work of understanding them? Think for a moment about how you tend to engage with scripture: more reflectively, or more studiously? With the head, or the heart? 
   
If I were summarizing this rich and complex passage, I would put it like this: When I could do nothing to get to God, God did everything to get to me. As you listen to this passage again, I wonder if you could summarize it in your own words. What stands out to you in these words?  
  
Paul writes deep truths out of a knowledge of who God is. Paul didn’t just know about God… Paul had an encounter with God… and that encounter spoke to both Paul’s heart and his mind… Do you have a sense of needing an encounter with God today?  As we close, talk to your heavenly Father as a child might talk to their good and gracious Father… asking for what you you need from Him.   
  
Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>778audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-1st-2024--60877676Today is August 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.   
  

Jesus answered... Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  
  

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?  
   
The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel? 
   
For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.  
   
Music: The Hidden Place - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60877676Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is August 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.   
  

Jesus answered... Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  
  

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?  
   
The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel? 
   
For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.  
   
Music: The Hidden Place - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>680audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-31st-2024--60865755Today is July 31.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.   
  

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”   
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.  
  

This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul. This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?  
   
Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast…  And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.  
   
Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you. 
  
Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60865755Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 31. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is July 31.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.   
  

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”   
After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.  
  

This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul. This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?  
   
Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast…  And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.  
   
Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you. 
  
Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>918audio,bible,clumbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-30th-2024--60850284Today is July 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60850284Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 30.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.  
 
 
      The wicked plot against the righteous  
         and gnash their teeth at them;  
      but the Lord laughs at the wicked,  
         for he knows their day is coming.  
       The wicked draw the sword  
         and bend the bow  
         to bring down the poor and needy,  
         to slay those whose ways are upright.  
      But their swords will pierce their own hearts,  
         and their bows will be broken.  
       Better the little that the righteous have  
         than the wealth of many wicked;  
      for the power of the wicked will be broken,  
         but the LORD upholds the righteous.  
  
      The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,  
         and their inheritance will endure forever.  
      In times of disaster they will not wither;  
         in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  
       But the wicked will perish:  
         Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,  
         they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.  
       The wicked borrow and do not repay,  
         but the righteous give generously;  
      those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,  
         but those he curses will be destroyed. 
  
  
The imagery in this psalm evokes a contrast and reflection. On one side, we see the wicked, with their plots and weapons aimed at the righteous. It's a scene of turmoil and conflict, where the pursuit of earthly gain leads to a cycle of violence and destruction.  
 
Then, the psalmist paints a striking picture of the Lord's response - laughter. This divine laughter carries profound meaning; it's not a cruel or mocking laughter but one of assurance and sovereignty. It signifies God's unwavering knowledge of the ultimate outcome, where justice and righteousness prevail. 
Do you find yourself caught up in the pursuits of this world, chasing after wealth, power, or recognition? Listen again for the psalmists description of the Lord’s blessing over those who seek him. 
   
The Old Testament often uses the language of blessings and curses. Life and death. God calls us, invites us, to live a life full of His blessing, His generosity, His inheritance, His plenty. Why do you think it is often so easy to get caught up in the way of the world, when the way of the Lord is so good? End your time of prayer today asking God to redirect your eyes to His kingdom, to His goodness, and to His way.

Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-29th-2024--60838626Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60838626Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter...Today is July 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 4. 


I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
 

I know we all KNOW we are supposed to love this verse, but it’s a hard one. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” What are your circumstances right now? Take some time to orient yourself to what is real in your life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, vocationally….  
   
Does the word content describe you? If not, what word would you use to describe the state of your heart related to your situation? Listen again to the text, and pay special attention: what in this text tells us ‘the secret of being content’? 
   
The secret of contentedness is found in the grace we find through the spirit of God, who lives in us. We don’t get good at being contented because we’re virtuous people. We get good at becoming content because we learn, day by day, to trust God to be present in our areas of weakness, loss, and pain. As we close our time of prayer, talk with God about any struggles you have with feeling content in life right now. Be honest with Him – tell him how you feel – and then take some time to quietly hear how He might be leading you forward. 

Music: Arms of Love - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>624audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-27th-2024--60223880
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223880Sat, 27 Jul 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-26th-2024--60806312Today is July 26.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.  
  

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
  

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence. 
   
Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:
   
….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?    
  
Music: Generous God - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60806312Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 26. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is July 26.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.  
  

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
  

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence. 
   
Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:
   
….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?    
  
Music: Generous God - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>778audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-25th-2024--60792045Today is July 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.   
  

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  
   

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?   
   
John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation. 
   
This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music: As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music: As Above So Below 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60792045Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.   
  

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  
   

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?   
   
John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation. 
   
This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music: As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music: As Above So Below 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>767audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-24th-2024--60782901Today is July 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.   
  

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”   
I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
   

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage…  Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?  
   
Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?  
 
The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?” 
  
Music:  You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60782901Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter...Today is July 24.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.   
  

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”   
I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?”  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
   

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage…  Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?  
   
Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?  
 
The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?” 
  
Music:  You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>792audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-23rd-2024--60771929Today is July 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.  
 

      From the ends of the earth I call to you,  
         I call as my heart grows faint;  
         lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  
      For you have been my refuge,  
         a strong tower against the foe.  
       I long to dwell in your tent forever  
         and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  
      For you, God, have heard my vows;  
         you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  
       Increase the days of the king’s life,  
         his years for many generations.  
      May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  
         appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.  
       Then I will ever sing in praise of your name  
         and fulfill my vows day after day. 
  

I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?  
   
Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.  
   
That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?

Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60771929Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 23.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 61.  
 

      From the ends of the earth I call to you,  
         I call as my heart grows faint;  
         lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  
      For you have been my refuge,  
         a strong tower against the foe.  
       I long to dwell in your tent forever  
         and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.  
      For you, God, have heard my vows;  
         you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  
       Increase the days of the king’s life,  
         his years for many generations.  
      May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  
         appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.  
       Then I will ever sing in praise of your name  
         and fulfill my vows day after day. 
  

I’m struck today how often the psalmist refers to himself as ‘growing faint’. He writes about eyes that are weak with sorrow, a soul that yearns, a heart that is dismayed. The psalmist here models a wonderful sort of strength that is a combination of emotional vulnerability, humility, and resilience and persistence. As we begin our time of prayer, could you take a few moments now and, in vulnerability, bring yourself before the Lord?  
   
Do you struggle to share negative emotions with the Lord in prayer? Do you often come to God feeling like you’ve got to put a happy face on? As you listen to the psalm again, consider his constant impulse to share his thoughts and feelings – good and bad – with God.  
   
That line strikes me: “For you, God, have heard my vows.” Could you take a few moments and ask God if there is something that he wants from you, something he wants you to give your word to in your life? Some act of sacrifice, or obedience? Maybe something you’ve already made a commitment to that is not yet fulfilled? As we close our time of prayer, could you again affirm your word to the Lord and trust in his grace to enable you to fulfill it?

Music: Invitation Fountain - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1001audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-22nd-2024--60762157Today is July 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  
 

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  
 

Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?  
   
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…   
   
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement. 

Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60762157Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter...Today is July 22.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.  
 

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  
 

Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?  
   
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…   
   
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement. 

Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-20th-2024--60223881
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223881Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-19th-2024--60737034Today is July 19.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.  
 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  
 

How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God? 
  
The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way… 
  
Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along? 
 
Music: Fix Our Eyes - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60737034Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 19. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is July 19.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.  
 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  
 

How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God? 
  
The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way… 
  
Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along? 
 
Music: Fix Our Eyes - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>617audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-18th-2024--60720748Today is July 18.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.  
 

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:  Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 
  
  
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that? 
  
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading. 
  
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60720748Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 18.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.  
 

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:  Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 
  
  
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that? 
  
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading. 
  
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>956audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-17th-2024--60713934Today is July 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.  
 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  
  

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?   
  
As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.   
  
Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.  
 
Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60713934Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.    ...Today is July 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.  
 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  
  

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?   
  
As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.   
  
Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.  
 
Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1041audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-16th-2024--60691440Today is July 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 142.  
 

      I cry aloud to the LORD;  
         I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  
      I pour out before him my complaint;  
         before him I tell my trouble.  
       When my spirit grows faint within me,  
         it is you who watch over my way.  
         In the path where I walk  
         people have hidden a snare for me.  
      Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;  
         no one is concerned for me.  
         I have no refuge;  
         no one cares for my life.  
       I cry to you, LORD;  
         I say, “You are my refuge,  
         my portion in the land of the living.”  
       Listen to my cry,  
         for I am in desperate need;  
         rescue me from those who pursue me,  
         for they are too strong for me.  
      Set me free from my prison,  
         that I may praise your name.  
         Then the righteous will gather about me  
         because of your goodness to me. 
 

I love the psalmists poetry. These words speak to my heart today as I read them: when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. Would you take some quiet time now to reflect on the state of YOUR spirit? How are you feeling? As my daughter used to ask a friend of hers when they were little: how’s your soul?  
   
Listen again to these words and pay attention to one or two that stand out to you. You might consider writing a few things down and carrying them around today.  
   
… because of your goodness to me. The nearness of God is my only good. His goodness and mercy are never ending. He is not only holy, He is forgiving. He is not only just, He is kind. He is not only powerful, He is gentle. Please, Lord, make us more like you…

Music: My Soul Finds Rest - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60691440Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 16. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 142.  
 

      I cry aloud to the LORD;  
         I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  
      I pour out before him my complaint;  
         before him I tell my trouble.  
       When my spirit grows faint within me,  
         it is you who watch over my way.  
         In the path where I walk  
         people have hidden a snare for me.  
      Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;  
         no one is concerned for me.  
         I have no refuge;  
         no one cares for my life.  
       I cry to you, LORD;  
         I say, “You are my refuge,  
         my portion in the land of the living.”  
       Listen to my cry,  
         for I am in desperate need;  
         rescue me from those who pursue me,  
         for they are too strong for me.  
      Set me free from my prison,  
         that I may praise your name.  
         Then the righteous will gather about me  
         because of your goodness to me. 
 

I love the psalmists poetry. These words speak to my heart today as I read them: when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. Would you take some quiet time now to reflect on the state of YOUR spirit? How are you feeling? As my daughter used to ask a friend of hers when they were little: how’s your soul?  
   
Listen again to these words and pay attention to one or two that stand out to you. You might consider writing a few things down and carrying them around today.  
   
… because of your goodness to me. The nearness of God is my only good. His goodness and mercy are never ending. He is not only holy, He is forgiving. He is not only just, He is kind. He is not only powerful, He is gentle. Please, Lord, make us more like you…

Music: My Soul Finds Rest - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>691audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-15th-2024--60690548Today is July 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.  
 

When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” 
 

The book of Acts tells us origin stories from the early church – and this one is daunting, unsettling. This is a theme that you see throughout the book of Acts. When the Gospel is preached, when God’s kingdom comes, it is received by many as God’s peaceable kingdom bringing about a new order. For others it is resisted with hostility and anger. Think about your own spiritual journey. When you first heard the message, how did you respond? With anger, hostility, resistance, or with open arms, and an experience of joy and peace? 
 
In another place in the book of Acts, Paul was criticized as “turning the world upside down” with his message. I love that. The Gospel turns the world, and our lives upside down. As you hear the passage again, think of one person that you know who needs their world turned upside down by the Gospel, and pray that they may have an open heart toward God and the good news.   

There was so much oppression, so much opposition, to the way of Christ. If you don’t experience that in your own life, consider that this is a normal experience for many followers of Christ around the world. Would you pray today for God’s grace over the gospel message in your life, in our city, and for those followers of Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Pray for protection, for favor, for good soil, and for soft hearts as they share the upside down message of the gospel of Jesus.

Music: You Make All Things New - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60690548Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:01:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 15. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.    ...Today is July 15.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.  
 

When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” 
 

The book of Acts tells us origin stories from the early church – and this one is daunting, unsettling. This is a theme that you see throughout the book of Acts. When the Gospel is preached, when God’s kingdom comes, it is received by many as God’s peaceable kingdom bringing about a new order. For others it is resisted with hostility and anger. Think about your own spiritual journey. When you first heard the message, how did you respond? With anger, hostility, resistance, or with open arms, and an experience of joy and peace? 
 
In another place in the book of Acts, Paul was criticized as “turning the world upside down” with his message. I love that. The Gospel turns the world, and our lives upside down. As you hear the passage again, think of one person that you know who needs their world turned upside down by the Gospel, and pray that they may have an open heart toward God and the good news.   

There was so much oppression, so much opposition, to the way of Christ. If you don’t experience that in your own life, consider that this is a normal experience for many followers of Christ around the world. Would you pray today for God’s grace over the gospel message in your life, in our city, and for those followers of Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Pray for protection, for favor, for good soil, and for soft hearts as they share the upside down message of the gospel of Jesus.

Music: You Make All Things New - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>889audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-13th-2024--60223871
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223871Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-12th-2024--60666766Today is July 12.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 3.  
 

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel.  
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 
  

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story? 
  
As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.  
  
The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.  
 
Music: To Know You - Vineyard Worship: TO KNOW YOU [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60666766Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:01:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 12. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is July 12.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 3.  
 

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel.  
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 
  

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story? 
  
As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.  
  
The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.  
 
Music: To Know You - Vineyard Worship: TO KNOW YOU [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>856audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-11th-2024--60648457Today is July 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.  
 

      Vindicate me, LORD,  
         for I have led a blameless life;  
         I have trusted in the LORD  
         and have not faltered.  
      Test me, LORD, and try me,  
         examine my heart and my mind;  
      for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  
         and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.  
  

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?  
  
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.  
  
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.  
 
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: YOUR LOVE ENDURES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60648457Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:18 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 11.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.  
 

      Vindicate me, LORD,  
         for I have led a blameless life;  
         I have trusted in the LORD  
         and have not faltered.  
      Test me, LORD, and try me,  
         examine my heart and my mind;  
      for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  
         and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.  
  

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?  
  
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.  
  
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.  
 
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: YOUR LOVE ENDURES [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pckerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-10th-2024--60635528Today is July 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.  
 

Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 1In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  
As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”  “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.  
 

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Samuel, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Samuel’s response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?   
  
As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Samuel, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.  
  
I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.  
 
Music: I Am God - Vineyard Kids: I AM GOD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Kids 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60635528Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:00:13 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter...Today is July 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.  
 

Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 1In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  
As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”  “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.  
 

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Samuel, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Samuel’s response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?   
  
As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Samuel, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.  
  
I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.  
 
Music: I Am God - Vineyard Kids: I AM GOD [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Kids 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-9th-2024--60628111 Today is July 9.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 5.  
 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”  
 

Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?  
   
I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.  
   
James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60628111Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia Pickerill Today is July 9.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ... Today is July 9.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 5.  
 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”  
 

Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?  
   
I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.  
   
James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>811audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-8th-2024--60627904Today is July 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60627904Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter...Today is July 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11.  
 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
 

Welcome to prayer. We boast in a lot of things, don’t we? Paul is boasting to the church in Corinth of his great need for grace. He says that he will boast of his weakness. How are you feeling today? Are you more aware of your areas of weakness or your areas of strength?  
   
Listen again to Paul’s description of his trials. Consider, as you listen, your expectations for ‘the good life’. Do your expectations conflict at all with Paul’s realities? He lists all sorts of profound challenges, listen for one that stands out to you today. 
   
The line that stands out to me is ‘I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak… and do I not feel weak?’. Perhaps you, like me today, feel the weight of the care that you extend to those around you. Paul celebrated his weakness only in order to elevate our expectation of the strength of Christ. Where in life are you feeling weak, or weighted down? Invite God to abide with you there. Think of the simple children’s song: little ones to Him belong, we are weak, but He is strong…. 

Music: You Are With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>799audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-6th-2024--60223869
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223869Sat, 06 Jul 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-5th-2024--60595892Today is July 5.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Judges, chapter 16.  
 

Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.  
  

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?  
  
The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…  
  
Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.   
 
Music: Expectation - Vineyard Soul
EXPECTATION | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Soul feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60595892Fri, 05 Jul 2024 04:00:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 5. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is July 5.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Judges, chapter 16.  
 

Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.  
  

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?  
  
The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…  
  
Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.   
 
Music: Expectation - Vineyard Soul
EXPECTATION | Official Lyric Video | Vineyard Soul feat. Joshua Miller | Vineyard Worship 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>926audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-4th-2024--60595764Today is July 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.  


Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  
  

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life? 
  
Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.   
  
Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace. 
 
Music: Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship: Fall On Me (feat. Charlotte Naraine) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60595764Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is July 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.  


Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  
  

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life? 
  
Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.   
  
Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace. 
 
Music: Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship: Fall On Me (feat. Charlotte Naraine) (Live) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>908audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-3rd-2024--60583608Today is July 3.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  
  

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God? 
  
The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith? 
  
Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.  
 
Music: I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship: I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) (feat. Matt Turrigiano) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60583608Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:11 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 3.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians,...Today is July 3.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  
  

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God? 
  
The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith? 
  
Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.  
 
Music: I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship: I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) (feat. Matt Turrigiano) (Live) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>672audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-2nd-2024--60574191Today is July 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 31. And our passage is one that tells a historical story that is filled with chaos and trouble. It tells graphically about the death of Saul, his sons, and his armor bearer. If this feels like too intense of a passage to consider this morning, go ahead and move to the end for a moment of worship. 
 

The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.  
 

Today’s reading is troubling. It tells about the tragic demise of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. Saul, facing imminent capture and fearing dishonor, chose to end his own life rather than endure the enemy's brutality. Do you know anyone who might feel at the end of their rope? Anyone who might be experiencing shame? If so, end your time of prayer now, and instead reach out to the person you know who may be feeling vulnerable. Or take a moment now to intercede for those who know who might be facing a desperate situation.  
 
Saul had been the first king of Israel, but then demonstrated a pattern of pride, disobedience, selfishness, and ego. The more he chose against the ways of God, the more he spun out of control… becoming vain, angry, and violent. Over and over, turned his back on God. His is a story of the vector of sin… how our sin, and selfishness, and pride – over time – draw us away from becoming the person God has made us to be. Listen to the story again and ask God to help you understand the story of Saul.   
   
Sometimes these stories in scripture are disorienting. Why, we ask, does the Bible include such heavy, real, painful, texts? Well… I think it’s because they are true to life. The Bible, and Christian faith, describe things as they are. Christian faith is not afraid of or in denial about reality. And reality includes some rough things. This is why the interruption of the world’s reality through Jesus Christ is such good news! He gives us a different vector. A different way. And while our way is real, and often difficult, Christ is with us. No matter the shame or despair. God is with you, and God loves you. As we end our time together, ask God to show you more about who He has made you to be. And if you do happen to find yourself in despair today, or feeling personally vulnerable, please reach out to a friend, a safe person, a pastor. You are loved. You are not alone.  

Music: The Gospel - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60574191Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:01:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is July 2.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 31. And our passage is one that tells a historical story that is filled with chaos and trouble. It tells graphically about the death of Saul, his sons, and his armor bearer. If this feels like too intense of a passage to consider this morning, go ahead and move to the end for a moment of worship. 
 

The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically. Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.  
 

Today’s reading is troubling. It tells about the tragic demise of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. Saul, facing imminent capture and fearing dishonor, chose to end his own life rather than endure the enemy's brutality. Do you know anyone who might feel at the end of their rope? Anyone who might be experiencing shame? If so, end your time of prayer now, and instead reach out to the person you know who may be feeling vulnerable. Or take a moment now to intercede for those who know who might be facing a desperate situation.  
 
Saul had been the first king of Israel, but then demonstrated a pattern of pride, disobedience, selfishness, and ego. The more he chose against the ways of God, the more he spun out of control… becoming vain, angry, and violent. Over and over, turned his back on God. His is a story of the vector of sin… how our sin, and selfishness, and pride – over time – draw us away from becoming the person God has made us to be. Listen to the story again and ask God to help you understand the story of Saul.   
   
Sometimes these stories in scripture are disorienting. Why, we ask, does the Bible include such heavy, real, painful, texts? Well… I think it’s because they are true to life. The Bible, and Christian faith, describe things as they are. Christian faith is not afraid of or in denial about reality. And reality includes some rough things. This is why the interruption of the world’s reality through Jesus Christ is such good news! He gives us a different vector. A different way. And while our way is real, and often difficult, Christ is with us. No matter the shame or despair. God is with you, and God loves you. As we end our time together, ask God to show you more about who He has made you to be. And if you do happen to find yourself in despair today, or feeling personally vulnerable, please reach out to a friend, a safe person, a pastor. You are loved. You are not alone.  

Music: The Gospel - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>817audio,bible,clumbs,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-1st-2024--60574262Today is July 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.  
 

      I love you, LORD, my strength.  
      The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  
         my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
         my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
       I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,  
         and I have been saved from my enemies.  
      The cords of death entangled me;  
         the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.  
      The cords of the grave coiled around me;  
         the snares of death confronted me.  
       In my distress I called to the LORD;  
         I cried to my God for help.  
         From his temple he heard my voice;  
         my cry came before him, into his ears.  
 

This psalm expresses a heartfelt expression of trust and reliance on God's strength and protection, even as it communicates the feelings of overwhelm. In times of trouble and danger, we turn to God for refuge, strength and deliverance. Talk to the Lord as we begin, and invite him into any areas of distress you’re experiencing. 
 
Do you see God as your source of strength and refuge? Are you quick to turn to him in times of distress, or do you first try to handle problems on your own? The psalmist write that he calls to God when He is in need of help. He cries out, even. Listen again to the psalm and find a few words or a phrase to hold to in your own times of trouble. 

This psalm reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is always ready to hear our cries for help. This is true for you personally, and for us corporately. As we end of our time of prayer today, ask yourself how you might entrust a significant concern to him, and what that would mean for you practically. What might you do differently as you abide in the truth that “from his temple he hears your voice, and your cry comes before him, and into his ears?”

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60574262Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:15:00 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.           I love you,...Today is July 1.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.  
 

      I love you, LORD, my strength.  
      The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  
         my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,  
         my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  
       I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,  
         and I have been saved from my enemies.  
      The cords of death entangled me;  
         the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.  
      The cords of the grave coiled around me;  
         the snares of death confronted me.  
       In my distress I called to the LORD;  
         I cried to my God for help.  
         From his temple he heard my voice;  
         my cry came before him, into his ears.  
 

This psalm expresses a heartfelt expression of trust and reliance on God's strength and protection, even as it communicates the feelings of overwhelm. In times of trouble and danger, we turn to God for refuge, strength and deliverance. Talk to the Lord as we begin, and invite him into any areas of distress you’re experiencing. 
 
Do you see God as your source of strength and refuge? Are you quick to turn to him in times of distress, or do you first try to handle problems on your own? The psalmist write that he calls to God when He is in need of help. He cries out, even. Listen again to the psalm and find a few words or a phrase to hold to in your own times of trouble. 

This psalm reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is always ready to hear our cries for help. This is true for you personally, and for us corporately. As we end of our time of prayer today, ask yourself how you might entrust a significant concern to him, and what that would mean for you practically. What might you do differently as you abide in the truth that “from his temple he hears your voice, and your cry comes before him, and into his ears?”

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-29th-2024--60223864
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223864Sat, 29 Jun 2024 05:01:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-28th-2024--60522648Today is June 28.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Daniel, chapter 7.  
 

      “As I looked,   
         “thrones were set in place,  
         and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  
         His clothing was as white as snow;  
         the hair of his head was white like wool.  
         His throne was flaming with fire,  
         and its wheels were all ablaze.  
      A river of fire was flowing,  
         coming out from before him.  
         Thousands upon thousands attended him;  
         ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.  
         The court was seated,  
         and the books were opened. 

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.  


What immediate impressions come to your mind after listening to this vision from the book of Daniel? What do you think it would feel like to participate in a scene like this from heaven?  
  
Scripture is full of prophetic images and visions. This passage in Daniel is reminiscent of the passage in Revelation. People from every nation are gathered around the throne worshipping God. As you listen to this reading again, try to visualize a mental picture of what Daniel is describing.  
  
When we think of God, very often we consider his imminence: how he became human in Christ, and drew near to us. His presence with us. This passage from Daniel brings to mind God’s transcendence: his big-ness. His other-ness. His holiness. His majesty. His power. As you walk through your day today, cultivate a sense of awe for his majesty and power over your life.  
 
Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60522648Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 28. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is June 28.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Daniel, chapter 7.  
 

      “As I looked,   
         “thrones were set in place,  
         and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  
         His clothing was as white as snow;  
         the hair of his head was white like wool.  
         His throne was flaming with fire,  
         and its wheels were all ablaze.  
      A river of fire was flowing,  
         coming out from before him.  
         Thousands upon thousands attended him;  
         ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.  
         The court was seated,  
         and the books were opened. 

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.  


What immediate impressions come to your mind after listening to this vision from the book of Daniel? What do you think it would feel like to participate in a scene like this from heaven?  
  
Scripture is full of prophetic images and visions. This passage in Daniel is reminiscent of the passage in Revelation. People from every nation are gathered around the throne worshipping God. As you listen to this reading again, try to visualize a mental picture of what Daniel is describing.  
  
When we think of God, very often we consider his imminence: how he became human in Christ, and drew near to us. His presence with us. This passage from Daniel brings to mind God’s transcendence: his big-ness. His other-ness. His holiness. His majesty. His power. As you walk through your day today, cultivate a sense of awe for his majesty and power over your life.  
 
Music: Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>855audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-27th-2024--60522404Today is June 27.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  
 

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me.  
      For you created my inmost being;  
         you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  
      I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  
         your works are wonderful,  
         I know that full well.  
      My frame was not hidden from you  
         when I was made in the secret place,  
         when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  
      Your eyes saw my unformed body;  
         all the days ordained for me were written in your book  
         before one of them came to be.  
     
  
Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?  
 
 You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.  
  
The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?  
 
Music: Creator - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60522404Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:01:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 27.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is June 27.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  
 

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me.  
      For you created my inmost being;  
         you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  
      I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  
         your works are wonderful,  
         I know that full well.  
      My frame was not hidden from you  
         when I was made in the secret place,  
         when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  
      Your eyes saw my unformed body;  
         all the days ordained for me were written in your book  
         before one of them came to be.  
     
  
Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?  
 
 You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.  
  
The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?  
 
Music: Creator - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>710audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-26th-2024--60497324Today is June 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.  
  

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  
  

This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things? 
  
Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?  
  
Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.  
 
Music: All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60497324Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:00:08 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians,...Today is June 26.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.  
  

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.  
  

This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things? 
  
Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?  
  
Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.  
 
Music: All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>732audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-25th-2024--60476246Today is June 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 9.  
 

Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”  
Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”  
 
Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.  
  
  
"He sinned again”. What a confronting line. Pharoh had hardened his heart. He asked for a sign from God, got a sign from God, and then: ignored it. As we come to prayer today, invite the Lord to search you, and know your heart... to see if there is any hardened way inside of you. 
   
Does it feel difficult to admit that there might be a part of your heart that is hardened toward God? Does that make you defensive? Listen again to the passage and pay attention to what the Lord highlights for you.  
   
Hardened hearts are sometimes found under unforgiveness, an inability to admit fault, pride, ego, or perfectionism. As we end our time of prayer, ask God for the grace to examine your own heart, and invite Him to soften you by His spirit. 

Music: Will You Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60476246Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:01:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 25.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 9.  
 

Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Pray to the LORD, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t have to stay any longer.”  
Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the LORD God.”  
 
Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the LORD; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.  
  
  
"He sinned again”. What a confronting line. Pharoh had hardened his heart. He asked for a sign from God, got a sign from God, and then: ignored it. As we come to prayer today, invite the Lord to search you, and know your heart... to see if there is any hardened way inside of you. 
   
Does it feel difficult to admit that there might be a part of your heart that is hardened toward God? Does that make you defensive? Listen again to the passage and pay attention to what the Lord highlights for you.  
   
Hardened hearts are sometimes found under unforgiveness, an inability to admit fault, pride, ego, or perfectionism. As we end our time of prayer, ask God for the grace to examine your own heart, and invite Him to soften you by His spirit. 

Music: Will You Worship - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>675audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-24th-2024--60474845Today is June 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  
 

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  
  


Welcome to prayer today. Listen again to a few descriptive passages from our text: gentle wind, caught by the storm, driven along, violent battering, gave up all hope... The story begins with a ‘gentle wind’, and ends with all hope lost. Which image feels more resonant to you today: being guided by a gentle wind? Feeling battered and without hope? Talk to the Lord about the state of your soul.  
   
Listen again to the text, and pay attention to one word of phrase that feels instructive or highlighted for you.  
   
In the storm, they let the ship be driven along. That’s a picture of lowering the sail, and allowing the wind and waves to take control. To stop fighting the storm. If you are in a place that feels like a place where ‘neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging... if you are tempted to give up all hope.... i pray that the God of all power meets you in this moment. I pray you feel His hands holding you together. And I pray for mercy and relief from the storm that you are facing. God’s peace to you in the midst of the wind and waves, in Jesus’ name.

Music: Fix My Eyes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60474845Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  ...Today is June 24.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 27.  
 

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  
  


Welcome to prayer today. Listen again to a few descriptive passages from our text: gentle wind, caught by the storm, driven along, violent battering, gave up all hope... The story begins with a ‘gentle wind’, and ends with all hope lost. Which image feels more resonant to you today: being guided by a gentle wind? Feeling battered and without hope? Talk to the Lord about the state of your soul.  
   
Listen again to the text, and pay attention to one word of phrase that feels instructive or highlighted for you.  
   
In the storm, they let the ship be driven along. That’s a picture of lowering the sail, and allowing the wind and waves to take control. To stop fighting the storm. If you are in a place that feels like a place where ‘neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging... if you are tempted to give up all hope.... i pray that the God of all power meets you in this moment. I pray you feel His hands holding you together. And I pray for mercy and relief from the storm that you are facing. God’s peace to you in the midst of the wind and waves, in Jesus’ name.

Music: Fix My Eyes - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-22nd-2024--60223865
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223865Sat, 22 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-21st-2024--60407256Today is June 21.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Galatians, chapter 6.  
 

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. 
 

Have you ever experienced a personal restoration? Maybe in relationship? Or spiritually? How did that feel to you? 
  
Paul tells the Galatians to restore one another gently, and with some caution. He encourages humility, as you listen to the passage again pay attention to what stands out to you 
  
What might it mean for you to carry someone else’s burden, today? Look for a way to practice the carrying, or gentle restoration, as you go about your day?.As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to guide you throughout your day. 
 
Music: You're Carrying Me - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60407256Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 21. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is June 21.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Galatians, chapter 6.  
 

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. 
 

Have you ever experienced a personal restoration? Maybe in relationship? Or spiritually? How did that feel to you? 
  
Paul tells the Galatians to restore one another gently, and with some caution. He encourages humility, as you listen to the passage again pay attention to what stands out to you 
  
What might it mean for you to carry someone else’s burden, today? Look for a way to practice the carrying, or gentle restoration, as you go about your day?.As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to guide you throughout your day. 
 
Music: You're Carrying Me - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>675audio,bible,columbus,daly,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-20th-2024--60404557Today is June 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31. 


Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  
 

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?  
  
Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.  
  
Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me.... 
 
Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60404557Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 20. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is June 20.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31. 


Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  
 

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?  
  
Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.  
  
Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me.... 
 
Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-19th-2024--60404556Today is June 19th.
 
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  
The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.  
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.    
 

      In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;  
         let me never be put to shame.  
      2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;  
         turn your ear to me and save me.  
      3 Be my rock of refuge,  
         to which I can always go;  
         give the command to save me,  
         for you are my rock and my fortress.  
      4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,  
         from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.  
       5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,  
         my confidence since my youth.  
      6 From birth I have relied on you;  
         you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  
         I will ever praise you.  
      7 I have become a sign to many;  
         you are my strong refuge.  
      8 My mouth is filled with your praise,  
         declaring your splendor all day long.


The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability. Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. 
  
As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge. 
  
As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?  
 
Music: The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60404556Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 19th.   Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President...Today is June 19th.
 
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  
The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.  
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.    
 

      In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;  
         let me never be put to shame.  
      2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;  
         turn your ear to me and save me.  
      3 Be my rock of refuge,  
         to which I can always go;  
         give the command to save me,  
         for you are my rock and my fortress.  
      4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,  
         from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.  
       5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,  
         my confidence since my youth.  
      6 From birth I have relied on you;  
         you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.  
         I will ever praise you.  
      7 I have become a sign to many;  
         you are my strong refuge.  
      8 My mouth is filled with your praise,  
         declaring your splendor all day long.


The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability. Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. 
  
As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge. 
  
As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?  
 
Music: The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>795audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-18th-2024--60369041Today is June 18.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 21.  
 

“Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says to you, house of David:   
         “ ‘Administer justice every morning;  
         rescue from the hand of the oppressor  
         the one who has been robbed,  
         or my wrath will break out and burn like fire...”  
           

It’s always so interesting to me to hear God’s passion for justice, for rescue, and for restitution. And on the other hand, to hear about the wrath associated with injustice and oppression. The very frame of justice and mercy and fairness and goodness comes from the character of God Himself. God is offended when His character isn’t expressed in this world. And not just offended, but God’s wrath burns toward injustice. This is why, as Christians, we are called to be kingdom people. Our work is to partner with God as He ushers in the coming kingdom... and to resist the ways of the world like injustice and oppression. Talk to the Lord about His heart for true justice, and take a moment to allow Him to speak to you. 
   
Listen to the text again and consider what it is instructing you to do when it tells us to ‘administer justice every morning’. What space are you in that you might be able to ‘administer justice’? It’s not just judges that do this. Is there any space in your life where you have authority to administer justice towards the vulnerable or oppressed?  
   
Perhaps you feel like you’ve got no way to be an ‘administer of justice’ in your life. Perhaps you do: you're an employer, you manage a team, you work in areas of social policy, your work in housing. As we end our time of prayer, ask God to speak to you about what it is for you to ‘administer justice’ in your normal day-to-day life and work.

Music: Restored - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60369041Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 18.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 21.  
 

“Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says to you, house of David:   
         “ ‘Administer justice every morning;  
         rescue from the hand of the oppressor  
         the one who has been robbed,  
         or my wrath will break out and burn like fire...”  
           

It’s always so interesting to me to hear God’s passion for justice, for rescue, and for restitution. And on the other hand, to hear about the wrath associated with injustice and oppression. The very frame of justice and mercy and fairness and goodness comes from the character of God Himself. God is offended when His character isn’t expressed in this world. And not just offended, but God’s wrath burns toward injustice. This is why, as Christians, we are called to be kingdom people. Our work is to partner with God as He ushers in the coming kingdom... and to resist the ways of the world like injustice and oppression. Talk to the Lord about His heart for true justice, and take a moment to allow Him to speak to you. 
   
Listen to the text again and consider what it is instructing you to do when it tells us to ‘administer justice every morning’. What space are you in that you might be able to ‘administer justice’? It’s not just judges that do this. Is there any space in your life where you have authority to administer justice towards the vulnerable or oppressed?  
   
Perhaps you feel like you’ve got no way to be an ‘administer of justice’ in your life. Perhaps you do: you're an employer, you manage a team, you work in areas of social policy, your work in housing. As we end our time of prayer, ask God to speak to you about what it is for you to ‘administer justice’ in your normal day-to-day life and work.

Music: Restored - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>683audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-17th-2024--60368794Today is June 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14.  
 

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.  
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.  
 
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”  
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”  
Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”  
So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”  
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”  
  
  
Welcome to prayer. As you orient yourself to the Lord today, consider Jonathan and his armor bearer. Young, impetuous, full of faith, ready to take a risk and trust in the Lord’s provision. We might even call them: unwise. How is it that you come to prayer today? Are you full of faith? Ready to step out into mission? Talk to the Lord about how you’re feeling right now. 
   
Listen to the story again and pay attention to my favorite line: Jonathan says to his servant: come on, let’s go over to that enemy encampment. ‘perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf’. I love the ‘perhaps’ in this story.  
   
This is a story about courage, risk, and trust in the provision and providence of God. Jonathan has a sense of God’s power that compels him toward the enemy. Compels him toward the place of risk and total dependency on God. Ask God for the gift of courage today as we end our time of prayer.

Music: We Come Alive - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60368794Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 17. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 17.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14.  
 

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.  
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.  
 
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”  
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”  
Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”  
So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”  
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”  
  
  
Welcome to prayer. As you orient yourself to the Lord today, consider Jonathan and his armor bearer. Young, impetuous, full of faith, ready to take a risk and trust in the Lord’s provision. We might even call them: unwise. How is it that you come to prayer today? Are you full of faith? Ready to step out into mission? Talk to the Lord about how you’re feeling right now. 
   
Listen to the story again and pay attention to my favorite line: Jonathan says to his servant: come on, let’s go over to that enemy encampment. ‘perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf’. I love the ‘perhaps’ in this story.  
   
This is a story about courage, risk, and trust in the provision and providence of God. Jonathan has a sense of God’s power that compels him toward the enemy. Compels him toward the place of risk and total dependency on God. Ask God for the gift of courage today as we end our time of prayer.

Music: We Come Alive - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>739audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-15th-2024--60223741
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223741Sat, 15 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerell,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-14th-2024--60357558Today is June 14.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23. 
 

There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin. 
 

This text says many things about Joseph of Arimathea: he was a member of the High council. He had a good heart, and good character. He had resisted the plans to kill Jesus. He lived in ‘alert expectation’ for the kingdom of God... and when he saw Jesus, he begain to follow him, perhaps quietly, perhaps in total secrecy. And then: he took responsibility for the proper burial of Jesus. Try to put yourself in his place... how do you feel, taking the body of Jesus down from the cross?  
  
Followership of Jesus can look like a lot of things. As you listen again, think about what Joseph’s followership looked like: 

Joseph’s faith in Christ was quiet, but it motivated him to take action in this tender space. After the death of Christ, and before the resurrection... in the quiet, in between space, Joseph demonstrated a tender faithfulness. Contemplate that as today’s time of prayer comes to a close.  
 
Music: Bless Your Name - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60357558Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 14. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the...Today is June 14.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23. 
 

There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin. 
 

This text says many things about Joseph of Arimathea: he was a member of the High council. He had a good heart, and good character. He had resisted the plans to kill Jesus. He lived in ‘alert expectation’ for the kingdom of God... and when he saw Jesus, he begain to follow him, perhaps quietly, perhaps in total secrecy. And then: he took responsibility for the proper burial of Jesus. Try to put yourself in his place... how do you feel, taking the body of Jesus down from the cross?  
  
Followership of Jesus can look like a lot of things. As you listen again, think about what Joseph’s followership looked like: 

Joseph’s faith in Christ was quiet, but it motivated him to take action in this tender space. After the death of Christ, and before the resurrection... in the quiet, in between space, Joseph demonstrated a tender faithfulness. Contemplate that as today’s time of prayer comes to a close.  
 
Music: Bless Your Name - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>960audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-13th-2024--60357557Today is June 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.  
 

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 
 

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?  
  
This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.  
  
As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?  
 
Music: Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60357557Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 13.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is June 13.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.  
 

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. 
 

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?  
  
This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.  
  
As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?  
 
Music: Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship: (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>622audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-12th-2024--60356974Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.  


“ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.  
“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’  


There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?   
  
I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.
  
This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.  
 
Music: You Speak - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60356974Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.   “ ‘This is what the...Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.  


“ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.  
“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’  


There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?   
  
I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.
  
This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.  
 
Music: You Speak - Vineyard Worship:(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>614audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-11th-2024--60345850Today is June 11.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
 Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 18.  
 

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 
  

This story sounds strange to our ears... a trash-talking battle between prophets... and then, after a lot of drama that feels straight from an HBO miniseries.... a miraculous demonstration of power from God, ‘so that these people will know God, and so that they will know God wants their hearts to turn back to him’ from idols. Is there any place where you are praying: “answer me, Lord, answer me....”? 
   
Listen to the story again, and allow the Lord to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. 
   
Demonstrations of the power of God always points us to His presence. End your time of prayer today contemplating God’s presence and power in your life and thanking Him for his faithfulness to you.

Music: You Are Worthy Of Our Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60345850Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:03:37 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 11.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
 Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 18.  
 

Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs of seed. He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!” 
  

This story sounds strange to our ears... a trash-talking battle between prophets... and then, after a lot of drama that feels straight from an HBO miniseries.... a miraculous demonstration of power from God, ‘so that these people will know God, and so that they will know God wants their hearts to turn back to him’ from idols. Is there any place where you are praying: “answer me, Lord, answer me....”? 
   
Listen to the story again, and allow the Lord to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. 
   
Demonstrations of the power of God always points us to His presence. End your time of prayer today contemplating God’s presence and power in your life and thanking Him for his faithfulness to you.

Music: You Are Worthy Of Our Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at...]]>1178audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-10th-2024--60302010Today is June 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 7.  
 

So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” 
 

Samuel is directing the Israelites to turn away from idolatry... Baal and Ashtoreth were popular idols of the time. Sameul calls the people of God to repent from their sin of looking to idols instead of looking to God. Idols are things made of human hands, things that are not God, but that take the place of God in our lives. Idols are things we give our attention, energy, and emotions toward. As you come to prayer today, are there things in your life that perhaps have taken the place of a modern day idol? Things that you spend a lot of energy, attention, and energy on? Things that you rely on and trust in... instead of God? 
   
Confession is a powerful tool. Confession is when we say what is real, and allow God to meet us in that real. The Israelites confessed: we have sinned. That was real. Is there anything in your ‘real’ right now that you have not brought to the Lord intentionally? If so, take time right now to speak that thing out loud to the Lord. 
   
Samuel calls the people of God to return to the Lord with all their hearts. As we end our time of prayer today, turn your heart toward Jesus, and make time through the rest of your day to continue to reorient yourself toward Him. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60302010Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 10.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 7.  
 

So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” 
 

Samuel is directing the Israelites to turn away from idolatry... Baal and Ashtoreth were popular idols of the time. Sameul calls the people of God to repent from their sin of looking to idols instead of looking to God. Idols are things made of human hands, things that are not God, but that take the place of God in our lives. Idols are things we give our attention, energy, and emotions toward. As you come to prayer today, are there things in your life that perhaps have taken the place of a modern day idol? Things that you spend a lot of energy, attention, and energy on? Things that you rely on and trust in... instead of God? 
   
Confession is a powerful tool. Confession is when we say what is real, and allow God to meet us in that real. The Israelites confessed: we have sinned. That was real. Is there anything in your ‘real’ right now that you have not brought to the Lord intentionally? If so, take time right now to speak that thing out loud to the Lord. 
   
Samuel calls the people of God to return to the Lord with all their hearts. As we end our time of prayer today, turn your heart toward Jesus, and make time through the rest of your day to continue to reorient yourself toward Him. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>780audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-8th-2024--60223742
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60223742Sat, 08 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-7th-2024--60276577Today is June 7.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21.


As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”


Sometimes we give to God out of an abundance, and sometimes, we give the very little we’ve got left. How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel like you are able to be abundantly present to the Lord? Or do you come feeling very small, or impoverished?

Take time to imagine yourself in the place of the poor widow. You are standing in the temple, waiting to give your ridiculously small offering, You are a woman, a widow, and poor, which likely means you feel out of place among all the rich. Can you imagine how she is standing, eyes downcast? How others might be looking at her out of the corner of their eyes? Can you imagine, how very small she might be feeling as she places her coins into the treasury? Listen again, and try to feel the smallness that she may have felt.

Jesus ends with words that draw us back to the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God: to the rich, she gave almost nothing. To Jesus, she gave close to everything. Jesus sees things with different eyes. He sees YOU with different eyes. And He sees what you give, and how you give it, in an upside down sort of way. As we end, that about what it means to give to God out of abundance, vs what it means to give out of poverty. Ask Him for eyes that see what He sees in this world: where two very small coins can amount to extravagant and honored worship.

Music: Above All Else - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60276577Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 7. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel...Today is June 7.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21.


As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”


Sometimes we give to God out of an abundance, and sometimes, we give the very little we’ve got left. How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel like you are able to be abundantly present to the Lord? Or do you come feeling very small, or impoverished?

Take time to imagine yourself in the place of the poor widow. You are standing in the temple, waiting to give your ridiculously small offering, You are a woman, a widow, and poor, which likely means you feel out of place among all the rich. Can you imagine how she is standing, eyes downcast? How others might be looking at her out of the corner of their eyes? Can you imagine, how very small she might be feeling as she places her coins into the treasury? Listen again, and try to feel the smallness that she may have felt.

Jesus ends with words that draw us back to the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God: to the rich, she gave almost nothing. To Jesus, she gave close to everything. Jesus sees things with different eyes. He sees YOU with different eyes. And He sees what you give, and how you give it, in an upside down sort of way. As we end, that about what it means to give to God out of abundance, vs what it means to give out of poverty. Ask Him for eyes that see what He sees in this world: where two very small coins can amount to extravagant and honored worship.

Music: Above All Else - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>658audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-6th-2024--60276576Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.


I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.


That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.

We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music: I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60276576Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading...Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.


I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.


That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.

We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music: I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>714audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-5th-2024--60274228Today is June 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.

How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60274228Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:05 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is June 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.

How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>652audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-4th-2024--60266650Today is June 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns,  
         let the nations tremble;  
         he sits enthroned between the cherubim,  
         let the earth shake.  
      Great is the LORD in Zion;  
         he is exalted over all the nations.  
      Let them praise your great and awesome name—  
         he is holy.  
       The King is mighty, he loves justice—  
         you have established equity;  
         in Jacob you have done  
         what is just and right.  
      Exalt the LORD our God  
         and worship at his footstool;  
         he is holy.  
  
  
The psalmist is reorienting us to something deeply powerful: God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth... is exalted far about the nations. What does that mean, when the nations of our world seem to be in such disarray? What does it mean that we don’t trust in our nation, any nation, any politic? What does it mean that we trust in God, the king, who is mighty, who loves justice, who establishes equity, and who does what is good and right? What does it mean for you, today, to put your trust in the Lord? 
   
What are things, on a national level, that fill you with anxiety, or frustration, or fear, or even anger? What makes those negative feelings worsen? Perhaps social media? Watching the news? Arguing with family members? Could you imagine giving those things up? Could you imagine instead using that time to abide with Christ, the risen King? To pray and meditate on His kingdom? To commit your trust – over and over and over again – to Him... in faith, hope, and love... instead of in any nation or leader or earthly kingdom? Let’s listen to the scripture again: 
   
We don’t use the word exalt a lot these days, but I think of it like this: what I give my attention and my emotions and my energy to, I’m exalting. Sometimes we exalt athletic teams. Or influencers. Or politicians. To exalt the Lord our God means to give him the best of your attention, your emotion, and your energy. As we end our time of prayer today, consider one way you might need to reallocate attention, emotion, or energy toward the Lord today. Here is a pro-tip: unplug from social media and reduce your screentime. You’ll be amazed how much space you may find...

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60266650Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 4. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is June 4.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 99. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns,  
         let the nations tremble;  
         he sits enthroned between the cherubim,  
         let the earth shake.  
      Great is the LORD in Zion;  
         he is exalted over all the nations.  
      Let them praise your great and awesome name—  
         he is holy.  
       The King is mighty, he loves justice—  
         you have established equity;  
         in Jacob you have done  
         what is just and right.  
      Exalt the LORD our God  
         and worship at his footstool;  
         he is holy.  
  
  
The psalmist is reorienting us to something deeply powerful: God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth... is exalted far about the nations. What does that mean, when the nations of our world seem to be in such disarray? What does it mean that we don’t trust in our nation, any nation, any politic? What does it mean that we trust in God, the king, who is mighty, who loves justice, who establishes equity, and who does what is good and right? What does it mean for you, today, to put your trust in the Lord? 
   
What are things, on a national level, that fill you with anxiety, or frustration, or fear, or even anger? What makes those negative feelings worsen? Perhaps social media? Watching the news? Arguing with family members? Could you imagine giving those things up? Could you imagine instead using that time to abide with Christ, the risen King? To pray and meditate on His kingdom? To commit your trust – over and over and over again – to Him... in faith, hope, and love... instead of in any nation or leader or earthly kingdom? Let’s listen to the scripture again: 
   
We don’t use the word exalt a lot these days, but I think of it like this: what I give my attention and my emotions and my energy to, I’m exalting. Sometimes we exalt athletic teams. Or influencers. Or politicians. To exalt the Lord our God means to give him the best of your attention, your emotion, and your energy. As we end our time of prayer today, consider one way you might need to reallocate attention, emotion, or energy toward the Lord today. Here is a pro-tip: unplug from social media and reduce your screentime. You’ll be amazed how much space you may find...

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>885audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-3rd-2024--60237043Today is June 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2.  
 

Then Hannah prayed and said:  
          “My heart rejoices in the LORD;  
         in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  
         My mouth boasts over my enemies,  
         for I delight in your deliverance.  
       “There is no one holy like the LORD;  
         there is no one besides you;  
         there is no Rock like our God.  
       “Do not keep talking so proudly  
         or let your mouth speak such arrogance,  
         for the LORD is a God who knows,  
         and by him deeds are weighed.  
       “The bows of the warriors are broken,  
         but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  
      Those who were full hire themselves out for food,  
         but those who were hungry are hungry no more.  
         She who was barren has borne seven children,  
         but she who has had many sons pines away.  
       “The LORD brings death and makes alive;  
         he brings down to the grave and raises up.  
      The LORD sends poverty and wealth;  
         he humbles and he exalts.  
      He raises the poor from the dust  
         and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
         he seats them with princes  
         and has them inherit a throne of honor.  
          “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;  
         on them he has set the world.  
      He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,  
         but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.  
          “It is not by strength that one prevails;  
          those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 


Hannah’s prayer reminds us of the strength and faithfulness of God, and of way the kingdom of God interrupts the kingdom of this world. In the kingdom of God, the needy and the poor are lifted up. In the kingdom of god, it is not by our own strength that we prevail. Draw near to the Lord in this moment and try to center yourself in His strength and faithfulness, instead of in your own capacities and power. Pay attention to one area that you are feeling particularly self-reliant about. 
   
Are there things going on in your life, or in the world around you, that feel impossible? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of God’s deliverance? Let the words of scripture speak to you, and remind you of God’s power and provision.  
   
The foundations of the earth’s are the Lord’s. Scripture roots us deeply in the reality that the earth and all that is in it were made with intention, are held with intention, and are imbued with intention. When we are reminded that the foundations of the earth are the Lord, and when we’re reminded that the Lord’s character is good and perfect and just... we can be reminded that he rescues, and He redeems. Perhaps God’s redemption feels far off today for some who are listening. Would you pour out your heart to the Lord, and invite Him to tend to your soul in this time of waiting?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60237043Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 3. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter...Today is June 3.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2.  
 

Then Hannah prayed and said:  
          “My heart rejoices in the LORD;  
         in the LORD my horn is lifted high.  
         My mouth boasts over my enemies,  
         for I delight in your deliverance.  
       “There is no one holy like the LORD;  
         there is no one besides you;  
         there is no Rock like our God.  
       “Do not keep talking so proudly  
         or let your mouth speak such arrogance,  
         for the LORD is a God who knows,  
         and by him deeds are weighed.  
       “The bows of the warriors are broken,  
         but those who stumbled are armed with strength.  
      Those who were full hire themselves out for food,  
         but those who were hungry are hungry no more.  
         She who was barren has borne seven children,  
         but she who has had many sons pines away.  
       “The LORD brings death and makes alive;  
         he brings down to the grave and raises up.  
      The LORD sends poverty and wealth;  
         he humbles and he exalts.  
      He raises the poor from the dust  
         and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  
         he seats them with princes  
         and has them inherit a throne of honor.  
          “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s;  
         on them he has set the world.  
      He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,  
         but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.  
          “It is not by strength that one prevails;  
          those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 


Hannah’s prayer reminds us of the strength and faithfulness of God, and of way the kingdom of God interrupts the kingdom of this world. In the kingdom of God, the needy and the poor are lifted up. In the kingdom of god, it is not by our own strength that we prevail. Draw near to the Lord in this moment and try to center yourself in His strength and faithfulness, instead of in your own capacities and power. Pay attention to one area that you are feeling particularly self-reliant about. 
   
Are there things going on in your life, or in the world around you, that feel impossible? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or in need of God’s deliverance? Let the words of scripture speak to you, and remind you of God’s power and provision.  
   
The foundations of the earth’s are the Lord’s. Scripture roots us deeply in the reality that the earth and all that is in it were made with intention, are held with intention, and are imbued with intention. When we are reminded that the foundations of the earth are the Lord, and when we’re reminded that the Lord’s character is good and perfect and just... we can be reminded that he rescues, and He redeems. Perhaps God’s redemption feels far off today for some who are listening. Would you pour out your heart to the Lord, and invite Him to tend to your soul in this time of waiting?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - 740audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-1st-2024--59422559
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59422559Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-31st-2024--60221778

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    



Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  



What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 

Welcome to prayer. Take a moment to sit in the reality of this verse: nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Allow those words to speak deeply to you. Talk to God about your sense of His presence in your life.  
   
When we face severe difficulty, it is normal to NOT feel like conquerors. It is only by the spirit of God and the power of Christ that we can know the truth of Christus Victor even in the midst of our hardship. Are you suffering right now in any area? Consider your neighborhood, or our world. Where do you see suffering and hardship? Call these people or places and situations to mind and intercede for them as you listen to the text again.  
   
The Bible does not promise us ease and security. Rather, the Bible is honest in it’s description of real life in the real world: It can be very, very difficult. Tragic, even. And in the midst of this: God is with you. God will overcome. God’s justice and mercy will prevail, and in the end of all things, He will make all things good.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "I Speak Jesus" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60221778Fri, 31 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 31. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    



Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  



What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 

Welcome to prayer. Take a moment to sit in the reality of this verse: nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Allow those words to speak deeply to you. Talk to God about your sense of His presence in your life.  
   
When we face severe difficulty, it is normal to NOT feel like conquerors. It is only by the spirit of God and the power of Christ that we can know the truth of Christus Victor even in the midst of our hardship. Are you suffering right now in any area? Consider your neighborhood, or our world. Where do you see suffering and hardship? Call these people or places and situations to mind and intercede for them as you listen to the text again.  
   
The Bible does not promise us ease and security. Rather, the Bible is honest in it’s description of real life in the real world: It can be very, very difficult. Tragic, even. And in the midst of this: God is with you. God will overcome. God’s justice and mercy will prevail, and in the end of all things, He will make all things good.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "I Speak Jesus" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>886audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-30th-2024--60204481

Today is May 30.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  
 

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me. 
  

As you come to prayer today remember that the Lord is with you. Even now, he knows you, and He is familiar with you. How does that truth make you feel right now? Is it comforting? Or on the other hand, does it make you feel nervous? 
   
You hem me in behind and before... picture a seam being sewn around you. God’s protective presence is not just near to you, it surrounds you. The picture is of a good father, His hand resting on his child’s shoulder, leading the child in right ways. Is there something happening in your life right now where you need the Lord’s guidance, or direction? Listen again to this beautiful scripture and consider His nearness to you. 
   
God is Almighty, Father, and Creator of everything that is. And this God knows you. Knows me. He knows the entirety of the cosmos, and at the same time, He is familiar with you. As we end our time of prayer today, you might want to talk to God about your sense of His presence with you. Talk to Him about areas you need Him to lean you in. Thank Him for his presence.
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60204481Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 30. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.          ...

Today is May 30.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.  
 

      You have searched me, LORD,  
         and you know me.  
      You know when I sit and when I rise;  
         you perceive my thoughts from afar.  
      You discern my going out and my lying down;  
         you are familiar with all my ways.  
      Before a word is on my tongue  
         you, LORD, know it completely.  
      You hem me in behind and before,  
         and you lay your hand upon me. 
  

As you come to prayer today remember that the Lord is with you. Even now, he knows you, and He is familiar with you. How does that truth make you feel right now? Is it comforting? Or on the other hand, does it make you feel nervous? 
   
You hem me in behind and before... picture a seam being sewn around you. God’s protective presence is not just near to you, it surrounds you. The picture is of a good father, His hand resting on his child’s shoulder, leading the child in right ways. Is there something happening in your life right now where you need the Lord’s guidance, or direction? Listen again to this beautiful scripture and consider His nearness to you. 
   
God is Almighty, Father, and Creator of everything that is. And this God knows you. Knows me. He knows the entirety of the cosmos, and at the same time, He is familiar with you. As we end our time of prayer today, you might want to talk to God about your sense of His presence with you. Talk to Him about areas you need Him to lean you in. Thank Him for his presence.
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Here In Your Presence" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>716audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-29th-2024--60201222Today is May 29.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 4.  
 

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” 
 

As you come to prayer today, which image feels more connective to you: a lamp, either hidden or on it’s lampstand. Or a measuring cup... being used by you, and then toward you? 
 
As you listen to the words of this text again, ask God to illuminate them with His spirit. Be attentive to the word or phrase that stands out to you. 
   
Jesus tells his listeners to ‘consider carefully what you hear.’ As we end our time of prayer, ask God to increase your understanding of scripture. As Him to stir up your gifts of discernment and wisdom when you read the Bible. And finally, ask Him to teach you how to ‘consider carefully’ his words to you.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60201222Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 29. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is May 29.


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 4.  
 

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” 
 

As you come to prayer today, which image feels more connective to you: a lamp, either hidden or on it’s lampstand. Or a measuring cup... being used by you, and then toward you? 
 
As you listen to the words of this text again, ask God to illuminate them with His spirit. Be attentive to the word or phrase that stands out to you. 
   
Jesus tells his listeners to ‘consider carefully what you hear.’ As we end our time of prayer, ask God to increase your understanding of scripture. As Him to stir up your gifts of discernment and wisdom when you read the Bible. And finally, ask Him to teach you how to ‘consider carefully’ his words to you.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>708audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-28th-2024--60183082Today is May 28.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 25.  
 

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 
 

Welcome to prayer today. As you enter into your time with the Lord, consider one small phrase from our OT text. God says “I will meet with you” to his people. Invite the Lord to draw near to you right now, to meet with you.  
   
The details of this text are so specific, but ultimately there is one general thing that it draws our attention to: the face that God was continually making ways to be present to His people. Think about your own spiritual story. Through what experiences, or people, or ministries, have you experienced the presence of God? 
   
In the New Covenant of the new testament, we have access to God through grace in Christ Jesus. As you end your time of prayer, thank God for drawing near to you when you could not draw near to Him. Offer prayers of gratitude to the Lord today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "King Of Heaven" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60183082Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 28.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 25.  
 

“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. 
 

Welcome to prayer today. As you enter into your time with the Lord, consider one small phrase from our OT text. God says “I will meet with you” to his people. Invite the Lord to draw near to you right now, to meet with you.  
   
The details of this text are so specific, but ultimately there is one general thing that it draws our attention to: the face that God was continually making ways to be present to His people. Think about your own spiritual story. Through what experiences, or people, or ministries, have you experienced the presence of God? 
   
In the New Covenant of the new testament, we have access to God through grace in Christ Jesus. As you end your time of prayer, thank God for drawing near to you when you could not draw near to Him. Offer prayers of gratitude to the Lord today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "King Of Heaven" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>778audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-27th-2024--60157274Today is May 27th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 4.  


After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  
“ ‘Holy, holy, holy  
is the Lord God Almighty,’  
who was, and is, and is to come. 
 

As we come to prayer this morning, consider what it means that you are joining in with a heavenly choir – an unimaginable chorus of worship for the uncreated creator. Take some time to allow yourself to adjust to that mystery and truth. 
   
Listen again to these words from Revelation and allow them to move your awareness of God from the incarnational – the close by – to the transcendent – the almighty...  
 
He was, and is, and is to come. God is your security. He is before all things, in all things, and beyond all things. As you come to the end of prayer today, spend some time meditating on the omnipotence of God. Ask God to increase your understanding and experience of His power.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60157274Mon, 27 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 27th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter...Today is May 27th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 4.  


After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:  
“ ‘Holy, holy, holy  
is the Lord God Almighty,’  
who was, and is, and is to come. 
 

As we come to prayer this morning, consider what it means that you are joining in with a heavenly choir – an unimaginable chorus of worship for the uncreated creator. Take some time to allow yourself to adjust to that mystery and truth. 
   
Listen again to these words from Revelation and allow them to move your awareness of God from the incarnational – the close by – to the transcendent – the almighty...  
 
He was, and is, and is to come. God is your security. He is before all things, in all things, and beyond all things. As you come to the end of prayer today, spend some time meditating on the omnipotence of God. Ask God to increase your understanding and experience of His power.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>878audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-25th-2024--59422560
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59422560Sat, 25 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-24th-2024--60101424The fifth day after Pentecost Sunday.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.  
 

In the last days   
         the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established  
         as the highest of the mountains;  
         it will be exalted above the hills,  
         and all nations will stream to it.  
 Many peoples will come and say, 
         “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,  
         to the temple of the God of Jacob.  
         He will teach us his ways,  
         so that we may walk in his paths.”  
         The law will go out from Zion,  
         the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  
      He will judge between the nations  
         and will settle disputes for many peoples.  
         They will beat their swords into plowshares  
         and their spears into pruning hooks.  
         Nation will not take up sword against nation,  
         nor will they train for war anymore.  
       Come, descendants of Jacob,  
         let us walk in the light of the LORD.  
 
Welcome to prayer. As you take time to get still today, share what is on your heart and mind with the Lord. Perhaps there is a worry that is on your mind. Or a challenge that you are facing. Or a loved on that you are concerned about? Can you bring that to the Lord as we begin?  
   
Isaiah’s vision in this passage is one that describes what God’s kingdom will be like when he fully comes again. God will be God over all. People will stream to worship him. He will judge between the nations and settle disputes. There will be no more war or famine. Listen to these words from Isaiah again, and allow the words that point to God’s kingdom to pour over you. Take note of particular words or phrases that stand out.  
   
As we close our time today, could you take a moment and consider the mountain of the Lord rising up above all the other mountains and the nations streaming to him? Take a moment and intercede on behalf of those you know who do not know God. Pray for the revelation of Jesus to come in dreams and visions and through the witness of family, neighbors and coworkers. Pray also for courage to share the gospel of Jesus –the good news – with someone in your life this week.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Come Lord Come" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60101424Fri, 24 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThe fifth day after Pentecost Sunday. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s...The fifth day after Pentecost Sunday.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.  
 

In the last days   
         the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established  
         as the highest of the mountains;  
         it will be exalted above the hills,  
         and all nations will stream to it.  
 Many peoples will come and say, 
         “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,  
         to the temple of the God of Jacob.  
         He will teach us his ways,  
         so that we may walk in his paths.”  
         The law will go out from Zion,  
         the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  
      He will judge between the nations  
         and will settle disputes for many peoples.  
         They will beat their swords into plowshares  
         and their spears into pruning hooks.  
         Nation will not take up sword against nation,  
         nor will they train for war anymore.  
       Come, descendants of Jacob,  
         let us walk in the light of the LORD.  
 
Welcome to prayer. As you take time to get still today, share what is on your heart and mind with the Lord. Perhaps there is a worry that is on your mind. Or a challenge that you are facing. Or a loved on that you are concerned about? Can you bring that to the Lord as we begin?  
   
Isaiah’s vision in this passage is one that describes what God’s kingdom will be like when he fully comes again. God will be God over all. People will stream to worship him. He will judge between the nations and settle disputes. There will be no more war or famine. Listen to these words from Isaiah again, and allow the words that point to God’s kingdom to pour over you. Take note of particular words or phrases that stand out.  
   
As we close our time today, could you take a moment and consider the mountain of the Lord rising up above all the other mountains and the nations streaming to him? Take a moment and intercede on behalf of those you know who do not know God. Pray for the revelation of Jesus to come in dreams and visions and through the witness of family, neighbors and coworkers. Pray also for courage to share the gospel of Jesus –the good news – with someone in your life this week.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Come Lord Come" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>742audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-23rd-2024--60101426Today is the fourth day after Pentecost Sunday.


Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  
 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 
  

This reading calls to mind the Old Testament scripture that sets the choice of life and death, blessings or curses, before God’s people. This seems like an easy multiple choice test. But it’s not, is it? Our flesh is powerless without God’s spirit. Are there areas in your life, as you come to prayer today, where you feel powerless over an area of sin? Talk to the Lord about that. 
 
Listen to the reading again, and think about what it means – practically – to have your mind set on what the Spirit desires. What does that look like in real life?  
   
As you end prayer today, pray that your mind would be governed by the Spirit, and full of life and peace. If someone comes to mind who you know is struggling with a mind that is NOT full of peace, pray also for them by name.


Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60101426Thu, 23 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the fourth day after Pentecost Sunday. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”           Today’s reading...Today is the fourth day after Pentecost Sunday.


Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  
 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 
  

This reading calls to mind the Old Testament scripture that sets the choice of life and death, blessings or curses, before God’s people. This seems like an easy multiple choice test. But it’s not, is it? Our flesh is powerless without God’s spirit. Are there areas in your life, as you come to prayer today, where you feel powerless over an area of sin? Talk to the Lord about that. 
 
Listen to the reading again, and think about what it means – practically – to have your mind set on what the Spirit desires. What does that look like in real life?  
   
As you end prayer today, pray that your mind would be governed by the Spirit, and full of life and peace. If someone comes to mind who you know is struggling with a mind that is NOT full of peace, pray also for them by name.


Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>729audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-22nd-2024--60101425Today is the third day after Pentecost Sunday.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 104.  
 

      How many are your works, LORD!  
         In wisdom you made them all;  
         the earth is full of your creatures.  
      There is the sea, vast and spacious,  
         teeming with creatures beyond number—  
         living things both large and small. 
      All creatures look to you  
         to give them their food at the proper time.  
      When you give it to them,  
         they gather it up;  
         when you open your hand,  
         they are satisfied with good things.  
      When you hide your face,  
         they are terrified;  
         when you take away their breath,  
         they die and return to the dust.  
      When you send your Spirit,  
         they are created,  
         and you renew the face of the ground.  
       May the glory of the LORD endure forever;  
         may the LORD rejoice in his works—  
      he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,  
         who touches the mountains, and they smoke.  
       I will sing to the LORD all my life;  
         I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  
      May my meditation be pleasing to him,  
         as I rejoice in the LORD.  


The Psalmist says “All creatures look to you to give them their food in the proper time.” As you come to prayer today, remember that God provides for all living things. Are there areas of provision you are worried about today? Are there places where you doubt God’s goodness to provide for you? Bring those areas of care and concern to the Lord.  
   
Often times our lives are full of worry and anxiety about practical needs: medical bills, work issues, housing frustrations. God is our provider, and the Psalmist says he opens his hand to us. As you listen to the passage again, consider how wonderful and powerful and gracious God is as he provides for your needs. 
   
As we end your time of prayer today, thank God for His provision in your life. Consider how God has specifically provided for you. Thank him for the things that you often take for granted. As you go about your day, be diligent to recall that every good and perfect gift comes from your Father in heaven.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60101425Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the third day after Pentecost Sunday.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the third day after Pentecost Sunday.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 104.  
 

      How many are your works, LORD!  
         In wisdom you made them all;  
         the earth is full of your creatures.  
      There is the sea, vast and spacious,  
         teeming with creatures beyond number—  
         living things both large and small. 
      All creatures look to you  
         to give them their food at the proper time.  
      When you give it to them,  
         they gather it up;  
         when you open your hand,  
         they are satisfied with good things.  
      When you hide your face,  
         they are terrified;  
         when you take away their breath,  
         they die and return to the dust.  
      When you send your Spirit,  
         they are created,  
         and you renew the face of the ground.  
       May the glory of the LORD endure forever;  
         may the LORD rejoice in his works—  
      he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,  
         who touches the mountains, and they smoke.  
       I will sing to the LORD all my life;  
         I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.  
      May my meditation be pleasing to him,  
         as I rejoice in the LORD.  


The Psalmist says “All creatures look to you to give them their food in the proper time.” As you come to prayer today, remember that God provides for all living things. Are there areas of provision you are worried about today? Are there places where you doubt God’s goodness to provide for you? Bring those areas of care and concern to the Lord.  
   
Often times our lives are full of worry and anxiety about practical needs: medical bills, work issues, housing frustrations. God is our provider, and the Psalmist says he opens his hand to us. As you listen to the passage again, consider how wonderful and powerful and gracious God is as he provides for your needs. 
   
As we end your time of prayer today, thank God for His provision in your life. Consider how God has specifically provided for you. Thank him for the things that you often take for granted. As you go about your day, be diligent to recall that every good and perfect gift comes from your Father in heaven.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Doxology Anthem" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-21st-2024--60098734Today is the second day after Pentecost Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
 

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.


Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. f the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.


On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 
  
  
Now you are a part of the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. As you come to prayer today, think about your relationship with and connection to your local church – which is the expression of the body of Christ in the world. Talk to the Lord about your relationship to church, and where you are finding your own ‘part’ of the whole. 
   
Paul tells the Corinthians – and us –that there should be no division in the body. Listen again to the scripture, and allow it to become a prayer for the unity of the Spirit in your local church.  
  
As we end our time of prayer today, pray for your local church leaders and for other churches in your area of the world. Pray that they would ‘hold together’ in Christ, that they would demonstrate a unity in the spirit that transcends our diversity, and that we would hold one another with equal concern.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


Music: "Make Us One" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60098734Tue, 21 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the second day after Pentecost Sunday. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,...Today is the second day after Pentecost Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.  
 

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.


Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. f the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.


On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 
  
  
Now you are a part of the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. As you come to prayer today, think about your relationship with and connection to your local church – which is the expression of the body of Christ in the world. Talk to the Lord about your relationship to church, and where you are finding your own ‘part’ of the whole. 
   
Paul tells the Corinthians – and us –that there should be no division in the body. Listen again to the scripture, and allow it to become a prayer for the unity of the Spirit in your local church.  
  
As we end our time of prayer today, pray for your local church leaders and for other churches in your area of the world. Pray that they would ‘hold together’ in Christ, that they would demonstrate a unity in the spirit that transcends our diversity, and that we would hold one another with equal concern.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


Music: "Make Us One" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>734audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-20th-2024--60091482Today is the first day after Pentecost Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.  
 
 
 The LORD replied to them:  
          “I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,  
         enough to satisfy you fully;  
         never again will I make you  
         an object of scorn to the nations.  
         Surely he has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, land of Judah;  
         be glad and rejoice.  
         Surely the LORD has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, you wild animals,  
         for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.  
         The trees are bearing their fruit;  
         the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.  
       Be glad, people of Zion,  
         rejoice in the LORD your God,  
         for he has given you the autumn rains  
         because he is faithful.  
         He sends you abundant showers,  
         both autumn and spring rains, as before.  
       The threshing floors will be filled with grain;  
         the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.  
  
       “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—  
         the great locust and the young locust,  
         the other locusts and the locust swarm—  
         my great army that I sent among you.  
       You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,  
         and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,  
         who has worked wonders for you;  
         never again will my people be shamed.  
       Then you will know that I am in Israel,  
         that I am the LORD your God,  
         and that there is no other;  
         never again will my people be shamed. 
 

This is a beautiful passage describing God’s restoration. After a long drought, the Lord is going to send his rain again. After a period of famine, God will bring about a feast. After a period of shame, God will bring his joy. As you come to prayer today, invite God to examine the state of your heart, your mind your physical body, and your relationships. Pay attention to any areas that need renewal or repair. 
   
How would you describe the season in your life that you’ve been going through? Drought or rain? Famine or feast? Shame or joy? Listen to the text again, and pay attention to the words or phrases that God highlights for you.
   
Pentecost is a season of outpouring and renewal. As we close our time of prayer, and as we enter into this season of Pentecost, ask for more of God’s Spirit to be poured out on your life, on your family, and on God’s people throughout the world. Pray that he will renew and revive us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Restore" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60091482Mon, 20 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the first day after Pentecost Sunday. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the...Today is the first day after Pentecost Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.  
 
 
 The LORD replied to them:  
          “I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil,  
         enough to satisfy you fully;  
         never again will I make you  
         an object of scorn to the nations.  
         Surely he has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, land of Judah;  
         be glad and rejoice.  
         Surely the LORD has done great things!  
               Do not be afraid, you wild animals,  
         for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green.  
         The trees are bearing their fruit;  
         the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.  
       Be glad, people of Zion,  
         rejoice in the LORD your God,  
         for he has given you the autumn rains  
         because he is faithful.  
         He sends you abundant showers,  
         both autumn and spring rains, as before.  
       The threshing floors will be filled with grain;  
         the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.  
  
       “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—  
         the great locust and the young locust,  
         the other locusts and the locust swarm—  
         my great army that I sent among you.  
       You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,  
         and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,  
         who has worked wonders for you;  
         never again will my people be shamed.  
       Then you will know that I am in Israel,  
         that I am the LORD your God,  
         and that there is no other;  
         never again will my people be shamed. 
 

This is a beautiful passage describing God’s restoration. After a long drought, the Lord is going to send his rain again. After a period of famine, God will bring about a feast. After a period of shame, God will bring his joy. As you come to prayer today, invite God to examine the state of your heart, your mind your physical body, and your relationships. Pay attention to any areas that need renewal or repair. 
   
How would you describe the season in your life that you’ve been going through? Drought or rain? Famine or feast? Shame or joy? Listen to the text again, and pay attention to the words or phrases that God highlights for you.
   
Pentecost is a season of outpouring and renewal. As we close our time of prayer, and as we enter into this season of Pentecost, ask for more of God’s Spirit to be poured out on your life, on your family, and on God’s people throughout the world. Pray that he will renew and revive us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Restore" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>859audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-18th-2024--59422166
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59422166Sat, 18 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-17th-2024--60038710Today is May 17th.    
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.  
 

There is a time for everything, 
    and a season for every activity under the heavens: 
      a time to be born and a time to die, 
    a time to plant and a time to uproot, 
      a time to kill and a time to heal, 
    a time to tear down and a time to build, 
      a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
    a time to mourn and a time to dance, 
      a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 
      a time to search and a time to give up, 
    a time to keep and a time to throw away, 
      a time to tear and a time to mend, 
    a time to be silent and a time to speak, 
      a time to love and a time to hate, 
    a time for war and a time for peace. 
  What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  
 

The writer of Ecclesiastes is well versed in reflecting on the breadth of experiences of life that life brings to us. We now commonly refer to seasons of our own life. We may say it’s a hard season or a good season. Try and be more specific about the season you are in. Is it a time of planting or uprooting? Weeping or laughing? Silence or speaking? Loving or hating? Keeping something or throwing it away? Embracing or refraining from embracing?  
 
The writer does a lot of reflecting on what he calls the “meaningless of life” on earth. That the seasons of life, our experiences of the here and now, don’t fulfill us, no matter how good. In response to that the author says that god has set eternity in the human heart. As you hear the passage again, can you feel the longing for eternity? 
  
He has made everything beautiful in its time. No matter what season you are in, can you turn to God in prayer? Can you ask him to make everything beautiful... in it’s time?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60038710Fri, 17 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 17th.         May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s...Today is May 17th.    
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.  
 

There is a time for everything, 
    and a season for every activity under the heavens: 
      a time to be born and a time to die, 
    a time to plant and a time to uproot, 
      a time to kill and a time to heal, 
    a time to tear down and a time to build, 
      a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
    a time to mourn and a time to dance, 
      a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 
      a time to search and a time to give up, 
    a time to keep and a time to throw away, 
      a time to tear and a time to mend, 
    a time to be silent and a time to speak, 
      a time to love and a time to hate, 
    a time for war and a time for peace. 
  What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  
 

The writer of Ecclesiastes is well versed in reflecting on the breadth of experiences of life that life brings to us. We now commonly refer to seasons of our own life. We may say it’s a hard season or a good season. Try and be more specific about the season you are in. Is it a time of planting or uprooting? Weeping or laughing? Silence or speaking? Loving or hating? Keeping something or throwing it away? Embracing or refraining from embracing?  
 
The writer does a lot of reflecting on what he calls the “meaningless of life” on earth. That the seasons of life, our experiences of the here and now, don’t fulfill us, no matter how good. In response to that the author says that god has set eternity in the human heart. As you hear the passage again, can you feel the longing for eternity? 
  
He has made everything beautiful in its time. No matter what season you are in, can you turn to God in prayer? Can you ask him to make everything beautiful... in it’s time?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music: All Things - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>744audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-16th-2024--60038711Today is May 16th.   
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one 
    whose transgressions are forgiven, 
    whose sins are covered.
 Blessed is the one 
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them 
    and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
 When I kept silent, 
    my bones wasted away 
    through my groaning all day long. 
 For day and night 
    your hand was heavy on me; 
my strength was sapped 
    as in the heat of summer.  
 Then I acknowledged my sin to you 
    and did not cover up my iniquity. 
I said, “I will confess 
    my transgressions to the Lord.” 
And you forgave 
    the guilt of my sin.


It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?  
 
Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.  

Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60038711Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 16th.        The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is May 16th.   
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one 
    whose transgressions are forgiven, 
    whose sins are covered.
 Blessed is the one 
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them 
    and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
 When I kept silent, 
    my bones wasted away 
    through my groaning all day long. 
 For day and night 
    your hand was heavy on me; 
my strength was sapped 
    as in the heat of summer.  
 Then I acknowledged my sin to you 
    and did not cover up my iniquity. 
I said, “I will confess 
    my transgressions to the Lord.” 
And you forgave 
    the guilt of my sin.


It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?  
 
Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.  

Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>717audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-15th-2024--60033263Today is May 15th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.  
 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 
 

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?  
 
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.  
 
We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ, we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60033263Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 15th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.     See...Today is May 15th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.  
 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 
 

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?  
 
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.  
 
We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ, we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: "Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>797audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-14th-2024--60009675

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 1.  
 

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 
 

Christian leaders are called to live principled lives that reflect the model of Christ. Amongst our pastors, we talk often about our principles of integrity, humility, pastoral professionalism, accountability, and being above reproach. Consider spaces where you have influence—at home, at work, among your family, or church community. Ask the Lord for grace to search your heart to see if there are places where you are not ‘holding firmly’ to the way of Jesus. 
   
King David, scripture tells us, shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and skill of hand. If you are a leader in any way, as a Christian, that’s your aspiration too: to be skilled at what you do, and to do it with spiritual integrity. Listen again to these words from Titus, and allow them to draw your attention to any areas of your own life or leadership that may need strengthened or encouraged.  
   
It’s impossible to ‘hold firmly’ to God’s message without regular confession, repentance, and prayer with other believers. If you haven’t practiced these disciplines with someone recently, could you make a commitment to bring these practices into a current spiritual friendship? It’s so easy to keep our relationships shallow. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to show you a person in your life – perhaps a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor—you can talk with so you can continue to ‘hold firmly’ to the way of Christ.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60009675Tue, 14 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 1.  
 

An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 
 

Christian leaders are called to live principled lives that reflect the model of Christ. Amongst our pastors, we talk often about our principles of integrity, humility, pastoral professionalism, accountability, and being above reproach. Consider spaces where you have influence—at home, at work, among your family, or church community. Ask the Lord for grace to search your heart to see if there are places where you are not ‘holding firmly’ to the way of Jesus. 
   
King David, scripture tells us, shepherded God’s people with integrity of heart and skill of hand. If you are a leader in any way, as a Christian, that’s your aspiration too: to be skilled at what you do, and to do it with spiritual integrity. Listen again to these words from Titus, and allow them to draw your attention to any areas of your own life or leadership that may need strengthened or encouraged.  
   
It’s impossible to ‘hold firmly’ to God’s message without regular confession, repentance, and prayer with other believers. If you haven’t practiced these disciplines with someone recently, could you make a commitment to bring these practices into a current spiritual friendship? It’s so easy to keep our relationships shallow. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to show you a person in your life – perhaps a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor—you can talk with so you can continue to ‘hold firmly’ to the way of Christ.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>690audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-13th-2024--59975752Today is May 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  
 

“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.   
“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.
 

Alright, I know what you are thinking: this is a strange passage! It’s instructions to Aaron with regard to the temple. It’s so detailed: instructions about the cloth, about the designs, about the colors, and about the religious ritual Aaron was to be a part of. And in the middle of it, one very significant line: “the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and comes out... so that he will not die.” You might not understand all of the other details, but that’s pretty stark. How do you think Aaron felt about that?  
   
How does that differ from what we read in Hebrews: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In the Old Testament, approaching God’s throne was fearful. In the New Testament, because of Jesus, we can approach him in confidence, knowing we will find mercy and grace in our time of need. How does this make you feel? Listen again and pay attention to the difference in ‘approaches to God’ we see between the old and New Testament.   
   
Take time as we end prayer today to ask God to give you the gift of confidence in His mercy and grace. Again: we’re not called to be only ‘self-confident’ the way so many understand it. Any self-confidence we have stands on our confidence in the character of God, and His availability to us through Jesus. Invite God to grow an understanding of this confidence in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: No One Like You - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59975752Mon, 13 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 13. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  ...Today is May 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 28.  
 

“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.   
“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.
 

Alright, I know what you are thinking: this is a strange passage! It’s instructions to Aaron with regard to the temple. It’s so detailed: instructions about the cloth, about the designs, about the colors, and about the religious ritual Aaron was to be a part of. And in the middle of it, one very significant line: “the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and comes out... so that he will not die.” You might not understand all of the other details, but that’s pretty stark. How do you think Aaron felt about that?  
   
How does that differ from what we read in Hebrews: Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In the Old Testament, approaching God’s throne was fearful. In the New Testament, because of Jesus, we can approach him in confidence, knowing we will find mercy and grace in our time of need. How does this make you feel? Listen again and pay attention to the difference in ‘approaches to God’ we see between the old and New Testament.   
   
Take time as we end prayer today to ask God to give you the gift of confidence in His mercy and grace. Again: we’re not called to be only ‘self-confident’ the way so many understand it. Any self-confidence we have stands on our confidence in the character of God, and His availability to us through Jesus. Invite God to grow an understanding of this confidence in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: No One Like You - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-11th-2024--59422161
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59422161Sat, 11 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-10th-2024--59798094Today is May 10th.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.  


“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 


Jesus provides us such a powerful image here of how our scales of justice are tilted in our own favor. The faults of others are so big, while ours are so small. But Jesus turns the image around and says that the large plank in our eye creates a vision problem for us. We can’t see clearly because our sin has so distorted our vision. Think back over your life and consider a time when you were able to see the plank in your eye. Was there a moment when you really were able to see how significant your sin was? What was that like? 
 
Consider now a sin that feels very present to you in the life of someone your care about—maybe a friend, or a co-worker, a family member, or a brother or sister in Christ. As you hear that passage again, ask God to give you 20-20 vision of your own sin. Before you address the sin in their life, is there anything that God wants to address in you?   
 
Jesus doesn’t say to avoid addressing the sin in others. He says that we need to do it after we deal with our own sin before God. Elsewhere the scriptures say that we need to restore others gently, lovingly. As you continue through your day, ask God to increase your love for those around you that you may restore them with God’s gentleness.  
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59798094Fri, 10 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 10th.        May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s...Today is May 10th.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.  


“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 


Jesus provides us such a powerful image here of how our scales of justice are tilted in our own favor. The faults of others are so big, while ours are so small. But Jesus turns the image around and says that the large plank in our eye creates a vision problem for us. We can’t see clearly because our sin has so distorted our vision. Think back over your life and consider a time when you were able to see the plank in your eye. Was there a moment when you really were able to see how significant your sin was? What was that like? 
 
Consider now a sin that feels very present to you in the life of someone your care about—maybe a friend, or a co-worker, a family member, or a brother or sister in Christ. As you hear that passage again, ask God to give you 20-20 vision of your own sin. Before you address the sin in their life, is there anything that God wants to address in you?   
 
Jesus doesn’t say to avoid addressing the sin in others. He says that we need to do it after we deal with our own sin before God. Elsewhere the scriptures say that we need to restore others gently, lovingly. As you continue through your day, ask God to increase your love for those around you that you may restore them with God’s gentleness.  
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>724audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-9th-2024--59798092Today is May 9th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

 
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 
 

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?   
 
Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.  

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59798092Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 9th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is May 9th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

 
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 
 

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?   
 
Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.  

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "All The Same" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>600audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-8th-2024--59798093Today is May 8th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.  
 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 
 

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?  
 
Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.  

Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59798093Wed, 08 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 8th.          The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.    ...Today is May 8th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.  
 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 
 

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?  
 
Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.  

Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>783audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-7th-2024--59798090Today is May 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 93. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;  
         the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;  
         indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.  
      Your throne was established long ago;  
         you are from all eternity.  
      The seas have lifted up, LORD,  
         the seas have lifted up their voice;  
         the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  
      Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,  
         mightier than the breakers of the sea—  
         the LORD on high is mighty.  
       Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;  
         holiness adorns your house  
         for endless days. 
 
 
The psalmist sounds so certain and full of faith in this text. How are you feeling as you come to prayer today? What handful of words might describe how you are doing?  
   
I love the psalms because they express a full breadth of human experience – from absolute faith to delight to certainty to lament to doubt. Sometimes, all in the same psalm. The psalms are a model for us of how to approach God in worship and prayer: totally vulnerable, emotions and all. Listen to the psalmist again and pay attention to one word picture that stands out to you. 
   
Consider how writing your prayers out might help to deepen your devotional life. Perhaps you could take a few minutes as we end to write out a prayer to the Lord. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Who Can Compare?" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59798090Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 7. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 93. 
 
 
      The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;  
         the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;  
         indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.  
      Your throne was established long ago;  
         you are from all eternity.  
      The seas have lifted up, LORD,  
         the seas have lifted up their voice;  
         the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  
      Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,  
         mightier than the breakers of the sea—  
         the LORD on high is mighty.  
       Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;  
         holiness adorns your house  
         for endless days. 
 
 
The psalmist sounds so certain and full of faith in this text. How are you feeling as you come to prayer today? What handful of words might describe how you are doing?  
   
I love the psalms because they express a full breadth of human experience – from absolute faith to delight to certainty to lament to doubt. Sometimes, all in the same psalm. The psalms are a model for us of how to approach God in worship and prayer: totally vulnerable, emotions and all. Listen to the psalmist again and pay attention to one word picture that stands out to you. 
   
Consider how writing your prayers out might help to deepen your devotional life. Perhaps you could take a few minutes as we end to write out a prayer to the Lord. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Who Can Compare?" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,columbus,daiily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerall,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-6th-2024--59798091Today is May 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  
 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 
  
 
Paul is writing to the young man he’s mentoring. He’s calling Timothy to be a ‘man of God’, and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. As we enter into prayer today, think about a man in your life who you consider a ‘man of God’, who truly reflects these qualities. Thank God for these men- young and old - around you who have demonstrated Christlikeness to you. 
   
The language in this text is pretty directive and strong: flee from sin! Pursue righteousness! Fight the good fight! “take hold of...”. Listen again to the text and pay attention to what word stands out to you. 
  
The early church was made up of women and men who pursued God with passion and strength, as well as with humility and self-sacrifice. Would you take time as we close in prayer – right now - to write a letter, or text, or an email of encouragement to someone in your life who’s inspired you to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’ We all need to hear words of courage as we pursue God. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Take My Life" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59798091Mon, 06 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  ...Today is May 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  
 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 
  
 
Paul is writing to the young man he’s mentoring. He’s calling Timothy to be a ‘man of God’, and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. As we enter into prayer today, think about a man in your life who you consider a ‘man of God’, who truly reflects these qualities. Thank God for these men- young and old - around you who have demonstrated Christlikeness to you. 
   
The language in this text is pretty directive and strong: flee from sin! Pursue righteousness! Fight the good fight! “take hold of...”. Listen again to the text and pay attention to what word stands out to you. 
  
The early church was made up of women and men who pursued God with passion and strength, as well as with humility and self-sacrifice. Would you take time as we close in prayer – right now - to write a letter, or text, or an email of encouragement to someone in your life who’s inspired you to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’ We all need to hear words of courage as we pursue God. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Take My Life" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>647audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-4th-2024--59421801
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59421801Sat, 04 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-3rd-2024--59722484Today is May 3rd.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20.  


Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them,  “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death  and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” 
 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.  “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” 
   

Zebedee’s wife askes Jesus an impertinent question. Right after He speaks about his own humiliating, tragic and tortured death, she leans in to ask if her boys can sit in the places of power next to Christ once it’s all over. She didn’t seem to get the plot. She didn’t seem to understand that power in God’s kingdom comes in upside down sort of ways. Do you ever feel like you ‘lose the plot’ of what it means to be a Christian? Do you ever find yourself surprised at the actual cost of your faith?  
   
Jesus’ reply to her seems to be so kind, and so patient. I would have lost my temper! Or gotten angry at such a selfish, ill-timed question. Instead, he answers her. In the text, it actually says that Jesus answers ‘them’… implying that maybe her sons had convinced mom to ask the question that was actually on their minds! Listen to the passage again, consider each individual in the story and how they are relating to Jesus. 
   
Jesus says to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking”. There are all sorts of questions we bring to the Lord. Some of them probably make less sense than we think. Others are deep, full of meaning for us. As we end our time of prayer today, consider the questions you hold in your heart, and bring them to Jesus – trusting in the kindness of his answer.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Wear The Crown" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59722484Fri, 03 May 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 3rd.        May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s...Today is May 3rd.   
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20.  


Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them,  “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death  and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” 
 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.  “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” 
   

Zebedee’s wife askes Jesus an impertinent question. Right after He speaks about his own humiliating, tragic and tortured death, she leans in to ask if her boys can sit in the places of power next to Christ once it’s all over. She didn’t seem to get the plot. She didn’t seem to understand that power in God’s kingdom comes in upside down sort of ways. Do you ever feel like you ‘lose the plot’ of what it means to be a Christian? Do you ever find yourself surprised at the actual cost of your faith?  
   
Jesus’ reply to her seems to be so kind, and so patient. I would have lost my temper! Or gotten angry at such a selfish, ill-timed question. Instead, he answers her. In the text, it actually says that Jesus answers ‘them’… implying that maybe her sons had convinced mom to ask the question that was actually on their minds! Listen to the passage again, consider each individual in the story and how they are relating to Jesus. 
   
Jesus says to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking”. There are all sorts of questions we bring to the Lord. Some of them probably make less sense than we think. Others are deep, full of meaning for us. As we end our time of prayer today, consider the questions you hold in your heart, and bring them to Jesus – trusting in the kindness of his answer.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Wear The Crown" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>751audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-2nd-2024--59722485Today is May 2nd.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.  

   
 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.  I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. 
 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety.  I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.  The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.  They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.  I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.  You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” 
   

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.  
   
Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.  
   
One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence  - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us through His Holy Spirit, but we are surrounded by so many distractions. As we end, could you consider a few ways to practice ‘being still’ and listening to God’s voice, abiding in God’s shalom, throughout your day. Something as small as taking three slow, deep breaths before each meal can help you learn to continually reorient yourself to God’s shalom.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59722485Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 2nd.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is May 2nd.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.  

   
 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.  I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. 
 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety.  I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.  The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.  They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.  I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord.  You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” 
   

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.  
   
Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.  
   
One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence  - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us through His Holy Spirit, but we are surrounded by so many distractions. As we end, could you consider a few ways to practice ‘being still’ and listening to God’s voice, abiding in God’s shalom, throughout your day. Something as small as taking three slow, deep breaths before each meal can help you learn to continually reorient yourself to God’s shalom.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Be Still" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at...]]>915audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-1st-2024--59722483Today is May 1st.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.   
 
  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 
Worship the Lord with gladness; 
    come before him with joyful songs. 
Know that the Lord is God. 
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; 
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving 
    and his courts with praise; 
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; 
    his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
 

The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord? 
   
Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?  
   
The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship  
(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59722483Wed, 01 May 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 1st.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.        Shout for...Today is May 1st.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.   
 
  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 
Worship the Lord with gladness; 
    come before him with joyful songs. 
Know that the Lord is God. 
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; 
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving 
    and his courts with praise; 
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; 
    his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
 

The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord? 
   
Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?  
   
The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship  
(YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-30th-2024--59697708Today is April 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 32.  
 

      The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert,  
         his righteousness live in the fertile field.  
      The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;  
         its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  
      My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,  
         in secure homes,  
         in undisturbed places of rest.  
      Though hail flattens the forest  
         and the city is leveled completely,  
      how blessed you will be,  
         sowing your seed by every stream,  
         and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. 
 
 
This passage from Isaiah is an image of peace, of shalom. As we enter into prayer, can you bring the state of your heart to the Lord? Are you at peace? Distressed? Talk to God about how you are doing today? 
   
The kingdom of God filled with God’s peace, His mercy, His justice and His righteousness. The passage tells us that ‘the fruit of God’s righteousness will be peace, it’s effects will be quietness and confidence forever.’ So many in the world right now are longing for peace, for quietness and confidence. For undisturbed places of rest. As you listen to the scripture again, intercede for all those in the world who are trapped in oppressive or impossible situations.  
   
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Part of our work as kingdom people is to lean toward the ‘not yet’ of God’s kingdom, in order that his kingdom would come in THIS world. Is there one thing you can do to lean toward the kingdom today? Perhaps give your time or finances toward practical acts of justice or mercy? As we close ask God to speak to you about how you can be a kingdom-bringer today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59697708Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 30. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 30.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 32.  
 

      The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert,  
         his righteousness live in the fertile field.  
      The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;  
         its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  
      My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,  
         in secure homes,  
         in undisturbed places of rest.  
      Though hail flattens the forest  
         and the city is leveled completely,  
      how blessed you will be,  
         sowing your seed by every stream,  
         and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. 
 
 
This passage from Isaiah is an image of peace, of shalom. As we enter into prayer, can you bring the state of your heart to the Lord? Are you at peace? Distressed? Talk to God about how you are doing today? 
   
The kingdom of God filled with God’s peace, His mercy, His justice and His righteousness. The passage tells us that ‘the fruit of God’s righteousness will be peace, it’s effects will be quietness and confidence forever.’ So many in the world right now are longing for peace, for quietness and confidence. For undisturbed places of rest. As you listen to the scripture again, intercede for all those in the world who are trapped in oppressive or impossible situations.  
   
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Part of our work as kingdom people is to lean toward the ‘not yet’ of God’s kingdom, in order that his kingdom would come in THIS world. Is there one thing you can do to lean toward the kingdom today? Perhaps give your time or finances toward practical acts of justice or mercy? As we close ask God to speak to you about how you can be a kingdom-bringer today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-29th-2024--59687387Today is April 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5.  
 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
  
  
As we enter into our time of prayer, chose one of the fruits of the spirit to meditate on: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Consider now how that fruit is demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Think of one New Testament story where you remember Christ showing us what it means to live by the fruit of the spirit... 
   
I think of Jesus’ invitation once to some children to come to Him. He was kind, and gentle. The disciples were shooing the kids away, but Jesus took time to switch things up. He seemed to want to use the moment to remind everyone around Him how to walk in the Spirit. Look for a time today to intentionally practice the fruit of God’s spirit. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to lead you into that time, and to give you insight into how you can be like Him in any particular moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Empowered" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59687387Mon, 29 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter...Today is April 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5.  
 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
  
  
As we enter into our time of prayer, chose one of the fruits of the spirit to meditate on: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Consider now how that fruit is demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Think of one New Testament story where you remember Christ showing us what it means to live by the fruit of the spirit... 
   
I think of Jesus’ invitation once to some children to come to Him. He was kind, and gentle. The disciples were shooing the kids away, but Jesus took time to switch things up. He seemed to want to use the moment to remind everyone around Him how to walk in the Spirit. Look for a time today to intentionally practice the fruit of God’s spirit. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to lead you into that time, and to give you insight into how you can be like Him in any particular moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Empowered" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>729audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-27-2024--59421781
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59421781Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-26th-2024--59576740Today is April 26th.
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 21.  


Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way:  Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.  He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 
   

Let’s take a moment and try to step into this familiar story. Some of the disciples – career fishermen – went out to fish and caught nothing. These guys weren’t fishing for sport – if they didn’t catch, they didn’t eat. Imagine how they felt: imagine their weary muscles. Imagine how exhausted they were. Imagine the smell of the air, the stink of the disciples themselves, the frustration of an empty haul, and the feeling of empty stomachs. It had been a bad night. Imagine yourself in the scene with them. What is your attitude like in frustrating moments like these?  
   
This next bit in the story makes me laugh… these frustrated fishermen have been up all night, have nothing to show for it, and Jesus calls out to them: ‘friends, haven’t you caught any fish?’ As you listen to the passage again, consider why Jesus would ask a question that he very well knew the answer to…   
   
“Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you’ll find fish…” What a silly thing to say! Fish don’t congregate only on one side of a boat. Plus, Jesus was a carpenter, not a fisherman. Why listen to Him? Why follow His instruction? I think that the disciples had begun to notice a pattern: when Jesus says to do something… and you do it… remarkable things happen. How do you respond to the instruction of the Lord when it doesn’t make sense to you? Have you seen enough of His goodness to just say ‘yes’? Or do you struggle to follow in faith? As we end our time of prayer, review places where you may have struggled to obey God’s instruction… and invite God back into those places with a willing and teachable heart.  
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Say Yes" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59576740Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 26th.     May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.          Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...Today is April 26th.
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 21.  


Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way:  Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.  He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 
   

Let’s take a moment and try to step into this familiar story. Some of the disciples – career fishermen – went out to fish and caught nothing. These guys weren’t fishing for sport – if they didn’t catch, they didn’t eat. Imagine how they felt: imagine their weary muscles. Imagine how exhausted they were. Imagine the smell of the air, the stink of the disciples themselves, the frustration of an empty haul, and the feeling of empty stomachs. It had been a bad night. Imagine yourself in the scene with them. What is your attitude like in frustrating moments like these?  
   
This next bit in the story makes me laugh… these frustrated fishermen have been up all night, have nothing to show for it, and Jesus calls out to them: ‘friends, haven’t you caught any fish?’ As you listen to the passage again, consider why Jesus would ask a question that he very well knew the answer to…   
   
“Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you’ll find fish…” What a silly thing to say! Fish don’t congregate only on one side of a boat. Plus, Jesus was a carpenter, not a fisherman. Why listen to Him? Why follow His instruction? I think that the disciples had begun to notice a pattern: when Jesus says to do something… and you do it… remarkable things happen. How do you respond to the instruction of the Lord when it doesn’t make sense to you? Have you seen enough of His goodness to just say ‘yes’? Or do you struggle to follow in faith? As we end our time of prayer, review places where you may have struggled to obey God’s instruction… and invite God back into those places with a willing and teachable heart.  
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Say Yes" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>8332024,26th,april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-25th-2024--59576738Today is April 25th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2. 


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

   
This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past? 
   
Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you. 

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59576738Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 25th.          The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.         Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is April 25th.     
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
   
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2. 


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

   
This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past? 
   
Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you. 

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>8172024,25th,april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-24th-2024--59576741Today is April 24th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.
 

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 
 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” 
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.  “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 
  

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it? 
 
As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today? 
   
This passage ends with a question: ‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’. In our minds, we know the answer to that question is: of course not! God is all powerful. All knowing. Ever-present. God is the creator of all that is. There is nothing too difficult for God. But in our hearts? In our hearts, sometimes we feel doubt. Our circumstances lead us to wonder if we’re out of God’s ability or desire to help. And our pain, or unanswered prayer, or sense of hopelessness in difficult circumstances, can cause us to languish in a place of spiritual despair. As we end our time of prayer, can you bring that which feels beyond God’s control, or that which leads you to doubt or that which causes you to ask your own hard questions… can you bring that to God? Take a moment and bring all of your questions and doubts to God. 
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59576741Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 24th.     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.  ...Today is April 24th.
   
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.
 

The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 
 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” 
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.  “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 
  

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it? 
 
As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today? 
   
This passage ends with a question: ‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’. In our minds, we know the answer to that question is: of course not! God is all powerful. All knowing. Ever-present. God is the creator of all that is. There is nothing too difficult for God. But in our hearts? In our hearts, sometimes we feel doubt. Our circumstances lead us to wonder if we’re out of God’s ability or desire to help. And our pain, or unanswered prayer, or sense of hopelessness in difficult circumstances, can cause us to languish in a place of spiritual despair. As we end our time of prayer, can you bring that which feels beyond God’s control, or that which leads you to doubt or that which causes you to ask your own hard questions… can you bring that to God? Take a moment and bring all of your questions and doubts to God. 
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music:...]]>9442024,24th,april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-23rd-2024--59576739Today is April 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1.
 
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For since in the wisdom of God / the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  
 

As you come to prayer today, spend a few moments thinking about the word foolish and the word wise. How do you feel that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? Or the weak things to shame the strong? 
   
Listen again to Paul’s words and really think: what does this upside-down, counter cultural emphasis tell you about the character of God?  
 
Do you struggle being a ‘foolish thing’? Where in your heart or your ego do you resist allowing God to be the strong one, the competent one... instead of you? I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for His gift of humility. Talk to Him about your ego, and where you might be relying on the wrong kinds of things.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "God Has Been Good To Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59576739Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 29.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1.
 
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For since in the wisdom of God / the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  
 

As you come to prayer today, spend a few moments thinking about the word foolish and the word wise. How do you feel that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise? Or the weak things to shame the strong? 
   
Listen again to Paul’s words and really think: what does this upside-down, counter cultural emphasis tell you about the character of God?  
 
Do you struggle being a ‘foolish thing’? Where in your heart or your ego do you resist allowing God to be the strong one, the competent one... instead of you? I’d encourage you to ask the Lord for His gift of humility. Talk to Him about your ego, and where you might be relying on the wrong kinds of things.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "God Has Been Good To Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube) 


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>7092024,23rd,april,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-22nd-2024--59576737Today is April 22nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 12.  
 

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.  

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  

  
Take some time to play this scene back in your mind, at least what you remember of it. Maybe imagine yourself in the room as you watch this scene unfold. You see Jesus, and Martha and Lazarus. And you smell the food. You see a beautiful scene of worship as Mary washes Jesus’ feet with her hair. Then you see Judas. Notice your interior movement to what’s happening during this exchange. 
   
I notice how Jesus acts in a kind and protective way toward Mary. He’s the guest of honor, a person with power in that space. And in this moment, he uses that privilege to tell Judas to “leave Mary alone”.  Imagine how it would have felt for her to first hear Judas’ critique. And then imagine what it’d have been like to hear Jesus’ words of protection spoken over her.
   
Do you ever forget that Jesus of Nazareth was a man? God in the flesh, yes. But also... Jesus of Nazareth. A carpenter. Leader of a small movement. In this scene there is much to notice but I notice the protective, big-brother-ness of Jesus. It reminds me of how he treated the woman caught in adultery. With dignity. Jesus is a remarkable example of walking in both confidence and strength and humility and kindness. As you end your time of prayer today, consider the strength of Jesus... and where you might use your own strength to serve God, and protect the vulnerable.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Among the Poor" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59576737Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 22nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter...Today is April 22nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 12.  
 

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.  

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”  

  
Take some time to play this scene back in your mind, at least what you remember of it. Maybe imagine yourself in the room as you watch this scene unfold. You see Jesus, and Martha and Lazarus. And you smell the food. You see a beautiful scene of worship as Mary washes Jesus’ feet with her hair. Then you see Judas. Notice your interior movement to what’s happening during this exchange. 
   
I notice how Jesus acts in a kind and protective way toward Mary. He’s the guest of honor, a person with power in that space. And in this moment, he uses that privilege to tell Judas to “leave Mary alone”.  Imagine how it would have felt for her to first hear Judas’ critique. And then imagine what it’d have been like to hear Jesus’ words of protection spoken over her.
   
Do you ever forget that Jesus of Nazareth was a man? God in the flesh, yes. But also... Jesus of Nazareth. A carpenter. Leader of a small movement. In this scene there is much to notice but I notice the protective, big-brother-ness of Jesus. It reminds me of how he treated the woman caught in adultery. With dignity. Jesus is a remarkable example of walking in both confidence and strength and humility and kindness. As you end your time of prayer today, consider the strength of Jesus... and where you might use your own strength to serve God, and protect the vulnerable.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Among the Poor" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-20th-2024--59421649
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59421649Sat, 20 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-19th-2024--59493606Today is April 19.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark chapter 12.  
 

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 
 

Do you ever feel confused by what it means to be a God follower? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a Christian? What am I to believe and what am I to do? Today’s reading is the whole teaching of Jesus and the Bible summed up. God is who he has revealed himself to be—one God existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to love God with our whole being and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the whole teaching of scripture summed up.  
 
But we know that summing it up and living it out are two different things. Imagine for a moment that love is like a fire that can become very hot or, if unattended to, can become very cold. How warm or cool is your love for God? As you hear the passage again, ask God to blow fresh wind on your fire of love. 
  
Now think for a moment about people you are surrounded with in your life. Family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. How warm or cool is your love for these people God has placed around you? As you go through your day today, ask God to renew you with his love that his love may flow through you into one other person’s life today.  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Fiery Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59493606Fri, 19 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 19.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from...Today is April 19.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark chapter 12.  
 

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 
 

Do you ever feel confused by what it means to be a God follower? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a Christian? What am I to believe and what am I to do? Today’s reading is the whole teaching of Jesus and the Bible summed up. God is who he has revealed himself to be—one God existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to love God with our whole being and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the whole teaching of scripture summed up.  
 
But we know that summing it up and living it out are two different things. Imagine for a moment that love is like a fire that can become very hot or, if unattended to, can become very cold. How warm or cool is your love for God? As you hear the passage again, ask God to blow fresh wind on your fire of love. 
  
Now think for a moment about people you are surrounded with in your life. Family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. How warm or cool is your love for these people God has placed around you? As you go through your day today, ask God to renew you with his love that his love may flow through you into one other person’s life today.  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music:  "Fiery Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>684audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-18th-2024--59492900Today is April 18.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 115.
 

Why do the nations say, 
    “Where is their God?” 
Our God is in heaven; 
    he does whatever pleases him. 
But their idols are silver and gold, 
    made by human hands. 
They have mouths, but cannot speak, 
    eyes, but cannot see. 
They have ears, but cannot hear, 
    noses, but cannot smell. 
They have hands, but cannot feel, 
    feet, but cannot walk, 
    nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 
Those who make them will be like them, 
    and so will all who trust in them. 
All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
You who fear him, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
  

An idol is anything that we turn to for purpose or provision in place of God. The Israelites lived among nations who fashioned idols out of wood or stone or silver and gold. The idols often looked like a person—with hands, feet, ears and mouths. They were believed to be filled with spiritual power. But even though these idols looked like a person, they couldn’t speak, hear, or move—they were nothing but statues. Yahweh reminded the Israelites that even though he was pure spirit without a physical body, he was alive. He heard, and spoke, and moved among them and on their behalf.  
 
We have the same challenge today as the Israelites did. We don’t see God with our physical eyes so naturally we wonder, God, do you exist? And if you do exist, how can we hear you speak and see you move? When we doubt that God is with us or when we don’t see God do what we want him to do, we naturally turn god-substitutes. As you hear the passage again, call to mind a god-substitute that you turn to for purpose or provision rather than God.  
 
As we close our time today, can you make the refrain of the psalm your refrain? As you walk through your day today, say to the Lord, “I put my trust in you… You are my help and my shield.”  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "You're Carrying Me" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59492900Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 18.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”      ...Today is April 18.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 115.
 

Why do the nations say, 
    “Where is their God?” 
Our God is in heaven; 
    he does whatever pleases him. 
But their idols are silver and gold, 
    made by human hands. 
They have mouths, but cannot speak, 
    eyes, but cannot see. 
They have ears, but cannot hear, 
    noses, but cannot smell. 
They have hands, but cannot feel, 
    feet, but cannot walk, 
    nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 
Those who make them will be like them, 
    and so will all who trust in them. 
All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
You who fear him, trust in the Lord— 
    he is their help and shield. 
  

An idol is anything that we turn to for purpose or provision in place of God. The Israelites lived among nations who fashioned idols out of wood or stone or silver and gold. The idols often looked like a person—with hands, feet, ears and mouths. They were believed to be filled with spiritual power. But even though these idols looked like a person, they couldn’t speak, hear, or move—they were nothing but statues. Yahweh reminded the Israelites that even though he was pure spirit without a physical body, he was alive. He heard, and spoke, and moved among them and on their behalf.  
 
We have the same challenge today as the Israelites did. We don’t see God with our physical eyes so naturally we wonder, God, do you exist? And if you do exist, how can we hear you speak and see you move? When we doubt that God is with us or when we don’t see God do what we want him to do, we naturally turn god-substitutes. As you hear the passage again, call to mind a god-substitute that you turn to for purpose or provision rather than God.  
 
As we close our time today, can you make the refrain of the psalm your refrain? As you walk through your day today, say to the Lord, “I put my trust in you… You are my help and my shield.”  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "You're Carrying Me" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>746audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-17th-2024--59490346Today is April 17.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13.   
 

They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 
But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.  
 

Moses sent out spies to explore the Promised Land. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, had led them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He miraculously fed them with manna from heaven and gave them water in the desert. And God had promised to take them into the Promised Land. God wants them to see the future in store for them. But more than that, he is inviting them to see the future with eyes of faith. But they didn’t see their future with eyes of faith—they saw obstacles, they saw enemies, they saw giants.  
 
When you look into your own future, what do you see? Most of us, like the Israelite spies, see both challenges and possibilities. But God wants us to see more than that. God wants us to see him. He is there in your future. He has been with you the whole journey, and he is waiting for you up ahead, ready to accompany you into the next promise. As you hear the passage again, imagine God waiting for you up ahead.  
  
Think about the day or the week ahead. There will naturally be challenges and possibilities. But more importantly, God will also be there. And he will be there to strengthen you, to bless you, and to empower you. As you face a challenge or a test today, say to the Lord, “You are here with me.”  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "The Moments" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59490346Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 17.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13.     ...Today is April 17.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13.   
 

They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 
But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.  
 

Moses sent out spies to explore the Promised Land. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, had led them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He miraculously fed them with manna from heaven and gave them water in the desert. And God had promised to take them into the Promised Land. God wants them to see the future in store for them. But more than that, he is inviting them to see the future with eyes of faith. But they didn’t see their future with eyes of faith—they saw obstacles, they saw enemies, they saw giants.  
 
When you look into your own future, what do you see? Most of us, like the Israelite spies, see both challenges and possibilities. But God wants us to see more than that. God wants us to see him. He is there in your future. He has been with you the whole journey, and he is waiting for you up ahead, ready to accompany you into the next promise. As you hear the passage again, imagine God waiting for you up ahead.  
  
Think about the day or the week ahead. There will naturally be challenges and possibilities. But more importantly, God will also be there. And he will be there to strengthen you, to bless you, and to empower you. As you face a challenge or a test today, say to the Lord, “You are here with me.”  
  
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "The Moments" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>792audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-16th-2024--59423756Today is April 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.  
 

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  
         By living according to your word.  
      I seek you with all my heart;  
         do not let me stray from your commands.  
      I have hidden your word in my heart  
         that I might not sin against you.  
      Praise be to you, LORD;  
         teach me your decrees.  
      With my lips I recount  
         all the laws that come from your mouth.  
      I rejoice in following your statutes  
         as one rejoices in great riches.  
      I meditate on your precepts  
         and consider your ways.  
      I delight in your decrees;  
         I will not neglect your word.  
  

Purity is a word that comes with a lot of baggage for folks, so let me offer an image to center us around this psalm: consider the freshest, clearest, purest, coldest spring water you can imagine. This is the picture of purity the Bible gives us: something that is perfectly clean, not a drop of pollution or toxin or runnoff! The psalmist is saying that He desires to that sort of purity for his heart, and his mind and his actions. Where do you notice a disregard for purity of heart, mind, or behavior causing damage in the world around you?  
   
Now consider your own heart... your own mind... and your own behavior... How your heart responds to those who irritate you, maybe. Or what you fill your mind with when it comes to music or social media or news or humor or gaming. Consider how you act, how you spend your money, how you treat people. Are there areas where you want to pray “let me seek you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands...”?  
   
The psalmist rejoices, meditates, considers, delights, and does not neglect the word of God. As we end our time of prayer would you think about how much the word of God informs you? Your thinking, your attitudes, your behaviors? If you’re not in a space where you are regularly learning from the word of God, consider getting connected to a small group or other context where you can learn to understand and apply scripture to yourself. 

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59423756Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 16. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 16.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.  
 

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  
         By living according to your word.  
      I seek you with all my heart;  
         do not let me stray from your commands.  
      I have hidden your word in my heart  
         that I might not sin against you.  
      Praise be to you, LORD;  
         teach me your decrees.  
      With my lips I recount  
         all the laws that come from your mouth.  
      I rejoice in following your statutes  
         as one rejoices in great riches.  
      I meditate on your precepts  
         and consider your ways.  
      I delight in your decrees;  
         I will not neglect your word.  
  

Purity is a word that comes with a lot of baggage for folks, so let me offer an image to center us around this psalm: consider the freshest, clearest, purest, coldest spring water you can imagine. This is the picture of purity the Bible gives us: something that is perfectly clean, not a drop of pollution or toxin or runnoff! The psalmist is saying that He desires to that sort of purity for his heart, and his mind and his actions. Where do you notice a disregard for purity of heart, mind, or behavior causing damage in the world around you?  
   
Now consider your own heart... your own mind... and your own behavior... How your heart responds to those who irritate you, maybe. Or what you fill your mind with when it comes to music or social media or news or humor or gaming. Consider how you act, how you spend your money, how you treat people. Are there areas where you want to pray “let me seek you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands...”?  
   
The psalmist rejoices, meditates, considers, delights, and does not neglect the word of God. As we end our time of prayer would you think about how much the word of God informs you? Your thinking, your attitudes, your behaviors? If you’re not in a space where you are regularly learning from the word of God, consider getting connected to a small group or other context where you can learn to understand and apply scripture to yourself. 

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: Let Your Glory Fall - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>727audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-15th-2024--59421568Today is April 15.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!  
 

I love all the repetitions of the word GLORY in this short passage! Clearly Paul is trying to get us to pay attention to something. We have surpassing glory, greater glory, and even glorious glory! There’s something in this text that feels as though Paul is feeling the limitation of his human ability to express something of the fulness of God’s glory. How does this make you feel as you come to prayer today? 
   
Listen again, but try to listen with fresh ears. Listen to how much Paul is straining to say something about the majesty, the glory, the righteousness, of God... Pay attention to how words seem to fail him...
   
For what WAS glorious has NO glory now in comparison with the SURPASSING glory. Paul is expressing a truth about God that is hard to hold. As we close our time of prayer today I want to do something a bit different. Instead of moving into a song of worship to end, I’ll invite you to sit quietly for 2 minutes – you'll hear a soft chime every 30 seconds. As you are sitting quietly, ask God for a gentle revelation of His glory. I don’t know what these two minutes will hold for you: maybe nothing but quiet, maybe a still small voice, maybe a quickening of the spirit’s presence. But I DO know it’s a good thing for us to invite God to reveal Himself to us, that we might be encountered by this glorious glory of God.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59421568Mon, 15 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 15.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians,...Today is April 15.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!  
 

I love all the repetitions of the word GLORY in this short passage! Clearly Paul is trying to get us to pay attention to something. We have surpassing glory, greater glory, and even glorious glory! There’s something in this text that feels as though Paul is feeling the limitation of his human ability to express something of the fulness of God’s glory. How does this make you feel as you come to prayer today? 
   
Listen again, but try to listen with fresh ears. Listen to how much Paul is straining to say something about the majesty, the glory, the righteousness, of God... Pay attention to how words seem to fail him...
   
For what WAS glorious has NO glory now in comparison with the SURPASSING glory. Paul is expressing a truth about God that is hard to hold. As we close our time of prayer today I want to do something a bit different. Instead of moving into a song of worship to end, I’ll invite you to sit quietly for 2 minutes – you'll hear a soft chime every 30 seconds. As you are sitting quietly, ask God for a gentle revelation of His glory. I don’t know what these two minutes will hold for you: maybe nothing but quiet, maybe a still small voice, maybe a quickening of the spirit’s presence. But I DO know it’s a good thing for us to invite God to reveal Himself to us, that we might be encountered by this glorious glory of God.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>536audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-13th-2024--59372560
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59372560Sat, 13 Apr 2024 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-12th-2024--59373867Today is April 12.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 28.
 

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 
 

Matthew tells us that the women were afraid, yet filled with joy. All hope had been lost on Silent Saturday, and here they are: amazed. Terrified. Ecstatic. Can you imagine yourself, sitting with the Mary’s? It’s early, and there’s a chill in the air. The ground is wet with dew. There’s just a bit of light in the sky. You’re terrified. You’ve put all your chips on this Jesus. He valued you, as a woman, like no one you’d ever met. He’d treated you with dignity, like an honored sister. Your hopes were crushed when he breathed his last breath. You’ve no idea what to do next. Can you enter into that picture? 
   
Isn’t it interesting that the angel of the lord appeared to two marginalized women? And the resurrected Jesus did too? Women were devalued in that culture, not counted as legal witnesses. No one would believe a woman, and no one would be expected to. I love that God works this way: he’s unexpected, he’s interruptive, he throws things upside down. It’s not only miraculous that Jesus appeared to two women first, it’s ironic. Almost snarky. It’s like God saying to the world, to culture, to natural law: see. I don’t have to do it your way. I can defeat death. I can honor those who you dishonor. I can lead by serving. I can be first, by being last. Through death... I can bring all the world to life. As you listen again, consider this upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.  
   
I love the word ‘suddenly’ in vs 9. Isn't’ that so often how Jesus comes to us? When we’re least expecting Him. Maybe even when we’re not even looking, or when we’ve given up hope? Do you know someone who’s given up hope for finding Jesus. Pray the word ‘suddenly’ over them today and ask God to intersect their life with the upside-down amazingness of His kingdom.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: Eden - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59373867Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 12. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is April 12.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 28.
 

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 
 

Matthew tells us that the women were afraid, yet filled with joy. All hope had been lost on Silent Saturday, and here they are: amazed. Terrified. Ecstatic. Can you imagine yourself, sitting with the Mary’s? It’s early, and there’s a chill in the air. The ground is wet with dew. There’s just a bit of light in the sky. You’re terrified. You’ve put all your chips on this Jesus. He valued you, as a woman, like no one you’d ever met. He’d treated you with dignity, like an honored sister. Your hopes were crushed when he breathed his last breath. You’ve no idea what to do next. Can you enter into that picture? 
   
Isn’t it interesting that the angel of the lord appeared to two marginalized women? And the resurrected Jesus did too? Women were devalued in that culture, not counted as legal witnesses. No one would believe a woman, and no one would be expected to. I love that God works this way: he’s unexpected, he’s interruptive, he throws things upside down. It’s not only miraculous that Jesus appeared to two women first, it’s ironic. Almost snarky. It’s like God saying to the world, to culture, to natural law: see. I don’t have to do it your way. I can defeat death. I can honor those who you dishonor. I can lead by serving. I can be first, by being last. Through death... I can bring all the world to life. As you listen again, consider this upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.  
   
I love the word ‘suddenly’ in vs 9. Isn't’ that so often how Jesus comes to us? When we’re least expecting Him. Maybe even when we’re not even looking, or when we’ve given up hope? Do you know someone who’s given up hope for finding Jesus. Pray the word ‘suddenly’ over them today and ask God to intersect their life with the upside-down amazingness of His kingdom.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    
 
Music: Eden - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>992audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-11th-2024--59373416Today is April 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Colossians 3.
 
 
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
   

We get a lot of instructions in these few verses, don’t we? We're to clothe ourselves with compassion and humility and many other things. We’re to forgive one another – and not just a little bit, but as the Lord forgave us. We’re to put on love, be at peace, and practice thankfulness. It goes on and on... so... what do you think about all these instructions? What do you think about the intentional work it takes to practice all the virtues that Paul lists here? Do you find it envisioning and inspiring? Or exhausting?  
   
Paul’s point is this: we, as the church, are supposed to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, bearing the likeness of Christ. And, he tells us in other places, that does not come naturally. It comes only super naturally, and with practice. In our own nature, we’re most often grumpy, selfish, we struggle to forgive. Of course, we are nice when others are nice to us first. (Or maybe that’s just me) As you listen to the passage again, be attentive to what particular instruction jumps out at you. 
   
Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. What does that mean for you, today? In your family? With friends? At work? In traffic or on yet another zoom call with colleagues? As we end, ask God for the power of the resurrected Christ to fill you, and empower you live in the name of Jesus today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: When You Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59373416Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 11.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 11.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Colossians 3.
 
 
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
   

We get a lot of instructions in these few verses, don’t we? We're to clothe ourselves with compassion and humility and many other things. We’re to forgive one another – and not just a little bit, but as the Lord forgave us. We’re to put on love, be at peace, and practice thankfulness. It goes on and on... so... what do you think about all these instructions? What do you think about the intentional work it takes to practice all the virtues that Paul lists here? Do you find it envisioning and inspiring? Or exhausting?  
   
Paul’s point is this: we, as the church, are supposed to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, bearing the likeness of Christ. And, he tells us in other places, that does not come naturally. It comes only super naturally, and with practice. In our own nature, we’re most often grumpy, selfish, we struggle to forgive. Of course, we are nice when others are nice to us first. (Or maybe that’s just me) As you listen to the passage again, be attentive to what particular instruction jumps out at you. 
   
Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. What does that mean for you, today? In your family? With friends? At work? In traffic or on yet another zoom call with colleagues? As we end, ask God for the power of the resurrected Christ to fill you, and empower you live in the name of Jesus today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: When You Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>744audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-10th-2024--59370712Today is April 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 118.

 
The Lord is my strength and my defense[a]; 
    he has become my salvation. 
Shouts of joy and victory 
    resound in the tents of the righteous: 
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 
The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; 
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” 
I will not die but live, 
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done. 
The Lord has chastened me severely, 
    but he has not given me over to death. 
Open for me the gates of the righteous; 
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 
This is the gate of the Lord 
    through which the righteous may enter. 
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; 
    you have become my salvation. 
The stone the builders rejected 
    has become the cornerstone; 
the Lord has done this, 
    and it is marvelous in our eyes. 
The Lord has done it this very day; 
    let us rejoice today and be glad. 

 
Psalm 118 is the final piece of the liturgy of Passover, which celebrated Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Eqypt. The Psalmist is exuberant, singing songs of God’s strength, and of all the marvelous things God has done. He is also confident in God’s power, and His ability to save. How are you feeling about the reality of who God is today?  
   
 Consider what ‘the stone the builders rejected’ means. New Testament author Peter refered to Jesus as the living stone: ‘as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men... but in the sight of God, chosen and precious...’ That is such a kingdom paradox: That the material that the world rejects, God chooses, and calls chosen... and precious. As you hear the scripture read again, consider how that truth might draw you, like the psalmist, to exuberances, and confidence in the character of God. 

Let us rejoice today and be glad! Can you take time today to practice ‘being glad’? Can you take time right now, as we end, to drop someone a text, or a note, or even a call... and speak a work of thanksgiving or gratitude to them? As we end our time of prayer, enter into the rest of your day with the intention of practicing, and demonstrating, the fruit of the spirit of joy.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: Giver of Life - Heaven & Earth (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59370712Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 10. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 118.   The Lord is my...Today is April 10.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 118.

 
The Lord is my strength and my defense[a]; 
    he has become my salvation. 
Shouts of joy and victory 
    resound in the tents of the righteous: 
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 
The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; 
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” 
I will not die but live, 
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done. 
The Lord has chastened me severely, 
    but he has not given me over to death. 
Open for me the gates of the righteous; 
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 
This is the gate of the Lord 
    through which the righteous may enter. 
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; 
    you have become my salvation. 
The stone the builders rejected 
    has become the cornerstone; 
the Lord has done this, 
    and it is marvelous in our eyes. 
The Lord has done it this very day; 
    let us rejoice today and be glad. 

 
Psalm 118 is the final piece of the liturgy of Passover, which celebrated Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Eqypt. The Psalmist is exuberant, singing songs of God’s strength, and of all the marvelous things God has done. He is also confident in God’s power, and His ability to save. How are you feeling about the reality of who God is today?  
   
 Consider what ‘the stone the builders rejected’ means. New Testament author Peter refered to Jesus as the living stone: ‘as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men... but in the sight of God, chosen and precious...’ That is such a kingdom paradox: That the material that the world rejects, God chooses, and calls chosen... and precious. As you hear the scripture read again, consider how that truth might draw you, like the psalmist, to exuberances, and confidence in the character of God. 

Let us rejoice today and be glad! Can you take time today to practice ‘being glad’? Can you take time right now, as we end, to drop someone a text, or a note, or even a call... and speak a work of thanksgiving or gratitude to them? As we end our time of prayer, enter into the rest of your day with the intention of practicing, and demonstrating, the fruit of the spirit of joy.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: Giver of Life - Heaven & Earth (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-9th-2024--59350599Today is April 9.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 10.  
 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
 
  
Well, it seems today is a good time to think about any areas of temptation you might be facing! As you do that at the start of our prayer time, remember that God is faithful! In light of His faithfulness, and in the realization that temptation is a common part of being human, do a bit of self-examination and ask: where am I being tempted right now?  
   
Temptation takes different forms for all of us. For some, temptation centers around things like substances, or sex. For others, it’s temptation to rely on our own wisdom, solutions, or plans. Or temptation to anger, to control, or to selfish ways of living. Also, we shouldn't only think about temptation as an individualistic thing. Over the course of history, Christians have faced corporate temptations: to idolatry. To power. To self-gain. Listen to the scripture again with that in mind, and be curious about what ‘corporate temptations’ you sense trying to distract you. 
   
Paul makes clear that the power and presence of God strengthens us to stand firm. One thing I’ve found to be true in following Jesus is this: when it comes to temptation, small yesses end up snowballing into big yesses. In other words, it’s the small, wise choices that defend us from falling into big, unruly temptations. Are there some small areas in your life where you are not practicing wise choices. Small areas where you’re not demonstrating self-control, or patience, or faithfulness? As we close in prayer, can you make a commitment to say Yes to God today over one area of your life?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music - Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59350599Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 9. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 9.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 10.  
 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
 
  
Well, it seems today is a good time to think about any areas of temptation you might be facing! As you do that at the start of our prayer time, remember that God is faithful! In light of His faithfulness, and in the realization that temptation is a common part of being human, do a bit of self-examination and ask: where am I being tempted right now?  
   
Temptation takes different forms for all of us. For some, temptation centers around things like substances, or sex. For others, it’s temptation to rely on our own wisdom, solutions, or plans. Or temptation to anger, to control, or to selfish ways of living. Also, we shouldn't only think about temptation as an individualistic thing. Over the course of history, Christians have faced corporate temptations: to idolatry. To power. To self-gain. Listen to the scripture again with that in mind, and be curious about what ‘corporate temptations’ you sense trying to distract you. 
   
Paul makes clear that the power and presence of God strengthens us to stand firm. One thing I’ve found to be true in following Jesus is this: when it comes to temptation, small yesses end up snowballing into big yesses. In other words, it’s the small, wise choices that defend us from falling into big, unruly temptations. Are there some small areas in your life where you are not practicing wise choices. Small areas where you’re not demonstrating self-control, or patience, or faithfulness? As we close in prayer, can you make a commitment to say Yes to God today over one area of your life?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music - Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>779audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-8th-2024--59308974Today is April 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 15.  
 

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”  
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.
There the LORD issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.”  
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.  
 

This is an interesting Old Testament passage. It comes after the miraculous story of the rescue of the people of God from slavery in Egypt. They’ve just spent a good bit of time in worship and celebration for the amazing deliverance through the Red Sea. And then: into the desert they go. No water for three days. And so, it tells us... the people grumbled. Three days is a pretty short time to forget a miracle as defining as the crossing of the red sea. Are there things in your own own life: signs of grace of God, works of his power, that you have perhaps forgotten?  
 
What role does ‘grumbling’ play in your life? Maybe we call it cynicism these days. Or being entitled. Or critical. We grumble against one another, against leaders against family members, against pastors. What does all of that grumbling do to you? On the other hand, think about the role of thanskgiving, and of gratitude. Listen again to this passage and pay special attention to how it wraps up. The Lord tells them: I am the Lord, who heals you. And he places them beside quiet waters. Listen, and consider the state of your own heart: leaning towards grumbling, or towards gratitude? 
   
It is so easy to be distracted from the goodness of God in our lives. We forget that it is He who holds all things together – it is He who sustains us, who delivers us, and who refreshes us. Consider today your practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. When do you intentionally stop, move your attention toward God, and say thanks? Work at building times like that into each day... and right now: have a practice. Name things that come to mind that you may have forgotten come from God.   

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59308974Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 8. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter...Today is April 8.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 15.  
 

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”  
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.
There the LORD issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.”  
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.  
 

This is an interesting Old Testament passage. It comes after the miraculous story of the rescue of the people of God from slavery in Egypt. They’ve just spent a good bit of time in worship and celebration for the amazing deliverance through the Red Sea. And then: into the desert they go. No water for three days. And so, it tells us... the people grumbled. Three days is a pretty short time to forget a miracle as defining as the crossing of the red sea. Are there things in your own own life: signs of grace of God, works of his power, that you have perhaps forgotten?  
 
What role does ‘grumbling’ play in your life? Maybe we call it cynicism these days. Or being entitled. Or critical. We grumble against one another, against leaders against family members, against pastors. What does all of that grumbling do to you? On the other hand, think about the role of thanskgiving, and of gratitude. Listen again to this passage and pay special attention to how it wraps up. The Lord tells them: I am the Lord, who heals you. And he places them beside quiet waters. Listen, and consider the state of your own heart: leaning towards grumbling, or towards gratitude? 
   
It is so easy to be distracted from the goodness of God in our lives. We forget that it is He who holds all things together – it is He who sustains us, who delivers us, and who refreshes us. Consider today your practices of gratitude and thanksgiving. When do you intentionally stop, move your attention toward God, and say thanks? Work at building times like that into each day... and right now: have a practice. Name things that come to mind that you may have forgotten come from God.   

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>702audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-6th-2024--58578199
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58578199Sat, 06 Apr 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-5th-2024--59294851Today is April 5.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.  
 

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.  
  

The writer of Hebrews tells us that if Christ appeared the first time to bear our sin, his second coming will be to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. As you enter into prayer today, I imagine there are plenty of things you are waiting for. Some of those things might feel trite. Others, though, probably feel very weighty in the waiting. Can you bring those things before the Lord? 
   
Jewish Christians would have been use to, from their Jewish tradition, a constant need to make sacrifices to atone for sin. What do you think it meant to the Hebrews to be reminded that Jesus came ‘once for all – to do away with sin’? 
 
Think about this interruption of their pattern of non-stop sacrifice... Non-stop guilt... Listen to the text again and consider what it would have been like to really understand that Jesus is your ‘once and for all’ salvation?  
   
God, through Christ, brought salvation to all who are waiting for Him. That means that no matter what else we’re waiting for... we can hold onto the truth that we have been saved into a relationship with God that is eternal. That is often a difficult tension to hold: to wait, to experience the ‘not yet’ of the kingdom... and yet to trust in God. As we end our time today, invite God into any areas of waiting that are difficult for you. Ask Him to teach you how to trust Him in the ‘not yet’ of waiting.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Nothing But The Blood - Joshua Miller

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59294851Fri, 05 Apr 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 5. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is April 5.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.  
 

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.  
  

The writer of Hebrews tells us that if Christ appeared the first time to bear our sin, his second coming will be to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. As you enter into prayer today, I imagine there are plenty of things you are waiting for. Some of those things might feel trite. Others, though, probably feel very weighty in the waiting. Can you bring those things before the Lord? 
   
Jewish Christians would have been use to, from their Jewish tradition, a constant need to make sacrifices to atone for sin. What do you think it meant to the Hebrews to be reminded that Jesus came ‘once for all – to do away with sin’? 
 
Think about this interruption of their pattern of non-stop sacrifice... Non-stop guilt... Listen to the text again and consider what it would have been like to really understand that Jesus is your ‘once and for all’ salvation?  
   
God, through Christ, brought salvation to all who are waiting for Him. That means that no matter what else we’re waiting for... we can hold onto the truth that we have been saved into a relationship with God that is eternal. That is often a difficult tension to hold: to wait, to experience the ‘not yet’ of the kingdom... and yet to trust in God. As we end our time today, invite God into any areas of waiting that are difficult for you. Ask Him to teach you how to trust Him in the ‘not yet’ of waiting.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Nothing But The Blood - Joshua Miller

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-4th-2024--59281475Today is April 4.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  
 

As you come to prayer today, consider Paul’s words about ‘foundations’ and ‘building with care’. Think about how you are ‘building’ your own spiritual life? Paul says that he was a wise builder. He was a careful builder, and intentional builder. Take a moment and think through your own spiritual building. Can you identify places that you are intentionally building your spiritual life? Consider how you are building inwardly in practices of prayer, worship, and reading the Word. Or outwardly in spiritual relationships and service toward others. Where do you feel encouraged by what you are building?   
   
Consider now areas of your spiritual life that feel weak, or in need of repair. Are there spiritual disciplines that you are struggling with? What might it mean to invest more deeply in those areas? Listen to Paul’s words again and consider what it means to build wisely and with good materials. 
   
Sometimes we forget to set spiritual aims for ourselves. We do that in so many other areas: set goals, or targets, and we work toward those things. Is there a person you know who might serve as a model for you of spiritual maturity? Someone about who you think: they seem so much like Jesus!? As we end our time of prayer today, think about some of the qualities you see in them, and imagine those same qualities in yourself. What do you want to look like, to sound like, to be like... ten years from now? Ask the Lord for grace to grow into the person He made you to be.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59281475Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 4. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of 1...Today is April 4.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 3.  
 

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  
 

As you come to prayer today, consider Paul’s words about ‘foundations’ and ‘building with care’. Think about how you are ‘building’ your own spiritual life? Paul says that he was a wise builder. He was a careful builder, and intentional builder. Take a moment and think through your own spiritual building. Can you identify places that you are intentionally building your spiritual life? Consider how you are building inwardly in practices of prayer, worship, and reading the Word. Or outwardly in spiritual relationships and service toward others. Where do you feel encouraged by what you are building?   
   
Consider now areas of your spiritual life that feel weak, or in need of repair. Are there spiritual disciplines that you are struggling with? What might it mean to invest more deeply in those areas? Listen to Paul’s words again and consider what it means to build wisely and with good materials. 
   
Sometimes we forget to set spiritual aims for ourselves. We do that in so many other areas: set goals, or targets, and we work toward those things. Is there a person you know who might serve as a model for you of spiritual maturity? Someone about who you think: they seem so much like Jesus!? As we end our time of prayer today, think about some of the qualities you see in them, and imagine those same qualities in yourself. What do you want to look like, to sound like, to be like... ten years from now? Ask the Lord for grace to grow into the person He made you to be.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>716audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-3rd-2024--59264790Today is April 3rd.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2.  
 

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house c to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:  
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,  
a chosen and precious cornerstone,  
and the one who trusts in him  
will never be put to shame.”  
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,  
“The stone the builders rejected  
has become the cornerstone,”  and,  
“A stone that causes people to stumble  
and a rock that makes them fall.” 
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.   But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
 
 
This text is so rich in meaning and depth. Let me pick out one small phrase for us to consider now... as Peter describes Jesus as: “the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him”. As we come to prayer today, do you identify with a sense of feeling rejected by humans? By family? By the world around you? Do you identify with being chosen and precious? Take time to share your sentiments with the Lord in prayer.  
   
Listen again to the reading, and try to be very focused on each thought. Is there a word or phrase that stands out to you?  
   
Peter calls us—his children--precious, a special possession, the people of God. Can you imagine that the God of the universe has such great love and affection for you? Do you live out of that identity? That you are kept in the care of God? That you – and all of your brokenness – can come to God and ask freely for forgiveness and acceptance? Talk to God as we end and speak honestly with Him about areas of your life that feel like they need mercy. Ask God for mercy today. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Who Is Like Our God - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59264790Wed, 03 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 3rd. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is April 3rd.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 2.  
 

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house c to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:  
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,  
a chosen and precious cornerstone,  
and the one who trusts in him  
will never be put to shame.”  
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,  
“The stone the builders rejected  
has become the cornerstone,”  and,  
“A stone that causes people to stumble  
and a rock that makes them fall.” 
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.   But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
 
 
This text is so rich in meaning and depth. Let me pick out one small phrase for us to consider now... as Peter describes Jesus as: “the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him”. As we come to prayer today, do you identify with a sense of feeling rejected by humans? By family? By the world around you? Do you identify with being chosen and precious? Take time to share your sentiments with the Lord in prayer.  
   
Listen again to the reading, and try to be very focused on each thought. Is there a word or phrase that stands out to you?  
   
Peter calls us—his children--precious, a special possession, the people of God. Can you imagine that the God of the universe has such great love and affection for you? Do you live out of that identity? That you are kept in the care of God? That you – and all of your brokenness – can come to God and ask freely for forgiveness and acceptance? Talk to God as we end and speak honestly with Him about areas of your life that feel like they need mercy. Ask God for mercy today. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Who Is Like Our God - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-2nd-2024--59243626Today is April 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 21.  
 

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” 
 

I love the way this passage opens. Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah. As you come to prayer today, can you reflect on the character of God as gracious. The character of God is kindness. The character of God is merciful. The root word of gracious is, of course, grace. This is our God. He is grace. And he is not just grace in general. He is grace in particular. To you. He is gracious to you. Take a moment now as you bring yourself to God and allow him to speak a word of grace over you.  
   
And he is gracious in particular ways. “He was gracious to Sarah as he had said. He did for Sarah what he had promised.” Think for a moment about a promise that God has spoken to your heart, something that you are still waiting for. This is nature of a promise, it is filled with waiting. And it is also filled with hope. As you listen to the passage again, ask God to fill you with his hope as you await his promise.  
   
I think about the words of Mary after the Angel spoke to her about God’s promise. Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. She hadn’t received the promise but she still treasured the promise. As we close our time of prayer, and as you walk through your day, treasure his promises for you, even as you wait for them to be fulfilled. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59243626Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is April 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 21.  
 

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” 
 

I love the way this passage opens. Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah. As you come to prayer today, can you reflect on the character of God as gracious. The character of God is kindness. The character of God is merciful. The root word of gracious is, of course, grace. This is our God. He is grace. And he is not just grace in general. He is grace in particular. To you. He is gracious to you. Take a moment now as you bring yourself to God and allow him to speak a word of grace over you.  
   
And he is gracious in particular ways. “He was gracious to Sarah as he had said. He did for Sarah what he had promised.” Think for a moment about a promise that God has spoken to your heart, something that you are still waiting for. This is nature of a promise, it is filled with waiting. And it is also filled with hope. As you listen to the passage again, ask God to fill you with his hope as you await his promise.  
   
I think about the words of Mary after the Angel spoke to her about God’s promise. Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. She hadn’t received the promise but she still treasured the promise. As we close our time of prayer, and as you walk through your day, treasure his promises for you, even as you wait for them to be fulfilled. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>698audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-1st-2024--59229562Today is April 1st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 2.  
 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

This is a theologically rich passage, so let’s consider just one aspect of Paul’s words: he’s drawing a juxtaposition between our human sin nature and wrath... and God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness.... given to us through Christ. Paul reminds us that we are God’s ‘handiwork’ - that is what we were CREATED to be. Instead because of sin, we became corrupted. But that’s not the end of the story.  the end of our story is that, by the gift of God, we can live as God’s handiwork. Think about how starkly Paul saw this difference: who we are in sin, and who we are in salvation. Is it difficult for you to think in these terms? 
   
Listen to this reading again, and consider your faith less as sentimental, and more as ontological – as a truth claim. Paul is telling us a truth: that without the grace offered to us through Jesus Christ, we are lost. But that the good news is that with grace, we become the people we are truly indended to be...
 
Have you thought recently about God’s calling your life? About what he created you to be? To do? God loves you and has plans and purpose for you. As we end our time of prayer today, take time to ask God to speak to you about what it means that YOU are His handiwork...  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Adore Him - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59229562Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 1st. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter...Today is April 1st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 2.  
 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

This is a theologically rich passage, so let’s consider just one aspect of Paul’s words: he’s drawing a juxtaposition between our human sin nature and wrath... and God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness.... given to us through Christ. Paul reminds us that we are God’s ‘handiwork’ - that is what we were CREATED to be. Instead because of sin, we became corrupted. But that’s not the end of the story.  the end of our story is that, by the gift of God, we can live as God’s handiwork. Think about how starkly Paul saw this difference: who we are in sin, and who we are in salvation. Is it difficult for you to think in these terms? 
   
Listen to this reading again, and consider your faith less as sentimental, and more as ontological – as a truth claim. Paul is telling us a truth: that without the grace offered to us through Jesus Christ, we are lost. But that the good news is that with grace, we become the people we are truly indended to be...
 
Have you thought recently about God’s calling your life? About what he created you to be? To do? God loves you and has plans and purpose for you. As we end our time of prayer today, take time to ask God to speak to you about what it means that YOU are His handiwork...  

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Adore Him - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>776audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-30th-2024-silent-saturday--59144835Today is Saturday of Holy Week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 
    Why are you so far from saving me, 
    so far from my cries of anguish? 
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, 
    by night, but I find no rest. 
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; 
    you are the one Israel praises. 
In you our ancestors put their trust; 
    they trusted and you delivered them. 
To you they cried out and were saved; 
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
But I am a worm and not a man, 
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 
All who see me mock me; 
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say, 
    “let the Lord rescue him. 
Let him deliver him, 
    since he delights in him.” 
Yet you brought me out of the womb; 
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
From birth I was cast on you; 
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 
Do not be far from me, 
    for trouble is near 
    and there is no one to help. 
Many bulls surround me; 
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
Roaring lions that tear their prey 
    open their mouths wide against me. 
I am poured out like water, 
    and all my bones are out of joint. 
My heart has turned to wax; 
    it has melted within me. 
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, 
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; 
    you lay me in the dust of death. 
Dogs surround me, 
    a pack of villains encircles me; 
    they pierce my hands and my feet. 
All my bones are on display; 
    people stare and gloat over me. 
They divide my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment. 
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. 
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.


For Christians, this day is known as Silent Saturday. God is silent on Silent Saturday. Jesus, the one who called out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is forsaken and left for dead.  
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we remember that we are dust, and to dust we will return. And the day after Good Friday, we sit next to the tomb of Jesus, where his body lies, beaten and crucified.

Silent Saturday is the day we sit with injustice all around the world and recognize that for too many,  it feels as though God is dead. God cannot be found. God cannot be heard. God cannot be seen.

We Christians too quickly rush past Silent Saturday, rush past the forsakenness of the world, rush past those who cannot seem to find God. Kierkegaard called this quietness .... this is what he calls the Sickness unto Death. That is the world for so many. Sickness unto death. We Christians shouldn't rush through Silent Saturday too quickly. Remember that it is still night. The joy comes in the morning.

This week, we have entered into the experience of the disciples. You were with Mary when she washed Jesus’ feet with perfume. You were with John as you sat at the Last Supper. You were with Peter as Jesus washed your feet. You were with Jesus’ mother, Mary, and John, at the cross. I want you to choose one of those disciples and sit with them on this Silent Saturday, and consider what they were feeling and experiencing on this day after Jesus' death two thousand years ago.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59144835Sat, 30 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Saturday of Holy Week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Saturday of Holy Week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.


My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 
    Why are you so far from saving me, 
    so far from my cries of anguish? 
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, 
    by night, but I find no rest. 
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; 
    you are the one Israel praises. 
In you our ancestors put their trust; 
    they trusted and you delivered them. 
To you they cried out and were saved; 
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
But I am a worm and not a man, 
    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 
All who see me mock me; 
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say, 
    “let the Lord rescue him. 
Let him deliver him, 
    since he delights in him.” 
Yet you brought me out of the womb; 
    you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
From birth I was cast on you; 
    from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 
Do not be far from me, 
    for trouble is near 
    and there is no one to help. 
Many bulls surround me; 
    strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
Roaring lions that tear their prey 
    open their mouths wide against me. 
I am poured out like water, 
    and all my bones are out of joint. 
My heart has turned to wax; 
    it has melted within me. 
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, 
    and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; 
    you lay me in the dust of death. 
Dogs surround me, 
    a pack of villains encircles me; 
    they pierce my hands and my feet. 
All my bones are on display; 
    people stare and gloat over me. 
They divide my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment. 
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. 
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.


For Christians, this day is known as Silent Saturday. God is silent on Silent Saturday. Jesus, the one who called out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is forsaken and left for dead.  
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when we remember that we are dust, and to dust we will return. And the day after Good Friday, we sit next to the tomb of Jesus, where his body lies, beaten and crucified.

Silent Saturday is the day we sit with injustice all around the world and recognize that for too many,  it feels as though God is dead. God cannot be found. God cannot be heard. God cannot be seen.

We Christians too quickly rush past Silent Saturday, rush past the forsakenness of the world, rush past those who cannot seem to find God. Kierkegaard called this quietness .... this is what he calls the Sickness unto Death. That is the world for so many. Sickness unto death. We Christians shouldn't rush through Silent Saturday too quickly. Remember that it is still night. The joy comes in the morning.

This week, we have entered into the experience of the disciples. You were with Mary when she washed Jesus’ feet with perfume. You were with John as you sat at the Last Supper. You were with Peter as...]]>665audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,holy,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,saturday,silent,vineyard,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-29th-2024-good-friday--59144833Today is Good Friday of Holy Week.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” 
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, 
“They divided my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment.” 
So this is what the soldiers did. 
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I’ve been watching the whole time. I was there watching Pilate wring his hands over what to do with him. Watching the soldiers beat him, mock him, spit on him. And with every blow he took I felt was a gut punch to me too. I’m sick to my stomach. All day my heart’s been pounding and head spinning so fast, I hardly know up from down. I'm watching him lose his life and I’m afraid for my life? But somehow, for some reason, I’m still here. Looking up at him. He’s almost unrecognizable to me.
 
Jesus’s head is moving now, he’s looking to see who remains there at the cross, with him. The unrecognizable one is straining to recognize someone. I see him lock eyes with his mother, Mary. I knew she was here, just a few yards away but hadn’t really seen her, really looked at her. Lots of people have cleared out now. But Mary’s still here, and her sister, and Clopas’ wife. And Mary Magdalene, too. And they’re holding on to each other. I can tell they wish they could hold on to him. I don’t see the other disciples, though. Where are they?

And now Jesus sees me too. The one he loves. I see him look at me again with those eyes. I actually can’t believe that he still sees me, but he does. And he does the unthinkable, he speaks to me. And to his mother. First to her, “Woman this is your son.” He’s talking about me. Looks over to me. And then he says, “Here is your mother.” And in this unexpected moment, everything changes for me. In hearing this last wish, this last will, I know what his will is for me. I know to whom I belong, and I know what I am to do. And right now, that’s all I need. 

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59144833Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Good Friday of Holy Week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Good Friday of Holy Week.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 
“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” 
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, 
“They divided my clothes among them 
    and cast lots for my garment.” 
So this is what the soldiers did. 
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I’ve been watching the whole time. I was there watching Pilate wring his hands over what to do with him. Watching the soldiers beat him, mock him, spit on him. And with every blow he took I felt was a gut punch to me too. I’m sick to my stomach. All day my heart’s been pounding and head spinning so fast, I hardly know up from down. I'm watching him lose his life and I’m afraid for my life? But somehow, for some reason, I’m still here. Looking up at him. He’s almost unrecognizable to me.
 
Jesus’s head is moving now, he’s looking to see who remains there at the cross, with him. The unrecognizable one is straining to recognize someone. I see him lock eyes with his mother, Mary. I knew she was here, just a few yards away but hadn’t really seen her, really looked at her. Lots of people have cleared out now. But Mary’s still here, and her sister, and Clopas’ wife. And Mary Magdalene, too. And they’re holding on to each other. I can tell they wish they could hold on to him. I don’t see the other disciples, though. Where are they?

And now Jesus sees me too. The one he loves. I see him look at me again with those eyes. I actually can’t believe that he still sees me, but he does. And he does the unthinkable, he speaks to me. And to his mother. First to her, “Woman this is your son.” He’s talking about me. Looks over to me. And then he says, “Here is your mother.” And in this unexpected moment, everything changes for me. In hearing this last wish, this last will, I know what his...]]>824audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,friday,good,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-28th-2024-maundy-thursday--59144834Today is Maundy Thursday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” 
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.


Today we are here at the Passover meal, the Last Supper. Imagine you are the disciple Peter in this moment, when, in the middle of the meal, Jesus stands up and does something completely unexpected. Without a word, he wraps a towel around his waist, fills a basin with water and kneels down at John's feet and starts washing them. I look at John and then to the others, and everyone has the same look on their faces? Eyes wide with shock. Hands open with a shrug that begs the question, What in the world is he doing? And as I sit quietly and watch him wash the feet of my brothers, over and over again, I feel the anger rising in me. Anger at them, anger at him.

I don't think you understand how wrong this is. Jesus is the Master, the Teacher, the Rabbi. My whole life I've heard the Mishnah, the teaching of the Rabbis, commanding me to be covered in the 'dust of the feet of my master.' I've followed behind him everywhere, covered in his dust. And now he is washing the dust off of me? I am supposed to sit at his feet, and here he sits at mine? By the time he gets to me, I erupt! You're going to wash my feet? Not a chance!

He calmly and knowingly looks at me. He's seen this kind of thing from me before. With a smile Jesus says quietly to me: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

Well, wash all of me then, master! And right there, as he knees, I break. He touches my feet and I can't hold back my tears. Through bleary vision I finally see so clearly. On this Maundy Thursday, this mandate Thursday, I finally understand the mandate he’s given me... to serve others like he serves me. This is what it means to love one another.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: You Give Us Peace - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59144834Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:01:07 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Maundy Thursday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Maundy Thursday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
 

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” 
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.


Today we are here at the Passover meal, the Last Supper. Imagine you are the disciple Peter in this moment, when, in the middle of the meal, Jesus stands up and does something completely unexpected. Without a word, he wraps a towel around his waist, fills a basin with water and kneels down at John's feet and starts washing them. I look at John and then to the others, and everyone has the same look on their faces? Eyes wide with shock. Hands open with a shrug that begs the question, What in the world is he doing? And as I sit quietly and watch him wash the feet of my brothers, over and over again, I feel the anger rising in me. Anger at them, anger at him.

I don't think you understand how wrong this is. Jesus is the Master, the Teacher, the Rabbi. My whole life I've heard the Mishnah, the teaching of the Rabbis, commanding me to be covered in the 'dust of the feet of my master.' I've followed behind him everywhere, covered in his dust. And now he is washing the dust off of me? I am supposed to sit at his feet, and here he sits at mine? By the time he gets to me, I erupt! You're going to wash my feet? Not a chance!

He calmly and knowingly looks at me. He's seen this kind of thing from me before. With a smile Jesus says quietly to me: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

Well, wash all of me then, master! And right there, as he knees, I break. He touches my feet and I can't hold back my tears. Through bleary vision I finally see so clearly. On this Maundy...]]>864audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,maundy,pickerall,thursday,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-27th-2024--59131684Today is Wednesday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
  

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. 
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. 
When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.


Here you are with Jesus on the night before his crucifixion and death. But nothing of that is in your mind at the moment. You’ve just finished the Passover meal. Imagine that you are the disciple, John. This is the Gospel he wrote and when he writes about “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he is speaking in third person about himself. I am the one reclining next to Jesus. I am the one Jesus loves. I am the one who is completely known by him, yet completely secure in his love for me.

But once again there is tension in the room. Not just commotion, there’s always commotion. But tension. This time it’s Jesus. It’s Jesus who is troubled in spirit. We can all feel it. But I’m not sure how I feel about that. Jesus is the steady one. The rock. The voice of reason and truth. And now he speaks of betrayal. And now he speaks again in riddle. And as I watch him dip the bread in the bowl and hand it to Judas, I feel a mixture of concern, and conviction, and care for this one who cares so much for me.
 
But when Judas leaves there is once again peace. And words of glory, glory, glory, glory, glory. Five times he speaks of glory. And once again, I am brought back to the magnificence, the honor, the majesty, the worth, the loveliness, the grandeur of this man Jesus. Yes, he is one like me but he is so much more than one like me. He is so other than me. And the only way to describe him is glory.   

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Have Mercy - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59131684Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:01:12 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Wednesday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Wednesday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” 

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 13.
  

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. 
So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. 
When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.


Here you are with Jesus on the night before his crucifixion and death. But nothing of that is in your mind at the moment. You’ve just finished the Passover meal. Imagine that you are the disciple, John. This is the Gospel he wrote and when he writes about “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, he is speaking in third person about himself. I am the one reclining next to Jesus. I am the one Jesus loves. I am the one who is completely known by him, yet completely secure in his love for me.

But once again there is tension in the room. Not just commotion, there’s always commotion. But tension. This time it’s Jesus. It’s Jesus who is troubled in spirit. We can all feel it. But I’m not sure how I feel about that. Jesus is the steady one. The rock. The voice of reason and truth. And now he speaks of betrayal. And now he speaks again in riddle. And as I watch him dip the bread in the bowl and hand it to Judas, I feel a mixture of concern, and conviction, and care for this one who cares so much for me.
 
But when Judas leaves there is once again peace. And words of glory, glory, glory, glory, glory. Five times he speaks of glory. And once again, I am brought back to the magnificence, the honor, the majesty, the worth, the loveliness, the grandeur of this man Jesus. Yes, he is one like me but he is so much more than one like me. He is so other than me. And the only way to describe him is glory.   

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Have Mercy - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>792audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,holy,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyard,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-26th-2024--59131683
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.


Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.  Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.


Today we find ourselves in the Temple courts during the Passover festival. A day, maybe two, before the Passover. And it's buzzing with activity. Pilgrims from all over Israel, indeed from even further, have gathered here in the outer courts, the court of Gentiles. I imagine for a moment that I am Philip. In the midst of all of this noise and movement, I watch Jesus in the distance teaching, and my mind wanders for a few moments thinking about these three short years since I met him in my hometown of Bethsaida. It feels like a lifetime ago.
 
When he came into town teaching, I remember thinking immediately, this is the one Moses wrote about. The fulfillment of the Law. And I went to find Nathaniel and then we found Peter and I remember saying to them, Just come and see. You've got to see. We were just ordinary, hardly even ordinary, and now here we are. The whole world is abuzz because of this man.  

My mind snaps back to the here and now when a group of Greeks come and ask to see Jesus. They think because I'm also Greek that I can get them an introduction. Jesus is like a rock star these days, and everyone thinks I'm the ticket back stage. But Jesus is having none of it. He's in an entirely different mode. There is this urgency... like he sees something we don't see. It's like we are all watching a sunset and he looks at it and sees the sky opening up and swallowing the sun and the moon and everything. Swallowing him. And like so many other times, I stand here stunned, speechless.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Are You Who You Say You Are? - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59131683Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Tuesday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.


Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.  Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.


Today we find ourselves in the Temple courts during the Passover festival. A day, maybe two, before the Passover. And it's buzzing with activity. Pilgrims from all over Israel, indeed from even further, have gathered here in the outer courts, the court of Gentiles. I imagine for a moment that I am Philip. In the midst of all of this noise and movement, I watch Jesus in the distance teaching, and my mind wanders for a few moments thinking about these three short years since I met him in my hometown of Bethsaida. It feels like a lifetime ago.
 
When he came into town teaching, I remember thinking immediately, this is the one Moses wrote about. The fulfillment of the Law. And I went to find Nathaniel and then we found Peter and I remember saying to them, Just come and see. You've got to see. We were just ordinary, hardly even ordinary, and now here we are. The whole world is abuzz because of this man.  

My mind snaps back to the here and now when a group of Greeks come and ask to see Jesus. They think because I'm also Greek that I can get them an introduction. Jesus is like a rock star these days, and everyone thinks I'm the ticket back stage. But Jesus is having none of it. He's in an entirely different mode. There is this urgency... like he sees something we don't see. It's like we are all watching a sunset and he looks at it and sees the sky opening up and swallowing the sun and the moon and everything. Swallowing him. And like so many other times, I stand here stunned, speechless.

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: Are You Who You Say You Are? - Heaven and Earth - fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-25th-2024--59104388Today is Monday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.  


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
 
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.


Here we are in this scene with Jesus, six days before Passover, when he becomes our Passover Lamb. And it is a scene filled with resurrection life. Why? Because we are in Lazarus’ home. The one Jesus already raised. And it is a special meal, one to honor Jesus. Imagine the sense of joy, of goodness, of life, that was around the table this evening. Who do you see with you around the table? What stories do you hear being told about Lazarus, about all that you’ve seen Jesus do?
 
In the midst of hearing those stories and remembering all that Jesus has done—all that you’ve experienced because of the power of this man’s life and words, the power of what you experience when he looks at you—in the midst of that, imagine this is the moment that you’ve prepared for. You stand and walk over to Jesus with your jar of expensive oil and kneel down and pouring it over Jesus dirty feet, and saying to him, “You are worth everything to me, Lord.”
  
Hold on, now you’ve caused a scene. And a controversy. Because you’re now being accused of being selfish, of not caring for the poor. For a moment, your anxiety peaks and your blood pressure rises. You think, maybe you have done something wrong. But then Jesus reminds you and everyone in the room that when you give your all for him, you don’t separate yourself from the poor, hold back from the poor. But you become poor yourself. So that you, like Christ, will be the poor who always has the poor among you.  

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: "House of Prayer" - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59104388Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Monday of Holy week. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the...Today is Monday of Holy week.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
 
Assist me mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that I may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 12.  


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
 
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.


Here we are in this scene with Jesus, six days before Passover, when he becomes our Passover Lamb. And it is a scene filled with resurrection life. Why? Because we are in Lazarus’ home. The one Jesus already raised. And it is a special meal, one to honor Jesus. Imagine the sense of joy, of goodness, of life, that was around the table this evening. Who do you see with you around the table? What stories do you hear being told about Lazarus, about all that you’ve seen Jesus do?
 
In the midst of hearing those stories and remembering all that Jesus has done—all that you’ve experienced because of the power of this man’s life and words, the power of what you experience when he looks at you—in the midst of that, imagine this is the moment that you’ve prepared for. You stand and walk over to Jesus with your jar of expensive oil and kneel down and pouring it over Jesus dirty feet, and saying to him, “You are worth everything to me, Lord.”
  
Hold on, now you’ve caused a scene. And a controversy. Because you’re now being accused of being selfish, of not caring for the poor. For a moment, your anxiety peaks and your blood pressure rises. You think, maybe you have done something wrong. But then Jesus reminds you and everyone in the room that when you give your all for him, you don’t separate yourself from the poor, hold back from the poor. But you become poor yourself. So that you, like Christ, will be the poor who always has the poor among you.  

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Music: "House of Prayer" - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and...]]>906and,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,earth,eric,examen,heaven,holy,julia,kenyatta,lent,lenten,logan,pickerill,stone,vineyard,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-23rd-2024--58786636
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58786636Sat, 23 Mar 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-22nd-2024--59089775Today is the 33rd day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34.
 

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 
 

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?  
   
As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion? 
   
As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? As we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.    
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59089775Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 33rd day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is the 33rd day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34.
 

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 
 

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?  
   
As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion? 
   
As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? As we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.    
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>781audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-21st-2024--59089308Today is the 32nd day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.     


Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, 
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 
 

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”  
 
Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.  
 
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart. 
   
As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Above All Else - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59089308Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 32nd day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the Book...Today is the 32nd day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.     


Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, 
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 
 

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”  
 
Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.  
 
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart. 
   
As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Above All Else - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>791audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-20th-2024--59088720Today is the 31st day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-4.
 

“You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. 
 

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?  
   
God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words:  “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:  
 
Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59088720Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 31st day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.        Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”        ...Today is the 31st day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.     
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-4.
 

“You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. 
 

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?  
   
God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words:  “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:  
 
Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>667audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-19th-2024--59088719Today is the 30th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.
   

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?  
 
You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.  
   
As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Adore Him - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59088719Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 30th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 30th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.
   

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 
 

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?  
 
You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.  
   
As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Adore Him - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>856audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-18th-2024--59079218Today is the 29th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.

 
Lord, hear my prayer, 
    listen to my cry for mercy; 
in your faithfulness and righteousness 
    come to my relief. 
Do not bring your servant into judgment, 
    for no one living is righteous before you. 
The enemy pursues me, 
    he crushes me to the ground; 
he makes me dwell in the darkness 
    like those long dead. 
So my spirit grows faint within me; 
    my heart within me is dismayed. 
I remember the days of long ago; 
    I meditate on all your works 
    and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; 
    I thirst for you like a parched land. 
  

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?  
   
Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.   
   
The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59079218Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 29th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.   Lord,...Today is the 29th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Psalm 143.

 
Lord, hear my prayer, 
    listen to my cry for mercy; 
in your faithfulness and righteousness 
    come to my relief. 
Do not bring your servant into judgment, 
    for no one living is righteous before you. 
The enemy pursues me, 
    he crushes me to the ground; 
he makes me dwell in the darkness 
    like those long dead. 
So my spirit grows faint within me; 
    my heart within me is dismayed. 
I remember the days of long ago; 
    I meditate on all your works 
    and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; 
    I thirst for you like a parched land. 
  

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?  
   
Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.   
   
The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music: Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-16th-2024--58707219
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58707219Sat, 16 Mar 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-15th-2024--59046622Today is the 27th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

    
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 
“The kingdom of the world has become 
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, 
    and he will reign for ever and ever.” 
And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, 
    the One who is and who was, 
because you have taken your great power 
    and have begun to reign. 
The nations were angry, 
    and your wrath has come. 
The time has come for judging the dead, 
    and for rewarding your servants the prophets 
and your people who revere your name, 
    both great and small— 
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” 
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. 
 

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.     
 
Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t. This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!  

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Let Your Kingdom Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59046622Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 27th day of Lent.    May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is...Today is the 27th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

    
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 
“The kingdom of the world has become 
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, 
    and he will reign for ever and ever.” 
And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, 
    the One who is and who was, 
because you have taken your great power 
    and have begun to reign. 
The nations were angry, 
    and your wrath has come. 
The time has come for judging the dead, 
    and for rewarding your servants the prophets 
and your people who revere your name, 
    both great and small— 
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” 
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm. 
 

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.     
 
Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t. This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!  

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Let Your Kingdom Come - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>741audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-14th-2024--59033431Today is the 26th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14.

 
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 
 

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving? 
   
Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life. 
   
I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote,

"in any definition we may give of New Testament  joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew  joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Life in Christ Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones) 
 
We live in an age that is marked for many by anxiety, depression, isolation, and exhaustion. As we end, would you invite God to give you the gift of His joy… Not a joy that pretends, or a joy that ignores, or a joy that denies… but a joy that can be present to you, no matter your circumstances, by the power of God’s spirit?  
    
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Cherry Blossoms - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59033431Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 26th day of Lent.    Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from the...Today is the 26th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14.

 
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 
 

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving? 
   
Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life. 
   
I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote,

"in any definition we may give of New Testament  joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew  joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Life in Christ Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones) 
 
We live in an age that is marked for many by anxiety, depression, isolation, and exhaustion. As we end, would you invite God to give you the gift of His joy… Not a joy that pretends, or a joy that ignores, or a joy that denies… but a joy that can be present to you, no matter your...]]>902falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-13th-2024--59019166Today is the 25th day of Lent. 
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

 
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they replied. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 
 

Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?  
 
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”  
   
As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Expectation - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59019166Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 25th day of Lent.    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s...Today is the 25th day of Lent. 
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

 
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 
When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they replied. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 
 

Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?  
 
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”  
   
As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Expectation - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>758audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-12th-2024--59005821Today is the 24th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21.
 

“For a long time I have kept silent, 
    I have been quiet and held myself back. 
But now, like a woman in childbirth, 
    I cry out, I gasp and pant. 
 I will lay waste the mountains and hills 
    and dry up all their vegetation; 
I will turn rivers into islands 
    and dry up the pools. 
 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, 
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; 
I will turn the darkness into light before them 
    and make the rough places smooth. 
These are the things I will do; 
    I will not forsake them. 
 But those who trust in idols, 
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ 
    will be turned back in utter shame. 
 “Hear, you deaf; 
    look, you blind, and see! 
 Who is blind but my servant, 
    and deaf like the messenger I send? 
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, 
    blind like the servant of the Lord? 
 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; 
    your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 
 It pleased the Lord 
    for the sake of his righteousness 
    to make his law great and glorious. 
 

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?  
 
Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention. 
   
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you, today, commit yourself to maintaining focus on your followership of Jesus… to keep ‘paying attention’ to Christ? And as we end our time of prayer today, consider writing this scripture down and working to memorize it this week: I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - More Than Anything - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube) 

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59005821Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 24th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.       Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 24th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21.
 

“For a long time I have kept silent, 
    I have been quiet and held myself back. 
But now, like a woman in childbirth, 
    I cry out, I gasp and pant. 
 I will lay waste the mountains and hills 
    and dry up all their vegetation; 
I will turn rivers into islands 
    and dry up the pools. 
 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, 
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; 
I will turn the darkness into light before them 
    and make the rough places smooth. 
These are the things I will do; 
    I will not forsake them. 
 But those who trust in idols, 
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ 
    will be turned back in utter shame. 
 “Hear, you deaf; 
    look, you blind, and see! 
 Who is blind but my servant, 
    and deaf like the messenger I send? 
Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, 
    blind like the servant of the Lord? 
 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; 
    your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 
 It pleased the Lord 
    for the sake of his righteousness 
    to make his law great and glorious. 
 

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?  
 
Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention. 
   
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you, today, commit yourself to maintaining focus on your followership of Jesus… to keep ‘paying attention’ to Christ? And as we end our time of prayer today, consider writing this scripture down and working to memorize it this week: I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth. 
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son,...]]>1002audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-11th-2024--58974744Today is the 23rd day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.
  

So justice is far from us, 
    and righteousness does not reach us. 
We look for light, but all is darkness; 
    for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 
Like the blind we grope along the wall, 
    feeling our way like people without eyes. 
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; 
    among the strong, we are like the dead. 
We all growl like bears; 
    we moan mournfully like doves. 
We look for justice, but find none; 
    for deliverance, but it is far away. 
For our offenses are many in your sight, 
    and our sins testify against us. 
Our offenses are ever with us, 
    and we acknowledge our iniquities: 
rebellion and treachery against the Lord, 
    turning our backs on our God, 
inciting revolt and oppression, 
    uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 
So justice is driven back, 
    and righteousness stands at a distance; 
truth has stumbled in the streets, 
    honesty cannot enter. 
Truth is nowhere to be found, 
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. 
The Lord looked and was displeased 
    that there was no justice. 
He saw that there was no one, 
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; 
so his own arm achieved salvation for him, 
    and his own righteousness sustained him. 
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, 
    and the helmet of salvation on his head; 
he put on the garments of vengeance 
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 
 

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for you?  
 
But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.  
   
If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like God is absent, remember that God has already moved on your behalf through Christ. And remind yourself that he will move again. As you walk through your day, ask God to stir his hope in you that he will come again.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Love - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58974744Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 23rd day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”         Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.    So...Today is the 23rd day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59.
  

So justice is far from us, 
    and righteousness does not reach us. 
We look for light, but all is darkness; 
    for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. 
Like the blind we grope along the wall, 
    feeling our way like people without eyes. 
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; 
    among the strong, we are like the dead. 
We all growl like bears; 
    we moan mournfully like doves. 
We look for justice, but find none; 
    for deliverance, but it is far away. 
For our offenses are many in your sight, 
    and our sins testify against us. 
Our offenses are ever with us, 
    and we acknowledge our iniquities: 
rebellion and treachery against the Lord, 
    turning our backs on our God, 
inciting revolt and oppression, 
    uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 
So justice is driven back, 
    and righteousness stands at a distance; 
truth has stumbled in the streets, 
    honesty cannot enter. 
Truth is nowhere to be found, 
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. 
The Lord looked and was displeased 
    that there was no justice. 
He saw that there was no one, 
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; 
so his own arm achieved salvation for him, 
    and his own righteousness sustained him. 
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, 
    and the helmet of salvation on his head; 
he put on the garments of vengeance 
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 
 

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for you?  
 
But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.  
   
If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like God is absent, remember that God has already moved on your behalf through Christ. And remind yourself that he will move again. As you walk through your day, ask God to stir his hope in you that he will come again.  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.   
 
Music - Love - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>913audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-9th-2024--58786635
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58786635Sat, 09 Mar 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-8th-2024--58962876Today is the 21st day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

 
Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.”
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

 
Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.
 
As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58962876Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 21st day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is the 21st day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

 
Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.”
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

 
Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.
 
As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>780audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-7th-2024--58934191Today is the 20th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.  
 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?
 
David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
 

(CEV)
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
    makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.
 

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58934191Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 20th day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm...Today is the 20th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.  
 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?
 
David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
 

(CEV)
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
    makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.
 

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>696audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-6th-2024--58933652 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.  
 

“Go west and look in the land of Cyprus;
    go east and search through the land of Kedar.
Has anyone ever heard of anything
    as strange as this?
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones,
    even though they are not gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
    for worthless idols!
 The heavens are shocked at such a thing
    and shrink back in horror and dismay,”
    says the Lord.
“For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
    the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
    that can hold no water at all! 


God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.
 
As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Mighty River - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58933652Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 19th day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s... 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.  
 

“Go west and look in the land of Cyprus;
    go east and search through the land of Kedar.
Has anyone ever heard of anything
    as strange as this?
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones,
    even though they are not gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
    for worthless idols!
 The heavens are shocked at such a thing
    and shrink back in horror and dismay,”
    says the Lord.
“For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
    the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
    that can hold no water at all! 


God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.
 
As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Mighty River - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>821audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-5th-2024--58922837Today is the 18th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians chapter 10.
 

I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 


The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58922837Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 18th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 18th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians chapter 10.
 

I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 


The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: The Name - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>616audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-4th-2024--58904704Today is the 17th day of Lent.   
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.


“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings.
    O Israel, if you would only listen to me!
You must never have a foreign god;
    you must not bow down before a false god.
For it was I, the Lord your God,
    who rescued you from the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.
    Israel did not want me around.
So I let them follow their own stubborn desires,
    living according to their own ideas.
Oh, that my people would listen to me!
    Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
    How soon my hands would be upon their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him;
    they would be doomed forever.
But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
    I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
 

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.
 
The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58904704Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 17th day of Lent.      The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm 81....Today is the 17th day of Lent.   
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.


“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings.
    O Israel, if you would only listen to me!
You must never have a foreign god;
    you must not bow down before a false god.
For it was I, the Lord your God,
    who rescued you from the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.
    Israel did not want me around.
So I let them follow their own stubborn desires,
    living according to their own ideas.
Oh, that my people would listen to me!
    Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
    How soon my hands would be upon their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him;
    they would be doomed forever.
But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
    I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”
 

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.
 
The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>780audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-2nd-2024--58578198
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58578198Sat, 02 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-1st-2024--58854473Today is the 15th day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.
 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

 
This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?
   
The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58854473Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 15th day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from...Today is the 15th day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.
 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

 
This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?
   
The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>599audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-29th-2024--58853355This is the 14th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1.
 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.


Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.
   
“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58853355Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 14th day of Lent.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the...This is the 14th day of Lent.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1.
 

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.


Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.
   
“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>688audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-28th-2024--58835343This is the 13th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8.

 
Then they all went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
 

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?

Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.
 
The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: O My Soul - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58835343Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 13th day of Lent.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s...This is the 13th day of Lent.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8.

 
Then they all went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
 

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?

Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.
 
The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: O My Soul - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>826audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-27th-2024--58833302Today is the 12th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128.
 

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!

 
This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: All The Ways - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58833302Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 12th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 12th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128.
 

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace!

 
This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: All The Ways - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>627audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-26th-2024--58810240Today is the 11th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.
 

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.


Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58810240Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 11th day of Lent.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is the 11th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.
 

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.


Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-february-24th-2024--58786633
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58786633Sat, 24 Feb 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-23rd-2024--58786530Today is the 9th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.

 
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,
“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
    as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
where your ancestors tested me;
    they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
For forty years I was angry with that generation;
    I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
    and they have not known my ways.’
So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”


This psalm harkens back to the great Exodus of Israel from Egypt, where God set his people free. And the result of Exodus is worship. Moses told Pharoah, God says, “let my people go that they may worship me.” Think for a moment about the places where God has brought Exodus, newfound freedom into your life. Maybe freedom from guilt, or freedom from shame, or freedom from sorrow or sadness. Take a moment to worship God for your newfound freedom.

The psalm also talks about temptations. The Israelites were set free to worship God but they found themselves in the wilderness where their faith and trust in God were tested. And in the midst of being tested, they hardened their hearts toward God. As you hear the scripture again, identify an area of your life where you are being tested.
 
The number ‘forty’ is an important number in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Israelites failed to trust God in the wilderness and for forty years were made to wander in circles. In the New Testament, Jesus was tested for 40 days in the wilderness, yet he succeeded in trusting God and fulfilled what Israel couldn’t fulfill on their own. The same is true for you and me. As we continue through these forty days of Lent, thank God that he fulfills all that you can’t, on your own.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: I Bless the Lord - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58786530Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 9th day of Lent.    May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from...Today is the 9th day of Lent. 
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.

 
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
    the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
    and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
    let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,
“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
    as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
where your ancestors tested me;
    they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
For forty years I was angry with that generation;
    I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
    and they have not known my ways.’
So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”


This psalm harkens back to the great Exodus of Israel from Egypt, where God set his people free. And the result of Exodus is worship. Moses told Pharoah, God says, “let my people go that they may worship me.” Think for a moment about the places where God has brought Exodus, newfound freedom into your life. Maybe freedom from guilt, or freedom from shame, or freedom from sorrow or sadness. Take a moment to worship God for your newfound freedom.

The psalm also talks about temptations. The Israelites were set free to worship God but they found themselves in the wilderness where their faith and trust in God were tested. And in the midst of being tested, they hardened their hearts toward God. As you hear the scripture again, identify an area of your life where you are being tested.
 
The number ‘forty’ is an important number in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Israelites failed to trust God in the wilderness and for forty years were made to wander in circles. In the New Testament, Jesus was tested for 40 days in the wilderness, yet he succeeded in trusting God and fulfilled what Israel couldn’t fulfill on their own. The same is true for you and me. As we continue through these forty days of Lent, thank God that he fulfills all that you can’t, on your own.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: I Bless the Lord - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>710audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-22nd-2024--58777493Today is the 8th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy.
 

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.


Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.

This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?

Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58777493Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:21:53 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 8th day of Lent.    Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the Book...Today is the 8th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy.
 

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.


Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.

This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?

Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>566audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-21st-2024--58744210Today is the 8th day of Lent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34.
 

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”


This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?
 
Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.

Moses learned to be courageous with God. He prays: God… even though we are stubborn and wicked and sinful… even though we couldn’t get this right the first time… can we still be your people? Will you still take us as your inheritance? As we close our time, take heart because no matter what your track record is with God, his track record with you is consistent: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
  
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58744210Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 8th day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is the 8th day of Lent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34.
 

The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”


This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?
 
Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.

Moses learned to be courageous with God. He prays: God… even though we are stubborn and wicked and sinful… even though we couldn’t get this right the first time… can we still be your people? Will you still take us as your inheritance? As we close our time, take heart because no matter what your track record is with God, his track record with you is consistent: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
  
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78
803audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-20th-2024--58742201Today is the 6th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4.

 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.



The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?
 
Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.
 
Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58742201Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 6th day of Lent.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is the 6th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4.

 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.



The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?
 
Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.
 
Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>696audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-19th-2024--58727067Today is the 5th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?
 
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58727067Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 5th day of Lent.    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.   Blessed...Today is the 5th day of Lent. 
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

 
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?
 
As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God. Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>622audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-february-17th-2024--58575904
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58575904Sat, 17 Feb 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-16th-2024--58696194Today is the third day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4.
 

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”


Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?
 
The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either. As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58696194Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the third day of Lent.   May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s...Today is the third day of Lent.
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4.
 

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”


Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?
 
The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either. As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….  
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>802audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-15th-2024--58687284This is the second day of Lent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51.

 
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


I know my transgressions, says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift.  It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Merciful - Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58687284Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the second day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the...This is the second day of Lent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51.

 
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


I know my transgressions, says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift.  It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Merciful - Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ash-wednesday-february-14th-2024--58675556Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13 .


Let all who live in the land tremble,
    for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand—
     a day of darkness and gloom,
    a day of clouds and blackness.
Like dawn spreading across the mountains
    a large and mighty army comes,
such as never was in ancient times
    nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
 Before them the earth shakes,
    the heavens tremble,
the sun and moon are darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.
 The Lord thunders
    at the head of his army;
his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
The day of the Lord is great;
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?
 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.


The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.
 
Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58675556Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy...Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
  
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13 .


Let all who live in the land tremble,
    for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is close at hand—
     a day of darkness and gloom,
    a day of clouds and blackness.
Like dawn spreading across the mountains
    a large and mighty army comes,
such as never was in ancient times
    nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
 Before them the earth shakes,
    the heavens tremble,
the sun and moon are darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.
 The Lord thunders
    at the head of his army;
his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
The day of the Lord is great;
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?
 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.


The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.
 
Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78743ash,audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,lent,lenten,pickerill,vineyard,wednesdayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-13th-2024--58657515Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58657515Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 13th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew,...Today is February 13th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 .

 
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
 

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
 
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…
 
Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>708audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vneyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-12th-2024--58623527Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58623527Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter...Today is February 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19.


The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.  On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.


This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that.
  
Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience.
  
As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>980audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-10th-2024--58575905
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58575905Sat, 10 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-9th-2024--58614509Today is February 9th.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23.
 

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his househo ld, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate….

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, he Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.


In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?
 
God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.
 
Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us. As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58614509Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 9th.   Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is in two parts, from...Today is February 9th.
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23.
 

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his househo ld, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate….

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, he Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.


In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?
 
God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.
 
Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us. As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-8th-2024--58599404Today is February 8th.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 92.



It is good to praise the Lord
    and make music to your name, O Most High,
 proclaiming your love in the morning
    and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
    and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
    I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, Lord,
    how profound your thoughts!
Senseless people do not know,
    fools do not understand,
that though the wicked spring up like grass
    and all evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.
But you, Lord, are forever exalted.


The psalmists are well practiced worshippers. They worship through songs of lament, of celebration, of adoration, of doubt. The psalmists teach us to worship God at all times, and in every situation. Can you turn your attention to worship right now? Or is there something distracting you from turning your attention to God? Offer your distractions to God as a prayer.
 
Turn your attention now from distractions to the great works of the Lord in your life. As you hear the passage read again… call to mind God’s faithfulness to you. Consider things that you might take for granted; things you think come from your own effort or accomplishment. Is it your hands that have done those things, accomplished all you have, or brought your own successes? Or might it be the Lord’s hands that have provided for you?

The Psalmist tells us that it is good to praise the Lord. But you don’t have to be a musician, a song writer, or a worship leader, to praise God. Do you have your own way of practicing thankfulness, of expressing gratitude to God for who He is? Perhaps you journal your gratitude, or maybe you create something with your hands, or write your own poem to God. Take time today to express worship to God in your own way, with your own words or actions.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Praise You - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58599404Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 8th.   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.      Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading...Today is February 8th.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from Psalm 92.



It is good to praise the Lord
    and make music to your name, O Most High,
 proclaiming your love in the morning
    and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
    and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
    I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, Lord,
    how profound your thoughts!
Senseless people do not know,
    fools do not understand,
that though the wicked spring up like grass
    and all evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.
But you, Lord, are forever exalted.


The psalmists are well practiced worshippers. They worship through songs of lament, of celebration, of adoration, of doubt. The psalmists teach us to worship God at all times, and in every situation. Can you turn your attention to worship right now? Or is there something distracting you from turning your attention to God? Offer your distractions to God as a prayer.
 
Turn your attention now from distractions to the great works of the Lord in your life. As you hear the passage read again… call to mind God’s faithfulness to you. Consider things that you might take for granted; things you think come from your own effort or accomplishment. Is it your hands that have done those things, accomplished all you have, or brought your own successes? Or might it be the Lord’s hands that have provided for you?

The Psalmist tells us that it is good to praise the Lord. But you don’t have to be a musician, a song writer, or a worship leader, to praise God. Do you have your own way of practicing thankfulness, of expressing gratitude to God for who He is? Perhaps you journal your gratitude, or maybe you create something with your hands, or write your own poem to God. Take time today to express worship to God in your own way, with your own words or actions.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Praise You - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>714audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-7th-2024--58587006Today is February 7th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.


Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
  

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?
 
Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story. Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58587006Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 7th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    ...Today is February 7th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.


Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
  

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?
 
Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story. Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>845audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-6th-2024--58578181Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58578181Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 6th.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.    Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4....Today is February 6th.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?
 
Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.
 
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>674audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-5th-2024--58568953Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58568953Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4. One...Today is February 5.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.


One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.


I recently heard a story of someone who went on a mission trip to serve a church in a different country. And he was blown away at the hospitality he was shown. He arrived to a host family of modest means who opened their home to him. Not only did they welcome him into their home and family, they insisted that he sleep in their bed, while they slept on the couch. The story in today’s reading is similarly a story of radical hospitality, where a couple made a room for Elisha to stay whenever he passed through town. Think about a time where someone showed you hospitality to you in a way that caused you to pause and say, “Wow this is really extravagant!”

In this story we see that biblical hospitality isn’t just about the details—not just about cleaning the bathroom or sweeping the floors, planning a special meal, or preparing a room for a guest. When we make space for others and when we serve others, we make space for God, and we serve God. As you listen to the passage again, pay attention to how a simple act of hospitality made room for God, and how it changed a couples’ life forever.

Being hospitable doesn’t require you to offer up a nice room in your home or even prepare a fantastic meal. Think less of it as a formula and more of an invitation. As we close our time today, ask God how he might be inviting you to show hospitality to someone in your life. Who is one person who God is highlighting?

Ask him to speak to you about how you can extend the grace of hospitality. And as you do, remember that you are making room for God to move.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>854audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-3rd-2024--58568947
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58568947Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-2nd-2024--58527246Today is February 2nd.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”


This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did?

As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: How Glorious You Are - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58527246Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 2nd. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our...Today is February 2nd.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”


This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did?

As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: How Glorious You Are - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>882audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-1st-2024--58505453Today is February 1st.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah 31.


“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”


Throughout the Bible, God reveals His redemptive plan through a series of covenants: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and finally, the New Covenant that came through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah is an OT prophet who is looking ahead to the coming of Christ and describing what will be a new kind of covenant… one that brings completion to God’s redemptive purposes. The old covenants came with a series of religious obligations and rules that were only for the religious insiders, and that had to be followed meticulously. The New Covenant of Christ comes through God’s grace and is available to everyone – ‘the least of them to the greatest’. How does make you feel?

The Lord speaks through Jeremiah and says I will be their God, and they will be my people. As you hear the passage read again… can you get present to what this ‘new covenant’ means for you, personally?

God made a way, through the new covenant of Jesus, for you to enter into a relationship with God, for your sins to be forgiven, and for God’s law to be written in your mind and heart. The New Covenant completes the redemptive story of God not only generally, for the whole world, but also individually, for you.

Thank God today for His pursuit of you, and determine to treat others with the same kind of grace you’ve received.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58505453Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 1st. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is February 1st.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah 31.


“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”


Throughout the Bible, God reveals His redemptive plan through a series of covenants: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and finally, the New Covenant that came through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah is an OT prophet who is looking ahead to the coming of Christ and describing what will be a new kind of covenant… one that brings completion to God’s redemptive purposes. The old covenants came with a series of religious obligations and rules that were only for the religious insiders, and that had to be followed meticulously. The New Covenant of Christ comes through God’s grace and is available to everyone – ‘the least of them to the greatest’. How does make you feel?

The Lord speaks through Jeremiah and says I will be their God, and they will be my people. As you hear the passage read again… can you get present to what this ‘new covenant’ means for you, personally?

God made a way, through the new covenant of Jesus, for you to enter into a relationship with God, for your sins to be forgiven, and for God’s law to be written in your mind and heart. The New Covenant completes the redemptive story of God not only generally, for the whole world, but also individually, for you.

Thank God today for His pursuit of you, and determine to treat others with the same kind of grace you’ve received.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: All The Same - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>764audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-31st-2024--58503138Today is January 31st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.


In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives.

Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58503138Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 31st. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 31st.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16.


“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.


In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives.

Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: As Children - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>764audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-30th-2024--58493536Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.


Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.


The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58493536Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 30th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is Psalm 43. Vindicate me, my God, and plead...Today is January 30th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is Psalm 43.


Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.


The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God?

Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you? As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist.

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-29th-2024--58421889
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.


This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58421889Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21. Then...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 21.


Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.


This passage reminds me of the demands that are placed on us by other people. People are coming to the Apostle Paul and placing extraordinary demands on him, saying “If you want to prove yourself faithful to God, you need to do this… you need to do that.” Consider for a moment an extraordinary demand that is being placed on you today by someone else... from a family member—a parent or sibling or the demands of parenting a child. Or the demands from your job… from a boss or coworker. Can you allow yourself to feel the pressure of those demands for a moment?

Bring all of that to the Lord today and tell him how you feel. How does Paul respond in that moment? We know from his writings that he was motivated by Christ’s love. Not by people pleasing. Not by his own reputation. In other words, if he ever goes above and beyond, it’s because of Christ, not because of some external demand. Listen to the passage again, and ask yourself where Christ is in the midst of the demands you are facing.

As we close our time of prayer, remember this: You have the same Holy Spirit as the Apostle Paul. If you don’t know how to respond to a demand from someone on you, if you are confused about a decision you need to make, remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you and guides you. Ask him to guide you by his Spirit and through his Word. And trust that he will show you what to do today.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ, ou Lord. Amen.


Music: "If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>856audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-27th-2024--58419950
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58419950Sat, 27 Jan 2024 05:00:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>646audo,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-26th-2024--58419892Today is January 26th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10.


For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness… These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!


Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness? “Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make you feel defensive?

As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58419892Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 26th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10. For I do...Today is January 26th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10.


For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness… These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!


Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness? “Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make you feel defensive?

As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>684audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-25th-2024--58417566Today is January 25th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.


Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.


The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church, persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you met Jesus?

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God?

As we end, ask God to reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58417566Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 25th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians remember...Today is January 25th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.


Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.


The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church, persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you met Jesus?

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God?

As we end, ask God to reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>804audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-24th-2024--58409541Today is January 24th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12.


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”


The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you? Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58409541Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 24th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 24th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12.


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”


The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you? Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-23rd-2024--58407797
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58407797Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 23rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22....
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.


This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture, and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—orphans, widows, refugees, children…

Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today? As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life. Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and right with vulnerable people in your life.

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>714audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-22nd-2024--58372948Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58372948Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 22. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 46. God is our refuge and...Today is January 22.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me with Your mighty power that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>682audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-20th-2024--58349301
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58349301Sat, 20 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-19th-2024--58348200Today is January 19th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.


This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.


We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Form Us - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58348200Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 19th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah,...Today is January 19th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.


This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.


We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Form Us - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>772audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-18th-2024--58329736Today is January 18th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today is the day when Christians around the world remember the disciple Peter’s confession of faith in Christ. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16.


When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.


Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. Who do people around you say Jesus was? A really wise philosopher? A spiritual leader? A perfect person? Or a regular sinner like you and me?

Jesus then asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus always makes it personal for us. At that moment Peter realized that Jesus of Nazareth was Jesus the Christ, God’s long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t just a great man, or a brilliant teacher, or an incisive prophet. He was and is the Christ, the Son of God. God’s revelation always happens over time, just like it did with Peter. As you hear the passage read again, consider how you have increasingly become aware of who Jesus is to you.

As we close our time, ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to you as you walk through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Jesus Beautiful - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58329736Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 18th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today is the day when...Today is January 18th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today is the day when Christians around the world remember the disciple Peter’s confession of faith in Christ. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16.


When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.


Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. Who do people around you say Jesus was? A really wise philosopher? A spiritual leader? A perfect person? Or a regular sinner like you and me?

Jesus then asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus always makes it personal for us. At that moment Peter realized that Jesus of Nazareth was Jesus the Christ, God’s long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t just a great man, or a brilliant teacher, or an incisive prophet. He was and is the Christ, the Son of God. God’s revelation always happens over time, just like it did with Peter. As you hear the passage read again, consider how you have increasingly become aware of who Jesus is to you.

As we close our time, ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to you as you walk through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: "Jesus Beautiful - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-17th-2024--58320761Today is January 17th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1.


For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.


Do you ever feel foolish as a believer among your family, your colleagues, your friends? What does that do to you? Does it make you introverted with your faith? Afraid, embarrassed? Or, do you feel more courageous because of the foolishness you feel?

The Apostle Paul tells us that feeling foolish is not only something that followers of Christ have always felt, but it is the chosen means for the Gospel to go forward. The message of the cross, God’s salvation, is not on par with human wisdom. It’s not something that brilliant minds have produced. Because of that, it is seen as foreign, as weak, as foolishness. It is by nature humbling. But it is also the power of God to save. As you hear the passage again, thank God for revealing to you this message of salvation.

As we close our time, ask God to give you courage to be a fool for Christ, and look for an opportunity to live your faith out loud as you move through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58320761Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 17th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 17th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1.


For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.


Do you ever feel foolish as a believer among your family, your colleagues, your friends? What does that do to you? Does it make you introverted with your faith? Afraid, embarrassed? Or, do you feel more courageous because of the foolishness you feel?

The Apostle Paul tells us that feeling foolish is not only something that followers of Christ have always felt, but it is the chosen means for the Gospel to go forward. The message of the cross, God’s salvation, is not on par with human wisdom. It’s not something that brilliant minds have produced. Because of that, it is seen as foreign, as weak, as foolishness. It is by nature humbling. But it is also the power of God to save. As you hear the passage again, thank God for revealing to you this message of salvation.

As we close our time, ask God to give you courage to be a fool for Christ, and look for an opportunity to live your faith out loud as you move through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-16th-2024--58311445Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.


At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”


Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58311445Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 16th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8. At...Today is January 16th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.


At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”


Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>792audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-15th-2024--58277178Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58277178Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 15 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is January 15

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>736audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-13th-2024--58242290
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58242290Sat, 13 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-12th-2024--58241530Today is January 12th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.


The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.


“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today."

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58241530Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 12th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter...Today is January 12th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.


The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.


“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today."

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Anything and Everything - Heaven and Earth - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>794audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-11th-2024--58241531Today is January 11th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit."

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.


When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The disciples were terrified. Apart from being caught a storm in a boat in the middle of the night, the sea was a frightening place. For people in those days, creatures living in these waters sometimes took on a mythical proportions, representing chaos and danger that only a powerful deity could control. What do you think it would have felt like to be in that boat, with the disciples, in the middle of a storm?

As he walks on the water, Jesus calls out, “It is I”. He isn’t just saying “Hey, it’s me.” He literally says, in Greek, “Ego eimi”… “I Am,” the same words that Yahweh used to identify himself to Moses when he said, “Tell Pharoah, ‘I Am’ sent you to let my people go.” Jesus is demonstrating that he is Yahweh, the divine one who has power over creation, over all of the chaos of this world. As you hear the passage again, think about a storm that you are currently experiencing in your life, and invite Jesus to walk toward you in the midst of it.

As you go through your day today, become aware of the storms that people around you are facing. As you become aware, pray that Jesus will be with them in the midst of the storms that they are facing.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58241531Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 11th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit." Today’s reading is from the...Today is January 11th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit."

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.


When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The disciples were terrified. Apart from being caught a storm in a boat in the middle of the night, the sea was a frightening place. For people in those days, creatures living in these waters sometimes took on a mythical proportions, representing chaos and danger that only a powerful deity could control. What do you think it would have felt like to be in that boat, with the disciples, in the middle of a storm?

As he walks on the water, Jesus calls out, “It is I”. He isn’t just saying “Hey, it’s me.” He literally says, in Greek, “Ego eimi”… “I Am,” the same words that Yahweh used to identify himself to Moses when he said, “Tell Pharoah, ‘I Am’ sent you to let my people go.” Jesus is demonstrating that he is Yahweh, the divine one who has power over creation, over all of the chaos of this world. As you hear the passage again, think about a storm that you are currently experiencing in your life, and invite Jesus to walk toward you in the midst of it.

As you go through your day today, become aware of the storms that people around you are facing. As you become aware, pray that Jesus will be with them in the midst of the storms that they are facing.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Be Still - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>796audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-10th-2024--58241529Today is January 10th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.


Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.


Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Familia - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58241529Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 10th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 10th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.


Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.


Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Familia - Vineyard Worship - YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>567audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-9th-2024--58232284Today is January 9th.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.


Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.


We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58232284Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 9th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5....Today is January 9th.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.


Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.


We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>640falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-8th-2024--58208113Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.


Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58208113Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 8 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from Psalm 69. Save me, O God,...Today is January 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from Psalm 69.


Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs of my head;
many are my enemies without cause,
those who seek to destroy me.
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.
You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you.


This psalm is a cry for salvation, both from being ‘in over my head’ with something, as well as from ‘my folly, my guilt’. As you enter into prayer today, consider what it is you need to be saved from? Is there a place in your life where you feel out of depth? Is there an area of guilt, or sin that has a hold on you?
  
Do you ever forget to call out to the Lord in times of great need? Do you feel ashamed when you are struggling, or embarrassed about some ‘folly’ - some situation where you should of known better?

The Bible is full of people who feel as though they’ve ‘lost their foothold’, and who yet call out to God. Listen to the psalm again, and ask God to highlight a particular word or phrase for you to pay special attention to.
  
Our psalmist sounds so exhausted. He is worn out. His throat is parched. His eyes fail, looking for His God. And yet. He calls out to the Lord! And the Lord: He inclines, and He hears his cries. God demonstrates His love by continually inclining his face toward us, by inclining His presence toward us, by inclining his grace toward us. Allow yourself today to experience the gaze of God’s loving presence upon you. And – if you know someone who feels like ‘their eyes are failing, looking for God’... intercede for them by name this week.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Sing Out - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>684audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-6th-2024--58199847
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58199847Sat, 06 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>614audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,eric,examen,julia,pickerill,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-5th-2024--58189766Today is January 5th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.


How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.


The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58189766Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 5th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 13. How long, Lord?...Today is January 5th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.


How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.


The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Faithful One - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>648audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-4th-2024--58179829Today is January 4th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Galatians, chapter 4.


But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.


The Apostle Paul says that sin enslaves us, it deprives us of freedom, of forgiveness, of friendship and intimacy with God. Sin uses and abuses us. When you think about your life, where has sin enslaved you?

Jesus has come to redeem us. By his death on the cross, he purchased us out of slavery—that’s what it means to be redeemed. But not just to go free to go. He says that we become like children, free to come to God. Free to be accepted and loved and cherished, like a special son or daughter. He says that you become an heir of God himself. Think for a moment about your spiritual inheritance what gifts have you received because you are a child of God?

Because of Jesus, we don’t have to have a distant relationship with God. He wants us to know him intimately, not as “Master” and not even as “Father”, but as “Abba”. It’s a tender name, like “Papa” or “Daddy”. As you hear the passage again, allow the Spirit in you to call out “Abba”.

As you walk through your day, pay attention to the nearness of your “Abba, Father”. Be reminded that you are a beloved child.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Sons and Daughters - Kyle Howard - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58179829Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 4th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is January 4th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Galatians, chapter 4.


But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.


The Apostle Paul says that sin enslaves us, it deprives us of freedom, of forgiveness, of friendship and intimacy with God. Sin uses and abuses us. When you think about your life, where has sin enslaved you?

Jesus has come to redeem us. By his death on the cross, he purchased us out of slavery—that’s what it means to be redeemed. But not just to go free to go. He says that we become like children, free to come to God. Free to be accepted and loved and cherished, like a special son or daughter. He says that you become an heir of God himself. Think for a moment about your spiritual inheritance what gifts have you received because you are a child of God?

Because of Jesus, we don’t have to have a distant relationship with God. He wants us to know him intimately, not as “Master” and not even as “Father”, but as “Abba”. It’s a tender name, like “Papa” or “Daddy”. As you hear the passage again, allow the Spirit in you to call out “Abba”.

As you walk through your day, pay attention to the nearness of your “Abba, Father”. Be reminded that you are a beloved child.

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Sons and Daughters - Kyle Howard - (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>770audio,bible,columbus,daily,devotional,examen,vineyardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-3rd-2024--58168750Today is January 3rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.


When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”


This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Meet Me Here - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58168750Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 3rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is January 3rd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.


When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”


This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: You Meet Me Here - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>560audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-2nd-2024--58160289Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Draw me close to you - H & E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58160289Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1. The...Today is January 2nd.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.


The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, You have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music - Draw me close to you - H & E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>946audio,bble,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-1st-2024--58158383Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58158383Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 1 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6....Today is January 1

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 6.


The Lord said to Moses,  “Tell Aaron and his sons,‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites." Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”


In the Old Testament, the act of priestly blessing was a sacred thing. A priest would stand above the people, stretch his arms over them, and speak the blessing of God over God’s people. The picture we hear in these words should call to mind favor, and blessing, and kindness. The Psalmist echos this lean when he wrote about God: “You INCLINED and heard my cry”. Consider for a moment, this first day of the new year, what it means that God’s blessing toward you is His own inclination to draw near to you? Can you quiet your heart, and turn your attention toward God to receive His presence this new year?
  
Listen again and pay attention to the words that the Lord gave Moses for Aaron. Words like: blessing, keeping, shining, graciousness, peace. As you listen to this short text, imagine yourself standing ‘under the blessing’ of God.
  
Many people start a new year with thoughts of resolutions: what is it that we can do for ourselves? Instead, consider entering this year asking God simply for the grace to remain under His blessing. We are, as the hymn goes, ‘prone to wander, prone to leave the one I love’. Can you, this new year, ask God for strength, faith, and conviction to simply remain under His grace? To be constant recipients and givers of His peace? As we end our time of prayer, I’d encourage you to pray and offer your obedience this year to the Lord, and ask for both his leadership as well as His blessing.

Music Credit:
"Shalom" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>629audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thank-you-december-30th--58145712WRAP UP, THANK YOU, & RATE US PLEASE
December 30th


Today we want to take a few moments to share with you our thanks for so many people who have made Be Still possible over this past year! Creating a daily devotional podcast to help you slow down, take a deep breath, and be still… involves a lot of moving parts! This project has been a labor of love, so please listen in so you can offer a prayer of thanks for all those who have made this devotional a possibility…

Also, if this has been a grace to you, please rate us with five stars. The only reason we ask you to do this is that your ratings will help Be Still show up for others who are searching for daily devotionals. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking – so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find. (Thanks to all of you who’ve already done that, including you, mom and dad!)

On to the thank-yous: Be Still is produced by Pastor John “the online pastor who literally is the only guy in the room who still uses paper and pencil” Ma; Digital-discipleship-creative-master- Richard Smith III; and Pastor Amanda, The General, Pershing. It’s recorded by Michael Hicks, Drew Nichols, Abram Murphy, Ross Barber, and Logan Stone. Post-production is engineered by Ross Barber, Logan Stone, Joe Aleshire. The amazing Shareena Casey worked with us on scripture selection, and our scripture readers featured awesome folks from our pastors, staff, and amazing members of Vineyard Columbus.

Volunteer writer Emily Selvey offered her time, writing, and general loveliness on some of the devotionals when we were lagging behind… and Marsha “everyone’s favorite Jamaican-Canadian” Martin pretty much helped everything not fall apart. Worship song selection was discerned perfectly – am I right?? -- by Pastor Paul “I know every Vineyard song ever recorded” Cullen. Finally, Be Still was prayerfully and lovingly (and sometimes hastily) written by yours truly, Julia and Eric Pickerill.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit.

And then pray it again. And again. And again.

And we’ll be right there to help you be still… the devotional will be back for 2024…

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

And happy new year! God’s peace and presence to you.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58145712Sat, 30 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillWRAP UP, THANK YOU, & RATE US PLEASE December 30th Today we want to take a few moments to share with you our thanks for so many people who have made Be Still possible over this past year! Creating a daily devotional podcast to help you slow...WRAP UP, THANK YOU, & RATE US PLEASE
December 30th


Today we want to take a few moments to share with you our thanks for so many people who have made Be Still possible over this past year! Creating a daily devotional podcast to help you slow down, take a deep breath, and be still… involves a lot of moving parts! This project has been a labor of love, so please listen in so you can offer a prayer of thanks for all those who have made this devotional a possibility…

Also, if this has been a grace to you, please rate us with five stars. The only reason we ask you to do this is that your ratings will help Be Still show up for others who are searching for daily devotionals. When you give Be Still five stars, the algorithms make it more visible for those who are looking – so it’s simply a way of making something that’s been a gift to you easier for others to find. (Thanks to all of you who’ve already done that, including you, mom and dad!)

On to the thank-yous: Be Still is produced by Pastor John “the online pastor who literally is the only guy in the room who still uses paper and pencil” Ma; Digital-discipleship-creative-master- Richard Smith III; and Pastor Amanda, The General, Pershing. It’s recorded by Michael Hicks, Drew Nichols, Abram Murphy, Ross Barber, and Logan Stone. Post-production is engineered by Ross Barber, Logan Stone, Joe Aleshire. The amazing Shareena Casey worked with us on scripture selection, and our scripture readers featured awesome folks from our pastors, staff, and amazing members of Vineyard Columbus.

Volunteer writer Emily Selvey offered her time, writing, and general loveliness on some of the devotionals when we were lagging behind… and Marsha “everyone’s favorite Jamaican-Canadian” Martin pretty much helped everything not fall apart. Worship song selection was discerned perfectly – am I right?? -- by Pastor Paul “I know every Vineyard song ever recorded” Cullen. Finally, Be Still was prayerfully and lovingly (and sometimes hastily) written by yours truly, Julia and Eric Pickerill.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit.

And then pray it again. And again. And again.

And we’ll be right there to help you be still… the devotional will be back for 2024…

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

And happy new year! God’s peace and presence to you.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>476audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-29th--58129850Today is December 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Think of a light that cannot be overcome, a light that cannot go out. You might think of an intense light. Maybe a spotlight shining up into the night. Or a powerful laser that has an intense beam. Or even stronger, the light of the sun. But the light of Christ starts as a different kind of light. It’s more like one of those trick birthday candles that gets blown out but then a few moments later relights on its own. Think for a moment about how the light you see in Christ is more like a candle that is fragile light, but one not easily extinguished.

Isaiah puts it this way, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. This sounds like the life of Christ in the world doesn’t it? In his death he was bruised but not broken. His light was smoldering but not snuffed out. How is that true of the light of Christ in you? Where do you see faith smoldering in your life? Where is there a small sign of smoke, even if no flame?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God to breathe on that wick. Ask him to blow on those embers. Ask that the flame might burst forth again into the night of the world around you.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Eternal Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58129850Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 29 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of John,...Today is December 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of John, chapter 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Think of a light that cannot be overcome, a light that cannot go out. You might think of an intense light. Maybe a spotlight shining up into the night. Or a powerful laser that has an intense beam. Or even stronger, the light of the sun. But the light of Christ starts as a different kind of light. It’s more like one of those trick birthday candles that gets blown out but then a few moments later relights on its own. Think for a moment about how the light you see in Christ is more like a candle that is fragile light, but one not easily extinguished.

Isaiah puts it this way, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. This sounds like the life of Christ in the world doesn’t it? In his death he was bruised but not broken. His light was smoldering but not snuffed out. How is that true of the light of Christ in you? Where do you see faith smoldering in your life? Where is there a small sign of smoke, even if no flame?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God to breathe on that wick. Ask him to blow on those embers. Ask that the flame might burst forth again into the night of the world around you.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Eternal Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>668audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-28th--58129632Today is December 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.


God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.


One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ.

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58129632Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 28 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2,...Today is December 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 2, the MSG version.


God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.


One of the fruits of Advent is that we are given birth to a new life. It’s not just that Christ is born. We are reborn! This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. Reflect for a moment on the places where new life is growing in you right now. Where do see have joy, or peace, or love in your life?

We think of repentance as a painful process of denying pleasures. Paul, in this passage invites us to think about repentance as embracing more of God’s new life in us. He is motivating us to repentance by reminding us that repentance actually leads to more life. He says, We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Consider how turning away from indulgence might actually lead you to more life in Christ.

As we close our time, take a moment and ask God for more of his life to replace the old places of sin and death in your life. Ask his life to fill you and move in you so that you may be free from your old dark life and energized into this new, good life in Christ.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>759audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-27th--58120963Today is December 27

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.


One of the ways to think of Advent is a baby being born after a long, arduous pregnancy. There have been bouts of morning sickness. There have been sleepless nights. There have been uncomfortable car rides with baby bearing down with each bump. There have been uneasy conversations with the doctor or midwife. There have been many long contractions and birthpains through the night. And then, this psalm. Like the first words out of a mother’s mouth after holding her new baby. Sing to the Lord a new song! Praise his name! Declare his glory! This Christmas week, consider the places in our world, or the people in your life, that are in birth pains, still waiting to sing this song. Pray for them.

Now, take a moment to consider places in your life where you are waiting to see God break in, places where you are in waiting.

Finally, turn to give God praise for the places you’ve seen God’s goodness break in after a long and arduous wait. Over what can you declare, Let the heavens rejoice. Let the fields be jubilant. Let all creation rejoice! Think of something that God has brought to birth in your life that you are grateful for and thank God for that now.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58120963Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 27 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm...Today is December 27

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.


Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.


One of the ways to think of Advent is a baby being born after a long, arduous pregnancy. There have been bouts of morning sickness. There have been sleepless nights. There have been uncomfortable car rides with baby bearing down with each bump. There have been uneasy conversations with the doctor or midwife. There have been many long contractions and birthpains through the night. And then, this psalm. Like the first words out of a mother’s mouth after holding her new baby. Sing to the Lord a new song! Praise his name! Declare his glory! This Christmas week, consider the places in our world, or the people in your life, that are in birth pains, still waiting to sing this song. Pray for them.

Now, take a moment to consider places in your life where you are waiting to see God break in, places where you are in waiting.

Finally, turn to give God praise for the places you’ve seen God’s goodness break in after a long and arduous wait. Over what can you declare, Let the heavens rejoice. Let the fields be jubilant. Let all creation rejoice! Think of something that God has brought to birth in your life that you are grateful for and thank God for that now.

Behold… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "Exalt The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>922audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-26th--58106015Today is December 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9.


The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.



I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord.

Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray…

The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.

Behold, what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "In The Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58106015Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 26 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is December 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 9.


The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.



I’m so glad you have joined us for prayer today. As we begin, consider these names given to Christ: wonderful counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Is there a particular attribute that you want to contemplate today: God’s counsel? His might? That he is your good and gracious Father? That he can bring peace that passes understanding? Take a few moments to consider this with the Lord.

Prince of Peace is what stands out to me today. So today, I will take time throughout my day to pray for God’s peace over those who are desperate for it. What do you feel drawn to Intercede for today? Take time right now to pray…

The inbreaking of Christ into our world and our history…. which is why we sing Joy to the World, and why we pray: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Our world needs a rest that cannot be achieved by anything other than the Prince of Peace himself. As we end our time of prayer today, pray over individuals you know who are still seeking the prince of peace. Pray for areas of our world that are desperate for peace.

Behold, what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! The LORD will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Amen.

Music: "In The Light" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>918audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-23rd--58075319This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58075319Sat, 23 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-22nd--58064188Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for ayou, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant Savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58064188Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 22 - in the final week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading...Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for ayou, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant Savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>702advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-21st--58063966Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for you, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58063966Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 22 - in the final week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading...Today is December 22 - in the final week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.


Like Simeon, Anna was faithful . Anna saw Simeon’s embrace of Jesus, and joined this prophetic welcome. Both Simeon and Anna are described by Luke as faithful, patient, and expectant worshippers. Both are old. This Christmas, who in your life is a model of this sort of sage-like faith? Thank God for them…

Consider your own longing for consolation. For redemption. Do you find yourself distracted by the business of this season? Of course! Can you now interrupt that business and ask God to give you the grace to experience real spiritual expectation? That your heart and your soul might come alive with anticipation for Christ, the way a child might anticipate Christmas morning?

As you enter Christmas weekend, you will shift from anticipation to fulfillment. From waiting for consolation, to the presence of consolation Himself. You will not just have your eyes on the horizon, you will BEHOLD the savior of the world Himself. Pray now for you, and in your faith community, and in the global church, as we together hold our open arms out to welcoming this infant savior.

Meditate this weekend on the word: BEHOLD. Allow it to remind you when you are distracted by many good things. Ask God to give you ‘good eyes’ with which to see Him, and the gift of faith, that you might experience Him, this Christmastime.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1010advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-20th--58060386Today is December 20 - in the final week of Advent

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”


We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary?

Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?

Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness.

Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas.


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Angels We Have Heard On High" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58060386Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 20 - in the final week of Advent May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit....Today is December 20 - in the final week of Advent

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”


We find two responses in this bit of Luke’s story: the shepherds are busy – they head to Bethlehem, they find Jesus and everything just like the angels had spoken of… and they start talking about it to everyone they know. And then we have Mary… who treasured up and pondered ‘these things’ in her heart. Who do you feel more connected to today, in this final week of Advent? The excitement and joy and evangelistic fervor of the shepherds? Or the interior -and I’d guess probably tired! - contemplation of Mary?

Where might God be inviting you to lean, then? If you are by nature contemplative, might it be good to lean towards evangelistic joy? On the other hand, if you are more excited and busy this week, might it be sweet to lean toward a bit of quiet consideration?

Pray now for God to grow you more fully into the person He made you to be. Pray that He would grow you into a mature worship and followership of Him, marked by both joy, evangelism, and the thrill of Christmas… and by an ability to be very quiet, treasuring up and abiding with Christ in stillness.

Faith in Christ is a gift of revelation, not an intellectual pursuit. Pray as we end for God’s spirit to stir up in you the gift of faith. Pray also for the world around you – filled with darkness and longing – to receive a revelation of Christ this Christmas.


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Angels We Have Heard On High" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>610advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-19th--58049786Today is December 19 - in the final week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”


The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season?

But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see.

Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life.

As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Hallelujah" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58049786Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 19 - in the final week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say...Today is December 19 - in the final week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”


The Christ story is likely very familiar to you who are listening. Perhaps, too familiar. How familiar is this story to you? How familiar is this advent season?

But what a strange and unfamiliar thing we find in this story. I don’t mean the angel, not the heavenly choir, not even the glory of the Lord! Unexpected perhaps, but not strange if one believes in God. What is strange is the thing that all of this supernatural and majestic grandeur is pointing to: a baby, wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger. Think about that for a moment, and allow the absurdity of it to interrupt you. A baby. All of heaven opens for a baby. The savior is a poor, refugee baby… not born in a palace, but in a barn! Consider for a moment how the hiddenness of God is obscured, except for those who have been given eyes to see.

Take a moment and ask yourself, “Where might Christ be showing up in unexpected places in my life?” Talk to God now, and pray for fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a fresh understanding of his entrance into the world. Ask Him to show you “this thing that has happened” in a way that is full of new life.

As we end our time of prayer, and as we approach the celebration of Christmas, take time to think about someone you know who might find this story terribly UNfamilar. Someone who might even be surprised to hear the claim of Jesus: that He came not to judge the world, but to save it. Intercede today, by name if you can, for someone to be interrupted by the Christ-child this Christmas.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Hallelujah" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>732advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-18th--58039424Today is December 18 - in the final week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”


This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you.

We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today?

Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it.

Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58039424Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 18 - in the final week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...Today is December 18 - in the final week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.


“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”


This is a very subtle record of the coming of Christ into the world, don’t you think. One verse! As we begin our time of prayer, consider Mary. She’d traveled to Bethlehem late in her first pregnancy. She gave birth in a stable. Her firstborn was laid in a food trough. And then we read: there was no guest room available for them. Here we have the Son of God, and the hope of the world. And the world already has no room for him. Take some time to contemplate whatever this brings up in you.

We are in the last week of Advent-time now. How much room in your mind, your heart, your schedule… is open, for you to abide with God this week? How difficult is it for you to slow down and quiet yourself today?

Take time now in prayer – perhaps, even pause this devotional. Welcome God into your week. Try to still you to-do lists, and instead prayerfully imagine Mary – in the midst of a chaotic mess – beholding her newborn son, Jesus. Try to organize the scene in your mind, and take time to wander through it.

Make room in your heart today, for Christ’s presence to enliven you. And make room in your day today to be His body in this world, where there is all too often no room made for Him.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>704advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-16th--57962222This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57962222Sat, 16 Dec 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Emmanuel" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>360advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-15th--57962221Today is December 15 - in the second week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.”

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?

Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.

Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "I Love You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57962221Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 15 - in the second week of Advent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading...Today is December 15 - in the second week of Advent.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.

“The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.”

The king of peace comes to us as an everlasting light, an everlasting glory. And yet, as we wait for the Coming of Christ, we still live in ‘days of mourning’. Can you bring all of your emotions to the Lord today in prayer… from feelings of brightness to experiences of sadness or mourning?

Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. And yet even as we behold this King of Peace… we walk through days of mourning.

Take time to talk with Jesus about all that you are carrying today as you begin a shift toward the final week of Advent. What is making you feel weary or weighed down?

The King of peace says to you: come to me, and I will give you rest. And not a rest that requires us to check out of our daily life. But a rest that we can find, through Him, in the midst of it. Ask God to draw your attention to Him, and to His rest, as you continue through advent.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "I Love You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-14th--57961995 Today is December 14 - in the second week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel?

“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him?

As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’…

This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Jesus Beautiful" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57961995Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 14 - in the second week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from... Today is December 14 - in the second week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

The New Testament writers often refer to Christ as ‘the light of the world’. Here, Paul urges the church in Ephesus to recall their movement, in Christ, from darkness… to light. And he reminds them that the ‘fruit of light’ is found in all that is good, right, and true. He also reminds them that disobedience to the light is serious business…. Bringing about wrath. Consider this as you move into prayer: God is serious about the fruit of the light… about what is good, right, and true… How does that make you feel?

“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord…” How often do you meditate on what pleases God? This season of Advent, have you taken time to invite God to lead you in ways that please Him?

As you begin to pray, ask the Lord what it means for you to ‘walk in the way of light’ today… invite Him to help you turn from ‘unfruitful works of darkness’…

This Christmas, the world is full of ‘people walking in darkness’… who are experiencing the impacts of ‘unfruitful works of darkness’. Pray that you would be a bringer of light this Advent season to those around you. Pray that God would fill you with ‘all that is good, right, and true’… and that you would spill out good fruit this season of Advent.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Jesus Beautiful" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>786advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-13th--57961847Today is December 13 - in the second week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

This is something to behold, indeed: God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved. Consider this as we begin our time of prayer this advent-time: God so loved the world…

John tells us that God so loved the word in the same breath as he says that the world loved darkness more than the light of Christ! Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God loved us and gave himself for us. Consider now what it cost God to come into a world, to become man, to bring us His light and peace EVEN WHILE we embraced the darkness…

Talk to the Lord now about any of your deeds that may need to be exposed. Be honest with him, and enter into a place of confession about where you might tend to prefer darkness over light…

How do you experience ‘coming into the light of Christ’? Does it bring you peace, to bring your confessions to Jesus? Ask God to fill you with his light and peace as you offer up your confession and walk in repentance today.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Silent Night" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57961847Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 13 - in the second week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit....Today is December 13 - in the second week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

This is something to behold, indeed: God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved. Consider this as we begin our time of prayer this advent-time: God so loved the world…

John tells us that God so loved the word in the same breath as he says that the world loved darkness more than the light of Christ! Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God loved us and gave himself for us. Consider now what it cost God to come into a world, to become man, to bring us His light and peace EVEN WHILE we embraced the darkness…

Talk to the Lord now about any of your deeds that may need to be exposed. Be honest with him, and enter into a place of confession about where you might tend to prefer darkness over light…

How do you experience ‘coming into the light of Christ’? Does it bring you peace, to bring your confessions to Jesus? Ask God to fill you with his light and peace as you offer up your confession and walk in repentance today.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Silent Night" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>672adevent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-12th--57961819Today is December 12 - in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul.

Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.

Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ.

All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Oh Holy Night" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57961819Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 12 - in the second week of Advent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say...Today is December 12 - in the second week of Advent.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 60.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

Think about all that darkness hides, and the relief that comes with the light of morning. Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? As we begin our time of prayer today, call to mind a time you felt anxious, or worried, or covered by a ‘thick darkness’ of mind or body or soul.

Can you recall the sense of relief, or peace you felt when the Lord met you in that place? When the darkness lifted? Try to remember what it felt like to move from darkness into light… Our text from Isaiah might call to mind the Genesis 1 narrative… where we read that God’s spirit hovered over darkness and voice… and that God spoke order into disordered… first speaking: ‘let there be light’.

Turn to the Lord in personal prayer, and pray for places in your own life, or in the world around, where you experience darkness. Pray for specific people and situations who need an interruption of the brightness of the peace of Christ.

All too often, holiday seasons are frenetic and not calm, chaotic and not peaceful. Work today to find a situation that you can interrupt with the brightness of the peace of Christ. Perhaps at work, during a family meal, or even in your own heart. Be intentional about being a person of brightness, and of peace, today, by the grace of God.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Oh Holy Night" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>699advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-11th--57961818Today is December 11 - in the second week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is?

Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.

Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of His kingdom.

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57961818Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 11 - in the second week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Gospel...Today is December 11 - in the second week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4.

“Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

When Jesus heard that John – his cousin – had been arrested, Jesus withdrew, leaving one small, backwater town for another. Jesus came as a king, preaching about the kingdom of heaven. And yet he didn’t show up much like one would expect a king to show up. Often, to look deeply at Jesus is to be surprised, or to have your expectations interrupted. As you come to prayer today, how is Jesus interrupting you, or your expectations, about who He is?

Kings and leaders of this world usually get to peace through power. Jesus came as a different sort of King of Peace. He gave up power. Gave up privilege. He didn’t ride into town on a war horse, but on a humble donkey. He didn’t demonstrate his kingship by might, but in humility. He wasn’t born into a palace, but into a refugee family holed up in a barn.

Reflect for a few moments on what all of this speaks to the way Christ comes as our King of Peace. Does he come and get rid of our darkness in one fell swoop? Or does he come and walk with us in the midst our darkness? Ask God for eyes to see where he is slowly pushing back the darkness in your life with the dawning light of His kingdom.

Take time to welcome Christ’s light and peace into that space, trusting He can be present to you in His peace this Advent, even if you’re walking through the valley of the shadow.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-9th--57935836This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57935836Sat, 09 Dec 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent. I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for...This is the Saturday examen for the season of Advent.

I’m glad you’ve joined us for a time of reflection and prayer. Pray along with me.


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things… look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.


Now take a moment to quiet yourself, and pray: Come, Holy Spirit!


Look back over this past week and ask God to draw your attention to moments where you’ve felt dissonant, agitated, or where you’ve lacked the fruit of the spirit toward others. Where have you experienced the darkness of your own heart? Or of the world around you?


Now offer those moments to the Lord. Invite Him to lead you toward engaging in a way that might bring relational repair or reconciliation. Ask God to help move you into action in whatever way He leads.


Consider the week ahead: What are you feeling joyful about as we approach Christmastime? Who do you want to pay special attention to this week? What do you want to be particularly present to? Ask God to help draw your attention to these things. If people came to mind, pray over them by name.


Behold… the psalmist tells us… God is our helper… he is our sustainer… he does not merely bring good news, Luke says… he IS good news…

Behold… he stands at the door of our heart and knocks… he will pour out His spirit on you…

Behold… we read in 1 John… what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

As we end our examen, ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent and to give you a heart that longs for Him.

Ask God for grace to behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!


Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Amen.

Music: "Behold" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>423falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-8th--57935262Today is December 8 in the first week of Advent

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.




Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.

Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn... that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.

Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost



Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Go Tell It On the Mountain" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)




Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57935262Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 8 in the first week of Advent May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading...Today is December 8 in the first week of Advent

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.




Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3.

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile’ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

We have reflected this week on God our savior, who came to seek and to save, who came to make a smooth path toward salvation, who came to demonstrate the love of God through the forgiveness of sins by the Grace of God. We began with the image of a door, and we prepared our hearts to open the door in order to BEHOLD THE SAVIOR, lying in a manger, the God of the universe not only with us – but with the least of us, the last of us.

Take a moment to quiet yourself and bring that image back to mind. Contemplate this paradox: it is through this infant: poor, vulnerable, a baby in the middle of the mess of a barn... that ‘all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ John the Baptist tells us that this salvation comes through a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.Take time in personal prayer to consider your baptism, your own repentance, and the forgiveness of sins that is yours. Consider that this advent, you are not only waiting to behold the savior of the world, but YOUR savior as well.

Our repentance comes in a moment, and in a lifetime of moments. When we behold the goodness of God, His compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing, we are reminded all too often of our distractions, our ridiculous irritabilities, by all the way we do not love the way He loves. Ask God to strengthen the gift of love in you, that in this season of Advent those around you might behold a glimpse of God’s celebration every time He saves that which is lost



Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...

In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Go Tell It On the Mountain" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)




Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>834advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-7th--57933135Today is Dec 7 in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55.

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross. Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?

Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Holy Child" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57933135Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Dec 7 in the first week of Advent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is Dec 7 in the first week of Advent.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 55.

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

Again, the call of scripture is to Behold – to look deeply at our God and the way He has interacted with us through history. The prophet Isaiah wants us to look deeply at something that God has brought to his attention: he tells us to ‘incline our ears, and come to God, listen to him, that our souls may live’… We’re living in a world where the souls of many are weary and worn, unsure of the compassion of God. As you enter into prayer, consider with the Lord the state of your own soul today. I am aways so thankful to be reminded that God’s ways are not my ways. My ways are not very loving. My ways are not very compassionate. My ways are not very steadfast. The goodness of ‘my ways’ too quickly have an edge. The goodness of ‘my ways’ don’t go to the cross. Take a few moments of prayer now and talk to the Lord about the length of His saving love: that God not only comes near to us to demonstrate His love, but that He went as far as death as well. What implications does that have for you this Advent? For the way you love?

Take time today to ask God to reveal His thoughts, and His ways to you… Ask Him to lead you towards those whose souls may need a word of refreshing from Him, through you.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Holy Child" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>846advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-6th--57918378Today is December 6th in the first week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

”Behold, the savior of the world, who comes into the world with comfort, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing. What do you think it means that Isaiah prophesied that God would enter into the world in this fashion? Do you find it strange, that a savior is described with words that feel so kind?

The character of God often surprises us: that our savior comes not with an eye-roll, filled with frustration at our inability to get things right, a sense of ‘I told you so’ in the air? Consider for a moment a time you actually needed saved: from a stupid decision, a bad choice, an error of judgement… or even from your own sin and recklessness. Consider what it means that God draws near as your savior as a comforter, with tenderness, words of peace, forgiveness, and blessing…Now enter a personal time of prayer and that God that He demonstrates is salvation power to us through love. Consider if you are following in His way...

This Advent, our world – your world – is filled with people who need the comfort of Christ. Not a word of judgement, or a condemnation. As you have received the comfort and tenderness of Christ yourself, be diligent about treating those around you with the same kindness. Ask the Lord to lead you in love: who can you serve today? Who can you pray for or offer tenderness to?…

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Humble King" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57918378Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 6th in the first week of Advent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit....Today is December 6th in the first week of Advent.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

”Behold, the savior of the world, who comes into the world with comfort, tenderness, forgiveness, and blessing. What do you think it means that Isaiah prophesied that God would enter into the world in this fashion? Do you find it strange, that a savior is described with words that feel so kind?

The character of God often surprises us: that our savior comes not with an eye-roll, filled with frustration at our inability to get things right, a sense of ‘I told you so’ in the air? Consider for a moment a time you actually needed saved: from a stupid decision, a bad choice, an error of judgement… or even from your own sin and recklessness. Consider what it means that God draws near as your savior as a comforter, with tenderness, words of peace, forgiveness, and blessing…Now enter a personal time of prayer and that God that He demonstrates is salvation power to us through love. Consider if you are following in His way...

This Advent, our world – your world – is filled with people who need the comfort of Christ. Not a word of judgement, or a condemnation. As you have received the comfort and tenderness of Christ yourself, be diligent about treating those around you with the same kindness. Ask the Lord to lead you in love: who can you serve today? Who can you pray for or offer tenderness to?…

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "Humble King" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>696advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-5th--57909968Today is December 5 – in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15.“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ /

‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.

All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love...

Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them...

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "The Lord Has Come" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57909968Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 5 – in the first week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come...Today is December 5 – in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from several verses from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15.“He calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ / ‘She calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ /

‘It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’The lost sheep. The lost coin. The lost son. For God so loved the world that He came to seek and to save that which is lost. The savior of the world enters into history not as a God who despises things that go missing, but rather as the God of the cracks, the corners, the far-off spaces… the God who seeks… and the God who then celebrates when he finds that which is precious. This is what love looks like: a willingness to get low, to get messy, to go out of His way… in order to go after ‘the one’. Take a moment and let this settle over you. That ‘lost and found one’ is you.

All of these parables tell of personal things get lost. Is there anything – or anyone - lost in your life right now? Are you seeking after them in the same way Christ seeks after you?Now enter a personal moment of prayer and pray specifically – by name if you can – for those you know who are lost, and who need to be saved and restored by love...

Advent is a time of looking forward to a celebration of joy! An event that reminds us: we are not lost! We are not alone! We are not left in the corner, stuck out of sight, unworthy of rescue! Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to help you grow as a seeker… someone with eyes to see those around you who might be holding out hope for to be ‘found’ themselves. Ask God to give you grace to speak His words of invitation to someone who might be ready to hear them...

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "The Lord Has Come" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-4th--57887846Today is December 4 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57887846Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 4 - in the first week of Advent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...Today is December 4 - in the first week of Advent

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence, and say Come Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1.“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

We begin this Advent with the question: what does it mean to truly BEHOLD something? Not just to notice it, or to get a glimpse… but to see, and to see deeply? Our reading from Mark says: “Behold, I will send my messenger before your face” Think for a moment: when was the last time you looked slowly and deeply at something or someone, as though to work the image of what you see deep into your mind and memory?

Now, imagine yourself standing at the ‘doorway of advent’. Slow down and consider what you are opening that door to as you step into this Holy season: to God himself, incarnate, a vulnerable infant born into a wild and reckless world. The savior of all that is, lying there in a dirty stable. Lying there, a soon-to-be refugee. Lying there: the love of God revealed as WITH US.

Now, enter into a personal moment of prayer by imaging yourself opening the door that is before you… what do you see, or feel, or hear, or smell… as you behold your savior in this scene?….“Behold, I will send my messenger before your face.” That sounds to me like a description of something that gets very, very close. In your face, it seems. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to help you keep your awareness of His presence ‘before your face’ this Advent season.…

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Behold, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome in…In the name of the Father, and the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>725audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/advent-examen-december-2nd--57819970Today is Saturday, 2nd of December,
one day before the first Sunday of Advent.

We’ll prepare our hearts for this season of holy anticipation by praying the words of Henri Nouwen. You can repeat each line after me…


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness…
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas…
We who have so much to do, and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day…
We who are anxious over many things, look forward to your coming among us...
We who are blessed in so many ways, long for the complete joy of your kingdom…
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence...
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen.


Our examen today is mean to help you pause, and to re-orient yourself yet again to the Truth of the Gospel. Our lives are full, and fast, and scattered. For a moment today can you quiet yourself?
Take a deep breath.
Welcome God’s presence, and say, “Come Holy Spirit”!

This past year, we have taken time each Saturday to look back at our weeks for signs of God’s presence and grace, and to look ahead at our weeks to prepare our hearts to meet Christ in the people and places we are near to. Today… we’ll look back over the past month. The holiday season can be a joy-filled time, but it is also often a lonely time, a time where we feel the void of things we’ve lost, or things we feel we’ve missed. Consider the state of your heart today. Do you feel full? Alone? Scattered? Tired? Expectant? Keep your breath slow and deliberate, and reflect on any areas of challenge or pain from this past month. Bring whatever comes up to the Lord.

Next… remember with me that scripture points to the coming of Christ as a light that is not overwhelmed by the darkness. As Nouwen prayed, out of scripture: we are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light… Turn your attention to the times this past month you’ve felt God’s presence. Where have you experienced the light of His grace, or guidance, or sustaining power? Do the work of slowly remembering one scene from this month where you’ve felt gratitude to God. Remember, and give thanks.

Finally… focus your attention to this coming season of Advent, which begins tomorrow.
Take a deep breath. Ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent. Offer to Him any distractions you anticipate in this season of faith, hope, peace, and love. Pray for those you love, by name…

Thorough our Advent Examens, we’ll pray a brief prayer, out loud, together. I’d invite you to pray it over the course of your day…. By yourself, with a small group, with a child, with family, or by yourself along with me now. The prayer is the first line of a hymn written by Charles Wesley, and I’ll introduce it to you now. I’d encourage you write this line out, and place it somewhere where you’ll notice it daily:

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

As we end this time of examen, our reading is from Isaiah, chapter 9. These are the words of the Lord, thanks be to God:

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
 You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.


Amen.

Music Credit:
"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57819970Sat, 02 Dec 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Saturday, 2nd of December, one day before the first Sunday of Advent. We’ll prepare our hearts for this season of holy anticipation by praying the words of Henri Nouwen. You can repeat each line after me… Lord Jesus, Master of both the...Today is Saturday, 2nd of December,
one day before the first Sunday of Advent.

We’ll prepare our hearts for this season of holy anticipation by praying the words of Henri Nouwen. You can repeat each line after me…


Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness…
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas…
We who have so much to do, and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day…
We who are anxious over many things, look forward to your coming among us...
We who are blessed in so many ways, long for the complete joy of your kingdom…
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence...
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen.


Our examen today is mean to help you pause, and to re-orient yourself yet again to the Truth of the Gospel. Our lives are full, and fast, and scattered. For a moment today can you quiet yourself?
Take a deep breath.
Welcome God’s presence, and say, “Come Holy Spirit”!

This past year, we have taken time each Saturday to look back at our weeks for signs of God’s presence and grace, and to look ahead at our weeks to prepare our hearts to meet Christ in the people and places we are near to. Today… we’ll look back over the past month. The holiday season can be a joy-filled time, but it is also often a lonely time, a time where we feel the void of things we’ve lost, or things we feel we’ve missed. Consider the state of your heart today. Do you feel full? Alone? Scattered? Tired? Expectant? Keep your breath slow and deliberate, and reflect on any areas of challenge or pain from this past month. Bring whatever comes up to the Lord.

Next… remember with me that scripture points to the coming of Christ as a light that is not overwhelmed by the darkness. As Nouwen prayed, out of scripture: we are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light… Turn your attention to the times this past month you’ve felt God’s presence. Where have you experienced the light of His grace, or guidance, or sustaining power? Do the work of slowly remembering one scene from this month where you’ve felt gratitude to God. Remember, and give thanks.

Finally… focus your attention to this coming season of Advent, which begins tomorrow.
Take a deep breath. Ask God to give you eyes to see Him this advent. Offer to Him any distractions you anticipate in this season of faith, hope, peace, and love. Pray for those you love, by name…

Thorough our Advent Examens, we’ll pray a brief prayer, out loud, together. I’d invite you to pray it over the course of your day…. By yourself, with a small group, with a child, with family, or by yourself along with me now. The prayer is the first line of a hymn written by Charles Wesley, and I’ll introduce it to you now. I’d encourage you write this line out, and place it somewhere where you’ll notice it daily:

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

As we end this time of examen, our reading is from Isaiah, chapter 9. These are the words of the Lord, thanks be to God:

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
 You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them, 654advent,audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/december-1st--57819928Today is December 1
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 9.

18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

As we enter into prayer today, think for a moment about YOUR answer to this question… Not the proper Sunday school answer, or the answer that your pastor might say… But what’s your answer, in real life? Who do you say Jesus is?
 
Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples this question… What do the crowds think about me? Who do they say that I am? What do you think he’s trying to get them to think about? We know a couple of things to be true… first Jesus knows exactly who he is. Second the disciples should know exactly who he is! But they often seem confused. Listen to the text again, and wonder why Jesus is having this conversation with them.

Peter is always a great one to raise His hand and answer the question first! You are God’s Messiah, he calls out! Imagine you’re in the room with disciples and Jesus. Imagine this conversation. And imagine what happens when Peter speaks this truth. As we enter time of prayer, ask God to reveal more of himself to you… more of who HE is…

Music Credit:
"The God You Truly Are" - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57819928Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is December 1 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the gospel of...Today is December 1
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 9.

18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

As we enter into prayer today, think for a moment about YOUR answer to this question… Not the proper Sunday school answer, or the answer that your pastor might say… But what’s your answer, in real life? Who do you say Jesus is?
 
Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples this question… What do the crowds think about me? Who do they say that I am? What do you think he’s trying to get them to think about? We know a couple of things to be true… first Jesus knows exactly who he is. Second the disciples should know exactly who he is! But they often seem confused. Listen to the text again, and wonder why Jesus is having this conversation with them.

Peter is always a great one to raise His hand and answer the question first! You are God’s Messiah, he calls out! Imagine you’re in the room with disciples and Jesus. Imagine this conversation. And imagine what happens when Peter speaks this truth. As we enter time of prayer, ask God to reveal more of himself to you… more of who HE is…

Music Credit:
"The God You Truly Are" - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>606audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-30th--57819807Today is November 30
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 1.

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Think about all that lies underneath the phrase, “come, and you will see”. Do you think, if the disciples had ANY idea what that meant for the rest of their lives, that they would’ve followed Jesus so quickly? Have you responded to Jesus invitation to come and see? Where has it taken you? What have you seen because you’ve responded to that call?
 
As you listen to the passage again, look back and consider what it was about Jesus that first drew you to him? Was it something that you learned, something that you heard, something that you saw in someone else? What was it that caused you to “come and see?”

The early church was filled with people who had encounters with Jesus, that were so life-changing, that their first reaction was to grab a friend and introduce them to Jesus as well. When was the last time you shared with someone else the story of your first encounter with Jesus? Ask God to give you even an opportunity to invite someone else come and see what you’ve seen? Perhaps there’s someone who might be well served by a warm-hearted invitation to church this Advent season, or to join your small group? Ask God for an opportunity to say, “come and see.”

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57819807Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 30 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the gospel of John,...Today is November 30
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 1.

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Think about all that lies underneath the phrase, “come, and you will see”. Do you think, if the disciples had ANY idea what that meant for the rest of their lives, that they would’ve followed Jesus so quickly? Have you responded to Jesus invitation to come and see? Where has it taken you? What have you seen because you’ve responded to that call?
 
As you listen to the passage again, look back and consider what it was about Jesus that first drew you to him? Was it something that you learned, something that you heard, something that you saw in someone else? What was it that caused you to “come and see?”

The early church was filled with people who had encounters with Jesus, that were so life-changing, that their first reaction was to grab a friend and introduce them to Jesus as well. When was the last time you shared with someone else the story of your first encounter with Jesus? Ask God to give you even an opportunity to invite someone else come and see what you’ve seen? Perhaps there’s someone who might be well served by a warm-hearted invitation to church this Advent season, or to join your small group? Ask God for an opportunity to say, “come and see.”

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>766audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-29th--57819598Today is November 29
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 42.

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the nations will put their hope.”


This is a familiar passage for many, with two powerful images. A bruised reed… and a Smoldering wick. Imagine a plant, growing tall, that is broken halfway up. The top half hanging down limply. imagine a candle that’s just been snuffed out, still a few embers lit, still smoking. These are images of who we are. We are tender, wounded, weak… And Isaiah tells us that even to those in these conditions, the Christ will bring forth justice. He will bring forth hope? How does that make you feel?
 
Jesus sees value in us, even in our weakness. And God is gentle and compassionate to us even when we feel almost entirely burned out. Listen to the text again and try to rest in this truth of where our Hope lies.
 
Scripture tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance. As we under time of prayer today, consider how radical that is. Consider how upside down that is. An invite God to make you more into that kind of person… a person who is kind, compassionate, full of mercy…

Music Credit:
"Your Love" -Vineyard Worship YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57819598Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 29 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is November 29
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 42.

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the nations will put their hope.”


This is a familiar passage for many, with two powerful images. A bruised reed… and a Smoldering wick. Imagine a plant, growing tall, that is broken halfway up. The top half hanging down limply. imagine a candle that’s just been snuffed out, still a few embers lit, still smoking. These are images of who we are. We are tender, wounded, weak… And Isaiah tells us that even to those in these conditions, the Christ will bring forth justice. He will bring forth hope? How does that make you feel?
 
Jesus sees value in us, even in our weakness. And God is gentle and compassionate to us even when we feel almost entirely burned out. Listen to the text again and try to rest in this truth of where our Hope lies.
 
Scripture tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance. As we under time of prayer today, consider how radical that is. Consider how upside down that is. An invite God to make you more into that kind of person… a person who is kind, compassionate, full of mercy…

Music Credit:
"Your Love" -Vineyard Worship YouTube


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>592audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-28th--57819568Today is November 28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…

This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship: YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57819568Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  ...Today is November 28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 8.

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

Let’s enter into this story for a moment… Luke tells us that a large crowd begins to gather as people are following Jesus around, trying to understand who he is, and what he’s doing. All of a sudden Jesus stops, looks up and begins to tell a story about a farmer and some seed. Most folks in the crowd are farmers, so this is familiar territory…

This passage of Luke is familiar for many of us. Can you try to hear it with fresh ears? As you listen to the passage again, think about the soil of your heart and life that the Gospel seed is falling into. Consider, is the seed of faith being choked out by something? Is it falling on a hard heart? Is the seed being choked by dry ground? Or is it falling on moist soil? Bring the condition of your heart to God.
 
We all want to be good soil for God’s word to grow. Sometimes we need to do some work to cultivate the soil. To dig up the ground. To water it. To clear away some weeds. To scatter the birds. As we close our time of prayer, ask God if there is one thing you can do to cultivate the soil of your life today?

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship: YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>648audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-27th--57811068Today is November 27
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.


14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between? How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at

What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…
 
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57811068Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 27 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Today’s reading is from Psalm 71. 14 As for...Today is November 27
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.


14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

This psalmist… remembering the days of his youth, all the way to his present… he says he is old and gray. What season of life are you in right now? Single? Newly married? Great-Grandparenting? Or somewhere in between? How do you feel about this season of life? Talk to the lord about where youre at

What season of faith are you in? Perhaps you’re a young believer or are re-constructing your faith. Or maybe you’re a sage… having followed Jesus for half a century! What unique things are real for you in this season of faith? Listen again…
 
Is there any place in your life where you are declaring God’s power to the next generation? If so: thank you! It means so much! If not, why? What are you waiting for? What is holding you back from serving the next generation in the same way that someone served you? Talk to God about this as you end your time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>727audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-25th--57751322
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57751322Sat, 25 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-24th--57751190Today is November 24
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 20.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

This scripture offers a glimpse of how the Spirit leads. It’s not always into wonderful experiences. Sometimes, the spirit leads us toward a steadfast followership in the face of suffering. Consider a hardship in your life, a difficulty or challenge. Is there a sense of being compelled by the spirit in your experience? Or, do you feel weak and weary in your faith? Bring that to the Lord today.
 
As you listen to the passage again, consider Paul’s determination to face the challenge that is before him with conviction, and with a sense of the Spirit’s empowerment. He only wants to finish this race, to complete this task. Ask God to give you all the need for the task in front of you.

So often, our faith grows weary and worn, and we forget what it’s like to be compelled by the Spirit on behalf of the grace of God. Or sometimes, our faith is lukewarm. The grace of God is overfamiliar. We take for granted what we have. As we end our time of prayer, would you ask the Lord to stir up your faith and your gratitude for the things he has placed before you today. Could you ask him for more of his spirit as you face the challenges ahead of you?

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57751190Fri, 24 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 24 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is November 24
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.


Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 20.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

This scripture offers a glimpse of how the Spirit leads. It’s not always into wonderful experiences. Sometimes, the spirit leads us toward a steadfast followership in the face of suffering. Consider a hardship in your life, a difficulty or challenge. Is there a sense of being compelled by the spirit in your experience? Or, do you feel weak and weary in your faith? Bring that to the Lord today.
 
As you listen to the passage again, consider Paul’s determination to face the challenge that is before him with conviction, and with a sense of the Spirit’s empowerment. He only wants to finish this race, to complete this task. Ask God to give you all the need for the task in front of you.

So often, our faith grows weary and worn, and we forget what it’s like to be compelled by the Spirit on behalf of the grace of God. Or sometimes, our faith is lukewarm. The grace of God is overfamiliar. We take for granted what we have. As we end our time of prayer, would you ask the Lord to stir up your faith and your gratitude for the things he has placed before you today. Could you ask him for more of his spirit as you face the challenges ahead of you?

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>772audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-23rd--57750776Today is November 23
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.


Jesus seems to care a lot more about the heart of God than he does about getting black and white about religious rules. How does that sit with you?

Jesus asks the Pharisees: “Have you ever read what David did….” But OF COURSE they had. That’d be like asking a Constitutional lawyer if they’ve ever read the Constitution. But Jesus is making a point. There is a truth in scripture that they can’t see, because they are blinded by religion. It’s not that what they knew wasn’t true. It’s that it wasn’t all there is to know. How does that make you feel?

 Jesus is making a point. He asks this man to stand up front. Jesus looks them in the eye and asks a brazen question. Then he does the very thing they’re about to condemn Jesus for: he heals the man’s hand. On the sabbath. And, as Jesus does, he turns things upside down. Aren’t you thankful that the Character of God is displayed in ways like this? Thank God for the beauty of his love and mercy… Thank God for His kindness and generosity… That God that Christ came to fulfill the law, to offer grace, and to welcome us to his table, as His friends! Give Thanks!

Music Credit:
"Adore HIm" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57750776Thu, 23 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 23 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke,...Today is November 23
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.


Jesus seems to care a lot more about the heart of God than he does about getting black and white about religious rules. How does that sit with you?

Jesus asks the Pharisees: “Have you ever read what David did….” But OF COURSE they had. That’d be like asking a Constitutional lawyer if they’ve ever read the Constitution. But Jesus is making a point. There is a truth in scripture that they can’t see, because they are blinded by religion. It’s not that what they knew wasn’t true. It’s that it wasn’t all there is to know. How does that make you feel?

 Jesus is making a point. He asks this man to stand up front. Jesus looks them in the eye and asks a brazen question. Then he does the very thing they’re about to condemn Jesus for: he heals the man’s hand. On the sabbath. And, as Jesus does, he turns things upside down. Aren’t you thankful that the Character of God is displayed in ways like this? Thank God for the beauty of his love and mercy… Thank God for His kindness and generosity… That God that Christ came to fulfill the law, to offer grace, and to welcome us to his table, as His friends! Give Thanks!

Music Credit:
"Adore HIm" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>906audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-22nd--57750446Today is November 22
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 35.

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
10 and those the LORD has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah speaks about great life, beauty, and fruitfulness that will transform a desert land. This is a song of joy, of hope, and of promise. We’re in a season of autumn that for many feels lush – full of family and joy. And that for many others feels barren – full of loneliness and desolation. Begin your time of prayer today by interceding for those you pass by each day who are lonely, or feeble, or unsteady.
 
The Kingdom of God brings with it life ‘as it was meant to be’ – eyes that see, bodies that work and are healthy, fields that are fertile, and people who are free, at peace, and redeemed. We of course live in the now, and the not yet… of that Kingdom. Would you listen again and ask the Lord to draw your attention to one word or phrase in particular? Something that might help you become fully aware of both the life, and the longing, that God wants to bring to you today?
 
Sorrow and sighing will flee away. Let it be, Lord! Ask God to give you an occasion today week to hear the sighing of someone in the world around you. Ask God to allow you to bring comfort, care, or practical help to them… so that you might be a part of God’s transformation in the world around you. Consider someone who might be lonely this holiday season, and extend the welcome of Christ’s big table… where there is always a seat for just… one… more.

Music Credit:
"Face to Face" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57750446Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 22 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is November 22
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 35.

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
10 and those the LORD has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah speaks about great life, beauty, and fruitfulness that will transform a desert land. This is a song of joy, of hope, and of promise. We’re in a season of autumn that for many feels lush – full of family and joy. And that for many others feels barren – full of loneliness and desolation. Begin your time of prayer today by interceding for those you pass by each day who are lonely, or feeble, or unsteady.
 
The Kingdom of God brings with it life ‘as it was meant to be’ – eyes that see, bodies that work and are healthy, fields that are fertile, and people who are free, at peace, and redeemed. We of course live in the now, and the not yet… of that Kingdom. Would you listen again and ask the Lord to draw your attention to one word or phrase in particular? Something that might help you become fully aware of both the life, and the longing, that God wants to bring to you today?
 
Sorrow and sighing will flee away. Let it be, Lord! Ask God to give you an occasion today week to hear the sighing of someone in the world around you. Ask God to allow you to bring comfort, care, or practical help to them… so that you might be a part of God’s transformation in the world around you. Consider someone who might be lonely this holiday season, and extend the welcome of Christ’s big table… where there is always a seat for just… one… more.

Music Credit:
"Face to Face" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1016audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-21st--57683367Today is November 21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?


Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord.

Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet.
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus.

Music Credit:
Be Still - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57683367Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  ...Today is November 21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 56.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?


Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord.

Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet.
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus.

Music Credit:
Be Still - Vineyard Worship YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>823audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-20th--57683366Today is November 20
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Paul tells the church in Corinth to "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts." Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?
 
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God.
 
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57683366Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 20 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19....Today is November 20
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 19.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Paul tells the church in Corinth to "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts." Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?
 
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God.
 
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane YouTube

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>622audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-18th--57609424
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57609424Sat, 18 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-17th--57609346Today is November 17
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 30.

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, scripture tells you that you can hear his voice. Does that give you confidence? Do it feel confusing? Does God’s voice feel near to you today? Or perhaps far?
 
When we pray, “Come Holy Spirit”, we are inviting the spirit of God to increase His presence with us. We are praying: More! We are praying that we would become aware of, and attentive to, the fact that He is with us, He will lead us. God sees you, and God loves you. A friend of mine says it like this: “God is just crazy about you!”. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we don’t feel it to be true. But nevertheless… the Lord is near to you…

I am going to pray for you right now…. Lord, would you increase your presence with my sister, my brother? God, show yourself as the good father who you are. Spirit, fill them with your power, your life, and your vision. Jesus… would you lead this one? You are their good shepherd. Would you encounter them with a new infilling of your power and your love? In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57609346Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 17 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is November 17
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 30.

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, scripture tells you that you can hear his voice. Does that give you confidence? Do it feel confusing? Does God’s voice feel near to you today? Or perhaps far?
 
When we pray, “Come Holy Spirit”, we are inviting the spirit of God to increase His presence with us. We are praying: More! We are praying that we would become aware of, and attentive to, the fact that He is with us, He will lead us. God sees you, and God loves you. A friend of mine says it like this: “God is just crazy about you!”. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we don’t feel it to be true. But nevertheless… the Lord is near to you…

I am going to pray for you right now…. Lord, would you increase your presence with my sister, my brother? God, show yourself as the good father who you are. Spirit, fill them with your power, your life, and your vision. Jesus… would you lead this one? You are their good shepherd. Would you encounter them with a new infilling of your power and your love? In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>841audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-16th--57609291Today is November 16
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon was a man led by the spirit, and Anna was a woman filled by the spirit. Sitting here right now – wherever you are – are you fully expectant of a move of Gods spirit? Are you open to the interruption of the spirit? How might you stir up a gift of faith in God’s presence with you today? Perhaps through worship, or fasting today? Talk to God about this.

As you listen to the scripture again, ask God to highlight one word or phrase for you to contemplate today. I’m going to ask you to write it down so you can remember it as we end!

Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Consider that phrase: looking forward to redemption. It is only through Christ that we find redemption! And he has given himself to us, and lives with us now, by the spirit. Ask God to increase your spiritual vision in this season… and give him your ‘yes’ to His interruptions.

Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57609291Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 16 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke,...Today is November 16
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon was a man led by the spirit, and Anna was a woman filled by the spirit. Sitting here right now – wherever you are – are you fully expectant of a move of Gods spirit? Are you open to the interruption of the spirit? How might you stir up a gift of faith in God’s presence with you today? Perhaps through worship, or fasting today? Talk to God about this.

As you listen to the scripture again, ask God to highlight one word or phrase for you to contemplate today. I’m going to ask you to write it down so you can remember it as we end!

Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Consider that phrase: looking forward to redemption. It is only through Christ that we find redemption! And he has given himself to us, and lives with us now, by the spirit. Ask God to increase your spiritual vision in this season… and give him your ‘yes’ to His interruptions.

Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>812audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-15th--57609206Today is November 15
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 15, read from the MSG version.

Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God. But they weren’t alone. There were a number of teachers and preachers at that time in Antioch. After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John along (the John nicknamed Mark). But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.

This text brings to mind two seemingly unrelated things: first, the importance of scripture and good teaching… and second, how easy it is to experience relational breaks. Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, and John Mark, called a ‘quitter’, had walked away from followership.
 
Can you relate at all to these church leaders, committed followers of Jesus, teachers of God’s word… missionaries, even! And yet still finding themselves in a situation in which ‘tempers flared’? Which ended in them going separate ways? If you can relate to that scene of a relational break with a sister or brother in Christ, bring that before the Lord right now…
 
The work of Christ is found in reconciliation: us to God, us to ourselves, and us to those around us. Sometimes it’s easier to have a great quiet time, to study God’s word… than it is to do the things we read inside of it. Is there a relationship in your life that is broken? Talk to God about what His word says to you about the continual work of ‘coming back’ from separate ways of conflict. Ask God for wisdom about any relationship you are in that needs repair.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)"

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57609206Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 15 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”     Today’s reading is...Today is November 15
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 15, read from the MSG version.

Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God. But they weren’t alone. There were a number of teachers and preachers at that time in Antioch. After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John along (the John nicknamed Mark). But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.

This text brings to mind two seemingly unrelated things: first, the importance of scripture and good teaching… and second, how easy it is to experience relational breaks. Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, and John Mark, called a ‘quitter’, had walked away from followership.
 
Can you relate at all to these church leaders, committed followers of Jesus, teachers of God’s word… missionaries, even! And yet still finding themselves in a situation in which ‘tempers flared’? Which ended in them going separate ways? If you can relate to that scene of a relational break with a sister or brother in Christ, bring that before the Lord right now…
 
The work of Christ is found in reconciliation: us to God, us to ourselves, and us to those around us. Sometimes it’s easier to have a great quiet time, to study God’s word… than it is to do the things we read inside of it. Is there a relationship in your life that is broken? Talk to God about what His word says to you about the continual work of ‘coming back’ from separate ways of conflict. Ask God for wisdom about any relationship you are in that needs repair.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)"

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-14th--57609079Today is November 14
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.


God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.
 
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.
 
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.

Music Credit:
"All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57609079Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 14 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.  Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  ...Today is November 14
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from Psalm 37.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.


God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.
 
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.
 
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.

Music Credit:
"All The Ways" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>632audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-13th--57590717Today is November 13

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.

7 The path of the righteous is level;
you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you...

The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  

I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.

Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.

Music Credit:
"No Rush" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57590717Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 13 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  T ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26....Today is November 13

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 26.

7 The path of the righteous is level;
you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you...

The people of God have always done the work of walking in His ways, waiting for His presence, and longing for more of Him. This is the way of the ‘now and the not yet’. It is a way of both faithful obedience, and a faithful longing for more of His kingdom to come. What is it that stirs up your sense of longing for God’s kingdom to come?  

I feel very aware of the places of violence and pain in our world – the struggle in families – the experience of loneliness that pervades our culture. These realities make me long for the righteousness of God, for His presence, and for the shalom – the peace – that only He can bring. These realities also make me come alive to my own sense of calling to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Listen to the reading again and ask God to stir up in you a holy longing for more of Him.

Where the presence of God is, is His power as well. We are called to wait on Him, to walk in His ways, to be people of His kingdom. Take time today to intercede for a new empowering of the church by the spirit of God, and for a fresh wave of his kingdom in the world around us.

Music Credit:
"No Rush" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>834audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-11th--57513578
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57513578Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-10th--57548819Today is November 10

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 13.

36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

The resurrection of Jesus sets everyone who believes free from the power of sin and death. This is the great “Therefore” of scripture, the great transition from sin to salvation, from death to deliverance, the great message of the kingdom of God… that decay has been overwhelmed and overcome by God’s plan of salvation. Consider what this ‘therefore’ means to you today…

The gospel of Jesus interrupts our decay, and the decay of the world. It puts us on a new course, a new trajectory. We are interrupted by freedom from sin, and justification through Christ. Listen to this scripture again and consider how this truth has interrupted your life.

Decay is a word that feels resonant to me these days. Even as our society trumpets great progress – we cannot keep ‘decay’ away forever. For that, we need not just progress, or some new technological advancement. We need an interruption into the very nature of things. We need God’s rescue. I need it. You need it. His great Kingdom interruption. As we end our time of prayer, take some time to remind yourself of your great need for God.

Music Credit: “
When You Come" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57548819Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 10 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is November 10

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 13.

36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

The resurrection of Jesus sets everyone who believes free from the power of sin and death. This is the great “Therefore” of scripture, the great transition from sin to salvation, from death to deliverance, the great message of the kingdom of God… that decay has been overwhelmed and overcome by God’s plan of salvation. Consider what this ‘therefore’ means to you today…

The gospel of Jesus interrupts our decay, and the decay of the world. It puts us on a new course, a new trajectory. We are interrupted by freedom from sin, and justification through Christ. Listen to this scripture again and consider how this truth has interrupted your life.

Decay is a word that feels resonant to me these days. Even as our society trumpets great progress – we cannot keep ‘decay’ away forever. For that, we need not just progress, or some new technological advancement. We need an interruption into the very nature of things. We need God’s rescue. I need it. You need it. His great Kingdom interruption. As we end our time of prayer, take some time to remind yourself of your great need for God.

Music Credit: “
When You Come" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>712audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-9th--57548805Today is November 9

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 22.

8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.

11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

This is a beautiful story about the experience of the word of God being lost and recovered. Think for a moment about when the word of God became real to you. Maybe you had an experience like the King, who when you first heard the words you were convicted about the ways that you hadn’t lived out the word. Or maybe you grew up hearing the words of the Bible, but you didn’t understand them. And then all of a sudden, you had this deep understanding that the word was for you. Can you remember that moment in your life? Sometimes, even after having an experience of hearing the word for the first time, the words can become dull to us. Our hearts can grow cold or callous to the word of God. As you listen to the passage again, ask God for a new heart for his word.

As we close our time today, can you ask God to breathe on the word of God, the scriptures, for you? Can you ask them to come alive to you? Can you ask that they be sharp like a sword? Can you ask that they be a light to your path? Can you ask them to be living and active in your life? Can you ask that your heart would desire to be obedient to the word?

Music Credit:
"Three In One" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57548805Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 9 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter...Today is November 9

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 22.

8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.

11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

This is a beautiful story about the experience of the word of God being lost and recovered. Think for a moment about when the word of God became real to you. Maybe you had an experience like the King, who when you first heard the words you were convicted about the ways that you hadn’t lived out the word. Or maybe you grew up hearing the words of the Bible, but you didn’t understand them. And then all of a sudden, you had this deep understanding that the word was for you. Can you remember that moment in your life? Sometimes, even after having an experience of hearing the word for the first time, the words can become dull to us. Our hearts can grow cold or callous to the word of God. As you listen to the passage again, ask God for a new heart for his word.

As we close our time today, can you ask God to breathe on the word of God, the scriptures, for you? Can you ask them to come alive to you? Can you ask that they be sharp like a sword? Can you ask that they be a light to your path? Can you ask them to be living and active in your life? Can you ask that your heart would desire to be obedient to the word?

Music Credit:
"Three In One" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>960audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-8th--57548772Today is November 8

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say,
“let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

This is a Psalm of lament, full of emotions, grief, and pain. It is a messianic Psalm, and we hear these words repeated from Jesus on the cross. And yet, this line: “from my mothers womb you have been my God; do not be far from me”. We know that on the cross, Jesus laments the loss of the Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, he cries. Allow yourself to consider places of lament in your own life. Can you invite God to ‘not be far from you’ right now?

Are there places where trouble feels near to you? Do you feel alone – as though there is no one to help? Can you use the words of this psalm to pour out your heart to God?

“…in you they trusted and were not put to shame”. We know that Christ was ultimately not put to shame. He was vindicated through his resurrection from the dead. But he first experienced deep humiliation through the cross. As we end our time of prayer today, what might it mean for you to put your trust in the Lord? Is there a specific situation or person that you struggle to trust God for? Something that feels like a humiliation or a loss? Take time now to ask God for the grace to trust in Him and to await his vindication.

Music Credit:
"My Soul Depends On You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57548772Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 8 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is November 8

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 22.

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say,
“let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

This is a Psalm of lament, full of emotions, grief, and pain. It is a messianic Psalm, and we hear these words repeated from Jesus on the cross. And yet, this line: “from my mothers womb you have been my God; do not be far from me”. We know that on the cross, Jesus laments the loss of the Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, he cries. Allow yourself to consider places of lament in your own life. Can you invite God to ‘not be far from you’ right now?

Are there places where trouble feels near to you? Do you feel alone – as though there is no one to help? Can you use the words of this psalm to pour out your heart to God?

“…in you they trusted and were not put to shame”. We know that Christ was ultimately not put to shame. He was vindicated through his resurrection from the dead. But he first experienced deep humiliation through the cross. As we end our time of prayer today, what might it mean for you to put your trust in the Lord? Is there a specific situation or person that you struggle to trust God for? Something that feels like a humiliation or a loss? Take time now to ask God for the grace to trust in Him and to await his vindication.

Music Credit:
"My Soul Depends On You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>906audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-7th--57513533Today is November 7

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you?

Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of…

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today…

Music Credit:
"Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57513533Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 7 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is November 7

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 11.

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

This is a very encouraging passage, except when we consider the catalytic event that led to this spread of the gospel: the murder of Stephen and persecution that caused the early church to run for their lives. The Bible speaks quite a lot about persecution. The New Testament church is filled with persecution narratives. What feelings does that thought stir up in you?

Listen to the scripture again, paying attention to the end results of the initial scattering that the author speaks of…

Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. As you end your time of prayer today, can you hear this encouragement as something spoken directly to you? That you would remain true to the Lord with all your heart? Make this your prayer today…

Music Credit:
"Nothing Is Too Hard For You" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>784audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-6th--57513513Today is November 6

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’

There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.

What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"Everything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57513513Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 6 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13. 32...Today is November 6

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’

There is so much in this life that we do not know. But we do know this: Jesus tells His followers to stay alert… to stay watchful for Him. Are you feeling particularly, spiritually alert today? Do you feel like you are being attentive to spiritual realities in you, and around you? Or are you feeling sluggish? Or distracted? Talk to the Lord about this.

What emotions does this passage bring up for you? When Jesus says to you: “keep watch!” – what does that bring up? Listen to the passage again and think about how it would really feel to have Jesus speaking these words directly to you, with energy and urgency in His voice.

This text is a part of a longer discourse, where Jesus is explaining with some urgency what is to come. He’s preparing them for what he calls the last days. And he reminds them: you’re not going to know what that is. But you do know what to do, regardless: remain alert, pray, and steward the work before you with faithfulness. A lot of Christians get caught up in conversations about the end times, or the last days. We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know our posture as we wait: Remain alert. Remain prayerful. Remain faithful. What does this look like for you? What is Christ speaking to you today? Try and keep that front of mind and heart as your walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"Everything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-november-4th--57424114
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424114Sat, 04 Nov 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-3rd--57424106Today is November 3

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 9.

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Welcome to prayer. Take a few extra moments right now to quiet yourself a bit more deeply. If you need help staying focused, pray: “the Lord reigns forever” as you breath slowly in, and out. It is good for us to quiet ourselves before the Lord.

Listen again to this Psalm, and listen for one phrase that stands out. Write it down, or simply commit that phrase to memory. Regardless, I’m going to invite you to take time through your day today to stop, take a deep breath, and repeat the phrase. In this way, you’ll practice reorienting yourself to God’s word, and to God’s character, throughout your day.

The phrase I will be repeating today is: “God will never forget the needy”. This is so different than we are. We forget the needy all the time. The needy are forgotten all the time. Today, I’m going to ask God to remind me of those around me in need. I’m going to pause each hour to stop, take a deep breath, and say “God will never forget the needy”. And then I’m going to look for a way to serve or support or meet the needs of those around me. I’d like to invite you to do the same.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424106Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 3 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 9. 7...Today is November 3

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 9.

7 The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
16 The LORD is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Welcome to prayer. Take a few extra moments right now to quiet yourself a bit more deeply. If you need help staying focused, pray: “the Lord reigns forever” as you breath slowly in, and out. It is good for us to quiet ourselves before the Lord.

Listen again to this Psalm, and listen for one phrase that stands out. Write it down, or simply commit that phrase to memory. Regardless, I’m going to invite you to take time through your day today to stop, take a deep breath, and repeat the phrase. In this way, you’ll practice reorienting yourself to God’s word, and to God’s character, throughout your day.

The phrase I will be repeating today is: “God will never forget the needy”. This is so different than we are. We forget the needy all the time. The needy are forgotten all the time. Today, I’m going to ask God to remind me of those around me in need. I’m going to pause each hour to stop, take a deep breath, and say “God will never forget the needy”. And then I’m going to look for a way to serve or support or meet the needs of those around me. I’d like to invite you to do the same.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>872audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-2nd--57424085Today is November 2

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2nd Chronicles, chapter 29.

20 Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials together and went up to the temple of the LORD. 27 Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar. As the offering began, singing to the LORD began also, accompanied by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel. 28 The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the musicians played and the trumpets sounded. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed. 29 When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. 30 King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed down and worshiped.

This passage is telling a part of the story of the restoration of service in the temple. The people are making offerings, and worshipping God. As we begin our time of prayer today can you make a choice to take a heart posture of worship? What is it that God is asking you to lay down as a sacrificial offering to him in worship?

Listen again to the text, and ask God to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. Try to hold onto that phrase in your mind.

God followers are God worshippers, because – as the psalmist says – we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. The people in 2nd Chronicles sang praises with ‘gladness’. Can you take time right now to consider God’s goodness to you. Where is your heart glad for what God has provided you with? End your time of prayer today with thanksgiving… listing to the Lord, as we end… all the ways you are glad in Him.

Music Credit:
"Let Your Song Arise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424085Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 2 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 2nd Chronicles, chapter 29....Today is November 2

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2nd Chronicles, chapter 29.

20 Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials together and went up to the temple of the LORD. 27 Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar. As the offering began, singing to the LORD began also, accompanied by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel. 28 The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the musicians played and the trumpets sounded. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed. 29 When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. 30 King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed down and worshiped.

This passage is telling a part of the story of the restoration of service in the temple. The people are making offerings, and worshipping God. As we begin our time of prayer today can you make a choice to take a heart posture of worship? What is it that God is asking you to lay down as a sacrificial offering to him in worship?

Listen again to the text, and ask God to draw your attention to a simple word or phrase. Try to hold onto that phrase in your mind.

God followers are God worshippers, because – as the psalmist says – we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. The people in 2nd Chronicles sang praises with ‘gladness’. Can you take time right now to consider God’s goodness to you. Where is your heart glad for what God has provided you with? End your time of prayer today with thanksgiving… listing to the Lord, as we end… all the ways you are glad in Him.

Music Credit:
"Let Your Song Arise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>769audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/november-1st--57424073Today is November 1

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 14.

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
to the depths of the pit.

This prophetic scripture describes the fall of Lucifer – which itself means ‘morning star’ or ‘bright star’. Let’s consider something simple in what might feel like a confusing passage. Isaiah is prophesying about the final fall of Satan, and Isaiah describes to Satan the attitude of “wanting to ascend, to be like God…” in other words, he wants to grasp equality with God. And for that, He is brought down to the realm of the dead. Let me remind you of the nature of God Himself… who as Christ… ‘humbled himself, taking on the very nature of a slave…’ Think about that juxtaposition for a few moments.

Jesus is God, takes on flesh and DECENDS … humbling himself to death on a cross. And then He is raised up. Lucifer desires the opposite: to ASCEND and to be like God. He is proud. And then He is brought down. Listen to the scripture again and contemplate these things…

As you end your time of prayer, talk with the Lord about what this passage, or these reflections, have brought to your mind. What does it mean for you to follow the way of Christ? Where might you feel tempted by the sin of pride?

Music Credit:
"Humble King" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424073Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is November 1 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is November 1

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 14.

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
to the depths of the pit.

This prophetic scripture describes the fall of Lucifer – which itself means ‘morning star’ or ‘bright star’. Let’s consider something simple in what might feel like a confusing passage. Isaiah is prophesying about the final fall of Satan, and Isaiah describes to Satan the attitude of “wanting to ascend, to be like God…” in other words, he wants to grasp equality with God. And for that, He is brought down to the realm of the dead. Let me remind you of the nature of God Himself… who as Christ… ‘humbled himself, taking on the very nature of a slave…’ Think about that juxtaposition for a few moments.

Jesus is God, takes on flesh and DECENDS … humbling himself to death on a cross. And then He is raised up. Lucifer desires the opposite: to ASCEND and to be like God. He is proud. And then He is brought down. Listen to the scripture again and contemplate these things…

As you end your time of prayer, talk with the Lord about what this passage, or these reflections, have brought to your mind. What does it mean for you to follow the way of Christ? Where might you feel tempted by the sin of pride?

Music Credit:
"Humble King" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>671audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-31st--57424056Today is October 31

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers?

Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like.

Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.

Music Credit:
"Familia" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424056Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 31 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 31

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers?

Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like.

Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.

Music Credit:
"Familia" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>721audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-30th--57424044Today is October 30

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?

I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…

Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57424044Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 30 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10. 13...Today is October 30

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10.

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?

I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…

Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>772audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-28th--57343473
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57343473Sat, 28 Oct 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-27th--57343433Today is October 27

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 8.

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

How do the words ‘deny yourself’ feel to you? Start your prayer today by thinking about the discipline of self-denial… and do a bit of evaluating regarding yourself, and how well you engage in this particular discipline. If you’re like me, you’re not very good at it! Allow the Lord to search your heart for places where he is inviting you to deny yourself.

I often think how funny it is that we followers of Jesus love to read his words as metaphor. Ah, they may be thinking as they listen to him: ‘take up our cross’. Okay… that means we’ll do some difficult stuff. Imagine how they felt a few years later, remembering these words, as they watched Jesus stumble through the streets, beaten and bloody, carrying His cross. Listen again, and try to put yourself in their place. How would that moment of reality shift their metaphorical understanding of this text?

“Whoever lives their life for me and for the gospel will save it…” Let’s recall: what is the gospel? How would you summarize it up for yourself? If you can, take time to remind yourself of the gospel. If you have trouble finding the words, then ask yourself, How has the good news of Jesus changed my life and how can I live for him today?

Music Credit:
"This Is Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57343433Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 27 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark,...Today is October 27

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 8.

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

How do the words ‘deny yourself’ feel to you? Start your prayer today by thinking about the discipline of self-denial… and do a bit of evaluating regarding yourself, and how well you engage in this particular discipline. If you’re like me, you’re not very good at it! Allow the Lord to search your heart for places where he is inviting you to deny yourself.

I often think how funny it is that we followers of Jesus love to read his words as metaphor. Ah, they may be thinking as they listen to him: ‘take up our cross’. Okay… that means we’ll do some difficult stuff. Imagine how they felt a few years later, remembering these words, as they watched Jesus stumble through the streets, beaten and bloody, carrying His cross. Listen again, and try to put yourself in their place. How would that moment of reality shift their metaphorical understanding of this text?

“Whoever lives their life for me and for the gospel will save it…” Let’s recall: what is the gospel? How would you summarize it up for yourself? If you can, take time to remind yourself of the gospel. If you have trouble finding the words, then ask yourself, How has the good news of Jesus changed my life and how can I live for him today?

Music Credit:
"This Is Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>817audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-26th--57342930Today is October 26

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Do you feel ‘hemmed in’ today? Or do you feel scattered, disoriented, or distracted? Take some time and ask God to help you integrate yourself today. To come into communion with Him, and to sense His hedge of protection around you.

As you listen again to the image, can you call to mind the picture of an unborn child, safe in her mother’s womb? For some, this might feel like a stretch. For some, it might bring to mind some grief because of a sense of loss. For others, it might call to your attention the power of God over life itself. Listen again to the scripture, and consider how God’s care and keeping for you began before one of your days came to be.

“Your works are wonderful!” The writer says: about himself! We are all the handiwork of God. Is there someone in your world who may have forgotten that? A child perhaps? A friend? Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to draw you into contact with someone this week over whom you might speak these words: “you are beautifully and wonderfully made!”.

Music Credit:
"Sons & Daugters" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57342930Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 26 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 139. 1 You...Today is October 26

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Do you feel ‘hemmed in’ today? Or do you feel scattered, disoriented, or distracted? Take some time and ask God to help you integrate yourself today. To come into communion with Him, and to sense His hedge of protection around you.

As you listen again to the image, can you call to mind the picture of an unborn child, safe in her mother’s womb? For some, this might feel like a stretch. For some, it might bring to mind some grief because of a sense of loss. For others, it might call to your attention the power of God over life itself. Listen again to the scripture, and consider how God’s care and keeping for you began before one of your days came to be.

“Your works are wonderful!” The writer says: about himself! We are all the handiwork of God. Is there someone in your world who may have forgotten that? A child perhaps? A friend? Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to draw you into contact with someone this week over whom you might speak these words: “you are beautifully and wonderfully made!”.

Music Credit:
"Sons & Daugters" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>922audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-25th--57342907Today is October 25

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 7.

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

This is a well-known prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God promises a sign through the prophet Isaiah. The messiah Jesus would be born to a virgin. But it didn’t come quickly. It came 700 years after this prophecy was given. As you come to prayer today, how does it feel to hear the words: “the Lord himself will give you a sign”? Consider God’s people through history – who experienced both waiting and fulfillment…. longing and hope…. Where are you feeling on that continuum today? Are you in a season of waiting? Are you holding on to a sign that points to hope?

Think about hope, for a moment. When was the last time you felt a visceral experience of hope? What did that feel like? Can you walk yourself through a remembrance of that moment before we hear the scripture again?

The sign that is promised in this text seems impossible. It’s otherworldly. It’s upside down. It’s hidden in the ordinariness of life. As we end our time of prayer today, can you ask God for eyes to see, and a heart to remember, the hope he’s spoken and the fulfillment you’ve received?

Music Credit:
"Cherry Blossoms" -Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57342907Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 25 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is October 25

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 7.

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

This is a well-known prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God promises a sign through the prophet Isaiah. The messiah Jesus would be born to a virgin. But it didn’t come quickly. It came 700 years after this prophecy was given. As you come to prayer today, how does it feel to hear the words: “the Lord himself will give you a sign”? Consider God’s people through history – who experienced both waiting and fulfillment…. longing and hope…. Where are you feeling on that continuum today? Are you in a season of waiting? Are you holding on to a sign that points to hope?

Think about hope, for a moment. When was the last time you felt a visceral experience of hope? What did that feel like? Can you walk yourself through a remembrance of that moment before we hear the scripture again?

The sign that is promised in this text seems impossible. It’s otherworldly. It’s upside down. It’s hidden in the ordinariness of life. As we end our time of prayer today, can you ask God for eyes to see, and a heart to remember, the hope he’s spoken and the fulfillment you’ve received?

Music Credit:
"Cherry Blossoms" -Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>678audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-24th--57342886Today is October 24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought...

I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?

Music Credit:
"Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57342886Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 3.

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought...

I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?

Music Credit:
"Invitation Fountain" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1061audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-23rd--57342853Today is October 23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.

Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.

James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’. Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.

Music Credit:
"I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57342853Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1. 19...Today is October 23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.

Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.

James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’. Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.

Music Credit:
"I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>749audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-21st--57242856
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57242856Sat, 21 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-20th--57261578Today is October 20

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.

2 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.

As we open our hearts to the word, take a minute to think about what you just listened to. Imagine this world ruled by absolute righteousness. Imagine a world where people from every country seek the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. People will flock to see, and learn, and know Him, and all will live in accordance with the scripture, trying their hardest to walk the same path Jesus walks. Conflict will still exist, but will be resolved according to the laws of Zion, not the whims of humans. With a peaceful, uniform way to deal with conflict, there will be no more war, or need to defend ourselves from outsiders, because if someone is wronged, there will be true justice.

As you listen again, think about the equality and compassion that will exist between every man woman, and child.

There are things that can be used for both good and evil. Words can be used as both weapons and tools. So can knowledge or information. As you move through your day, look for times when you can choose to use something as a sword or as a ploughshare, and make a conscious effort to make the Christlike choice, even if you don’t want to.

Music Credit:
"They Are Yours" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57261578Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 20 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is October 20

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 2.

2 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.

As we open our hearts to the word, take a minute to think about what you just listened to. Imagine this world ruled by absolute righteousness. Imagine a world where people from every country seek the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. People will flock to see, and learn, and know Him, and all will live in accordance with the scripture, trying their hardest to walk the same path Jesus walks. Conflict will still exist, but will be resolved according to the laws of Zion, not the whims of humans. With a peaceful, uniform way to deal with conflict, there will be no more war, or need to defend ourselves from outsiders, because if someone is wronged, there will be true justice.

As you listen again, think about the equality and compassion that will exist between every man woman, and child.

There are things that can be used for both good and evil. Words can be used as both weapons and tools. So can knowledge or information. As you move through your day, look for times when you can choose to use something as a sword or as a ploughshare, and make a conscious effort to make the Christlike choice, even if you don’t want to.

Music Credit:
"They Are Yours" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>723audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-19th--57261548Today is October 19

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 3.

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

“Jesus called those he wanted, and they came to him.” He picked only twelve people to be his closest disciples. If you looked at the group from the outside, it probably seemed like He didn't have much choice, that He had just taken what He could get, but He chose those men with careful prayer. He didn't choose the bravest, smartest, or even the ones with the most integrity. He chose deeply flawed people, who were from different places, different careers, and different cultures. When you consider the people the Jesus called to follow him, could you imagine yourself in this group?

What did Jesus see in this group of men? If he looked at each of them and saw his legacy, what does he see when he looks at you? Do you think he sees the same in you? As you hear the passage again, think about why Jesus chose these disciples, who were all broken in so many ways, and why he chooses you also.

As you walk through your day today, remind yourself that, just like the disciples, you are called into the company of Jesus. That he is with you and that you belong with him today.

Music Credit:
"I Belong To You" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57261548Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 19 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark,...Today is October 19

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Mark, chapter 3.

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

“Jesus called those he wanted, and they came to him.” He picked only twelve people to be his closest disciples. If you looked at the group from the outside, it probably seemed like He didn't have much choice, that He had just taken what He could get, but He chose those men with careful prayer. He didn't choose the bravest, smartest, or even the ones with the most integrity. He chose deeply flawed people, who were from different places, different careers, and different cultures. When you consider the people the Jesus called to follow him, could you imagine yourself in this group?

What did Jesus see in this group of men? If he looked at each of them and saw his legacy, what does he see when he looks at you? Do you think he sees the same in you? As you hear the passage again, think about why Jesus chose these disciples, who were all broken in so many ways, and why he chooses you also.

As you walk through your day today, remind yourself that, just like the disciples, you are called into the company of Jesus. That he is with you and that you belong with him today.

Music Credit:
"I Belong To You" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>900audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-18th--57261530Today is October 18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, the MSG version.

1–4 So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.

As we begin our time of prayer, consider what it means to you that Luke investigated, in detail, the first hand accounts of what happened during the life of Jesus. Luke, a doctor, was looking for the truth, and that led him to believe the incredible story that follows this passage. Luke probably started this project with a healthy amount of skepticism, but he finished it as a full believer in Christ. Do you approach the Gospel with skepticism? Does faith become any easier to believe when you see that someone as thorough as Luke was so convinced that this was the truth?

Luke’s gospel was written to assure a man named Theophilus that what he had learned was true. Does this assure you that the story is true. Luke has not been swayed by the bias of knowing Jesus, or the need to prove anything but the truth. How does this make his account different than the others? As you listen again, think about what it means that after Luke approached the evidence with doubt, yet. He became convinced “beyond a shadow,” that what he had written was true.

As you go through your day, consider what it would take for you to believe, “beyond the shadow of a doubt,” that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Or, maybe you do believe without doubt. Think about what it is that convinced you it was true.

Music Credit:
"Stand In Awe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57261530Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 18 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is October 18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, the MSG version.

1–4 So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.

As we begin our time of prayer, consider what it means to you that Luke investigated, in detail, the first hand accounts of what happened during the life of Jesus. Luke, a doctor, was looking for the truth, and that led him to believe the incredible story that follows this passage. Luke probably started this project with a healthy amount of skepticism, but he finished it as a full believer in Christ. Do you approach the Gospel with skepticism? Does faith become any easier to believe when you see that someone as thorough as Luke was so convinced that this was the truth?

Luke’s gospel was written to assure a man named Theophilus that what he had learned was true. Does this assure you that the story is true. Luke has not been swayed by the bias of knowing Jesus, or the need to prove anything but the truth. How does this make his account different than the others? As you listen again, think about what it means that after Luke approached the evidence with doubt, yet. He became convinced “beyond a shadow,” that what he had written was true.

As you go through your day, consider what it would take for you to believe, “beyond the shadow of a doubt,” that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Or, maybe you do believe without doubt. Think about what it is that convinced you it was true.

Music Credit:
"Stand In Awe" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>719audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-17th--57261505Today is October 17

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?

In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.
Music Credit: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57261505Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 17 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 17

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 119.

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

Can you remember getting your drivers permit? Do you remember the test you had to take, just to be able to get behind the wheel with a parent? If you have your driver’s license you took the test. How hard did you study for that test? Harder than for any other test on your life? You knew you needed the freedom of your license, so maybe you locked those rules into your heart and mind, and you still use them every day, if you still drive. Think for a moment about the word of God, and God’s law? Do you find it easy or hard to study and put into your mind and your heart?

In a way, similar to driving, if you have God’s laws locked away in your heart and your mind, you can learn to just let go and drive. When you really know God’s laws you have the freedom to let go and be yourself, because you know the laws you’ve memorized are there to keep you on the road. As you listen to the passage again, think of the freedoms that come with really knowing God’s laws. Do you find yourself rejoicing in it?

As you go through you day, pay attention to times you can naturally do the right thing at the same time letting go of the pressure to always be right, because you have rules memorized well enough to keep you on the path to Christ.
Music Credit: "All Things Rise" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>848audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-16th--57236581Today is October 16

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others?

It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.

How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57236581Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 16 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4. 7 Dear...Today is October 16

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 John, chapter 4.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

As we come to prayer, think about how often you do things with love. How much of your day do you spend filled with the love of the Holy Spirit, spreading it to those around you. Do you show love while you're working, in the Starbucks line, or in traffic? Sometimes it's difficult to be loving. How do you make the love that is flowing through you obvious to others?

It’s easier to love someone when you see the best side of them, but not everyone is always at their best, including you. That’s what God does – he sees us through Jesus. What do you see when you look at people? Listen again.

How can you focus on the positives of everyone you meet today? Can you recognize others through the grace of Christ… Can you show God’s love to all of his creations?

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>775audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-14th--57148565
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57148565Sat, 14 Oct 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-13th--57183485Today is October 13

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.

15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.” 28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Imagine for a moment being in the shoes of the woman in this story. She was childless and her husband was old. She faced an uncertain future. She would receive no social security benefits, and would have nobody to rely on. But Elisha prayed for her and announced to her the unimaginable— she would have a miracle child! “No, my lord, don’t mislead your servant.”

Maybe the words, "too good to be true," crossed her mind. And then the unthinkable happened. Her beloved son died. She goes to find Elisha and says, “Didn’t I tell you? Don’t raise my hopes!” As you think about her experience, think about something in your own life of something you’ve hoped for but didn’t see or received and then lost? How did you feel in that moment?

Disappointment is an emotion and we do not easily control our emotions. We can't actually control the disappointment we feel when we lose something, but we can choose how to respond in the midst of disappointment. As you listen to the passage again, think of a disappointment in your life right now, and ask what might it look like for you to choose your response?

In the Old Testament, ordinary people would have to appeal to God through powerful spiritual mediators—in this passage Elisha was called a Man of God. We know that because Jesus is our mediator, we can go straight to God through him and make our appeal. As you walk through your day today, is there an appeal that you’d like to make to God through your powerful mediator, Jesus? Approach his throne of grace with confidence today.

Music Credit:
"Expectation" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57183485Fri, 13 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 13 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2...Today is October 13

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Kings, chapter 4.

15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”

17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.” 28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

Imagine for a moment being in the shoes of the woman in this story. She was childless and her husband was old. She faced an uncertain future. She would receive no social security benefits, and would have nobody to rely on. But Elisha prayed for her and announced to her the unimaginable— she would have a miracle child! “No, my lord, don’t mislead your servant.”

Maybe the words, "too good to be true," crossed her mind. And then the unthinkable happened. Her beloved son died. She goes to find Elisha and says, “Didn’t I tell you? Don’t raise my hopes!” As you think about her experience, think about something in your own life of something you’ve hoped for but didn’t see or received and then lost? How did you feel in that moment?

Disappointment is an emotion and we do not easily control our emotions. We can't actually control the disappointment we feel when we lose something, but we can choose how to respond in the midst of disappointment. As you listen to the passage again, think of a disappointment in your life right now, and ask what might it look like for you to choose your response?

In the Old Testament, ordinary people would have to appeal to God through powerful spiritual mediators—in this passage Elisha was called a Man of God. We know that because Jesus is our mediator, we can go straight to God through him and make our appeal. As you walk through your day today, is there an appeal that you’d like to make to God through your powerful mediator, Jesus? Approach his throne of grace with confidence today.

Music Credit:
"Expectation" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>929audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-12th--57148585Today is October 12

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 106.

1 Praise the LORD.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are those who act justly,
who always do what is right.
4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.

As we enter our time is reflection, consider why we take the time to be grateful to God. God knows what He has done, and this Psalm even asks, "Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare His praise?" If no one can praise God enough for all He's done, then why all the demand for praise? Does He need praise for His ego? Is He so insecure that he requires us to thank him constantly?

Is there a person in your life you can't thank enough? Someone you love because they did something important for you, like saved your life?

Or have you ever helped someone, truly out of the kindness of your heart, who never thanked you but would still do it again, because you did it in love? Thanking is easy, being thanked is a bonus, and It never hurts to be grateful. It doesn't have to cost anything but thought and a little effort.

Praising and thanking God can actually change the way you think and feel. Gratitude helps us think more positively, even when things go wrong. Many people find keeping a gratitude list inspiring. Today, as you go through your day, look for opportunities to show gratitude to both God and others. See if they respond with love.

Music Credit:
"Thanks and Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57148585Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 12 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 106. 1...Today is October 12

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 106.

1 Praise the LORD.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are those who act justly,
who always do what is right.
4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.

As we enter our time is reflection, consider why we take the time to be grateful to God. God knows what He has done, and this Psalm even asks, "Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare His praise?" If no one can praise God enough for all He's done, then why all the demand for praise? Does He need praise for His ego? Is He so insecure that he requires us to thank him constantly?

Is there a person in your life you can't thank enough? Someone you love because they did something important for you, like saved your life?

Or have you ever helped someone, truly out of the kindness of your heart, who never thanked you but would still do it again, because you did it in love? Thanking is easy, being thanked is a bonus, and It never hurts to be grateful. It doesn't have to cost anything but thought and a little effort.

Praising and thanking God can actually change the way you think and feel. Gratitude helps us think more positively, even when things go wrong. Many people find keeping a gratitude list inspiring. Today, as you go through your day, look for opportunities to show gratitude to both God and others. See if they respond with love.

Music Credit:
"Thanks and Praise" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>661audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-11th--57154652Today is October 11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude, chapter 1, read from the MSG version.

17 –19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

20–21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

22–23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin.

Think about how you act toward people who sin. Everyone is a sinner, we simply sin in different ways. Are you tender with everyone when they sin? Do you extend the love and mercy of Christ to sinners around you? What about you? Are you tender toward yourself when you sin? Because this verse says you're supposed to be. "Be tender with sinners," also applies to you, if you're a sinner. Are you harder on yourself than you are on others? Or, do you allow God’s mercy and love to fill you?

Jude wrote to be tender with sinners, but not the sins themselves. We aren't supposed to take sin lightly, but we aren't supposed to live in condemnation, either. The people who sat above everyone and judged them, because they believed they were so holy, were the people Jesus called out. Jesus is the only one who can condemn us, and in giving up his life as a sacrifice for all of our sins, he showed us that he chooses not to.Listen again, and think about how God’s arms are outstretched toward you today.

How do we go about living without condemnation and avoid being soft on sin? We try. That's all. We try as hard as we can to live like Jesus, but we let go when we don't measure up, because it's impossible to be perfect. But if our constant goal is to be as much like Jesus as we can, we can rest assured that his grace is sufficient. Today, try to focus on doing things the way Jesus would do them, instead of on doing everything right, and see if it shifts your perspective, and be tender toward yourself when you fall short.

Music Credit:

"Abounding Grace" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57154652Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 11 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is October 11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude, chapter 1, read from the MSG version.

17 –19 But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: “In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.” These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

20–21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

22–23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin.

Think about how you act toward people who sin. Everyone is a sinner, we simply sin in different ways. Are you tender with everyone when they sin? Do you extend the love and mercy of Christ to sinners around you? What about you? Are you tender toward yourself when you sin? Because this verse says you're supposed to be. "Be tender with sinners," also applies to you, if you're a sinner. Are you harder on yourself than you are on others? Or, do you allow God’s mercy and love to fill you?

Jude wrote to be tender with sinners, but not the sins themselves. We aren't supposed to take sin lightly, but we aren't supposed to live in condemnation, either. The people who sat above everyone and judged them, because they believed they were so holy, were the people Jesus called out. Jesus is the only one who can condemn us, and in giving up his life as a sacrifice for all of our sins, he showed us that he chooses not to.Listen again, and think about how God’s arms are outstretched toward you today.

How do we go about living without condemnation and avoid being soft on sin? We try. That's all. We try as hard as we can to live like Jesus, but we let go when we don't measure up, because it's impossible to be perfect. But if our constant goal is to be as much like Jesus as we can, we can rest assured that his grace is sufficient. Today, try to focus on doing things the way Jesus would do them, instead of on doing everything right, and see if it shifts your perspective, and be tender toward yourself when you fall short.

Music Credit:

"Abounding Grace" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>941audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-10th--57148574Today is October 10

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.
75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?

In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him?

Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.

Music Credit:
"Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57148574Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 10 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...Today is October 10

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 26.

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.
70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.
75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Everyone seemed to know who Peter was. Everyone but Peter. Jesus had caused quite a stir among the people, especially the ones of a lower social class. He was so famous that even his entourage got noticed. Peter had no idea what to do, and yet he undoubtedly thought he should be doing something to help Jesus. Have you ever felt completely helpless, alone, and at a loss for what to do? How long did you search for the solution by yourself before asking for help from Jesus?

In this scripture, Peter is fulfilling the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the morning. Immediately, after his third denial of Jesus, he heard a rooster crow, and he realized in that moment, that everything Jesus had ever said was true. Again. Even Peter lost himself for a while here, yet the church is built on him. As you listen again, consider what it means for you that Peter saw miracle after miracle, and stood in the actual presence of Jesus, but he still spent time helpless, cursing and denying that he even knew Him?

Why was it so difficult for any of the twelve to remember all the promise of what was to come. How difficult is it for you to remember? As you go through your day, pay attention to the times you forget that everything Jesus has ever said is true. Notice the times when you are not living that truth, and allow Him to show you how.

Music Credit:
"Wear the Crown" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-9th--57153984Today is October 9

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.

2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

“LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone? What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?

"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in.

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.

Music Credit: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57153984Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 9 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20....Today is October 9

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.

2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

“LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

As we enter into prayer today, bring to mind an army that is attacking you. What is uncontrollable and is threatening your peace right now? Maybe it’s that you have too many people relying on you, more work than you can finish, or that you’re being treated poorly by someone? What do you do to try to fix it, knowing you can't? When do you get frustrated and finally cry out, and let God take over? Jehoshaphat didn’t hesitate to go to God. Are you able to bring the thing that is attacking your peace before the Lord today?

"For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The entire nation cried this out to the Lord. They faced an army so large they knew there was nothing they could do. There was no hope for them but God. It's a lot more difficult to give up when the army is more subtle, and only threatening your mind, not your life. As you listen again, put yourself in this story and imagine how you would like to handle the battle that you are in.

“But our eyes are on you.” Today, when the army invades, pause and fix your eyes on the Lord. At the first sign of trouble, before you are overtaken, ask Him for help and see how he moves.

Music Credit: "I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>987audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-october-7th--57006147
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006147Sat, 07 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-6th--57006145Today is October 6

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 4.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Take time as we begin to contemplate this famous verse: love covers over a multitude of sins. What does that speak to you, today?

There is a lot in these few verses: about love, hospitality, being grumpy, service... listen again to the text and think about what particular part of it connects with you today? What do you think the Lord wants to say to you? Is there a particular situation or person he’s reminding you to ‘love deeply’?

Above all, Peter writes, love each other deeply. Is that easy for you? Difficult? Do you ever think about the nature or quality of your love for other Christians? How about, for other Christians that you disagree with? As we end this week of prayer, ask God to fill you with His love, that you might overflow with Him and not have to rely on your own human strength to love others.

Music Credit:
"What You Ask" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006145Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 6 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter,...Today is October 6

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 4.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Take time as we begin to contemplate this famous verse: love covers over a multitude of sins. What does that speak to you, today?

There is a lot in these few verses: about love, hospitality, being grumpy, service... listen again to the text and think about what particular part of it connects with you today? What do you think the Lord wants to say to you? Is there a particular situation or person he’s reminding you to ‘love deeply’?

Above all, Peter writes, love each other deeply. Is that easy for you? Difficult? Do you ever think about the nature or quality of your love for other Christians? How about, for other Christians that you disagree with? As we end this week of prayer, ask God to fill you with His love, that you might overflow with Him and not have to rely on your own human strength to love others.

Music Credit:
"What You Ask" - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>810audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-5th--57006144Today is October 5

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 19.

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

This is one of those passages that seems so strange to us! They remind us that the God we worship is far bigger than we are, and that His ways are beyond us. In this passage God seems to provide, through an angel, miraculous nourishment for Elijah, who was on the run for his life. What do stories like this bring up for you? Do they increase your faith? Do you struggle to understand? Bring whatever it is you feel to the Lord.

This is a story, in its simplest form, about the power and provision of God. God’s power is beyond our comprehension. And God’s capacity for provision is beyond our comprehension. As you listen to the scripture again, bring an area of your life to him where you need to see his power or provision.

Elijah’s words: “I have had enough, Lord” feel so real! Sometimes, we feel just like that. We feel worn, or afraid, or alone. And in that place, God can visit us with his power and provision, just as he did Elijah, when the journey feels like its too much. As we end in prayer, talk to God about times you feel ‘I have had enough, Lord!”

Music Credit:
"You're Carrying Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006144Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 5 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings,...Today is October 5

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 19.

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

This is one of those passages that seems so strange to us! They remind us that the God we worship is far bigger than we are, and that His ways are beyond us. In this passage God seems to provide, through an angel, miraculous nourishment for Elijah, who was on the run for his life. What do stories like this bring up for you? Do they increase your faith? Do you struggle to understand? Bring whatever it is you feel to the Lord.

This is a story, in its simplest form, about the power and provision of God. God’s power is beyond our comprehension. And God’s capacity for provision is beyond our comprehension. As you listen to the scripture again, bring an area of your life to him where you need to see his power or provision.

Elijah’s words: “I have had enough, Lord” feel so real! Sometimes, we feel just like that. We feel worn, or afraid, or alone. And in that place, God can visit us with his power and provision, just as he did Elijah, when the journey feels like its too much. As we end in prayer, talk to God about times you feel ‘I have had enough, Lord!”

Music Credit:
"You're Carrying Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>818audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-4th--57006143Today is October 4

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24.

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

These words are weighty, maybe even frightening. They describe a time of war, deception, and natural disaster. They also describe significant persecution, anger, and wickedness. Dark days, indeed. It sort of reminds me of the nightly news, to be honest. I often leave the headlines feeling a sense of overwhelm, or dread. How about you? How do you feel when you consider the events of the world around us?

Jesus doesn’t seem surprised at this litany of bad news. He is warning his disciples, as a matter of fact, to expect it! And he says that the result of all of the chaos and destruction is that ‘love will grow cold’. Why do you think this is the case? Why does our love grow cold in times of upheaval? Does that ring true to you?

What do you think it takes to stand firm? Do have your love stay warm, strong, and vibrant? End this time of prayer considering how it is you might ‘watch out’, as Jesus says in the text... and how you might ‘stand firm’. Ask God to give you His wisdom and His gift of faith for this.

Music Credit:

"Breathe In, Sing Out" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006143Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 4 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is October 4

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24.

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

These words are weighty, maybe even frightening. They describe a time of war, deception, and natural disaster. They also describe significant persecution, anger, and wickedness. Dark days, indeed. It sort of reminds me of the nightly news, to be honest. I often leave the headlines feeling a sense of overwhelm, or dread. How about you? How do you feel when you consider the events of the world around us?

Jesus doesn’t seem surprised at this litany of bad news. He is warning his disciples, as a matter of fact, to expect it! And he says that the result of all of the chaos and destruction is that ‘love will grow cold’. Why do you think this is the case? Why does our love grow cold in times of upheaval? Does that ring true to you?

What do you think it takes to stand firm? Do have your love stay warm, strong, and vibrant? End this time of prayer considering how it is you might ‘watch out’, as Jesus says in the text... and how you might ‘stand firm’. Ask God to give you His wisdom and His gift of faith for this.

Music Credit:

"Breathe In, Sing Out" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>834audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-3rd--57006142Today is October 3

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?

How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today.

Music Credit:
"Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006142Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 3 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is October 3

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

As you draw near to God today, how aware are you of your need for him? The psalmist writes that their soul yearns, even faints... for the presence of the Lord. Can you take time to become aware of the presence of God with you now?

How settled do you feel, today? Does the picture of a sparrow finding a home feel resonant to you? Do you feel at home, right now, with God? Or perhaps, do you feel far from home? Listen to the psalm again, and allow it to lead you to consider your sense of nearness to... or distance from... God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house. Take time as we end today to form a mental picture of what it could mean to dwell in the house of the Lord. Do you imagine a nest? Do you imagine a kitchen table? Do you imagine a mansion? Take some time to settle on an image, and invite God to meet you in it as you contemplate dwelling in the Lord’s house today.

Music Credit:
"Your Dwelling Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>874audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/october-2nd--57006141Today is October 2

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....

The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.


Music Credit:
"Your Love" -Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57006141Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is October 2 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1. 3...Today is October 2

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Peter, chapter 1.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Peter writes with such a vigorous hope – what he calls his ‘living hope’. As we begin with prayer today, take a few moments to reflect on the state of your own hopefulness? Or perhaps, your lack of hope about something in particular? Bring it all to the Lord. Peter also calls us to rejoice - ‘though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief’. He seems so able, at least in this text, to hold this tension between the hardships of this world, and the promise of the next world. Listen again and allow the spirit to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase....

The phrase that stands out for me is ‘in his great mercy’. Especially in times of present hardship, or grief, or testing... it is sometimes difficult to find our footing in the mercy of God. But God IS merciful. He shields you by his power. And He loves you with an everlasting love. Consider for a while what it means for you to be found in His great mercy.


Music Credit:
"Your Love" -Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>664audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-30th--56897999
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897999Sat, 30 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-29th--56897906Today is September 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 12.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”

This week, our scriptures have been focused on facing trials, rebuilding walls and towns, restoring relationships, and having God as our fortress. Consider how often scripture speaks to those of us who follow Jesus, and assumes we’re in a place of hardship, distress, or need. Revelation paints a prophetic picture of this last battle – and points to the triumph of Christ overall. What emotions does all of this bring up in you? Bring one of those emotions before the Lord.

It’s often easy for the language of our faith to become commonplace, to devolve from true faith into shallow religion or ritual. Revelation reminds us that our faith in Christ has implications that we can barely get our minds around: That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son – and through Him – the salvation, power, and kingdom of God, and the authority of the Messiah has broken into the world to save that which is lost. Listen again and ask God to allow it to rightly orient you to the mystery of your faith.

Our faith in God’s power will often come into conflict with our faith in worldly power. Worldly power coerces, but faith in Christ leads us to consenting to God’s power. Worldly power brings conflict, but faith in Christ bears peace that passes understanding. Worldly power uses might and the sword... but faith in Christ is made up of a reconciliation born out of humility and sacrifice. As we end our time of prayer today, allow these truths to draw you toward Christus Victor – Christ who is victorious in all and overall.
Music Credit:
"You Give Us Peace" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897906Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 29 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 12.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”

This week, our scriptures have been focused on facing trials, rebuilding walls and towns, restoring relationships, and having God as our fortress. Consider how often scripture speaks to those of us who follow Jesus, and assumes we’re in a place of hardship, distress, or need. Revelation paints a prophetic picture of this last battle – and points to the triumph of Christ overall. What emotions does all of this bring up in you? Bring one of those emotions before the Lord.

It’s often easy for the language of our faith to become commonplace, to devolve from true faith into shallow religion or ritual. Revelation reminds us that our faith in Christ has implications that we can barely get our minds around: That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son – and through Him – the salvation, power, and kingdom of God, and the authority of the Messiah has broken into the world to save that which is lost. Listen again and ask God to allow it to rightly orient you to the mystery of your faith.

Our faith in God’s power will often come into conflict with our faith in worldly power. Worldly power coerces, but faith in Christ leads us to consenting to God’s power. Worldly power brings conflict, but faith in Christ bears peace that passes understanding. Worldly power uses might and the sword... but faith in Christ is made up of a reconciliation born out of humility and sacrifice. As we end our time of prayer today, allow these truths to draw you toward Christus Victor – Christ who is victorious in all and overall.
Music Credit:
"You Give Us Peace" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>737audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-28th--56897905Today is September 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Zechariah, chapter 8.

4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

This Old Testament passage contains something most of us might miss... a significant and interruptive promise. In Zechariah’s time Jerusalem’s walls were ruined and the city was not safe and secure. It would not have been filled with old men and old women or, safe for boys and girls playing in its streets. The prophet is speaking to a people who are still living in the wreck and rubble... with a wall that won’t be properly rebuilt around their city for another sixty or so years. How do you think these words of promise and hope would have sounded to them?

God is reminding His people that He is faithful, and He is righteous. That he has the power to save and restore that which seems lost. But even as He reminds them of this, they still must hold to his words with patience, and in hope. How is that for you? To trust in God’s character and to hope in His words even as you look around, and things aren’t yet fulfilled?

Many people today live on streets that are not safe for the old or the young. Many people live in places of wreck and rubble. Think about what that means for many us, who are followers of God and God’s kingdom and who have resource to be builders, or helpers? When we hear these promises of God, as Christians, they’re meant to remind us that we ourselves are called the body of Christ in the world. And just as Jesus is faithful and righteous, we are called to demonstrate His faithfulness, and His righteousness. How might you be called, this week, to be a part of that Kingdom work in the world – and on the streets – around you?

Music Credit:
"The Gospel" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897905Thu, 28 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 28 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Zechariah,...Today is September 28

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Zechariah, chapter 8.

4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”

This Old Testament passage contains something most of us might miss... a significant and interruptive promise. In Zechariah’s time Jerusalem’s walls were ruined and the city was not safe and secure. It would not have been filled with old men and old women or, safe for boys and girls playing in its streets. The prophet is speaking to a people who are still living in the wreck and rubble... with a wall that won’t be properly rebuilt around their city for another sixty or so years. How do you think these words of promise and hope would have sounded to them?

God is reminding His people that He is faithful, and He is righteous. That he has the power to save and restore that which seems lost. But even as He reminds them of this, they still must hold to his words with patience, and in hope. How is that for you? To trust in God’s character and to hope in His words even as you look around, and things aren’t yet fulfilled?

Many people today live on streets that are not safe for the old or the young. Many people live in places of wreck and rubble. Think about what that means for many us, who are followers of God and God’s kingdom and who have resource to be builders, or helpers? When we hear these promises of God, as Christians, they’re meant to remind us that we ourselves are called the body of Christ in the world. And just as Jesus is faithful and righteous, we are called to demonstrate His faithfulness, and His righteousness. How might you be called, this week, to be a part of that Kingdom work in the world – and on the streets – around you?

Music Credit:
"The Gospel" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>734audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-27th--56897903Today is September 27

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 14. 2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. 5 He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6 He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest. 7 “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

This is a story that starts with Asa turning from Idolatry of foreign Gods to the one true God. It is easy to shift our worship from the one true God to other idols – maybe money, or power, or some other temptation. As we begin prayer can you examine your life for places where you might be centering yourself around something other than God?

Why do you think it is so easy for us to shift our orientation from God to other things? In ancient times, people worshipped physical idols. What are things that people in our culture worship, other than worshipping God? Consider, as you listen again, how Asa dealt with those false idols.

Asa reoriented the city from idols to the one true God, and the city was built up and prospered. God gave the city rest as it oriented back to God. What does that speak to you about your own life? Where do you search for peace? As we close our time of prayer, might you give yourself fully to God, so that you might receive his rest?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897903Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 27 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is September 27

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 14. 2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. 5 He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. 6 He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest. 7 “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

This is a story that starts with Asa turning from Idolatry of foreign Gods to the one true God. It is easy to shift our worship from the one true God to other idols – maybe money, or power, or some other temptation. As we begin prayer can you examine your life for places where you might be centering yourself around something other than God?

Why do you think it is so easy for us to shift our orientation from God to other things? In ancient times, people worshipped physical idols. What are things that people in our culture worship, other than worshipping God? Consider, as you listen again, how Asa dealt with those false idols.

Asa reoriented the city from idols to the one true God, and the city was built up and prospered. God gave the city rest as it oriented back to God. What does that speak to you about your own life? Where do you search for peace? As we close our time of prayer, might you give yourself fully to God, so that you might receive his rest?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-26th--56897901Today is September 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?

What is it that keeps you going? Is it God?

How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth? Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.

Music Credit:
"You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897901Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 26 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is September 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 1.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

As we enter our time of prayer, take a moment to think of a way you are persevering; something you are doing despite the desire to give up. Does it test your faith?

What is it that keeps you going? Is it God?

How present is God to you in the times you want to quit? How close do you allow Him to get when you're gritting your teeth? Sometimes, we don't even understand why we are persevering. How close do you feel to the Holy Spirit then? Are you persevering willingly in those moments?

As we close our time of prayer, ask God for the wisdom to persevere. Maybe you need to know why you have to work so hard to be mature and complete. Maybe you need to know how to keep going. Ask for some of the generous knowledge He offers. It’s always available.

Music Credit:
"You Don't Have to Lose Heart" Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>720audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-25th--56897900Today is September 25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever?

"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.

As we close our time of contemplation think about this:Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God? Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.

Music Credit:
"Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56897900Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18....Today is September 25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18.

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

In this verse, Jesus very straightforwardly tells us exactly how to deal with conflict. He doesn't even use a story to get this point across. It's that important. How do you deal with the sins of your fellow Christians? Do you point out flaws like Jesus would, talk privately, and then let God do the work in their heart? Or do you ask another person their advice, let the person know publicly, and then angrily cut them out of your life forever?

"Treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector." As you hear the scripture again, consider how Jesus treated the pagan and the tax collector; like enemies? Like lost sheep in need of saving. He didn't condemn or shame. He forgave, freed and loved even people who betrayed Him, if they had faith and turned to God, because if someone is truly focuses on Him, they show up and do their best in this life to glorify Him, even though they can’t be perfect.

As we close our time of contemplation think about this:Do you have the faith to be forgiven for your sins by turning toward God? Is it harder to forgive or be forgiven? Try doing one or the other today.

Music Credit:
"Throne of Grace" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>785audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-23rd--56824950
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56824950Sat, 23 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-22nd--56858863Today is September 22

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 59.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You, LORD God Almighty,
you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
9 You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
10 my God on whom I can rely.

The Psalmist had just come under attack. There were forces against him that he wasn't prepared for, and he was trapped, inside his house, which was surrounded by men waiting to kill him. When he wrote, "fierce men conspire against me," he meant it was happening to him in that moment, and in that dark moment, the Psalmist chose to connect with God. Think about what you do when you feel threatened.

This Psalm is a prayer of desperation. It doesn't even pause to offer gratitude before asking for help. Yet it ends with a hope, a renewal of strength, and a confidence that God was going to keep him safe. As we begin our time of prayer today, consider ways that you can connect with God when you're under too much pressure. Do you think about Him in those moments? Are you able to draw on his peace?

The best way to choose to connect with God under pressure is to choose to connect with Him when you're not stressed out, too. Creating a rhythm to your relationship makes it easier to call on Him in the moment you need Him. Today, as you move through your day, look for a time to add a quiet moment with God to your routine, no matter how insufficient it seems.

Music Credit:
"Slow Kingdom Coming" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56858863Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 22 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 59....Today is September 22

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 59.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You, LORD God Almighty,
you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
9 You are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
10 my God on whom I can rely.

The Psalmist had just come under attack. There were forces against him that he wasn't prepared for, and he was trapped, inside his house, which was surrounded by men waiting to kill him. When he wrote, "fierce men conspire against me," he meant it was happening to him in that moment, and in that dark moment, the Psalmist chose to connect with God. Think about what you do when you feel threatened.

This Psalm is a prayer of desperation. It doesn't even pause to offer gratitude before asking for help. Yet it ends with a hope, a renewal of strength, and a confidence that God was going to keep him safe. As we begin our time of prayer today, consider ways that you can connect with God when you're under too much pressure. Do you think about Him in those moments? Are you able to draw on his peace?

The best way to choose to connect with God under pressure is to choose to connect with Him when you're not stressed out, too. Creating a rhythm to your relationship makes it easier to call on Him in the moment you need Him. Today, as you move through your day, look for a time to add a quiet moment with God to your routine, no matter how insufficient it seems.

Music Credit:
"Slow Kingdom Coming" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>831audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-21st--56858861Today is September 21

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 15.

32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”
33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”
34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”
35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.

For three days, 4000 men, plus women and children were so hungry for healing, and enthralled with what Jesus was saying that they stopped everything they were doing, and came, and watched, and listened. They must have been convinced there was something special about Jesus. Picture him there, healing the people, teaching and overflowing with the Father's love. What do you imagine He spoke about that was so compelling?

This was one of the biggest recorded miracles. But Jesus didn't just make food out of thin air. He needed smaller miracles to make the big one work. It was a miracle that this many people sat and listened, and witnessed, for three days. It was a miracle that anyone had any food at all after that long, and here, a little boy had just enough. If we focus too hard on the big miracles, we miss the smaller, less obvious ones, like a seemingly random text message sent exactly when you need it, or having a meeting you weren't prepared for suddenly canceled. As you hear the scripture read again, consider the little miracles that happened in your life this week.

As we close our time of reflection, think about the little miracles in your life that add up to the bigger miracle of you getting through the day. Do you see the effect of God as you look back? Is He there only when you look back, or was He there when it happened?

Music Credit:
"The Moments" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56858861Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 21 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew,...Today is September 21

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 15.

32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”
33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”
34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”
35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.

For three days, 4000 men, plus women and children were so hungry for healing, and enthralled with what Jesus was saying that they stopped everything they were doing, and came, and watched, and listened. They must have been convinced there was something special about Jesus. Picture him there, healing the people, teaching and overflowing with the Father's love. What do you imagine He spoke about that was so compelling?

This was one of the biggest recorded miracles. But Jesus didn't just make food out of thin air. He needed smaller miracles to make the big one work. It was a miracle that this many people sat and listened, and witnessed, for three days. It was a miracle that anyone had any food at all after that long, and here, a little boy had just enough. If we focus too hard on the big miracles, we miss the smaller, less obvious ones, like a seemingly random text message sent exactly when you need it, or having a meeting you weren't prepared for suddenly canceled. As you hear the scripture read again, consider the little miracles that happened in your life this week.

As we close our time of reflection, think about the little miracles in your life that add up to the bigger miracle of you getting through the day. Do you see the effect of God as you look back? Is He there only when you look back, or was He there when it happened?

Music Credit:
"The Moments" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>832audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-20th--56858860Today is September 20

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Haggai, chapter 2.

6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

God points out that the gold and silver are his. God is demanding what is rightly His not so He can store it up for himself and count it, or build statues of himself so that people bow down and show their reverence to him. He's planning a place for His peace for the people. A place to restore what was lost to sin. Where do you go to restore what has been lost to sin?

What if we used all of God's silver and gold to glorify him? Can you think of a better use for it? What if instead of wrapping it around our necks and arms, we worked together to build a place of perfect peace on Earth with it.

What can you give back to God today that is rightfully His? Silver? Gold? Time? Energy? Love? Give something back to God today, no matter how insignificant it feels.

Music Credit:
"Restore" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56858860Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 20 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...Today is September 20

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Haggai, chapter 2.

6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

God points out that the gold and silver are his. God is demanding what is rightly His not so He can store it up for himself and count it, or build statues of himself so that people bow down and show their reverence to him. He's planning a place for His peace for the people. A place to restore what was lost to sin. Where do you go to restore what has been lost to sin?

What if we used all of God's silver and gold to glorify him? Can you think of a better use for it? What if instead of wrapping it around our necks and arms, we worked together to build a place of perfect peace on Earth with it.

What can you give back to God today that is rightfully His? Silver? Gold? Time? Energy? Love? Give something back to God today, no matter how insignificant it feels.

Music Credit:
"Restore" - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>777audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-19th--56824961Today is September 19

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed. 6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first.

God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming.

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?

Music Credit:
"Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56824961Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 19 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is September 19

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 10.

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed. 6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

The Queen of Sheba wasn't expecting to be so impressed with King Solomon. She, a woman of great wealth, traveled very far to see this famed kingdom for herself. She had heard the rumors, but when she arrived, she was overwhelmed. "How happy your people must be!" she saw even servants wearing remarkable clothing. What she witnessed was a society that began with the creating of a temple to God, built itself up by following the instructions of God, and maintained itself by mutual trust and obedience to God. As we enter our time of prayer today, consider the connection between happiness and putting God first.

God was at the center of their existence and they followed him faithfully. Think of the unity they felt, the way they were thriving by trusting and serving God, and maintaining justice and righteousness. Think about what would it be like to live in a society that was so just it was overwhelming.

When we put God first in even the smallest ways, things fall into place. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, What is one thing I can do to today put God first in my life?

Music Credit:
"Christ Above Me" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>897audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-18th--56824960Today is September 18

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.

6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today.

We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us…

Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough?

Music Credit:
"Nothing But The Blood" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56824960Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9. 6...Today is September 18

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 9.

6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

The Israelites did all of these things to cleanse their consciences. They had to atone somehow, for the way they were disappointing a perfect God. But, it didn't work. All of the sacrifice, all of the effort, all of the blood, and they still had to carry the weight of their own sin and shame with them every day. Take a moment and reflect on any of that kind of weight you might be carrying today.

We don't have to present sacrificial blood for our sins anymore. And we don't need to carry the burden of sin and shame. Jesus came so we didn't have to do either. He came so that you and I could walk around with our heads held high, as his followers, serving Him. Listen to the passage again with this in mind… and consider the freedom Christ brings to us…

Jesus’ will was perfect, and no part of him was subject to doing the wrong thing. What do you think it would be like to walk through life knowing the Father abided in you and guided your every step. Since Jesus lived a perfect life, we pay attention, and try to live as close to the way He did as possible. Some people struggle to feel like they are enough, because they still carry the weight of the sin and shame that Jesus sacrificed himself to free us of. They race and climb, trying to make themselves feel like they've made it. But what if that feeling never comes? All the money, and power, and friends don't satisfy our need for enough of God's love. Why do we just keep pushing ourselves until we break, to get more of these things? Should we slow down for a second, and think about what truly makes us enough?

Music Credit:
"Nothing But The Blood" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>850audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-16th--56748239
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748239Sat, 16 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-15th--56748258Today is September 15

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel empty? Do you feel full? Give yourself space to become self-aware right now.

The word in this passage that I find most striking is the word: “YET”. Habakkuk first describes an emptiness, a lack, and poverty of sorts. And then comes the word YET. He writes that even in the midst of this emptiness, YET he will rejoice in the Lord. Listen again. What word or image stands out to you? What feels most resonant to how you are feeling today?

Scripture is filled with the exhortation to rejoice: despite our circumstances, despite our sense of lack, despite everything. YET I will rejoice in the Lord. Is that difficult for you? As we end prayer today, take time to either rejoice and be joyful, thanking God for His goodness..... or if feels too difficult for you, take time to be honest with God about why.

Music Credit:
"All Things" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748258Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 15 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 15

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel empty? Do you feel full? Give yourself space to become self-aware right now.

The word in this passage that I find most striking is the word: “YET”. Habakkuk first describes an emptiness, a lack, and poverty of sorts. And then comes the word YET. He writes that even in the midst of this emptiness, YET he will rejoice in the Lord. Listen again. What word or image stands out to you? What feels most resonant to how you are feeling today?

Scripture is filled with the exhortation to rejoice: despite our circumstances, despite our sense of lack, despite everything. YET I will rejoice in the Lord. Is that difficult for you? As we end prayer today, take time to either rejoice and be joyful, thanking God for His goodness..... or if feels too difficult for you, take time to be honest with God about why.

Music Credit:
"All Things" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>617audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-14th--56748256Today is September 14

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 12.

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Can you imagine all of the moments like this that Jesus had with his disicples...? Can you imagine what it was like to watch Jesus engage with the Pharisees, answering their questions and accusations? Put yourself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples, and imagine watching this encounter. What feelings would it stir up in you?

Jesus tells the religious rulers: “something greater than the temple is here”. He is speaking of Himself, and the Kingdom of God. Listen to the passage again, and pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you.

The disciples walked with Jesus in their day-to-day lives, watching him and learning from him. Are you connected to Jesus in that kind of way? Do you look for him, prayerfully, throughout your day? Do you wonder how he might respond to experiences you find yourself in? As you end your time of prayer, ask God to help you grow in your day-to-day connection with him.

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748256Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 14 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew,...Today is September 14

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 12.

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Can you imagine all of the moments like this that Jesus had with his disicples...? Can you imagine what it was like to watch Jesus engage with the Pharisees, answering their questions and accusations? Put yourself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples, and imagine watching this encounter. What feelings would it stir up in you?

Jesus tells the religious rulers: “something greater than the temple is here”. He is speaking of Himself, and the Kingdom of God. Listen to the passage again, and pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you.

The disciples walked with Jesus in their day-to-day lives, watching him and learning from him. Are you connected to Jesus in that kind of way? Do you look for him, prayerfully, throughout your day? Do you wonder how he might respond to experiences you find yourself in? As you end your time of prayer, ask God to help you grow in your day-to-day connection with him.

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>835audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-13th--56748255Today is September 13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.

It’s not easy to reflect on our own sin... and actually acknowledging our sin is sometimes even more difficult. The psalmist writes that we are blessed, though, when we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and see forgiveness. As you enter into prayer, can you invite the Lord to help you see one area of sin that is present in you? It might be an action, or an inaction. It could be an attitude, or a behavior. Take a few moments to examine your heart and your choices and see what God calls to your attention.

Scripture gives us a tool – confession – that helps us navigate our way through and past our sins, or sinful patters. Confession is the act of speaking honestly about our areas of brokenness... and is accompanied by repentace... which is the act of turning away from sin toward holiness. Listen again, and prepare your heart for the opportunity to pray a prayer of confession to the Lord.

God forgives the guilt of our sins. With this truth in mind, we’ll end our time of prayer in confession....... can you talk to the Lord about what has come to mind? …............ Take time now to ask God for His gift of forgiveness, and abide with Him as you experience His grace.

Music Credit:
"You're All I Need" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748255Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is September 13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.

It’s not easy to reflect on our own sin... and actually acknowledging our sin is sometimes even more difficult. The psalmist writes that we are blessed, though, when we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and see forgiveness. As you enter into prayer, can you invite the Lord to help you see one area of sin that is present in you? It might be an action, or an inaction. It could be an attitude, or a behavior. Take a few moments to examine your heart and your choices and see what God calls to your attention.

Scripture gives us a tool – confession – that helps us navigate our way through and past our sins, or sinful patters. Confession is the act of speaking honestly about our areas of brokenness... and is accompanied by repentace... which is the act of turning away from sin toward holiness. Listen again, and prepare your heart for the opportunity to pray a prayer of confession to the Lord.

God forgives the guilt of our sins. With this truth in mind, we’ll end our time of prayer in confession....... can you talk to the Lord about what has come to mind? …............ Take time now to ask God for His gift of forgiveness, and abide with Him as you experience His grace.

Music Credit:
"You're All I Need" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>832audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-12th--56748254Today is September 12

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.

1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind...

The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God.

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord.

Music Credit:
"Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748254Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 12 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is September 12

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, chapter 3.

1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” a bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

What have your thoughts been fixed on this week? What has occupied your concerns? Take a few moments of quiet now to review the worries, desires, and preoccupations that are filling your mind...

The author of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. He reminds us that God is faithful, that he is worthy, that we can be confident in him. Listen again to this scripture, and to the confidences the author gives us about the character of God.

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. So often we forget that it is God who holds everything together. Whare are things in your life, right now, that you feel a need to master, or control, or fix? Can you invite God, the builder of everything, into those things? As we end our time of prayer, offer them over to the Lord.

Music Credit:
"Sing His Name" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-11th--56748241Today is September 11

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.

7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this.

When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...

As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him...

Music Credit:
"God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56748241Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 11 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3....Today is September 11

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 3.

7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

Solomon prayed to the Lord for a discerning heart, in order to govern in wise ways... and the scripture tells us that the Lord was pleased to answer this prayer. Solomon needed wisdom, he says, because he felt like ‘only a little child’. As we enter into our own time of prayer today, what is a place where you feel that way... a situation where you are in need of wisdom or discernment for a task ahead of you that you don’t feel equipped for? Talk to God about this.

When you find yourself – like Solomon did – in over your head... is it your first inclination to be humble, and to ask God for what you need? Or is your first inclination to power through? To try to be more than you are? To fill gaps that you know you can’t fill? As you listen again to these words, listen for Solomon’s humility...

As we close our time of prayer, talk to God about places or situations where you need a wise and discerning heart. Bring any places of overwhelm to Him...

Music Credit:
"God of Rest" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>871audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-9th--56671014
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671014Sat, 09 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-8th--56671012Today is September 8

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 8.

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

As we enter prayer today, I’m going to ask you to enter into this story as well. Imaginative prayer helps for us to read scripture not just as familiar stories… but as actual events. Can you call to mind a picture of a small boat? Nothing fancy. Nothing modern. It’s small, handmade, and probably rickety. Imagine the waves picking up, and the wind driving rain into your face. Try to smell the stormy air. Imagine the fear of lightening, as the furious storm pounds you and your friends. Have you ever felt terrified? Have you been out in nature, subject to the elements with no shelter. Imagine that. You’re afraid for your life. Take a few moments to imagine this scene, and to try to become connected to this fear and sense of being out of control, with both your senses, and emotions.

Now comes an interruption. In their desperation, the disciples wake Jesus. Perhaps in their anger: how is this guy sleeping through such an all-hands-on-deck-moment? Save us, they cry. We’re going to drown!, they cry. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? A prayer that feels like a last-ditch-effort? Listen again… and imagine now the frantic tone of their call to Jesus:

The Greek work that translates to: you of little faith is used multiple times in Matthew. We perhaps read it as an insult. Or a judgement. But read in context it has the ring of a something one dear friend might say to another… like a nickname of sorts. Now keep in mind, Jesus uses this word to describe his disciples – those who would become saints and martyrs. Their faith – though maybe little – was clearly sufficient! As small as a mustard seed, we might say. But the gospels remind us that even the tiniest seed of faith is all we need bring to God. Even the frustrated and frightened cry of ‘Lord save me!’ is sufficient. AS we end our time of prayer today, reflect on the goodness of God, and how Christ is present to all who call on His name: no matter the ‘size’ of faith we bring to Him.

Music Credit:
Peace Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671012Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 8 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of...Today is September 8

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 8.

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

As we enter prayer today, I’m going to ask you to enter into this story as well. Imaginative prayer helps for us to read scripture not just as familiar stories… but as actual events. Can you call to mind a picture of a small boat? Nothing fancy. Nothing modern. It’s small, handmade, and probably rickety. Imagine the waves picking up, and the wind driving rain into your face. Try to smell the stormy air. Imagine the fear of lightening, as the furious storm pounds you and your friends. Have you ever felt terrified? Have you been out in nature, subject to the elements with no shelter. Imagine that. You’re afraid for your life. Take a few moments to imagine this scene, and to try to become connected to this fear and sense of being out of control, with both your senses, and emotions.

Now comes an interruption. In their desperation, the disciples wake Jesus. Perhaps in their anger: how is this guy sleeping through such an all-hands-on-deck-moment? Save us, they cry. We’re going to drown!, they cry. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? A prayer that feels like a last-ditch-effort? Listen again… and imagine now the frantic tone of their call to Jesus:

The Greek work that translates to: you of little faith is used multiple times in Matthew. We perhaps read it as an insult. Or a judgement. But read in context it has the ring of a something one dear friend might say to another… like a nickname of sorts. Now keep in mind, Jesus uses this word to describe his disciples – those who would become saints and martyrs. Their faith – though maybe little – was clearly sufficient! As small as a mustard seed, we might say. But the gospels remind us that even the tiniest seed of faith is all we need bring to God. Even the frustrated and frightened cry of ‘Lord save me!’ is sufficient. AS we end our time of prayer today, reflect on the goodness of God, and how Christ is present to all who call on His name: no matter the ‘size’ of faith we bring to Him.

Music Credit:
Peace Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>788audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-7th--56671011Today is September 7

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 19.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

The Psalmist uses some beautifully descriptive words here to describe the law of the Lord. As you enter into prayer today, reflect on these truths: that the law of the lord is…. perfect, refreshing, trustworthy. It’s right, radiant, and pure. God’s law is enduring, firm, and righteous.

The Psalmist knows something important about who God is, and about what God commands… and he is speaking this truth to all who can hear. In our world, the idea of God’s law is often seen as suspect. Irrelevant. Harsh. As you listen to this scripture again, would you examine your own feelings about God’s law? About the narrow way that Christ calls you to?

What do you look to, to refresh your soul? Is obedience to God’s word on the list? Talk to God right now about His instruction in your life. And listen for his voice of guidance… for that is the voice that will refresh your soul…

Music Credit:
Holy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671011Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 7 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 19. 7 The law of...Today is September 7

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 19.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

The Psalmist uses some beautifully descriptive words here to describe the law of the Lord. As you enter into prayer today, reflect on these truths: that the law of the lord is…. perfect, refreshing, trustworthy. It’s right, radiant, and pure. God’s law is enduring, firm, and righteous.

The Psalmist knows something important about who God is, and about what God commands… and he is speaking this truth to all who can hear. In our world, the idea of God’s law is often seen as suspect. Irrelevant. Harsh. As you listen to this scripture again, would you examine your own feelings about God’s law? About the narrow way that Christ calls you to?

What do you look to, to refresh your soul? Is obedience to God’s word on the list? Talk to God right now about His instruction in your life. And listen for his voice of guidance… for that is the voice that will refresh your soul…

Music Credit:
Holy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>623audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-6th--56671010Today is September 6

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Micah, chapter. 4.

1 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
2 Many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3 He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
4 Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
5 All the nations may walk
in the name of their gods,
but we will walk in the name of the LORD
our God for ever and ever.

‘We will walk in the name of the lord our god for ever and ever…’ As you come to prayer today, take some time to get oriented to the state of your heart, your mind, and your ‘walk’ with God…

Listen again to the prophet Micah, and ask God to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase to meditate on today…

This part of Micah is pointing the hearers toward the promise of coming restoration. Just as we live in between the now of the kingdom, and the not yet… the people listening to Micah’s words were living in a time of exile, listing to words of hope and anticipation about a coming kingdom. As we end our time of prayer, asking God to help you turn your eyes toward Him in faith, hope and love… and to fill you with anticipation of his restoration.

Music Credit:
God of All Glory - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671010Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 6 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is September 6

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Micah, chapter. 4.

1 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
2 Many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3 He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
4 Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
5 All the nations may walk
in the name of their gods,
but we will walk in the name of the LORD
our God for ever and ever.

‘We will walk in the name of the lord our god for ever and ever…’ As you come to prayer today, take some time to get oriented to the state of your heart, your mind, and your ‘walk’ with God…

Listen again to the prophet Micah, and ask God to draw your attention to a particular word or phrase to meditate on today…

This part of Micah is pointing the hearers toward the promise of coming restoration. Just as we live in between the now of the kingdom, and the not yet… the people listening to Micah’s words were living in a time of exile, listing to words of hope and anticipation about a coming kingdom. As we end our time of prayer, asking God to help you turn your eyes toward Him in faith, hope and love… and to fill you with anticipation of his restoration.

Music Credit:
God of All Glory - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>650audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-5th--56671009Today is September 5

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?

The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.

Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention.

Music Credit:
Make Us One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671009Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 5 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...Today is September 5

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4.

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Paul’s writing to the Ephesians paints a picture of a collection of Jesus-followers who are interconnected, who each know their giftings, and who hold together in their collective journey toward unity, maturity, and love. As you come to prayer today, take some time to think about how connected you are right now to the whole body of Christ?

The early church was clear that corporate followership of Jesus – not individualistic spirituality – was a marker of maturity. Paul is writing to a group of people in Ephesus… not just individual Christians. Our culture is highly individualized, and more and more… a sense of belonging to the church is diminishing in the world around us. Listen to Paul’s words again, paying special attention to the fact that he wrote them to the corporate body of believers…that we are each meant to be in meaningful connection to.

Here is Paul’s vision of the church: that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. As we end our time of prayer today, what part of this statement might God be inviting you to consider more deeply in your life? Is it how you engage with ‘the whole body’? Might it have to do with how you ‘build up in love’? Or about how every part is meant to ‘do its work’? Talk to God about your relationship to His church, and listen to where He draws your attention.

Music Credit:
Make Us One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>712audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-4th--56671007Today is September 4

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening?

Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today.

If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.

Music Credit:
Our Father - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56671007Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 4 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6....Today is September 4

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 6.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

This is, for many of us, a familiar prayer. Simple, even. How is your prayer life these days? Are you regularly turning to the Lord, speaking to him, and listening?

Listen again to this prayer, the prayer model Jesus gave to his disciples and to us. Try to listen to each line, really being attentive to what the scripture is saying. Pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you today.

If you are feeling disconnected with an intentional habit of prayer, take some time today to think about how you might reengage. For some, simply writing out this prayer, from Matthew 6, every morning would be a great start. For others, starting a simple journal of conversation with the Lord could be helpful. Keep in mind that Jesus orients to something incredibly important in just the first two words: we are praying to Our Father! He is good, and gracious, and generous, and he loves you as a good father loves his children.

Music Credit:
Our Father - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1046audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-september-2nd--56598554
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56598554Sat, 02 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/september-1st--56600283Today is September 1

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 1.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

As we come to an end of our week, can you reflect on what it means that Paul prays that we would ‘know God better’. That we would know His hope, and His inheritance, and His power? Do you feel – today – like you know Him this deeply?

Sometimes, there are seasons of faith where you might feel an incredible closeness to God… and deep sense of knowledge of His character. There are also seasons of faith where you feel far off. Where you feel like you don’t know God well at all. Maybe you don’t feel like you ‘know’ hope. Or power. You don’t know what it means to be called to the riches of his glorious inheritance. Listen again, and allow yourself to be honest about how you feel as you come to God today.

Would you allow this prayer of St Paul to hold you up and draw you nearer to God today? From the ancient church, believers have prayed this prayer forward for other believers – for us even! Paul prays in a verb tense that implies he asks and keeps asking and keeps asking… that this prayerful request is ongoing. Pray for yourself today, to know God better. And pray also for generations of believer still to come… pray forward… that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to the truth of who God is.

Music Credit:
"More than Anything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56600283Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is September 1 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...Today is September 1

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ephesians, chapter 1.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

As we come to an end of our week, can you reflect on what it means that Paul prays that we would ‘know God better’. That we would know His hope, and His inheritance, and His power? Do you feel – today – like you know Him this deeply?

Sometimes, there are seasons of faith where you might feel an incredible closeness to God… and deep sense of knowledge of His character. There are also seasons of faith where you feel far off. Where you feel like you don’t know God well at all. Maybe you don’t feel like you ‘know’ hope. Or power. You don’t know what it means to be called to the riches of his glorious inheritance. Listen again, and allow yourself to be honest about how you feel as you come to God today.

Would you allow this prayer of St Paul to hold you up and draw you nearer to God today? From the ancient church, believers have prayed this prayer forward for other believers – for us even! Paul prays in a verb tense that implies he asks and keeps asking and keeps asking… that this prayerful request is ongoing. Pray for yourself today, to know God better. And pray also for generations of believer still to come… pray forward… that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to the truth of who God is.

Music Credit:
"More than Anything" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>803audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-31st--56600257Today is August 31

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from book of Jonah, chapter 2.

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God.
2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’
5 The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, LORD my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Jonah is a story filled with irony… the Bible Project refers to it as an ancient satire. Jonah is a prophet, called by God to deliver a message to Ninevah… and he does the exact opposite. God literally tells Jonah to go east… and Jonah runs as far west as he can. He boards a boat, gets caught in a storm, and while the pagan sailors discern rightly that there’s something spiritual happening, Jonah the prophet puts his blood on their hands when he suggest the sailors just dump him overboard. Jonah is serving as an example of someone who is doing the exact opposite of what they’re supposed to do. Is there any part of this story that you can identify with? Have you ever heard God say go east… only to run in the opposite direction?

Listen to the story again, considering that this is really only the beginning of Jonah’s resistance to God’s heart, and God’s commands in this story.

“But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit…” Over and over, in absurd ways, Jonah is a story of God’s willingness, God’s desire even – to rescue! He rescues Jonah – the disobedient and complaining prophet. He later rescues the whole city after they repent. The story of Jonah tells us something important about our proclivities to run from God and God’s grace… and about God’s constant pursuit of those He loves. Talk to the Lord now about His constant pursuit of you… and if there are places where you know you are running away from Him, talk to God about that as well…

Music Credit:
"Slow to Anger" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56600257Thu, 31 Aug 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 31 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from book of Jonah, chapter 2....Today is August 31

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from book of Jonah, chapter 2.

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God.
2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’
5 The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, LORD my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Jonah is a story filled with irony… the Bible Project refers to it as an ancient satire. Jonah is a prophet, called by God to deliver a message to Ninevah… and he does the exact opposite. God literally tells Jonah to go east… and Jonah runs as far west as he can. He boards a boat, gets caught in a storm, and while the pagan sailors discern rightly that there’s something spiritual happening, Jonah the prophet puts his blood on their hands when he suggest the sailors just dump him overboard. Jonah is serving as an example of someone who is doing the exact opposite of what they’re supposed to do. Is there any part of this story that you can identify with? Have you ever heard God say go east… only to run in the opposite direction?

Listen to the story again, considering that this is really only the beginning of Jonah’s resistance to God’s heart, and God’s commands in this story.

“But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit…” Over and over, in absurd ways, Jonah is a story of God’s willingness, God’s desire even – to rescue! He rescues Jonah – the disobedient and complaining prophet. He later rescues the whole city after they repent. The story of Jonah tells us something important about our proclivities to run from God and God’s grace… and about God’s constant pursuit of those He loves. Talk to the Lord now about His constant pursuit of you… and if there are places where you know you are running away from Him, talk to God about that as well…

Music Credit:
"Slow to Anger" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>837audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-30th--56598602Today is August 30

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 146.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow...

This psalm makes a lot of statements about who God is: God is maker. Faithful. He upholds and nourishes and sets free. He gives sight, lifts up, and loves. God watches over and sustains. And he does these things not just for me or you. But for those in our world who are often unseen, vulnerable, and disregarded. Our news is filled with images of refugees standing at borders. Of fatherless children being mistreated. Of oppression, of hunger. The pain of the world is so hard to absorb… it can be tempting to turn away, or to feel paralyzed. Talk to God about how you feel considering this today in prayer.

Let’s listen again to this psalmist reflect on God’s character, and point us to God’s response. Let’s listen again, considering that you and I are called – as the church – to be the body of Christ in the world. His hands, and His feet… Every Christian is a part of the corporate church. Every Christian has the opportunity to reflect the heart of God to a watching world, and to a world that needs the care of God. Listen again and consider: how might you – as a representative of God through His body the church – become a more faithful representation of this psalm:

None of us are makers, we are made. And none of us can save the world, Jesus did. But we can partner with the work of Christ in the world. We can help to give food, to lift up, to love and watch over, to sustain… Invite the Lord, as David did, to search you and know you today. Invite the Lord to be present to you as you take inventory of your own partnership with the work of Christ. Invite the Lord, as we end our time of prayer, to speak to you about ways He might be inviting you further to be his hands, and his feet, in the world around you today.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56598602Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 30 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is August 30

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 146.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow...

This psalm makes a lot of statements about who God is: God is maker. Faithful. He upholds and nourishes and sets free. He gives sight, lifts up, and loves. God watches over and sustains. And he does these things not just for me or you. But for those in our world who are often unseen, vulnerable, and disregarded. Our news is filled with images of refugees standing at borders. Of fatherless children being mistreated. Of oppression, of hunger. The pain of the world is so hard to absorb… it can be tempting to turn away, or to feel paralyzed. Talk to God about how you feel considering this today in prayer.

Let’s listen again to this psalmist reflect on God’s character, and point us to God’s response. Let’s listen again, considering that you and I are called – as the church – to be the body of Christ in the world. His hands, and His feet… Every Christian is a part of the corporate church. Every Christian has the opportunity to reflect the heart of God to a watching world, and to a world that needs the care of God. Listen again and consider: how might you – as a representative of God through His body the church – become a more faithful representation of this psalm:

None of us are makers, we are made. And none of us can save the world, Jesus did. But we can partner with the work of Christ in the world. We can help to give food, to lift up, to love and watch over, to sustain… Invite the Lord, as David did, to search you and know you today. Invite the Lord to be present to you as you take inventory of your own partnership with the work of Christ. Invite the Lord, as we end our time of prayer, to speak to you about ways He might be inviting you further to be his hands, and his feet, in the world around you today.

Music Credit:
"Form Us" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>972audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-29th--56598588Today is August 29

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?

When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph.

As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music Credit:
"For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56598588Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 29 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is August 29

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

As you come to prayer today, is there any part of Joseph’s experience in this reading that you might identify with? Scripture tells us that Joseph was a faithful man, a kind man… AND clearly, a man who’s plans had been radically interrupted by God. No one anticipates having their life turned upside down by the call of God. Can you recall a time in your own life where you experienced the interruptive call of God?

When we listen to familiar passages like this one, sometimes we forget that our sisters and brothers who experienced these things didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’. They said yes without knowing the full picture, the whole history of which they were a part. When Mary said yes to the angel, and when Joseph was obedient to God’s commands… they had zero idea what was going to happen. Their YES was given out of obedience to God, trust in God’s character, and faith in God’s power. Listen again, and try to imagine what it would be like for Joseph.

As we come to an end of our time of prayer, ask God for the kind of faith that Joseph demonstrated when he said YES to God… not knowing what was ahead.

Music Credit:
"For Your Cause" Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>820audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-28th--56598562Today is August 28

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.

11 “In that day
“I will restore David’s fallen shelter—
I will repair its broken walls
and restore its ruins—
and will rebuild it as it used to be,
12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations that bear my name,
declares the LORD, who will do these things.
13 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman
and the planter by the one treading grapes.
New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills,
14 and I will bring my people Israel back from exile.
“They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.
They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;
they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
15 I will plant Israel in their own land,
never again to be uprooted
from the land I have given them,”
says the LORD your God.

Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him.

As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…

We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.

Music Credit:
"You Speak" -Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56598562Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9. 11 “In...Today is August 28

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Amos, chapter 9.

11 “In that day
“I will restore David’s fallen shelter—
I will repair its broken walls
and restore its ruins—
and will rebuild it as it used to be,
12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations that bear my name,
declares the LORD, who will do these things.
13 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman
and the planter by the one treading grapes.
New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills,
14 and I will bring my people Israel back from exile.
“They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.
They will plant vineyards and drink their wine;
they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
15 I will plant Israel in their own land,
never again to be uprooted
from the land I have given them,”
says the LORD your God.

Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take a few quiet moments to consider these promises from God, who says: I will repair, I will restore, I will rebuild……. Are there places in your life right now where you feel needy of God’s repair, restoration, or rebuilding? Hold those things before Him.

As you listen to this text again, consider the faith, hope, and love they would stir up in the hearts of those who heard them in ancient days. And ask God to stir up your own faith, hope, and love…

We are a kingdom people… believing in God that He is making all things new. Talk to God as we close our time of prayer… bringing to Him all of the places in your life where you feel personally in need of repair or restoration… and all of the places where the world around us is crying out for repair and restoration.

Music Credit:
"You Speak" -Vineyard Worship (UK) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>651audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-26th--56515503
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515503Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-25th--56515456Today is August 25th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 133.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
3 For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

This is a simple couple of verses, but a challenging thing to take from paper into real life. As we begin our time of prayer, would you be willing to bring the places in your own heart where you are not feeling ‘unified’ with other Christians in your life?

So listen to the scripture again, and consider a time where you experienced the ‘good and pleasant’ reality of Christian unity that goes beyond all of our division and diversity. And keep in mind as you listen: this psalm was written to a people who were unique in being God’s chosen people. But the church of Jesus – the New Testament church – wasn’t a single culture . It was a new family, a family marked by not dividing walls of insider and outsider, but marked by: Jesus.

As we end our time of prayer today, talk with God about places where you experience division within church at large. Ask God for wisdom and instruction about how to walk forward in the most Christ-honoring way possible.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515456Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 25th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 133. 1...Today is August 25th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 133.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
3 For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

This is a simple couple of verses, but a challenging thing to take from paper into real life. As we begin our time of prayer, would you be willing to bring the places in your own heart where you are not feeling ‘unified’ with other Christians in your life?

So listen to the scripture again, and consider a time where you experienced the ‘good and pleasant’ reality of Christian unity that goes beyond all of our division and diversity. And keep in mind as you listen: this psalm was written to a people who were unique in being God’s chosen people. But the church of Jesus – the New Testament church – wasn’t a single culture . It was a new family, a family marked by not dividing walls of insider and outsider, but marked by: Jesus.

As we end our time of prayer today, talk with God about places where you experience division within church at large. Ask God for wisdom and instruction about how to walk forward in the most Christ-honoring way possible.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>708audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-24th--56515414Today is August 24th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from book of Colossians, chapter 1 – the MSG version.

15 – 18 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

18–20 He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

…all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe-people and things, animals and atoms – get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies… as we begin our time of prayer, invite the spirit of God to draw even nearer to you, and to sort out any places that feel broken, or dislocated.

This passage of scripture has thousands and thousands of pages of commentary written about it – it is so full and rich! As you listen to it again, listen for just one simple word or phrase that the Lord might highlight for you…

Take the phrase or word that the Lord called your attention to and write it down so that you can reflect on it throughout the day. For me, the phrase is: He holds it all together. This is a true statement about God that gives me right perspective, a proper vision. Talk to God as we end our time of prayer about the phrase he drew your attention to. Ask Him for insight, and also ask Him to remind you to recenter yourself on Him over the course of your day.

Music Credit:
"All for You Jesus" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515414Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 24th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from book of Colossians,...Today is August 24th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from book of Colossians, chapter 1 – the MSG version.

15 – 18 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

18–20 He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

…all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe-people and things, animals and atoms – get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies… as we begin our time of prayer, invite the spirit of God to draw even nearer to you, and to sort out any places that feel broken, or dislocated.

This passage of scripture has thousands and thousands of pages of commentary written about it – it is so full and rich! As you listen to it again, listen for just one simple word or phrase that the Lord might highlight for you…

Take the phrase or word that the Lord called your attention to and write it down so that you can reflect on it throughout the day. For me, the phrase is: He holds it all together. This is a true statement about God that gives me right perspective, a proper vision. Talk to God as we end our time of prayer about the phrase he drew your attention to. Ask Him for insight, and also ask Him to remind you to recenter yourself on Him over the course of your day.

Music Credit:
"All for You Jesus" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>760audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-23rd--56515364Today is August 23rd

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 11. 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.

15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die. 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.

The last line of this translation feels pretty understated to me. David lusted after his friend’s wife, so he sent his friend to the front lines of fighting, abandoned him on purpose, and left him to be killed. When I listen to this passage, I feel angry. Angry at David and angry at the way human beings can be so callus and hurtful. Angry at how even God-followers have hearts full of evil. Angry even at myself… because I know I have this same thread of sin in my own heart. Often, when we come to prayer, we feel like we need to hide our anger, or other ‘negative’ emotions. Take some time to examine your own heart. What feelings are you holding onto today?

Our translation says that the Lord was displeased. The actual Hebrew word is much stronger. It means distressed by that which is dysfunctional or evil. It has connotations of that which is broken or crushed. What David did didn’t just make God angry like it made me angry. David’s actions had a crushing, a breaking impact. Because God is just. God is good. God saw what David did and saw that it was evil. Listen to the passage again with this more robust translation in mind.

It is easy to read about this horrid episode in the life of David and call it egregious sinfulness. But I wonder where it is that I have done something that has displeased the Lord. I wonder: what have I done, or what am I doing, that has a crushing or breaking impact on God’s character. This is not easy to consider! It’s not something I like to think about! But as we end our time of prayer, can you ask God for grace to show you if there is anything happening in your own life, or heart, or actions… that is displeasing to Him? Talk to God about these things.

Music Credit:
"Kyrie Eleison" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515364Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 23rd May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is August 23rd

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 11. 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.

15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die. 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.

The last line of this translation feels pretty understated to me. David lusted after his friend’s wife, so he sent his friend to the front lines of fighting, abandoned him on purpose, and left him to be killed. When I listen to this passage, I feel angry. Angry at David and angry at the way human beings can be so callus and hurtful. Angry at how even God-followers have hearts full of evil. Angry even at myself… because I know I have this same thread of sin in my own heart. Often, when we come to prayer, we feel like we need to hide our anger, or other ‘negative’ emotions. Take some time to examine your own heart. What feelings are you holding onto today?

Our translation says that the Lord was displeased. The actual Hebrew word is much stronger. It means distressed by that which is dysfunctional or evil. It has connotations of that which is broken or crushed. What David did didn’t just make God angry like it made me angry. David’s actions had a crushing, a breaking impact. Because God is just. God is good. God saw what David did and saw that it was evil. Listen to the passage again with this more robust translation in mind.

It is easy to read about this horrid episode in the life of David and call it egregious sinfulness. But I wonder where it is that I have done something that has displeased the Lord. I wonder: what have I done, or what am I doing, that has a crushing or breaking impact on God’s character. This is not easy to consider! It’s not something I like to think about! But as we end our time of prayer, can you ask God for grace to show you if there is anything happening in your own life, or heart, or actions… that is displeasing to Him? Talk to God about these things.

Music Credit:
"Kyrie Eleison" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>742audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-22nd--56515336Today is August 22nd

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.

4 If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ.

So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.

When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music Credit:
"All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515336Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 22nd The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is August 22nd

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Philippians, chapter 3.

4 If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

St Paul had what we might call a stellar resume’ when it came to religious zealousness. He had, he wrote, lots of reasons to be confident in his own achievements. But of course WE know that all of these things he did – all of these human achievements, accomplishments, were aimed at a prize he realized was – as he calls it – garbage. He came to realize that his achievements actually were working contrary to the purposes of God. Before he met Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. Take a moment and imagine the feelings Paul may have wrestled with emotionally and spiritually when he considered who he was before he met Christ.

So often, we listen to scripture as though it’s a play, not a description of reality. Paul is St Paul, the Apostle Paul, Saul the Pharisee… but Paul is also just an ordinary guy. Some 1st century guy with a radical call from God that totally interrupted everything he had been so convinced was true. Listen to the words of this letter again, and ask God to make you attentive to what Paul may have been feeling as he wrote these words.

When I listen to Paul, I hear a man rescued. A man who had his certainty interrupted by faith, and who had his religion interrupted by grace. When I listen to Paul, I have a feeling that I need to be interrupted, yet again, by a vision of Jesus. That I need to remember that so much of what I hold dear is pretty much garbage. That gaining Christ isn’t some religious acquisition, but an entrance into a radical, life-changing, soul-charging, eye-opening, heart-filling life with God. If you feel tired, worn out, or weary today… end your time of prayer talking to God about what it means to come to Him, and to learn His ways, and to experience the same knowledge of Christ that Paul himself had.

Music Credit:
"All Who Are Thirsty" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>781audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-21st--56515307
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?

The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…

Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate? What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.

Music Credit:
"Reign In Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56515307Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 21st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17. 20...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 17.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.

This reading records the words of Jesus of Nazareth himself praying for me. Praying for you. As God-in-the-flesh-himself is preparing to go to the cross, what seems to be on His heart in this prayer is that you and I would be as knit together in belonging and in unity as God the son is with God the father, through God the spirit. It is difficult – impossible really – for our human minds to grasp the unity that Jesus is praying about here. He’s not just praying about a unity of mind…. A common way of thinking or being in the world. He’s not just praying about an emotional unity: all for one, and one for all. He’s praying about an existential unity: a unity that defines our very being. As you come to prayer this morning, how unified to you feel with God the father, son, and spirit? Take time to slow down, and settle into awareness of God’s with-ness not just with you, but inside of you, right now, wherever it is you find yourself?

The unity that Jesus prays for between believers is, I think, impossible to achieve if we are not ourselves keenly aware of what it means to abide with Christ. To abide in the vine. It is only out of this ‘oneness’ with God, through Jesus, by the spirit of God… that we can ‘be brought to complete unity’ with other believers. Listen again, and mediate on this unity that Jesus prays for…

Are you abiding in God? How long does it take for you to forget to ‘remain in Him’ – and become distracted by the demands of the day, or your frustrations, or all the things that divide and separate? What habit might you want to build into your day that will help you return to a practice of ‘abiding’? Perhaps an alarm to remind you to slow down and pray? Perhaps a bedtime routine of examine? The more our world speeds up, the more we need to resist the chaos and return to abide in Christ. My prayer for you today is that you are reminded by the gentle voice of your God to ‘resist and return’ to Him over and over, and that you would find unity with Him in a deeper way, today.

Music Credit:
"Reign In Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>761audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-19th--56445240
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56445240Sat, 19 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-18th--56468566Today is August 18

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Do you feel thirsty for God’s Spirit today? Is your cup overflowing? Instead of a lot of words today, let’s lean into a prayerful abiding with the Lord. We’ll take the next thirty seconds to quietly sit with the presence of God. If you’re able to, sit down or stand quietly with your eyes closed. You may open your hands to the Lord, or put one hand over your heart, or simple find a comfortable posture. Focus on taking a few, slow breaths, and pray… Come: Holy Spirit…

We are people of the presence of God, and while we know that He abides with us, we very often lose our sense of Him. Throughout your day today, bring your attention back to God and ask him to increase your hunger and thirst for His spirit. Be attentive to His presence with you, and the gift he has to give you.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56468566Fri, 18 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 18 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Joel,...Today is August 18

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Joel, chapter 2.

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Do you feel thirsty for God’s Spirit today? Is your cup overflowing? Instead of a lot of words today, let’s lean into a prayerful abiding with the Lord. We’ll take the next thirty seconds to quietly sit with the presence of God. If you’re able to, sit down or stand quietly with your eyes closed. You may open your hands to the Lord, or put one hand over your heart, or simple find a comfortable posture. Focus on taking a few, slow breaths, and pray… Come: Holy Spirit…

We are people of the presence of God, and while we know that He abides with us, we very often lose our sense of Him. Throughout your day today, bring your attention back to God and ask him to increase your hunger and thirst for His spirit. Be attentive to His presence with you, and the gift he has to give you.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>742audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-17th--56468533Today is August 17

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 5.

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 19 so David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The LORD answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 25 So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Welcome to prayer today… our scripture this morning describes King David’s reliance on God’s guidance. The refrain to notice is: ‘David inquired of the Lord…’ Take a few moments to orient yourself right now to situations in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance. What is one specific question you have to bring to the Lord today?

There’s one particular phrase in this text that stands out to me: Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them… That feels resonant to the ways that God so often leads us: not straight … but often in ways that feel circular. Listen again to the scripture and let the Lord draw your attention to a word or phrase…

Examine for a moment what your followership of God feels like: does it feel like straight path? Or like a bit of a circle? Doe you feel the Lord speaking clearly to you, as he did to David? Or are you having a difficult time discerning His voice? Take time as we end and talk to God about these things…

Music Credit:
"If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56468533Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 17 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter...Today is August 17

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 5.

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 19 so David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The LORD answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 25 So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Welcome to prayer today… our scripture this morning describes King David’s reliance on God’s guidance. The refrain to notice is: ‘David inquired of the Lord…’ Take a few moments to orient yourself right now to situations in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance. What is one specific question you have to bring to the Lord today?

There’s one particular phrase in this text that stands out to me: Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them… That feels resonant to the ways that God so often leads us: not straight … but often in ways that feel circular. Listen again to the scripture and let the Lord draw your attention to a word or phrase…

Examine for a moment what your followership of God feels like: does it feel like straight path? Or like a bit of a circle? Doe you feel the Lord speaking clearly to you, as he did to David? Or are you having a difficult time discerning His voice? Take time as we end and talk to God about these things…

Music Credit:
"If You Say Go" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>823audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-16th--56443447
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.

1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed are those who fear the LORD,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.

As I pray for you, I am struck by this verse: they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. As you take some quiet with the Lord today, are there places of fear, or of bad news that you might bring before Him? Take a few moments to talk to God about those things.

Consider the word ‘steadfast’. It means to be ‘firmly fixed’. Now consider the condition of your own heart before the Lord. Before we read the scripture again, ask God to share with you some words or descriptions or realities about the state of your own heart…… Be honest with God. He is near to you whatever the condition of your heart….

Now, take a deep breath…. And listen again to the words of the psalm:

Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous… Today, if you bring fear, or bad news, or darkness to this time of prayer, take a moment now and allow the light of God to break over your heart like a new dawn, for his light to flood you throughout the day.

Music Credit:
"You Are God" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56443447Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 16th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 112.

1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed are those who fear the LORD,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.

As I pray for you, I am struck by this verse: they will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. As you take some quiet with the Lord today, are there places of fear, or of bad news that you might bring before Him? Take a few moments to talk to God about those things.

Consider the word ‘steadfast’. It means to be ‘firmly fixed’. Now consider the condition of your own heart before the Lord. Before we read the scripture again, ask God to share with you some words or descriptions or realities about the state of your own heart…… Be honest with God. He is near to you whatever the condition of your heart….

Now, take a deep breath…. And listen again to the words of the psalm:

Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous… Today, if you bring fear, or bad news, or darkness to this time of prayer, take a moment now and allow the light of God to break over your heart like a new dawn, for his light to flood you throughout the day.

Music Credit:
"You Are God" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-15th--56443445
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in Jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things… Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?

Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them.

Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus.

Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56443445Tue, 15 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 15th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 14.

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Jesus is talking here with his disciples… those he called his friends. Sometimes, when we read this passage, we might think about it in an exacting way: ‘does this mean, if I pray for anything I want, and then say ‘in Jesus name!’ I’ll get it? Instead of thinking about this scripture in an exacting way, can you think about the depth of what Jesus is trying to communicate to his friends? He seems to be trying to get them to understand that even when he is gone to His father, when he appears far off, that he wants them to continue to ask him for things… Are there any requests that you have for Jesus, as you come to Him in prayer now?

Throughout scripture, God teaches His people that He is their provider. He is our good shepherd. And He says that not only can we ask for His provision, but also that we can hear his voice. Listen again to His words, and as you do, try to consider what it was like for the disciples to hear Jesus say these things… Imagine His gentle and earnest tone of voice, and how it would have felt to them that Jesus would say such generous words to them.

Think, as we end, about what it means that Jesus says to you… “you may ask me…” Take some time to quiet your heart, and bring your requests to Jesus.

Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" -Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>644audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-14th--56443443
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.

In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.

I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56443443Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 14th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14....
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 14.

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul is guiding the church in Rome about their posture with one another when they disagreed about ‘disputable matters’. Disputable matters would be those practices we have as Christians that we follow according to our own conscience. They aren’t over primary matters of orthodoxy, but things that are of secondary importance. In this case, he’s talking about certain dietary limitations some Christians put on themselves, but that other Christians didn’t feel were necessary. Paul is helping to define their posture of love, service, and humility toward one another… even when they disagreed about certain things. As you come to prayer today, search your heart for any places where you feel ‘in dispute or disagreement’ with a Christian sister or brother.

In some ways, it’s comforting to remember that Christians through the ages have struggled with disputable matters, quarreling. In other ways, it’s a frustrating truth that even those of us who confess ‘Jesus is Lord’ can disagree about so many things! We live in a cultural climate of great dispute. Great disagreement. Listen again to Paul’s exhortation and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the posture He calls us to as His followers.

I pray that we followers of Jesus would have great spiritual sensitivity to ‘know when we are no longer acting in love’ toward one another. Are there ‘matters of dispute’ in today’s church that you find particularly distressing? Bring those concerns to God and ask for his people and his church to be marked by love and unity in Christ.

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>838audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-12th--56377920
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377920Sat, 12 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-11th--56377889Today is August 11

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 30.

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

There is a lot in this ancient text that we find hard to understand. But there is one thing that makes perfect sense to us, even in our modern world: we know what it feels like to feel grief.

David and his men were grieved by profound and traumatic loss. They were greatly distressed. They wept until they had not more strength. As you come to prayer today... what emotions are you carrying? Can you speak them out to the Lord?

David cries until he has no more strength, the scripture tells us. And then: he found strength in the Lord. This scripture doesn’t tell us that David felt strong the whole way through. Quite the opposite: he felt totally empty. Totally weak. Totally bankrupt. And then, in that state, he turned to the Lord. Listen again. If you are in a season of grief, or weakness, or emptiness right now... can you turn to the Lord like David did? Can you ask Him to renew your strength?

Where is it that you feel emptied today? What is it that you need? What feels impossible, but by the grace of God? Sometimes we hold those things as worries, as anxieties. We ruminate on them instead of praying. As we end, take a moment and talk to God – out loud even – about where it is you feel grieved, or emptied, or weak. And invite Him, by the power of the Spirit, to fill you up. Again, sometimes giving voice to our prayers – even in a whisper – helps us to move from anxiously ruminating or worrying... to actually abiding with our Father in heaven.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377889Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 11 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1...Today is August 11

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 30.

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

There is a lot in this ancient text that we find hard to understand. But there is one thing that makes perfect sense to us, even in our modern world: we know what it feels like to feel grief.

David and his men were grieved by profound and traumatic loss. They were greatly distressed. They wept until they had not more strength. As you come to prayer today... what emotions are you carrying? Can you speak them out to the Lord?

David cries until he has no more strength, the scripture tells us. And then: he found strength in the Lord. This scripture doesn’t tell us that David felt strong the whole way through. Quite the opposite: he felt totally empty. Totally weak. Totally bankrupt. And then, in that state, he turned to the Lord. Listen again. If you are in a season of grief, or weakness, or emptiness right now... can you turn to the Lord like David did? Can you ask Him to renew your strength?

Where is it that you feel emptied today? What is it that you need? What feels impossible, but by the grace of God? Sometimes we hold those things as worries, as anxieties. We ruminate on them instead of praying. As we end, take a moment and talk to God – out loud even – about where it is you feel grieved, or emptied, or weak. And invite Him, by the power of the Spirit, to fill you up. Again, sometimes giving voice to our prayers – even in a whisper – helps us to move from anxiously ruminating or worrying... to actually abiding with our Father in heaven.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1006audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-10th--56377856Today is August 10

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 11.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

If you could put a title on this passage I think it would be, Disappointment with God. Martha and Mary and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus. And when Lazarus became sick and they sent word about it to Jesus, they believed that Jesus wouldn’t let the worst case happen. Surely Lazarus wouldn’t die. Surely Jesus would come and save the day. They had seen Jesus do it with complete strangers, surely he would save his friends. But he didn’t. And Martha and Mary are devastated. Have you ever been devastated because God let you down?

In this passage, Martha tells Jesus how she feels. She says, “if you had been here, he wouldn’t have died.” Can you imagine the moment Martha said those words to Jesus? What do you think she would have looked like? What would she have sounded like? As you listen to the passage again, consider also how you think Jesus felt as he stood before Martha.

As we close our time of prayer, I wonder if there is anything in your life that you’re disappointed with God about. I wonder if, like Martha, you could look Jesus in the eye and share your disappointment with him? And I wonder if you could listen for his response to you?

Music Credit:
"Roll Like a River" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377856Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 10 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter...Today is August 10

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 11.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

If you could put a title on this passage I think it would be, Disappointment with God. Martha and Mary and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus. And when Lazarus became sick and they sent word about it to Jesus, they believed that Jesus wouldn’t let the worst case happen. Surely Lazarus wouldn’t die. Surely Jesus would come and save the day. They had seen Jesus do it with complete strangers, surely he would save his friends. But he didn’t. And Martha and Mary are devastated. Have you ever been devastated because God let you down?

In this passage, Martha tells Jesus how she feels. She says, “if you had been here, he wouldn’t have died.” Can you imagine the moment Martha said those words to Jesus? What do you think she would have looked like? What would she have sounded like? As you listen to the passage again, consider also how you think Jesus felt as he stood before Martha.

As we close our time of prayer, I wonder if there is anything in your life that you’re disappointed with God about. I wonder if, like Martha, you could look Jesus in the eye and share your disappointment with him? And I wonder if you could listen for his response to you?

Music Credit:
"Roll Like a River" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>761audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-9th--56377834Today is August 9

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

To be under the care of a good and gracious God is a wonderful thing! Think for a moment as we begin: do you have a sense of God’s goodness sin your life? Do you have an experience of His care that you can reflect on?

As you listen to this passage again, ask the Lord to highlight a word or phrase to you... something that you can consider, or even meditate on, through your day...

In His hands are the depths of the earth.... The sea is His, for He made it... the mountain peaks belong to him... God is all, and all is in the care and keeping of God. Many times we forget the truth of our position under the care of God. As you end this time of prayer, draw yourself back to this truth: God holds you in the palm of his hand... and You can cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, because he cares for you!

Music Credit:
Bless His Name/To Him Who Sits On The Throne - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377834Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 9 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is August 9

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95.

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

To be under the care of a good and gracious God is a wonderful thing! Think for a moment as we begin: do you have a sense of God’s goodness sin your life? Do you have an experience of His care that you can reflect on?

As you listen to this passage again, ask the Lord to highlight a word or phrase to you... something that you can consider, or even meditate on, through your day...

In His hands are the depths of the earth.... The sea is His, for He made it... the mountain peaks belong to him... God is all, and all is in the care and keeping of God. Many times we forget the truth of our position under the care of God. As you end this time of prayer, draw yourself back to this truth: God holds you in the palm of his hand... and You can cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, because he cares for you!

Music Credit:
Bless His Name/To Him Who Sits On The Throne - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1005audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-8th--56377811Today is August 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?

Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conqueror?

As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Music Credit:
What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377811Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 8 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is August 8

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?

Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conqueror?

As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Music Credit:
What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>756audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-7th--56377759Today is August 7

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.”

18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today?

As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaining, interrogating him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text?

The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love.

Music Credit:
I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56377759Mon, 07 Aug 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 7 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9. 17...Today is August 7

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. T

ake a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.”

18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today?

As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaining, interrogating him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text?

The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love.

Music Credit:
I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>939audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-august-5th--56268415
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56268415Sat, 05 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-4th--56268393
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hosea, chapter 2.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the LORD,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the LORD—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

One of the ways to think about the story of the Bible is to think about a story of a troubled marriage. God had made a covenant with the people of Israel and described that covenant as something akin to a marriage covenant. And like every marriage it started with a honeymoon phase. And like every marriage things became difficult at a certain point. And in this case it became seemingly impossible to continue because Israel became so unfaithful. Israel’s heart for God, her heart for the relationship was gone. Reflect for a moment on where your heart with God is? How would you describe your relationship with God?

In the story of Hosea, God’s response is so different than our human inclination. He says, “No matter how cold your heart is toward me, I’m not going to stop loving you. Even though you have left me, I’m going to wait for you.” As you hear the passage again, consider the unbelievable faithfulness of God toward you, that no matter how warm or cold the state of your heart or how strong or poor your relationship is, he is faithful to you.

Consider the end of the story. The end of the story is a marriage made new, a love made new. God is preparing his bride, the body of Christ. And one day, you and I will experience the fulness and rightness of love as it was meant to be. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to fill your heart with a love that anticipates that day.

Music Credit:
Reckless Love - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56268393Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 4th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hosea, chapter 2.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the LORD,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the LORD—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

One of the ways to think about the story of the Bible is to think about a story of a troubled marriage. God had made a covenant with the people of Israel and described that covenant as something akin to a marriage covenant. And like every marriage it started with a honeymoon phase. And like every marriage things became difficult at a certain point. And in this case it became seemingly impossible to continue because Israel became so unfaithful. Israel’s heart for God, her heart for the relationship was gone. Reflect for a moment on where your heart with God is? How would you describe your relationship with God?

In the story of Hosea, God’s response is so different than our human inclination. He says, “No matter how cold your heart is toward me, I’m not going to stop loving you. Even though you have left me, I’m going to wait for you.” As you hear the passage again, consider the unbelievable faithfulness of God toward you, that no matter how warm or cold the state of your heart or how strong or poor your relationship is, he is faithful to you.

Consider the end of the story. The end of the story is a marriage made new, a love made new. God is preparing his bride, the body of Christ. And one day, you and I will experience the fulness and rightness of love as it was meant to be. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to fill your heart with a love that anticipates that day.

Music Credit:
Reckless Love - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>916audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-3rd--56268381
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

As you come to prayer today, consider what it means to be able to draw near to God. The Psalmist is praising what it is like to be in the presence of God... in the temple courts... Take time right now to become aware that you are in the presence of God. Allow your perspective to be changed by that truth.

It is very normal for us, as we go about our day-to-day lives, to forget about God’s presence. To not be attentive to the truth that He is our sun – our light and warmth and provision.... and that He is our shield... our protection and strength. What feelings, thoughts, or worries might you need to release, right now, in order to be able to reorient yourself and your vision toward Christ?

Not only are we in God’s presence, the psalmist reassures us that God is the giver of good things. He bestows favor and honor to His people. How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently? Take time now to remember, and to cultivate gratitude in your heart to God.

Music Credit:
I Love Your Presence - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56268381Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 3rd Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 84. 10 Better...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 84.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

As you come to prayer today, consider what it means to be able to draw near to God. The Psalmist is praising what it is like to be in the presence of God... in the temple courts... Take time right now to become aware that you are in the presence of God. Allow your perspective to be changed by that truth.

It is very normal for us, as we go about our day-to-day lives, to forget about God’s presence. To not be attentive to the truth that He is our sun – our light and warmth and provision.... and that He is our shield... our protection and strength. What feelings, thoughts, or worries might you need to release, right now, in order to be able to reorient yourself and your vision toward Christ?

Not only are we in God’s presence, the psalmist reassures us that God is the giver of good things. He bestows favor and honor to His people. How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently? Take time now to remember, and to cultivate gratitude in your heart to God.

Music Credit:
I Love Your Presence - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>590audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-2nd--56268355
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with rich and robust theological statements. How do you engage with ideas that are so complex? Do you feel overwhelmed by them? Or are you drawn to the work of understanding them? Think for a moment about how you tend to engage with scripture: more reflectively, or more studiously? With the head, or the heart?

If I were summarizing this rich and complex passage, I would put it like this: When I could do nothing to get to God, God did everything to get to me. As you listen to this passage again, I wonder if you could summarize it in your own words. What stands out to you in these words?

Paul writes deep truths out of a knowledge of who God is. Paul didn’t just know about God… Paul had an encounter with God… and that encounter spoke to both Paul’s heart and his mind… Do you have a sense of needing an encounter with God today? As we close, talk to your heavenly Father as a child might talk to their good and gracious Father… asking for what you need from Him.

Music Credit:
As Children - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56268355Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 2nd May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 3.

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with rich and robust theological statements. How do you engage with ideas that are so complex? Do you feel overwhelmed by them? Or are you drawn to the work of understanding them? Think for a moment about how you tend to engage with scripture: more reflectively, or more studiously? With the head, or the heart?

If I were summarizing this rich and complex passage, I would put it like this: When I could do nothing to get to God, God did everything to get to me. As you listen to this passage again, I wonder if you could summarize it in your own words. What stands out to you in these words?

Paul writes deep truths out of a knowledge of who God is. Paul didn’t just know about God… Paul had an encounter with God… and that encounter spoke to both Paul’s heart and his mind… Do you have a sense of needing an encounter with God today? As we close, talk to your heavenly Father as a child might talk to their good and gracious Father… asking for what you need from Him.

Music Credit:
As Children - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)



Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>772audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/august-1st--56267439
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

26 Jesus answered...27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?

The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel?

For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
The Hidden Place - Vineyard (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56267439Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is August 1st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

26 Jesus answered...27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?

The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel?

For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
The Hidden Place - Vineyard (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>669audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-31st--56266648
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.

35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 36 and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” 38 Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”

41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.

42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul.

This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?

Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast… And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.

Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you.

Music Credit:
Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56266648Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 31st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20....
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 20.

35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 36 and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” 38 Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”

41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.

42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul.

This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?

Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast… And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.

Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you.

Music Credit:
Be Still - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>907audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-29th--56180497
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180497Sat, 29 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-28th--56180492Today is July 28

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

For how long have you followed the Lord? take a moment to remember when it was you first gave your life to Christ?

Perhaps you are a sage… someone who has followed God since your youth, and who are now – as the psalmist writes – old and gray. American culture doesn’t do a very good job of honoring our elders… but it’s the patience, endurance, resilience, and faithfulness of sages in the church that inspires the next generation of believers. Listen to the psalm again, and note what word or phrase stands out to you.

The psalmist wants to declare God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Have you shared your faith story with anyone from the next generation? As we end our time of prayer, invite God to speak to you about who He might have for you to share your God story with.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180492Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 28 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 71. 17 Since...Today is July 28

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

For how long have you followed the Lord? take a moment to remember when it was you first gave your life to Christ?

Perhaps you are a sage… someone who has followed God since your youth, and who are now – as the psalmist writes – old and gray. American culture doesn’t do a very good job of honoring our elders… but it’s the patience, endurance, resilience, and faithfulness of sages in the church that inspires the next generation of believers. Listen to the psalm again, and note what word or phrase stands out to you.

The psalmist wants to declare God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Have you shared your faith story with anyone from the next generation? As we end our time of prayer, invite God to speak to you about who He might have for you to share your God story with.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>654audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-27th--56180490Today is July 27

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 16.

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Does this scripture encourage you? Or maybe not. Maybe it is easy for you to rely on your own outward appearance as you navigate the world around you. For some, it’s a lot easier to keep up appearances than it is to form one’s heart inclinations in the way of Jesus. The Lord is present to you right now as you enter into prayer. Can you invite him, like the psalmist did, to ‘search your heart’ right now? What’s in there…? What’s the condition of your heart?

Consider the way that God turns things upside down. He uses that which is weak, to shame that which is strong. He sees strength in weakness. And he looks at the inside, not the outside of us. How do you most often look at people? Do you share the upside down vision of God in the way you consider those around you?

Do you have a sense of the Lord’s presence with you right now? What do you think He sees, swirling around in your heart? Take time with Him this morning. Talk to God about your heart. And then be still, and listen for his voice.

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180490Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 27 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter...Today is July 27

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 16.

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Does this scripture encourage you? Or maybe not. Maybe it is easy for you to rely on your own outward appearance as you navigate the world around you. For some, it’s a lot easier to keep up appearances than it is to form one’s heart inclinations in the way of Jesus. The Lord is present to you right now as you enter into prayer. Can you invite him, like the psalmist did, to ‘search your heart’ right now? What’s in there…? What’s the condition of your heart?

Consider the way that God turns things upside down. He uses that which is weak, to shame that which is strong. He sees strength in weakness. And he looks at the inside, not the outside of us. How do you most often look at people? Do you share the upside down vision of God in the way you consider those around you?

Do you have a sense of the Lord’s presence with you right now? What do you think He sees, swirling around in your heart? Take time with Him this morning. Talk to God about your heart. And then be still, and listen for his voice.

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>592audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-26th--56180488Today is July 26

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence.

Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:

….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180488Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 26 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book...Today is July 26

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself.

Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence.

Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:

….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>774audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-25th--56180471Today is July 25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?

John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation.

This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music Credit:
As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180471Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is July 25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3.

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?

John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation.

This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music Credit:
As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>764audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-24th--56180455Today is July 24th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage… Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?

Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?

The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?”

Music Credit:
You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56180455Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 24th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2. In...Today is July 24th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 2.

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage… Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?

Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?

The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?”

Music Credit:
You Make Everything New - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>784audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-22nd--56106544
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106544Sat, 22 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-21st--56106481Today is July 21

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106481Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 21 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book 2...Today is July 21

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>678audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-20th--56106437
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 50.

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;
I am God, your God.
8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

It’s funny, to listen to this Psalm narrating God speaking about animals and insects! What do you take away from these lines: ‘If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.’?

I find this passage comforting, as it reorients me to my own smallness compared to God. God has no need of me, and needs nothing from me. I am not a provider like God is, nor am I a creator like God is. Do you ever forget that? Listen to this scripture again, and allow it to ground you, and settle you into a proper perspective.

So often we forget that we are not God. We are not the creator. We are not the maker. Nor are we the provider. The world is not ours: it is Gods. And we are not our own: we belong to God. Reflect, as we end our time of prayer today, where you may have falled into a wrong perspective. Ask God to restore your awareness and groundedness in Him.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106437Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 20th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 50. 7 “Listen, my...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 50.

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;
I am God, your God.
8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

It’s funny, to listen to this Psalm narrating God speaking about animals and insects! What do you take away from these lines: ‘If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.’?

I find this passage comforting, as it reorients me to my own smallness compared to God. God has no need of me, and needs nothing from me. I am not a provider like God is, nor am I a creator like God is. Do you ever forget that? Listen to this scripture again, and allow it to ground you, and settle you into a proper perspective.

So often we forget that we are not God. We are not the creator. We are not the maker. Nor are we the provider. The world is not ours: it is Gods. And we are not our own: we belong to God. Reflect, as we end our time of prayer today, where you may have falled into a wrong perspective. Ask God to restore your awareness and groundedness in Him.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>769audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-19th--56106378
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God?

The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way…

Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along?

Music Credit:
Fix Our Eyes - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106378Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 19th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God?

The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way…

Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along?

Music Credit:
Fix Our Eyes - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>612audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-18th--56106371
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.

3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.

Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that?

Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading.

In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music Credit:
I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106371Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 18th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.

3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.

Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that?

Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading.

In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music Credit:
I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>950audio,bible,devotional,dialy,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-17th--56106350
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?

As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.

Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit: Saved - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106350Mon, 17 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 17th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3. 3 At...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?

As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.

Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit: Saved - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>1033audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-15th--56030607
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030607Sat, 15 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-14th--56030562
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Timothy, chapter 6.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How are you feeling as this week comes to a close? This passage speaks of contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…. Vs the pursuit of a lot of other things that might come out of a lack of contentment… As yourself: am I in a place of contentment today? If not, why?

It seems like Paul is saying that the good fight of faith can be seen as the pursuit of the right things… kingdom things instead of worldly things… eternal life instead of living-in-the-moment… and contentment, instead of the search for bigger, better, faster, and more. Listen in again for what Paul is calling ‘great gain’…

I think that in order to maintain a spirit of contentment, we need proper perspective. We need to focus on ‘have’ vs ‘want’. If our eyes are always set on our ‘wants’… we lose perspective and live out of unmet desires, or lusts. If we are, on the other hand, content with our ‘haves’ we can live out of a place of sufficiency and enoughness… but God’s. What are your eyes on more? Wants, or haves? End prayer today by asking God to give you His perspective, and to help you focus on those things that Paul would call ‘great gain’ for your faith.

Music Credit:
Surrendered In Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030562Fri, 14 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 14th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Timothy, chapter 6.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How are you feeling as this week comes to a close? This passage speaks of contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…. Vs the pursuit of a lot of other things that might come out of a lack of contentment… As yourself: am I in a place of contentment today? If not, why?

It seems like Paul is saying that the good fight of faith can be seen as the pursuit of the right things… kingdom things instead of worldly things… eternal life instead of living-in-the-moment… and contentment, instead of the search for bigger, better, faster, and more. Listen in again for what Paul is calling ‘great gain’…

I think that in order to maintain a spirit of contentment, we need proper perspective. We need to focus on ‘have’ vs ‘want’. If our eyes are always set on our ‘wants’… we lose perspective and live out of unmet desires, or lusts. If we are, on the other hand, content with our ‘haves’ we can live out of a place of sufficiency and enoughness… but God’s. What are your eyes on more? Wants, or haves? End prayer today by asking God to give you His perspective, and to help you focus on those things that Paul would call ‘great gain’ for your faith.

Music Credit:
Surrendered In Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>722audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-13th--56030538Today is July 13th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 13.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is such a familiar scripture for many of us. I’m going to read it in The Message Version in hopes you might notice something in a new way:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.11 When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.12 We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!13 But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Consider this verse: no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

This is Paul writing. Paul the evangelist. Paul the apostle. Paul, the author of early church theology and pastoral practice. Paul who admonished, and counseled, and exhorted. And he says, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. As we end our time of prayer today, allow yourself to feel the weight of Paul’s words about love. You might want to take some more time in this scripture this week, reading it in multiple versions, and meditating on God’s word to you through this passage. God is love.

Music: To Know Your Love - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030538Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 13th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 13. If I...Today is July 13th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 13.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is such a familiar scripture for many of us. I’m going to read it in The Message Version in hopes you might notice something in a new way:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.11 When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.12 We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!13 But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And...]]>966audio,bible,daily,devotional,examinfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-12th--56030513Today is July 12th

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 3.

1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story?

As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.

The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.

Music Credit:
To Know You - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030513Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 12th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1st...Today is July 12th

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 3.

1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story?

As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.

The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.

Music Credit:
To Know You - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>847audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-11th--56030498Today is July 11th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.

1 Vindicate me, LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
and have not faltered.
2 Test me, LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings? As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.

To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.

Music Credit:
Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030498Tue, 11 Jul 2023 05:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 11th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is July 11th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.

1 Vindicate me, LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
and have not faltered.
2 Test me, LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings? As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.

To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.

Music Credit:
Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>640audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-10th--56030464Today is July 10th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Eli, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Eli's response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Eli, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.

I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.

Music Credit:
I Am God - Vineyard Kids (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56030464Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 10th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1. 9...Today is July 10th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Samuel, chapter 1.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Eli, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Eli's response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Eli, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.

I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.

Music Credit:
I Am God - Vineyard Kids (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>842audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-8th--55636960
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636960Sat, 08 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-7th--55636915Today is July 7th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 18.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

There are so many consolations in this short text: God reaches down to you, God takes hold of you and rescues you. God supports you. God brings you into a spacious place. And finally: God delights in you. As we begin our time of prayer today, can you close your eyes, and prayerfully imagine that the God of the universe is looking on you with love and delight?

Was that difficult to imagine? Imaginative prayer is simply a way of praying that takes scripture, and considers it not just intellectually, but imaginatively. In the same way a good book draws us into it’s larger story… and isn’t just a bunch of sentences strung together… scripture is meant to draw us into it, by the spirit’s presence, and breath life into us. As you listen again, imagine yourself, in your minds eye, as the object of God’s rescue, attention, and care…

Many people struggle to believe or experience the reality that God delights in them. What about you? When was the last time you felt – emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – a sense of God looking on you with love and delight? Can you take time right now to be a bit vulnerable, and to ask God to draw near to you, and to fill you with His spirit of love and affection? Can you pray, as the Psalmist did: Lord, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…

Music Credit:
Father of Lights - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636915Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 7th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 18. 16 He...Today is July 7th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 18.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

There are so many consolations in this short text: God reaches down to you, God takes hold of you and rescues you. God supports you. God brings you into a spacious place. And finally: God delights in you. As we begin our time of prayer today, can you close your eyes, and prayerfully imagine that the God of the universe is looking on you with love and delight?

Was that difficult to imagine? Imaginative prayer is simply a way of praying that takes scripture, and considers it not just intellectually, but imaginatively. In the same way a good book draws us into it’s larger story… and isn’t just a bunch of sentences strung together… scripture is meant to draw us into it, by the spirit’s presence, and breath life into us. As you listen again, imagine yourself, in your minds eye, as the object of God’s rescue, attention, and care…

Many people struggle to believe or experience the reality that God delights in them. What about you? When was the last time you felt – emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – a sense of God looking on you with love and delight? Can you take time right now to be a bit vulnerable, and to ask God to draw near to you, and to fill you with His spirit of love and affection? Can you pray, as the Psalmist did: Lord, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…

Music Credit:
Father of Lights - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>600audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-6th--55636824Today is July 6th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ruth, chapter 1.

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

This story is famous for Ruth's demonstration of friendship and fidelity to her mother-in-law Naomi. Can you imagine what it was like to be Naomi. First, she lost her husband. Later, all of her sons died. She had outlived all of her family, and was alone. Consider the degree of desolation she must have felt.

Jesus, in the New Testament, refers to his followers as ‘friends’. That’s a uniqueness to our Christian faith: that God himself drew near to humanity, made a covenant promise to humankind through Jesus, and says that we’re adopted as friends – sisters and brothers, even. Listen to the passage now, considering Ruth’s profound statement of friendship to Naomi... think about what it would actually feel like for Naomi to hear these words of covenant friendship from Ruth.

How are you coming into prayer today? Do you feel alone, or deeply connected to others? Or perhaps somewhere in between?

Music Credit:
More Than A Friend - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636824Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 6th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Ruth, chapter 1....Today is July 6th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ruth, chapter 1.

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

This story is famous for Ruth's demonstration of friendship and fidelity to her mother-in-law Naomi. Can you imagine what it was like to be Naomi. First, she lost her husband. Later, all of her sons died. She had outlived all of her family, and was alone. Consider the degree of desolation she must have felt.

Jesus, in the New Testament, refers to his followers as ‘friends’. That’s a uniqueness to our Christian faith: that God himself drew near to humanity, made a covenant promise to humankind through Jesus, and says that we’re adopted as friends – sisters and brothers, even. Listen to the passage now, considering Ruth’s profound statement of friendship to Naomi... think about what it would actually feel like for Naomi to hear these words of covenant friendship from Ruth.

How are you coming into prayer today? Do you feel alone, or deeply connected to others? Or perhaps somewhere in between?

Music Credit:
More Than A Friend - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>740audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-5th--55636810Today is July 5th

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Judges, chapter 16.

23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?

The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…

Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.

Music Credit:
Expectation - Vineyard Soul (E Major) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636810Wed, 05 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 5th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is July 5th

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Judges, chapter 16.

23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?

The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…

Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.

Music Credit:
Expectation - Vineyard Soul (E Major) (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>933audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-4th--55636794Today is July 4th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life?

Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.

Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace.

Music Credit:
Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636794Tue, 04 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 4th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is July 4th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 26.

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life?

Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.

Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace.

Music Credit:
Fall On Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>900audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/july-3rd--55636716Today is July 3rd

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God?

The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith?

Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.

Music Credit:
I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55636716Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is July 3rd The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter...Today is July 3rd

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God?

The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith?

Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.

Music Credit:
I Lift My Eyes Up - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>665audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-july-1st--54840798
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54840798Sat, 01 Jul 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-30th--54840769Today is June 30

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 23 – the MSG version.

11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”
12 Next day the Jews worked up a plot against Paul. They took a solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed him.
16–17 Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard them plotting the ambush. He went immediately to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called over one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the captain. He has something important to tell him.”
18 The centurion brought him to the captain and said, “The prisoner Paul asked me to bring this young man to you. He said he has something urgent to tell you.”
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. “What is it? What do you have to tell me?”
20–21 Paul’s nephew said, “The Jews have worked up a plot against Paul. They’re going to ask you to bring Paul to the council first thing in the morning on the pretext that they want to investigate the charges against him in more detail. But it’s a trick to get him out of your safekeeping so they can murder him. Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.”
22 The captain dismissed the nephew with a warning: “Don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”

This is a story of a plot against Paul’s life. But interestingly, the story begins with the words “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best...”. How does this juxtaposition make you feel... these words of consolation and hope, followed by a story of impending doom?

Do you ever feel caught between faith and fear? Or deliverance and doom? Can you imagine being Paul in this situation? The Lord spoke a word of encouragement to him, and the next day, he woke up to bad news. Put yourself in Paul’s place as you listen to the scripture again. Remember that Paul doesn’t know the end of the story. He has no control over the situation. How would you feel, if you were in his place?

Is there a place in your reality that feels caught between: “the ambush is set” and “everything is going to turn out for the best”? Maybe you’re facing a frightening diagnosis or difficult treatment. Maybe you’re struggling financially. Whatever feels like an ‘ambush’ to you – can you hold that, and all the concern and anxiety it creates, alongside the truth that God is faithful to you? As we close our time, ask God to give you His peace, even when you don’t feel in control of your own circumstances.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54840769Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 30 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts,...Today is June 30

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 23 – the MSG version.

11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”
12 Next day the Jews worked up a plot against Paul. They took a solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed him.
16–17 Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard them plotting the ambush. He went immediately to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called over one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the captain. He has something important to tell him.”
18 The centurion brought him to the captain and said, “The prisoner Paul asked me to bring this young man to you. He said he has something urgent to tell you.”
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. “What is it? What do you have to tell me?”
20–21 Paul’s nephew said, “The Jews have worked up a plot against Paul. They’re going to ask you to bring Paul to the council first thing in the morning on the pretext that they want to investigate the charges against him in more detail. But it’s a trick to get him out of your safekeeping so they can murder him. Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.”
22 The captain dismissed the nephew with a warning: “Don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”

This is a story of a plot against Paul’s life. But interestingly, the story begins with the words “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best...”. How does this juxtaposition make you feel... these words of consolation and hope, followed by a story of impending doom?

Do you ever feel caught between faith and fear? Or deliverance and doom? Can you imagine being Paul in this situation? The Lord spoke a word of encouragement to him, and the next day, he woke up to bad news. Put yourself in Paul’s place as you listen to the scripture again. Remember that Paul doesn’t know the end of the story. He has no control over the situation. How would you feel, if you were in his place?

Is there a place in your reality that feels caught between: “the ambush is set” and “everything is going to turn out for the best”? Maybe you’re facing a frightening diagnosis or difficult treatment. Maybe you’re struggling financially. Whatever feels like an ‘ambush’ to you – can you hold that, and all the concern and anxiety it creates, alongside the truth that God is faithful to you? As we close our time, ask God to give you His peace, even when you don’t feel in control of your own circumstances.

Music Credit:
You Are God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>972audio,bible,daily,devotional,eamenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-29th--54840715Today is June 29

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Peter, chapter 3.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Hello, dear friends. How are you feeling as you come into prayer today? What thoughts have been running through your mind? Take a few minutes to get oriented to what’s in your heart, and what’s on your mind today. Can you hold your feelings and your thoughts before the Lord as we begin?

Peter writes that ‘our Lord’s patience means salvation’. What do you think about the truth that God Himself has demonstrated patience toward you? Peter also writes that since we know God has been so patient with us, we should be on our guard to protect our secure relationship with Him. To not get ‘carried away’ by things that draw us away from the patience and love of God. As you listen to this passage again, pay attention to a particular word or phrase that stands out to you.

What does it mean to you, to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ’? As we end our time of prayer, ask God to show you what His invitation is for you today: toward more of His grace, and more knowledge of Him.

Music Credit:
Who is Like Our God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54840715Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 29 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Peter,...Today is June 29

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Peter, chapter 3.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Hello, dear friends. How are you feeling as you come into prayer today? What thoughts have been running through your mind? Take a few minutes to get oriented to what’s in your heart, and what’s on your mind today. Can you hold your feelings and your thoughts before the Lord as we begin?

Peter writes that ‘our Lord’s patience means salvation’. What do you think about the truth that God Himself has demonstrated patience toward you? Peter also writes that since we know God has been so patient with us, we should be on our guard to protect our secure relationship with Him. To not get ‘carried away’ by things that draw us away from the patience and love of God. As you listen to this passage again, pay attention to a particular word or phrase that stands out to you.

What does it mean to you, to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ’? As we end our time of prayer, ask God to show you what His invitation is for you today: toward more of His grace, and more knowledge of Him.

Music Credit:
Who is Like Our God - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>723audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-28th--54840661Today is June 28

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Daniel, chapter 7.

9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

What immediate impressions come to your mind after listening to this vision from the book of Daniel? What do you think it would feel like to participate in a scene like this from heaven?

Scripture is full of prophetic images and visions. This passage in Daniel is reminiscent of the passage in Revelation. People from every nation are gathered around the throne worshipping God. As you listen to this reading again, try to visualize a mental picture of what Daniel is describing.

When we think of God, very often we consider his imminence: how he became human in Christ, and drew near to us. His presence with us. This passage from Daniel brings to mind God’s transcendence: his big-ness. His other-ness. His holiness. His majesty. His power. As you walk through your day today, cultivate a sense of awe for his majesty and power over your life.

Music Credit:
Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54840661Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 28 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is June 28

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Daniel, chapter 7.

9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

What immediate impressions come to your mind after listening to this vision from the book of Daniel? What do you think it would feel like to participate in a scene like this from heaven?

Scripture is full of prophetic images and visions. This passage in Daniel is reminiscent of the passage in Revelation. People from every nation are gathered around the throne worshipping God. As you listen to this reading again, try to visualize a mental picture of what Daniel is describing.

When we think of God, very often we consider his imminence: how he became human in Christ, and drew near to us. His presence with us. This passage from Daniel brings to mind God’s transcendence: his big-ness. His other-ness. His holiness. His majesty. His power. As you walk through your day today, cultivate a sense of awe for his majesty and power over your life.

Music Credit:
Who Can Compare - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>844audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-27th--54839910Today is June 27

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?

You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.

The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?

Music Credit:
Creator - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54839910Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 27 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is June 27

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?

You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.

The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?

Music Credit:
Creator - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>709audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-26th--54839855Today is June 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things?

Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?

Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.

Music Credit:
All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54839855Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 26 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4....Today is June 26

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4.

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

This passage speaks to death, grief, and the resurrection of all believers. It’s a passage filled with hope, and a heavenward view. How do you feel, thinking about such things?

Holding a mixture of grief and hope is a uniquely Christian experience. As you listen to the passage again, think about which side of that mixture feels most real to you today: the side of grief? Or the side of hope?

Can you recall a time when you experienced a deep sense of hope – a kind of hope that you know is a gift from God, because perhaps your circumstances weren’t that hopeful? As we end our time of prayer, remember that your hope is grounded in the reality of the resurrected Christ, who will come again.

Music Credit:
All Things Rise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>733audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-24th--54472483
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54472483Sat, 24 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-23rd--54471851Today is June 23rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18.

10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Can you place yourself in this familiar story. We all KNOW we’re meaning to share the heart attitude of the tax collector... but very often, we don’t. Very often we develop into accidental pharisees. Our ego rises up, and our judgment of others does, too. Holding onto true humility is a discipline – it does come naturally to most. Think about your own heart. Think about how both show up in you.

Many of us don’t often reflect on our own sinfulness. Many of us don’t regularly say: have mercy of me, God – I'm a sinner! Well, we might say the words. But all too often, in our hearts we actually feel like we’re pretty good people. Living pretty good lives. Doing pretty well with our spiritual disciplines. Listen again and pay special attention to the one sentence the tax collector speaks.

Mercy is a wonderful thing. Mercy is when, instead of being given a punishment that is deserved... the punishment is withheld. Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. And Grace is GETTING what we do not deserve. This is the nature of God’s kingdom because it is God’s nature: mercy triumphs over judgement. Consider those words as we end our time of prayer, and in particular... consider how they might help to form your own heart, your own ego, and your own proclivity toward judgment.



Music Credit:
Have Mercy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54471851Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 23rd May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...Today is June 23rd

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18.

10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Can you place yourself in this familiar story. We all KNOW we’re meaning to share the heart attitude of the tax collector... but very often, we don’t. Very often we develop into accidental pharisees. Our ego rises up, and our judgment of others does, too. Holding onto true humility is a discipline – it does come naturally to most. Think about your own heart. Think about how both show up in you.

Many of us don’t often reflect on our own sinfulness. Many of us don’t regularly say: have mercy of me, God – I'm a sinner! Well, we might say the words. But all too often, in our hearts we actually feel like we’re pretty good people. Living pretty good lives. Doing pretty well with our spiritual disciplines. Listen again and pay special attention to the one sentence the tax collector speaks.

Mercy is a wonderful thing. Mercy is when, instead of being given a punishment that is deserved... the punishment is withheld. Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. And Grace is GETTING what we do not deserve. This is the nature of God’s kingdom because it is God’s nature: mercy triumphs over judgement. Consider those words as we end our time of prayer, and in particular... consider how they might help to form your own heart, your own ego, and your own proclivity toward judgment.



Music Credit:
Have Mercy - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>827audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-22nd--54470983Today is June 22nd

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed, or lame were healed. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

The early church was marked signs and wonders … both the proclamation of God’s kingdom through words, and the demonstration of HIs kingdom through miraculous wonders. These things were signs of God’s proximity... that where God’s presence is, His power also is. Take a moment to become aware of God’s presence with you right now.

In this passage the Apostles find that “the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them…” Consider for a moment, how have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life? Have you had an experience of the Holy Spirit falling on you, filling you? Consider what that might be like as you hear the passage again.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the world: Jesus came to a particular time, a particular geography, and a particular people. He chose, in his human form, to be limited by our human world. But the Holy Spirit is not limited. He is everywhere and he makes God available to us. As we close our time, invite God’s spirit to open the eyes of your heart to receive him.

Music Credit:
Ready - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54470983Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 22nd Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter...Today is June 22nd

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 8.

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed, or lame were healed. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

The early church was marked signs and wonders … both the proclamation of God’s kingdom through words, and the demonstration of HIs kingdom through miraculous wonders. These things were signs of God’s proximity... that where God’s presence is, His power also is. Take a moment to become aware of God’s presence with you right now.

In this passage the Apostles find that “the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them…” Consider for a moment, how have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life? Have you had an experience of the Holy Spirit falling on you, filling you? Consider what that might be like as you hear the passage again.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the world: Jesus came to a particular time, a particular geography, and a particular people. He chose, in his human form, to be limited by our human world. But the Holy Spirit is not limited. He is everywhere and he makes God available to us. As we close our time, invite God’s spirit to open the eyes of your heart to receive him.

Music Credit:
Ready - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>783audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-21st--54470436Today is June 21st

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Galatians, chapter 6.

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.

Have you ever experienced a personal restoration? Maybe in relationship? Or spiritually? How did that feel to you?

Paul tells the Galatians to restore one another gently, and with some caution. He encourages humility, as you listen to the passage again pay attention to what stands out to you.

What might it mean for you to carry someone else’s burden, today? Look for a way to practice the carrying, or gentle restoration, as you GO about your day?... AS WE END OUR TIME OF PRAYER, ASK THE LORD TO GUIDE YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY...

Music Credit:
You're Carrying Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54470436Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 21st May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...Today is June 21st

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Galatians, chapter 6.

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.

Have you ever experienced a personal restoration? Maybe in relationship? Or spiritually? How did that feel to you?

Paul tells the Galatians to restore one another gently, and with some caution. He encourages humility, as you listen to the passage again pay attention to what stands out to you.

What might it mean for you to carry someone else’s burden, today? Look for a way to practice the carrying, or gentle restoration, as you GO about your day?... AS WE END OUR TIME OF PRAYER, ASK THE LORD TO GUIDE YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY...

Music Credit:
You're Carrying Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>684audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-20th--54470354Today is June 20th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31.

1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?

Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.

Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me....

Music Credit:
Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54470354Tue, 20 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 20th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is June 20th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Deuteronomy, chapter 31.

1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

When someone tells me to NOT be afraid or terrified, I usually shift right into fear & terror! I take that as a cue that whatever I’m getting myself into, it’s going to be frightening... going to stir up my anxiety with ‘what if’s’. Is there an area of your life right now that is making you feel afraid?

Imagine being Joshua. Moses summons you in front of all the people. You’re watching Moses – this old, faithful leader who you trust. And you’re listening to the stirring of people whispering: “Joshua? He’s going to lead us now?” Your heart is pounding. Moses is telling you to be strong and courageous, which until this very moment, you thought you were. But now your anxious thoughts are spinning, your body is coursing with adrenaline, and your hands are trembling. Listen again, imagining Joshua’s experience in the scene.

Is God calling you toward something that feels too big? Too difficult? Too impossible? Too complicated? As we end, consider that God always provides for what he invites us into. Perhaps you want to make this your prayer today: he will never leave me, or forsake me....

Music Credit:
Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-19th--54470321Today is June 19

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years afterPresident Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability.

Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge.

As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?

Music Credit:
The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54470321Mon, 19 Jun 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 19 Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years afterPresident Abraham...Today is June 19

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free from the institution of slavery, almost two-and-a-half years afterPresident Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The first Juneteenth in 1866 was celebrated at church with food, singing, and the reading of spirituals. We celebrate Juneteenth today to recall how far we’ve come, and also to remember how far there’s left to go in the work of freedom and justice for all.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71.

1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

The Psalmist calls out to God for rescue and deliverance. Be my rock of refuge, he writes, to which I can always go. Consider what it might have been like to live in an age with little physical protection from the elements. Consider being pursued by an enemy and not having a place to go, or a lock on the door to your home. The psalmist writes plainly of his sense of vulnerability.

Think about how such profound vulnerability, and such a righteous cry for deliverance has been repeated throughout history. As you listen to the psalmist’s words again, think about how it would have sounded to those in captivity: Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. Listen to the weight of this cry for deliverance, and for the prophetic hope found in God as refuge.

As we end, consider what it means that God is our rescuer, our liberator, and our deliverer... both personally and through history.... and what those things mean for the work before followers of Jesus today. What does it mean to extend those parts of God’s character in your own life? What might it look like for you to take up the Kingdom work of justice?

Music Credit:
The Lord Is My Shepherd - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>793audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-17th--54165681
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165681Sat, 17 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-16th--54165345Today is June 16

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Joshua 23.

After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man, 2 summoned all Israel—their elders, leaders, judges and officials—and said to them: “I am very old. 3 You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.

14 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua, this scripture tells us, is a very old man who is preparing for his transition. He speaks to all of Israel words of consolation. He reminds them what they already know: God is faithful. Sometimes – oftentimes – being reminded of truth by one who goes before us is profoundly encouraging. Is there a sage in your life – someone older – who brings you great courage?

There are a few sages in my community who regularly send me notes of encouragement through the post, pray for me, or take me to lunch. My parents, as well, speak encouragement to me about who God is. This intentional presence in my life of sages is incredibly meaningful. Listen to the words of Joshua again. Imagine all he’s seen and done. Imagine his massive failures. Imagine the time God passed right in front of him! Imagine yourself, as a very old person – some might be closer to that than others - reflecting on everything the Lord has done for your sake...


Joshua says to them – and to us - : you know heart and soul that God’s good promises do not fail. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel like we know that! Sometimes, we need a word of courage to remember who God is, and all He’s done. As you end your time of prayer, remember some of God’s good promises to you, and see if you can find the sort of ‘heart and soul’ knowing Joshua talks about.

Music Credit:
Faithful One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165345Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 16 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Joshua 23. After a...Today is June 16

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Joshua 23.

After a long time had passed and the LORD had given Israel rest from all their enemies around them, Joshua, by then a very old man, 2 summoned all Israel—their elders, leaders, judges and officials—and said to them: “I am very old. 3 You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.

14 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua, this scripture tells us, is a very old man who is preparing for his transition. He speaks to all of Israel words of consolation. He reminds them what they already know: God is faithful. Sometimes – oftentimes – being reminded of truth by one who goes before us is profoundly encouraging. Is there a sage in your life – someone older – who brings you great courage?

There are a few sages in my community who regularly send me notes of encouragement through the post, pray for me, or take me to lunch. My parents, as well, speak encouragement to me about who God is. This intentional presence in my life of sages is incredibly meaningful. Listen to the words of Joshua again. Imagine all he’s seen and done. Imagine his massive failures. Imagine the time God passed right in front of him! Imagine yourself, as a very old person – some might be closer to that than others - reflecting on everything the Lord has done for your sake...


Joshua says to them – and to us - : you know heart and soul that God’s good promises do not fail. But sometimes, it doesn’t feel like we know that! Sometimes, we need a word of courage to remember who God is, and all He’s done. As you end your time of prayer, remember some of God’s good promises to you, and see if you can find the sort of ‘heart and soul’ knowing Joshua talks about.

Music Credit:
Faithful One - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-15th--54165344Today is June 15

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

1 My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

My heart, o God, is steadfast... writes the psalmist. Steadfast is a word we don’t use much anymore. It means loyal, committed, faithful. How does your heart feel today, as you come to prayer?

Do you ever have a difficult time finding words to describe how you feel? Do you stick with words like: angry, sad, happy, fine? The psalmist is a master at writing out his emotions: the positive ones, and also the ones that feel negative: like fear, anguish, grief, lament, anger. The Psalms are full of a whole range of emotion. Listen again to this celebratory Psalm, and try to find some words to describe how you would describe the condition of your heart.

Sometimes, we avoid finding words for our emotions because we don’t want to dig deep. We think we’ll be happier if we ignore the difficult things, or if we just push through. Instead of doing that, take the words that describe your heart condition, and whisper them to the Lord as a prayer. Say: My heart, o God, is.......... what?

Music Credit:
Patient Work - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165344Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:51:33 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 15 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 108. 1 My heart, O God,...Today is June 15

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

1 My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

My heart, o God, is steadfast... writes the psalmist. Steadfast is a word we don’t use much anymore. It means loyal, committed, faithful. How does your heart feel today, as you come to prayer?

Do you ever have a difficult time finding words to describe how you feel? Do you stick with words like: angry, sad, happy, fine? The psalmist is a master at writing out his emotions: the positive ones, and also the ones that feel negative: like fear, anguish, grief, lament, anger. The Psalms are full of a whole range of emotion. Listen again to this celebratory Psalm, and try to find some words to describe how you would describe the condition of your heart.

Sometimes, we avoid finding words for our emotions because we don’t want to dig deep. We think we’ll be happier if we ignore the difficult things, or if we just push through. Instead of doing that, take the words that describe your heart condition, and whisper them to the Lord as a prayer. Say: My heart, o God, is.......... what?

Music Credit:
Patient Work - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>688audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-14th--54165341Today is June 14.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23.

There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin.

This text says many things about Joseph of Arimathea: he was a member of the High council. He had a good heart, and good character. He had resisted the plans to kill Jesus. He lived in ‘alert expectation’ for the kingdom of God... and when he saw Jesus, he begain to follow him, perhaps quietly, perhaps in total secrecy. And then: he took responsibility for the proper burial of Jesus. Try to put yourself in his place... how do you feel, taking the body of Jesus down from the cross?

Followership of Jesus can look like a lot of things. As you listen again, think about what Joseph’s followership looked like:


Joseph’s faith in Christ was quiet, but it motivated him to take action in this tender space. After the death of Christ, and before the resurrection... in the quiet, in between space, Joseph demonstrated a tender faithfulness. Contemplate that as today’s time of prayer comes to a close.

Music Credit:
Bless Your Name - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165341Wed, 14 Jun 2023 21:45:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 14. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is June 14.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23.

There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin.

This text says many things about Joseph of Arimathea: he was a member of the High council. He had a good heart, and good character. He had resisted the plans to kill Jesus. He lived in ‘alert expectation’ for the kingdom of God... and when he saw Jesus, he begain to follow him, perhaps quietly, perhaps in total secrecy. And then: he took responsibility for the proper burial of Jesus. Try to put yourself in his place... how do you feel, taking the body of Jesus down from the cross?

Followership of Jesus can look like a lot of things. As you listen again, think about what Joseph’s followership looked like:


Joseph’s faith in Christ was quiet, but it motivated him to take action in this tender space. After the death of Christ, and before the resurrection... in the quiet, in between space, Joseph demonstrated a tender faithfulness. Contemplate that as today’s time of prayer comes to a close.

Music Credit:
Bless Your Name - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>957audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-13th--54165338Today is June 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.

8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?

This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.


As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?

Music Credit:
Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165338Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 13. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is June 13.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 14.

8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

This passage is one of many miraculous physical healings found in the book of Acts. Often times we Christians – even though our faith is full of mystery and miracle – struggle to understand the miraculous. What thoughts does this passage bring up for you?

This story, after the section we heard, the crowd begins to worship Paul and Barnabus as gods themselves. The disciples spoke against the worship that was directed toward them, but even then, scripture says... they had a hard time getting the crowd to stop. They had been convinced by what they saw – and thought that something sacred was going on. Listen again to what the crowd was eyewitness to.


As we end our time of prayer, can you sit with the Lord and consider the state of your own faith? Do you feel full of faith today? Or perhaps, empty? Can you be honest with the Lord about the condition of your faith?

Music Credit:
Healing Presence - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-12th--54165277Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.

22 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’


There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?

I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.


This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.

Music Credit:
You Speak - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54165277Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 12. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17. 22 “ ‘This is what the...Today is June 12.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 17.

22 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender spring from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

“ ‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’


There is so much hope to be found in these words. Do you need a word of hope today as you come into prayer?

I have seen a plant that looks 100% dead come back to life... first, a single brown stalk, totally dry... and then a bud, and again: a leaf! Listen to the scripture again, and think about the difference between something that is dead, and something that is simply dormant: that which is dormant holds deep within it both the power for and the presence of life.


This scripture reminds us that nothing is beyond hope. No season is too dry, no heart is too hard, no soil is too infertile for the Lord. It also reminds us that our hope comes from the Lord. Only he has the power to restore that which looks lost to hope. As we come to a close, pray for God’s hope to come alive in you. If there is a situation in your life that feels beyond hope, ask for God to give you the gift of intercession towards it.

Music Credit:
You Speak - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>624audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-10th--54092486
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092486Sat, 10 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-9th--54092279Today is June 9.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

This Psalm is overflowing with worship to God! It’s the kind of worship you’re supposed to listen to with the volume up, singing your heart out in community, dancing... clapping... singing... when was the last time you entered into a moment of worship that felt like that?

Worship is obedience, and a discipline, and also a freeing joy. So often, we feel freer at football games or concerts than we do during corporate worship. Listen to the psalmist again, and try to imagine yourself in a sea of God’s people, singing and dancing these words to the Lord.


Each line in this Psalm holds so much. As we come to the close of our time of prayer, meditate on these words: the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved.... Does that truth bring joy, or consolation to you today?

Music Credit:
You Are Good - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092279Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 9. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 96. 1 Sing to...Today is June 9.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 96.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

This Psalm is overflowing with worship to God! It’s the kind of worship you’re supposed to listen to with the volume up, singing your heart out in community, dancing... clapping... singing... when was the last time you entered into a moment of worship that felt like that?

Worship is obedience, and a discipline, and also a freeing joy. So often, we feel freer at football games or concerts than we do during corporate worship. Listen to the psalmist again, and try to imagine yourself in a sea of God’s people, singing and dancing these words to the Lord.


Each line in this Psalm holds so much. As we come to the close of our time of prayer, meditate on these words: the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved.... Does that truth bring joy, or consolation to you today?

Music Credit:
You Are Good - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>652audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-8th--54092277Today is June 8.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts, chapter 11.

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

There seems to be so much busyness in the early church: so many people, so much coming and going, so much activity, and so much fruitfulness. And all this fruitfulness, all this work, was initiated by what the writer says was a scattering due to persecution. Think about that for a moment. What feelings or thoughts rise up in you?

Christians have a funny relationship to busyness and activity. Decades ago, Christian's said things like “I’d rather burn out than rust out”. These days, we’re all about boundaries, listening to podcasts to help us say NO. What is your relationship to activity within your church? Are you serving? Are you afraid to commit? Listen to this passage again, and listen to all the names and places listed.

Some of our work for the Lord is simply discipline – being obedient. Some is simply service – meeting needs. And some is passion - doing what makes us come alive. Most people love passion, and struggle with discipline and service. As we end our time of prayer, bring these ideas to the Lord, and listen for his leading.

Music Credit:
Be the Centre - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092277Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 8. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts, chapter 11....Today is June 8.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Acts, chapter 11.

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

There seems to be so much busyness in the early church: so many people, so much coming and going, so much activity, and so much fruitfulness. And all this fruitfulness, all this work, was initiated by what the writer says was a scattering due to persecution. Think about that for a moment. What feelings or thoughts rise up in you?

Christians have a funny relationship to busyness and activity. Decades ago, Christian's said things like “I’d rather burn out than rust out”. These days, we’re all about boundaries, listening to podcasts to help us say NO. What is your relationship to activity within your church? Are you serving? Are you afraid to commit? Listen to this passage again, and listen to all the names and places listed.

Some of our work for the Lord is simply discipline – being obedient. Some is simply service – meeting needs. And some is passion - doing what makes us come alive. Most people love passion, and struggle with discipline and service. As we end our time of prayer, bring these ideas to the Lord, and listen for his leading.

Music Credit:
Be the Centre - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>915audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-7th--54092276Today is June 7.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21.

1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Sometimes we give to God out of an abundance, and sometimes, we give the very little we’ve got left. How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel like you are able to be abundantly present to the Lord? Or do you come feeling very small, or impoverished?

Take time to imagine yourself in the place of the poor widow. You are standing in the temple, waiting to give your ridiculously small offering, You are a woman, a widow, and poor, which likely means you feel out of place among all the rich. Can you imagine how she is standing, eyes downcast? How others might be looking at her out of the corner of their eyes? Can you imagine, how very small she might be feeling as she places her coins into the treasury? Listen again and try to feel the smallness that she may have felt.


Jesus ends with words that draw us back to the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God: to the rich, she gave almost nothing. To Jesus, she gave close to everything. Jesus sees things with different eyes. He sees YOU with different eyes. And He sees what you give, and how you give it, in an upside down sort of way. As we end, that about what it means to give to God out of abundance, vs what it means to give out of poverty. Ask Him for eyes that see what He sees in this world: where two very small coins can amount to extravagant and honored worship.

Music Credit:
Above All Else - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092276Wed, 07 Jun 2023 04:00:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 7. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...Today is June 7.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21.

1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Sometimes we give to God out of an abundance, and sometimes, we give the very little we’ve got left. How are you coming to prayer today? Do you feel like you are able to be abundantly present to the Lord? Or do you come feeling very small, or impoverished?

Take time to imagine yourself in the place of the poor widow. You are standing in the temple, waiting to give your ridiculously small offering, You are a woman, a widow, and poor, which likely means you feel out of place among all the rich. Can you imagine how she is standing, eyes downcast? How others might be looking at her out of the corner of their eyes? Can you imagine, how very small she might be feeling as she places her coins into the treasury? Listen again and try to feel the smallness that she may have felt.


Jesus ends with words that draw us back to the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God: to the rich, she gave almost nothing. To Jesus, she gave close to everything. Jesus sees things with different eyes. He sees YOU with different eyes. And He sees what you give, and how you give it, in an upside down sort of way. As we end, that about what it means to give to God out of abundance, vs what it means to give out of poverty. Ask Him for eyes that see what He sees in this world: where two very small coins can amount to extravagant and honored worship.

Music Credit:
Above All Else - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>663audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-6th--54092271Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.

19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.


We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music Credit:
I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092271Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:00:03 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 6. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...Today is June 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel 11.

19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

That’s quite a picture: God removing a heart of stone, and replacing with a heart of flesh. Can you meditate quietly for a moment and hold a picture of each sort of heart in your mind? Can you consider: what’s the condition of your heart today as we enter into prayer?

I once heard someone say that we like to think we can build picket fences around our hearts: to let some things IN, and keep other things OUT. But, they said, we can’t do that. We either keep our hearts soft to all, or they become hard to all – not like a picket fence, but like a concrete barrier. Sometimes, our hearts grow hard from good use. They become spiritually calloused, as it were. Listen again, and listen for the invitation of God.


We used to pray for our children, when they were young, to be soft-hearted and thick-skinned. A soft heart sees beauty in the world, it allows for vulnerability and tenderness, it invites communion. A hard heart is often cynical, walled-off, judgmental, and in pain. End today's prayer by getting curious about the condition of your heart. If you don’t feel self-aware, perhaps ask a good friend, a close colleague, or a family member like your kids how they are experiencing you right now. Give them permission to speak honestly, and do the work of listening in humility.

Music Credit:
I Will Hold On - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>708audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-5th--54092158Today is June 5.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.

The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.


How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music Credit:
Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54092158Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:00:04 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 5. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 86. 1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me,...Today is June 5.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 86.

1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.

The psalmist says that among the gods, there is none like you, Lord. Our secular culture has plenty of gods: money, lust, power, fame, cynicism, freedom, individualism. Do those god’s answer the call of the poor and needy? Do those gods show mercy? Do they answer those in distress?

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord: a god – THE GOD – who is so absolute in His love for His creation that he answers, he rescues, he forgives... Listen again, and wonder a bit about why we so often forget how good and gracious our God is.


How do you come to prayer, today? Are you poor and needy? Are you in distress? Take these last few minutes and allow God to remind you of His goodness, His graciousness, and His love.

Music Credit:
Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>654audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-june-3rd--54026875
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54026875Sat, 03 Jun 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-2nd--54026704
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections centered on Pentecost, and considered how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.

Today's reading is from Revelation, chapter 7. Over the course of this week, we’ve reflected on several passages of scripture that help us understand the missional nature of God. This scripture, from Revelation, gives us a picture of what that mission will look like at the end of times: all the nations, giving worship to God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7 describes a massive scene: an uncountable multitude of people, gathering from every nation, every tribe, every people, and every language. And together, as one, they are standing before the throne of God crying out in worship. Imagine you could see this vision for yourself... and take time to consider all the people who would be gathered there. What sounds and sights? What ethnicities would you see? What customs and clothes? What would it feel like to be among that multitude, do you think?

As you listen again to the reading, consider that this picture offers a culmination of God’s missional nature. God came into the world in one human person—Christ—in one place and time, in one limited geography. And through that person, he built a bridge for all humanity to come to him. And then he sent His spirit, to inspire us and to fill us with the outward-spilling power and presence of God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

All Christians are called to mission. Some give and support financially and practically. Some pray, and support with encouragement and spiritual care. And some go. If you are a part of a local church and are not connected with community, or mission, or service... take time this week to find how you can get involved. As we close this week’s Pentecost reflections, ask God to stir up in you both a sense of His Spirit, and also a sense of his sending.

Music Credit:
I Give My All - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54026704Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 2. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” This week, our reflections centered on...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections centered on Pentecost, and considered how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.

Today's reading is from Revelation, chapter 7. Over the course of this week, we’ve reflected on several passages of scripture that help us understand the missional nature of God. This scripture, from Revelation, gives us a picture of what that mission will look like at the end of times: all the nations, giving worship to God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7 describes a massive scene: an uncountable multitude of people, gathering from every nation, every tribe, every people, and every language. And together, as one, they are standing before the throne of God crying out in worship. Imagine you could see this vision for yourself... and take time to consider all the people who would be gathered there. What sounds and sights? What ethnicities would you see? What customs and clothes? What would it feel like to be among that multitude, do you think?

As you listen again to the reading, consider that this picture offers a culmination of God’s missional nature. God came into the world in one human person—Christ—in one place and time, in one limited geography. And through that person, he built a bridge for all humanity to come to him. And then he sent His spirit, to inspire us and to fill us with the outward-spilling power and presence of God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

All Christians are called to mission. Some give and support financially and practically. Some pray, and support with encouragement and spiritual care. And some go. If you are a part of a local church and are not connected with community, or mission, or service... take time this week to find how you can get involved. As we close this week’s Pentecost reflections, ask God to stir up in you both a sense of His Spirit, and also a sense of his sending.

Music Credit:
I Give My All - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>785audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/june-1st--54026703
The fourth day after PENTECOST Sunday.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.
Today there are two readings: first from Leviticus 19, and second, from Hebrews 13. As we continue our reflections on Pentecost, we’ll take today to consider that God’s spirit compelled the early church to break down common divisions like us vs them, foreigner, or immigrant

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"

In the Hebrews text the Greek word for hospitality is philo-xenia, and literally means “love of strangers,” or “friend to strangers”. In Leviticus, we hear God’s command to love the immigrant ‘as we love ourselves’. The outward pull of the gospel that we’ve been reflecting on this week is empowered by the Spirit, but it’s motivated by love. God so loved that he did what? He sent...
He took action... He drew near. Listen to these two scriptures again, and consider how both passages link something sacred with being hospitable.

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"


Loving the other, showing hospitality, welcoming the immigrant, being sent to the nations... all of these are things that seem good to many of us, at least in theory. But it’s clear, looking at the world around us, that this is not as easy as it sounds. Can you reflect, as we end – not on what you value about these ideas, but how you put them into practice? Or perhaps, you don’t, and you want to ask God to help you learn to be missional and hospitable?

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54026703Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is June 1. The fourth day after PENTECOST Sunday. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” This week, our...
The fourth day after PENTECOST Sunday.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.
Today there are two readings: first from Leviticus 19, and second, from Hebrews 13. As we continue our reflections on Pentecost, we’ll take today to consider that God’s spirit compelled the early church to break down common divisions like us vs them, foreigner, or immigrant

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"

In the Hebrews text the Greek word for hospitality is philo-xenia, and literally means “love of strangers,” or “friend to strangers”. In Leviticus, we hear God’s command to love the immigrant ‘as we love ourselves’. The outward pull of the gospel that we’ve been reflecting on this week is empowered by the Spirit, but it’s motivated by love. God so loved that he did what? He sent...
He took action... He drew near. Listen to these two scriptures again, and consider how both passages link something sacred with being hospitable.

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"


Loving the other, showing hospitality, welcoming the immigrant, being sent to the nations... all of these are things that seem good to many of us, at least in theory. But it’s clear, looking at the world around us, that this is not as easy as it sounds. Can you reflect, as we end – not on what you value about these ideas, but how you put them into practice? Or perhaps, you don’t, and you want to ask God to help you learn to be missional and hospitable?

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>686audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-31st--54026705
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Acts 13. For the past two days, we’ve reflected on the story of Pentecost, and it’s relation to the OT story of Babel – Today, we’ll read the story of Paul’s first missionary journey – the natural outworking of God’s spirit falling on the church on Pentecost. You’ll hear this read from The Message version:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”
3 So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5 Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7 They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard’s name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11 The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God’s Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that’s the wizard’s name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, “You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you’ve come up against God himself, and your game is up. You’re about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch.” He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12 When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master."

This sounds like quite the adventure! Far from his isolated, exclusive, and excluding faith of the past... Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, is traveling far and wide to invite whoever he can into life with Christ. Scripture tells us multiple times that these missionaries were ‘full of the Holy Spirit’. And just like at Pentecost, in Acts 2, we see that the Spirit doesn't just fall, and doesn’t just fill, but that the Spirit sends. Think about that implication for your faith, for a moment.

Pope Francis has said that Christians are a people of pilgrims and evangelizers... Meaning we are on a pilgrimage toward God and His kingdom, and on our way, we are sharing the evangel – the good news – that we’ve experienced in Jesus. Listen again to this work out in the life of Paul and the early church missionaries:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”
3 So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5 Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7 They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard’s name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11 The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God’s Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that’s the wizard’s name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, “You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you’ve come up against God himself, and your game is up. You’re about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch.” He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12 When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master."


Christians are called to be missional because the gospel is missional. And not only missional to our own people... but missional to all people, to the nations. A large part of what drives missionary work is a deep sense of calling to see the Gospel expand through the nations. It’s being filled with the Spirit, and called to the world. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to enliven you with this same spirit, and keep your ears turned toward His guidance. Where might He have you go?

Music Credit:
Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54026705Wed, 31 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 31. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” This week, our...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Acts 13. For the past two days, we’ve reflected on the story of Pentecost, and it’s relation to the OT story of Babel – Today, we’ll read the story of Paul’s first missionary journey – the natural outworking of God’s spirit falling on the church on Pentecost. You’ll hear this read from The Message version:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”
3 So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5 Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7 They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard’s name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11 The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God’s Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that’s the wizard’s name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, “You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you’ve come up against God himself, and your game is up. You’re about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch.” He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12 When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master."

This sounds like quite the adventure! Far from his isolated, exclusive, and excluding faith of the past... Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, is traveling far and wide to invite whoever he can into life with Christ. Scripture tells us multiple times that these missionaries were ‘full of the Holy Spirit’. And just like at Pentecost, in Acts 2, we see that the Spirit doesn't just fall, and doesn’t just fill, but that the Spirit sends. Think about that implication for your faith, for a moment.

Pope Francis has said that Christians are a people of pilgrims and evangelizers... Meaning we are on a pilgrimage toward God and His kingdom, and on our way, we are sharing the evangel – the good news – that we’ve experienced in Jesus. Listen again to this work out in the life of Paul and the early church missionaries:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called...]]>1041audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-30th--54026702
The second day after PENTECOST Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Genesis 11 – the story of Babel. As we mentioned yesterday, Pentecost is often read as a reversal of what happens here, in the story of Babel.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

This text is often read simply, and without much knowledge or context. We might simply thing: God didn’t want people to work together to build crazy stuff, so he confused their ability to communicate. But something much deeper is happening.

I’m going to read you some sections of a long twitter thread from scholar and public theologian Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, He says, “Babel seems wonderful on the surface—a society in which everyone comes together to build something. But beneath the surface, it's a dystopia. It's Egypt... It's Canaan. Why is it so bad? Well, because what Genesis is narrating for us is...the birth of empire. Babel's not a free society in which people come together to build a tower. It's an empire—the first of its kind. Babel's reluctance to disperse was a sin in itself.... God saw dispersal throughout the earth—diversity, particularity—as a blessing. Babel feared it.”

Dr Lamm helps us understand that Babel tells the familiar story of the temptation to empire, to power... to building walls and separating into us & them. Hold this in mind as you listen to the scripture read again.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."


Now listen to Acts 2, in light of what you’ve learned. Do you notice now the reversal? From inward, to outward? From hording power and empire building to the dispersal of power and mission?

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

As we reflect on Pentecost this week, consider the nature of God’s power and presence: it is expansive, it goes outward, it is on mission. It is not defined by walls and boundaries, but rather by a miracle that brings together all the nations. Take time as we end to consider places in your life, or your life of faith, where you have built walls or become inward. Can you say a new yes, this week, to the mission of God through the power of His spirit?

Music Credit:
Familia - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54026702Tue, 30 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 30. The second day after PENTECOST Sunday. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And...
The second day after PENTECOST Sunday.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Genesis 11 – the story of Babel. As we mentioned yesterday, Pentecost is often read as a reversal of what happens here, in the story of Babel.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

This text is often read simply, and without much knowledge or context. We might simply thing: God didn’t want people to work together to build crazy stuff, so he confused their ability to communicate. But something much deeper is happening.

I’m going to read you some sections of a long twitter thread from scholar and public theologian Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, He says, “Babel seems wonderful on the surface—a society in which everyone comes together to build something. But beneath the surface, it's a dystopia. It's Egypt... It's Canaan. Why is it so bad? Well, because what Genesis is narrating for us is...the birth of empire. Babel's not a free society in which people come together to build a tower. It's an empire—the first of its kind. Babel's reluctance to disperse was a sin in itself.... God saw dispersal throughout the earth—diversity, particularity—as a blessing. Babel feared it.”

Dr Lamm helps us understand that Babel tells the familiar story of the temptation to empire, to power... to building walls and separating into us & them. Hold this in mind as you listen to the scripture read again.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."


Now listen to Acts 2,...]]>933audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-29th--54023119
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections will center on Pentecost, and will consider how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture. Pentecost is a word that simply means ‘50’, and is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter.

Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 2

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Pentecost is often referred to as the reversal of the curse of Babel. We’ll reflect on the Babel text tomorrow, but if you don’t recall, Babel is the story of the scattering of God’s people when God divided languages among them, so that they could no longer communicate with one another. That was a moment of separation and judgement. Now, in Acts 2, we read that all the nations were brought together, able to understand and communicate through a miraculous gift from God. This is a moment of unity and blessing.... a moment of blessing for all nations. GK Chesteron wrote in his book Orthodoxy that Christianity is centrifugal – it breaks out. Scholars say that Pentecost broke out and enabled the rapid spread of Christianity. Within a few decades important congregations had been established in all major cities of the Roman Empire. Consider how this moment in church history speaks to God’s heart for all the nations.

Set yourself into this story. You are with the disciples waiting, praying, and uncertain of the future. You hear and feel a violent wind, and see tongues of fire. You begin to feel an interior urgency to share your gospel witness. Where moments ago, you felt unsure and unsteady, you now feel full of faith and confidence. Listen again, and imagine what it felt like to feel both empowered and sent.

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”


The Holy Spirit came into the world on a mission – to empower the spread of the Gospel to the nations, and to empower the life of the Gospel to bear fruit in the nations. There are many Christians who, right now, are living in a nation that is not their own... serving a people that is not their own... out of a Gospel love for the nations. as we come to a close, pray for those working among the nations now. Pray that the power of Pentecost to fill them, protect them, and urge them onward in their work of mercy, justice, care, and evangelism.

Music Credit:
Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54023119Mon, 29 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 29 The first day after PENTECOST Sunday. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” This week, our reflections will...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

This week, our reflections will center on Pentecost, and will consider how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture. Pentecost is a word that simply means ‘50’, and is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter.

Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 2

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Pentecost is often referred to as the reversal of the curse of Babel. We’ll reflect on the Babel text tomorrow, but if you don’t recall, Babel is the story of the scattering of God’s people when God divided languages among them, so that they could no longer communicate with one another. That was a moment of separation and judgement. Now, in Acts 2, we read that all the nations were brought together, able to understand and communicate through a miraculous gift from God. This is a moment of unity and blessing.... a moment of blessing for all nations. GK Chesteron wrote in his book Orthodoxy that Christianity is centrifugal – it breaks out. Scholars say that Pentecost broke out and enabled the rapid spread of Christianity. Within a few decades important congregations had been established in all major cities of the Roman Empire. Consider how this moment in church history speaks to God’s heart for all the nations.

Set yourself into this story. You are with the disciples waiting, praying, and uncertain of the future. You hear and feel a violent wind, and see tongues of fire. You begin to feel an interior urgency to share your gospel witness. Where moments ago, you felt unsure and unsteady, you now feel full of faith and confidence. Listen again, and imagine what it felt like to feel both empowered and sent.

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11...]]>829audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-27th--53948491
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948491Sat, 27 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-26th--53948406
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for you.

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948406Fri, 26 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 26 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8 "14...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for you.

Music Credit:
"As Children" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>736audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-25th--53948405
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Exodus 19

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."

Here are God’s people, after their deliverance from Egypt, camping at Mt Sinai where God will reveal His presence to them. They have been rescued, and they will need rescuing again. God says: I carried you on eagles' wings and I brought you to myself. He rescued them. And He drew them near. This week, we have spent a bit of time praying about God’s nearness to us. Can you think for a moment: when was the last time you felt the nearness of God?

The New Testament writer James tells us that when we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. As you listen to this text again, listen for all the ways God is drawing near to His people:

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."


The Psalmist writes: as for me, the nearness of God is my only good. God draws near in the garden and He draws near in the desert. Can you get mindful of how near – or far – God feels to you right now? Do you sense His closeness as your rescuer? Or not? End this time of prayer talking to God about how you feel.

Music Credit:
"You're Always With Us"- Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948405Thu, 25 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 25 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Exodus 19 "1 On the first day of...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Exodus 19

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."

Here are God’s people, after their deliverance from Egypt, camping at Mt Sinai where God will reveal His presence to them. They have been rescued, and they will need rescuing again. God says: I carried you on eagles' wings and I brought you to myself. He rescued them. And He drew them near. This week, we have spent a bit of time praying about God’s nearness to us. Can you think for a moment: when was the last time you felt the nearness of God?

The New Testament writer James tells us that when we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. As you listen to this text again, listen for all the ways God is drawing near to His people:

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."


The Psalmist writes: as for me, the nearness of God is my only good. God draws near in the garden and He draws near in the desert. Can you get mindful of how near – or far – God feels to you right now? Do you sense His closeness as your rescuer? Or not? End this time of prayer talking to God about how you feel.

Music Credit:
"You're Always With Us"- Vineyard Worship (743audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-24th--53948407
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

John writes that it is God’s love that compelled the incarnation of Christ – the coming of the light of Christ into the world. But John also writes that while light came into the world... people loved darkness all the more, because people can hide in darkness. What do you think about that? Are there dark things that you are tempted to hide from God... that keep you from entering into His love for you?

This business of darkness and light, and our proclivity to stay in the dark, seems to have a lot to do with fear. When we’re afraid, we hide. Do you remember how in our creation story, Adam and Eve hid from God because they were filled with fear and shame? As you listen to the scripture again, wonder about your own proclivity to hide when you are afraid, or ashamed.

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

God came into the world as Christ, motivated by His Holy Love... to rescue the world. Perhaps today, you feel the need to be rescued from something. Perhaps today, you’ve forgotten the love of God. As we end our time of prayer, take a moment to prayerfully imagine Christ present with you. Imagine the sound of His voice, speaking words of love over you. Cast all your cares onto Him, for He cares for you.

Music Credit:
"You Meet Me Here" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948407Wed, 24 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 24 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

John writes that it is God’s love that compelled the incarnation of Christ – the coming of the light of Christ into the world. But John also writes that while light came into the world... people loved darkness all the more, because people can hide in darkness. What do you think about that? Are there dark things that you are tempted to hide from God... that keep you from entering into His love for you?

This business of darkness and light, and our proclivity to stay in the dark, seems to have a lot to do with fear. When we’re afraid, we hide. Do you remember how in our creation story, Adam and Eve hid from God because they were filled with fear and shame? As you listen to the scripture again, wonder about your own proclivity to hide when you are afraid, or ashamed.

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

God came into the world as Christ, motivated by His Holy Love... to rescue the world. Perhaps today, you feel the need to be rescued from something. Perhaps today, you’ve forgotten the love of God. As we end our time of prayer, take a moment to prayerfully imagine Christ present with you. Imagine the sound of His voice, speaking words of love over you. Cast all your cares onto Him, for He cares for you.

Music Credit:
"You Meet Me Here" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>780audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-23rd--53948404
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948404Tue, 23 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is MAY 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>898audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-22nd--53948403
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message Version

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

As you enter into prayer today, are any ‘wants’ tyrannizing you? Tyrannizing is a strong word. How do you feel, thinking about suffering as a way of learning that you can’t always get what you want?
The lesson Peter offers us isn’t as hars as it might sound. There is freedom, he says, in learning to let go, learning to offer our desires to God, learning to not be controlled by our desires as much as we usually are. Listen again for the exchange Peter is talking about: freedom, in place of tyranny.

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

Do you ever find it hard to understand what God wants for you? We usually know what we want for ourselves... but today - as we end our time of prayer, take some time to invite God to speak into what He wants for you. Take time to be quiet, and just listen for His voice.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53948403Mon, 22 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 22 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 4, read from The Message Version

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

As you enter into prayer today, are any ‘wants’ tyrannizing you? Tyrannizing is a strong word. How do you feel, thinking about suffering as a way of learning that you can’t always get what you want?
The lesson Peter offers us isn’t as hars as it might sound. There is freedom, he says, in learning to let go, learning to offer our desires to God, learning to not be controlled by our desires as much as we usually are. Listen again for the exchange Peter is talking about: freedom, in place of tyranny.

"1-2 Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want."

Do you ever find it hard to understand what God wants for you? We usually know what we want for ourselves... but today - as we end our time of prayer, take some time to invite God to speak into what He wants for you. Take time to be quiet, and just listen for His voice.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>741audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-20th--53870940
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53870940Sat, 20 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-19th--53838720
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Todays reading is from Psalm 49.

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

Over and over again, the scriptures warn us to not put our hope in wealth. To not envy those who are in places of power or prestige. They remind us over and over again that the mighty will be humbled and the humble will be exalted. Think for a moment about yourself—do you find that you compare yourself with those who are better off? Those who have a better position than you, or more money?
Do you wish that you have what they have?

The psalmist reminds us that the comforts of this world are fleeting. That our life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. And instead of trusting in the things of this world, we are to put our trust and hope in God. As you hear the passage again, can you re-center your hope on the reality of God rather than fleeting things?

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."


But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. The psalmist wants us to put our sure hope in God’s power to raise us up and redeem our lives. As we close our time of prayer, take a moment and thank him for his saving power in your life.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53838720Fri, 19 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 19th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Todays reading is from Psalm 49. "People,...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Todays reading is from Psalm 49.

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

Over and over again, the scriptures warn us to not put our hope in wealth. To not envy those who are in places of power or prestige. They remind us over and over again that the mighty will be humbled and the humble will be exalted. Think for a moment about yourself—do you find that you compare yourself with those who are better off? Those who have a better position than you, or more money?
Do you wish that you have what they have?

The psalmist reminds us that the comforts of this world are fleeting. That our life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. And instead of trusting in the things of this world, we are to put our trust and hope in God. As you hear the passage again, can you re-center your hope on the reality of God rather than fleeting things?

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."


But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. The psalmist wants us to put our sure hope in God’s power to raise us up and redeem our lives. As we close our time of prayer, take a moment and thank him for his saving power in your life.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>770audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-18th--53838717
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10 (1-4, 8-12, 17).

"1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

In the previous chapter of Luke he sends out the twelve disciples to do his work of proclaiming and demonstrating that Gods’ kingdom has arrived in Jesus. In this chapter of Luke, Jesus sends out seventy-two others to do the same thing—to announce the good news, to heal, to deliver. He tells them, “Go to every place where I am about to go, and do the works of the kingdom.” Jesus could have done it himself—and likely done a much better job than the disciples—but he entrusts them anyway. He wants to empower them to do the work of the kingdom. Consider for a moment that Jesus wants to use you, that he sends you ahead of him, to the places where he wants to go, and he wants you to do the very work that the disciples are doing in this passage.

As you listen to the passage again, consider how you feel about God sending you—do you feel anxious, ill-prepared, lacking in faith? Or do you feel a sense of anticipation, of excitement, and faith for what God would like to do through you?
"1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”


As you walk through your day today, can you hear Jesus’ word to you? The harvest is plentiful. Go, I am sending you. Heal the sick. Tell them, the kingdom of God has come near. As we close our time of prayer today, ask the Lord for faith and obedience to step out and go where he is sending you.

Music Credit:
Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53838717Thu, 18 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 18th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10 (1-4, 8-12, 17).

"1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

In the previous chapter of Luke he sends out the twelve disciples to do his work of proclaiming and demonstrating that Gods’ kingdom has arrived in Jesus. In this chapter of Luke, Jesus sends out seventy-two others to do the same thing—to announce the good news, to heal, to deliver. He tells them, “Go to every place where I am about to go, and do the works of the kingdom.” Jesus could have done it himself—and likely done a much better job than the disciples—but he entrusts them anyway. He wants to empower them to do the work of the kingdom. Consider for a moment that Jesus wants to use you, that he sends you ahead of him, to the places where he wants to go, and he wants you to do the very work that the disciples are doing in this passage.

As you listen to the passage again, consider how you feel about God sending you—do you feel anxious, ill-prepared, lacking in faith? Or do you feel a sense of anticipation, of excitement, and faith for what God would like to do through you?
"1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”


As you walk through your day today, can you hear Jesus’ word to you? The harvest is plentiful. Go, I am sending you. Heal the sick. Tell them, the kingdom of God has come near. As we close our time of prayer today, ask the Lord for faith and obedience to step out and go where he is sending you.

Music Credit:
Heaven's Work - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>810audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-17th--53838719
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.

"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

The writer of Ecclesiastes is well versed in reflecting on the breadth of experiences of life that life brings to us. We now commonly refer to seasons of our own life. We may say it’s a hard season or a good season. Try and be more specific about the season you are in. Is it a time of planting or uprooting? Weeping or laughing? Silence or speaking? Loving or hating? Keeping something or throwing it away? Embracing or refraining from embracing?

The writer does a lot of reflecting on what he calls the “meaningless of life” on earth. That the seasons of life, our experiences of the here and now, don’t fulfill us, no matter how good. In response to that the author says that god has set eternity in the human heart. As you hear the passage again, can you feel the longing for eternity?

"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."


He has made everything beautiful in its time. No matter what season you are in, can you turn to God in prayer? Can you ask him to make everything beautiful... in it’s time?

Music Credit:
All Things - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53838719Wed, 17 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 17th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.

"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

The writer of Ecclesiastes is well versed in reflecting on the breadth of experiences of life that life brings to us. We now commonly refer to seasons of our own life. We may say it’s a hard season or a good season. Try and be more specific about the season you are in. Is it a time of planting or uprooting? Weeping or laughing? Silence or speaking? Loving or hating? Keeping something or throwing it away? Embracing or refraining from embracing?

The writer does a lot of reflecting on what he calls the “meaningless of life” on earth. That the seasons of life, our experiences of the here and now, don’t fulfill us, no matter how good. In response to that the author says that god has set eternity in the human heart. As you hear the passage again, can you feel the longing for eternity?

"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."


He has made everything beautiful in its time. No matter what season you are in, can you turn to God in prayer? Can you ask him to make everything beautiful... in it’s time?

Music Credit:
All Things - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>749audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-16th--53838716
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin."

It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?

Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin."


Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?

Music Credit:
Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53838716Tue, 16 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 16th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32.

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin."

It’s been said that the keys to Christian wholeness are repentance and forgiveness. Turning from our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This psalm is all about the gift of confession, which is the act of putting words to the wrong we’ve done, before God and others. Think back to something that you know you’ve done wrong at some point in your life. How did you feel about the possibility of that sin being exposed before God or other people?

Our human tendency is to minimize our sin, to deny our sin, to deflect our sin onto others. But the psalmist reminds us of what our unconfessed sin does to us—it makes us sick. Spiritually, and sometimes also physically. But when we confess, we find health and wholeness. As you hear the psalm again, listen to the freedom of confession.

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin."


Take a moment and think about a sin that you are carrying with you—something that you haven’t confessed and released before God and with another brother or sister in Christ. Can you turn from and ask God to forgive you of that sin? Can you ask someone to pray a prayer of forgiveness over you today?

Music Credit:
Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>723audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-15th--53838718
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.

"1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.

"1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ,
we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Music Credit:
"Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53838718Mon, 15 May 2023 04:05:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 15th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3. "1See what great love...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 John chapter 3.

"1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

The first Jewish rabbi to address God as Father was Jesus. There is not one reference to God as Father in all the biblical and extra-biblical literature before Jesus. It was Jesus who introduced this radical notion, first by calling God his Father. But also by teaching his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name.” How do you feel about the Christian practice of calling God, Father?
It was world shattering at the time to call God Father because God was not this reachable, this close, this loving. God was and always is holy, but now he is also here with us, caring for us like a parent cares for a child. As you listen to the passage again, listen for holiness of God—purify yourself, just as he is pure. But also for the tenderness of God—what great love the Father lavished on us.

"1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

We know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Today’s passage is a contrast to what it was like to live under the first covenant. Under that covenant, nobody could see God because of his holiness. Now, under the new, when we see God in Christ,
we will become like him. As you continue through your day, consider what great love the Father has lavished on us.

Music Credit:
"Sons and Daughters" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>796audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-13th--53781938
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53781938Sat, 13 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-12th--53766550
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude (1:3-4, 17-21).

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude, like many early Christians, is warning us about the various philosophies, ideas, and teachings that will lead us away from the truth found in the Gospel of Christ. Jude says that one common perversion is that grace gets turned into a license for immorality. The writer Deitrich Bohnoeffer called it “cheap grace.” Another perversion is that Jesus is denied his divine status. He becomes just one of many sources of inspiration. And his authority, his Lordship, in our lives is diminished.

As you hear the passage again, consider how these ideas have tempted you. How have you cheapened grace by not taking sin seriously in your own life? In what way have you not taken Jesus’ teachings seriously and not been obedient to his commands?

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."


Jude encourages us to build ourselves up in the faith. Consider what you can do to build yourself up in the faith. What practices have you done in the past that have built up your faith? Could you commit to do something today to build your faith? Jude also encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit. As we close our time of prayer, take some time and pray in the Holy Spirit. Welcome God’s presence and ask him to strengthen your faith.

Music Credit:
Room At the Table - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53766550Fri, 12 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 12th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jude...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jude (1:3-4, 17-21).

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude, like many early Christians, is warning us about the various philosophies, ideas, and teachings that will lead us away from the truth found in the Gospel of Christ. Jude says that one common perversion is that grace gets turned into a license for immorality. The writer Deitrich Bohnoeffer called it “cheap grace.” Another perversion is that Jesus is denied his divine status. He becomes just one of many sources of inspiration. And his authority, his Lordship, in our lives is diminished.

As you hear the passage again, consider how these ideas have tempted you. How have you cheapened grace by not taking sin seriously in your own life? In what way have you not taken Jesus’ teachings seriously and not been obedient to his commands?

"3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."


Jude encourages us to build ourselves up in the faith. Consider what you can do to build yourself up in the faith. What practices have you done in the past that have built up your faith? Could you commit to do something today to build your faith? Jude also encourages us to pray in the Holy Spirit. As we close our time of prayer, take some time and pray in the Holy Spirit. Welcome God’s presence and ask him to strengthen your faith.

Music Credit:
Room At the Table - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>875audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-11th--53766554
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 25.

"4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good."

The Psalmist is dealing with our past and our future in this Psalm. When we look at our past, we can sometimes feel remorse or regret about things that we have done. Sometimes those things can be overwhelming to us and can even create fear. But the Psalmist gives voice for us when we are overwhelmed with regret. He says, “Don’t remember me for what I have done, Lord. Remember me according to what you have done. Remember your mercy and love.” How does it make you feel when you consider that God will remember you according to what he has done, not what you have done?

The Psalmist also provides a pathway for the future. As you listen to the passage again, consider how the Lord will show you, how he will teach you, and how he will guide you, how he will be good to you in the future.

"4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good."


Your past is remembered in light of God’s mercy, and your future is secure in view of his faithfulness. As we close our time of prayer, praise God that you truly can be free of regret and remorse about what lies behind, and you can be full of hope and joy about what lies before, all because of his great love for you.

Music Credit:
What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53766554Thu, 11 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 11th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 25. "4 Show me your ways,...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 25.

"4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good."

The Psalmist is dealing with our past and our future in this Psalm. When we look at our past, we can sometimes feel remorse or regret about things that we have done. Sometimes those things can be overwhelming to us and can even create fear. But the Psalmist gives voice for us when we are overwhelmed with regret. He says, “Don’t remember me for what I have done, Lord. Remember me according to what you have done. Remember your mercy and love.” How does it make you feel when you consider that God will remember you according to what he has done, not what you have done?

The Psalmist also provides a pathway for the future. As you listen to the passage again, consider how the Lord will show you, how he will teach you, and how he will guide you, how he will be good to you in the future.

"4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good."


Your past is remembered in light of God’s mercy, and your future is secure in view of his faithfulness. As we close our time of prayer, praise God that you truly can be free of regret and remorse about what lies behind, and you can be full of hope and joy about what lies before, all because of his great love for you.

Music Credit:
What Can Separate - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>649audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-10th--53766552
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

"41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Jesus provides us such a powerful image here of how our scales of justice are tilted in our own favor. The faults of others are so big, while ours are so small. But Jesus turns the image around and says that the large plank in our eye creates a vision problem for us. We can’t see clearly because our sin has so distorted our vision. Think back over your life and consider a time when you were able to see the plank in your eye. Was there a moment when you really were able to see how significant your sin was? What was that like?

Consider now a sin that feels very present to you in the life of someone your care about—maybe a friend, or a co-worker, a family member, or a brother or sister in Christ. As you hear that passage again, ask God to give you 20-20 vision of your own sin. Before you address the sin in their life, is there anything that God wants to address in you?

"41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."


Jesus doesn’t say to avoid addressing the sin in others. He says that we need to do it after we deal with our own sin before God. Elsewhere the scriptures say that we need to restore others gently, lovingly. As you continue through your day, ask God to increase your love for those around you that you may restore them with God’s gentleness.

Music Credit:
You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53766552Wed, 10 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 10th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

"41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Jesus provides us such a powerful image here of how our scales of justice are tilted in our own favor. The faults of others are so big, while ours are so small. But Jesus turns the image around and says that the large plank in our eye creates a vision problem for us. We can’t see clearly because our sin has so distorted our vision. Think back over your life and consider a time when you were able to see the plank in your eye. Was there a moment when you really were able to see how significant your sin was? What was that like?

Consider now a sin that feels very present to you in the life of someone your care about—maybe a friend, or a co-worker, a family member, or a brother or sister in Christ. As you hear that passage again, ask God to give you 20-20 vision of your own sin. Before you address the sin in their life, is there anything that God wants to address in you?

"41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."


Jesus doesn’t say to avoid addressing the sin in others. He says that we need to do it after we deal with our own sin before God. Elsewhere the scriptures say that we need to restore others gently, lovingly. As you continue through your day, ask God to increase your love for those around you that you may restore them with God’s gentleness.

Music Credit:
You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>718audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-9th--53766551
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

"16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?

Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.

"16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53766551Tue, 09 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 9th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Deuteronomy, chapter 10.

"16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

Justice is hard to come by in our world for many people. There are whole groups of people who are often deprived of justice. The phrase repeated in the scriptures that represents groups of people deprived of justice is found here in Deuteronomy: “the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner among you.” As you look around at our world, what people have you seen experience injustice?

Moses is sharing a difficult word with the Israelites. He chastens them because the source of injustice isn’t just from the outside, it’s from the inside. It’s their attitudes that are the cause of the injustice that God condemns. As you hear the passage again, consider an attitude that you may have, a behavior you may have demonstrated, that has contributed to injustice for someone else.

"16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

The antidote is the character of God, Moses says. God doesn’t show partiality. He defends. He loves. He gives. He provides. As we close our time of prayer today, can you make a commitment to give your time, your activity, your money, to someone in need so that they may experience the mercy of God?

Music Credit:
"All The Same" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>595audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-8th--53766553
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.

"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?

Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.

"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."


Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Music Credit:
"I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53766553Mon, 08 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 8th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5. "8 Be alert and of...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 5.

"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Our whole culture, and everything in us, fights against suffering. Seeking comfort and avoiding suffering is one of our highest aims. But the Apostle Peter sets a different expectation of suffering for Christians. Peter says that it’s a normal part of our human experience, and as Christians, we should expect that suffering will come our way. We are not to be surprised by or shocked by suffering when it occurs in our lives. What is your reaction to suffering when it happens to you?

Peter says that we should find encouragement in the midst of our own sufferings by considering the sufferings of others around the world, especially those who are suffering because of their faith in Christ. As you listen to the passage again, call to mind someone who has been a model of Christlikeness in the face of suffering.

"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."


Peter encourages us by reminding us that, in light of our eternal glory, our suffering will only last a little while. And Christ himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

As we close our time today, can you turn that into a prayer… “Christ, today I pray that you will restore me, make me strong, make me firm, and make me steadfast.”

Music Credit:
"I Lift My Eyes Up" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>775audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-may-6th--53706528
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53706528Sat, 06 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-5th--53698275

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 31.

Psalm 31:1-5
"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

How are you coming to today’s time of prayer? Are you in a place of quietness or prayerfulness? Do you feel restless, or in need of rescue? What tasks lie before you? How are you feeling, today?
Praying the psalms helps us to understand our own feelings, our own experiences. The psalmists often give us the words we need to describe what’s happening in our own souls. As you listen to this psalm again, pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you?

"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

The phrase that stands out to me is ‘my faithful God’. I love that the Psalmist refers to ‘my faithful God’… not just ‘a faithful God’ or ‘the faithful God’. The Psalmist has a deep sense of personal connection to God: He’s ‘mine’. For me, today, that is the phrase I will repeat throughout my day: ‘my faithful God’. As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out to you and write it down, or carry it in your heart, as you walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53698275Fri, 05 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 5th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 31. Psalm...

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 31.

Psalm 31:1-5
"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

How are you coming to today’s time of prayer? Are you in a place of quietness or prayerfulness? Do you feel restless, or in need of rescue? What tasks lie before you? How are you feeling, today?
Praying the psalms helps us to understand our own feelings, our own experiences. The psalmists often give us the words we need to describe what’s happening in our own souls. As you listen to this psalm again, pay attention to what word or phrase stands out to you?

"1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God."

The phrase that stands out to me is ‘my faithful God’. I love that the Psalmist refers to ‘my faithful God’… not just ‘a faithful God’ or ‘the faithful God’. The Psalmist has a deep sense of personal connection to God: He’s ‘mine’. For me, today, that is the phrase I will repeat throughout my day: ‘my faithful God’. As we end our time of prayer, take the phrase that stood out to you and write it down, or carry it in your heart, as you walk through your day.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>693audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-4th--53698276
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 6.

Acts 6:8-15
"8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

Imagine being a fly on the wall during this moment in Acts. Stephen, a powerful and beloved leader, is falsely accused. An angry crowd has formed. Accusations are flying, voices are raised, chaos is ensuing. Can you identify with the sense of upheaval and crisis in this passage? How do you respond when things around you go sideways?

The author of Acts tells us that during all of this, Stephen’s face is like that of an angel. What do you think that means? I imagine that it means he was seen as a person in peace in the middle of a lot of anger and drama. As you listen to the passage again, try to see Stephen’s face in your mind’s eye. Where is his attention focused? What do you notice about his expression?

"8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."


Is it difficult for you to maintain peace when things around you are chaotic? That’s a challenge for almost all of us. Our peace is often linked to our circumstances, which means all too often, it ebbs and flows. But the peace of Christ is something deeper than circumstantial peace. It’s a deep sense of awareness of the presence and goodness of God in our lives, regardless of the chaos around us. As we end our time of prayer today, take several long, slow, deep breaths, and ask God for His peace to reign in you.

Music Credit:
"Peace Be Still" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53698276Thu, 04 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 4th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 6. Acts 6:8-15 "8...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 6.

Acts 6:8-15
"8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

Imagine being a fly on the wall during this moment in Acts. Stephen, a powerful and beloved leader, is falsely accused. An angry crowd has formed. Accusations are flying, voices are raised, chaos is ensuing. Can you identify with the sense of upheaval and crisis in this passage? How do you respond when things around you go sideways?

The author of Acts tells us that during all of this, Stephen’s face is like that of an angel. What do you think that means? I imagine that it means he was seen as a person in peace in the middle of a lot of anger and drama. As you listen to the passage again, try to see Stephen’s face in your mind’s eye. Where is his attention focused? What do you notice about his expression?

"8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."


Is it difficult for you to maintain peace when things around you are chaotic? That’s a challenge for almost all of us. Our peace is often linked to our circumstances, which means all too often, it ebbs and flows. But the peace of Christ is something deeper than circumstantial peace. It’s a deep sense of awareness of the presence and goodness of God in our lives, regardless of the chaos around us. As we end our time of prayer today, take several long, slow, deep breaths, and ask God for His peace to reign in you.

Music Credit:
"Peace Be Still" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished...]]>733audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-3rd--53698273
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20.

Matthew 20:17-22
"17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

Zebedee’s wife askes Jesus an impertinent question. Right after He speaks about his own humiliating, tragic and tortured death, she leans in to ask if her boys can sit in the places of power next to Christ once it’s all over. She didn’t seem to get the plot. She didn’t seem to understand that power in God’s kingdom comes in upside down sort of ways. Do you ever feel like you ‘lose the plot’ of what it means to be a Christian? Do you ever find yourself surprised at the actual cost of your faith?

Jesus’ reply to her seems to be so kind, and so patient. I would have lost my temper! Or gotten angry at such a selfish, ill-timed question. Instead, he answers her. In the text, it actually says that Jesus answers ‘them’… implying that maybe her sons had convinced mom to ask the question that was actually on their minds! Listen to the passage again, consider each individual in the story and how they are relating to Jesus.

"17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”


Jesus says to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking”. There are all sorts of questions we bring to the Lord. Some of them probably make less sense than we think. Others are deep, full of meaning for us. As we end our time of prayer today, consider the questions you hold in your heart, and bring them to Jesus – trusting in the kindness of his answer.

Music Credit:
"Wear he Crown" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53698273Wed, 03 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 3rd. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20.

Matthew 20:17-22
"17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

Zebedee’s wife askes Jesus an impertinent question. Right after He speaks about his own humiliating, tragic and tortured death, she leans in to ask if her boys can sit in the places of power next to Christ once it’s all over. She didn’t seem to get the plot. She didn’t seem to understand that power in God’s kingdom comes in upside down sort of ways. Do you ever feel like you ‘lose the plot’ of what it means to be a Christian? Do you ever find yourself surprised at the actual cost of your faith?

Jesus’ reply to her seems to be so kind, and so patient. I would have lost my temper! Or gotten angry at such a selfish, ill-timed question. Instead, he answers her. In the text, it actually says that Jesus answers ‘them’… implying that maybe her sons had convinced mom to ask the question that was actually on their minds! Listen to the passage again, consider each individual in the story and how they are relating to Jesus.

"17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”


Jesus says to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking”. There are all sorts of questions we bring to the Lord. Some of them probably make less sense than we think. Others are deep, full of meaning for us. As we end our time of prayer today, consider the questions you hold in your heart, and bring them to Jesus – trusting in the kindness of his answer.

Music Credit:
"Wear he Crown" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>730audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-2nd--53698277
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.

Ezekiel 34:23-31
"23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.
25 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing.[a] I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.30 Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.

Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.

"23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.
25 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing.[a] I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.30 Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”


One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us through His Holy Spirit, but we are surrounded by so many distractions. As we end, could you consider a few ways to practice ‘being still’ and listening to God’s voice, abiding in God’s shalom, throughout your day. Something as small as taking three slow, deep breaths before each meal can help you learn to continually reorient yourself to God’s shalom.

Music Credit:
"Be Still" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53698277Tue, 02 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Ezekiel chapter 34.

Ezekiel 34:23-31
"23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.
25 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing.[a] I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.30 Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

This Old Testament passage is painting a picture for us of God’s shalom: His peace, His sufficiency, His justice, His leadership, and His provision. The world around us is often so fast moving, so full of pain, and so unsettling. Take a moment to examine the state of your soul today. Do you feel at peace? If not, choose some words to describe how you feel.

Sometimes it’s difficult to give space to our emotional reality. Lots of us never learned how to identify our feelings. Some of us prefer to ignore them. As you listen to the passage read again, pay attention to all of the “I” statements. That’s God talking about what He will do, and about who He is. Pay attention to how His “I” statements make you feel.

"23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken.
25 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing.[a] I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.30 Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”


One of the reasons we do the Be Still podcast is because learning to slow down and abide in God’s Holy presence - despite our circumstances – is of immeasurable importance to a Christian faith that is mature, emotionally healthy, and sustainable. God’s shalom is present to us...]]>920audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/may-1st--53698274
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.

Psalm 100
"1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

"The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord?

Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?

"1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."


The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next
generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Music Credit:
"God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53698274Mon, 01 May 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is May 1st. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 100. Psalm 100 "1 Shout for joy to...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 100.

Psalm 100
"1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

"The Psalmist refers to God’s goodness and love and faithfulness enduring through all generations. Think about your own faith generations. Who went before you? Who led you to the Lord? And who is coming after you in your spiritual family tree? Who are you leading toward the Lord?

Christians are all called to be a part of a spiritual family tree. None of us are meant to be the last entry…we’re all meant to pass our faith on. Listen to the psalmists worshipful language! Listen to the peace and joy and sense of security he has! Listen… and consider… are those things spiritual truths that you are actively passing on to someone else who’s younger than you are?

"1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."


The scriptures are clear: Christians are all called to the next generation. We’re called to pass on to others what we ourselves have received. Look for a place this week to invest in the next
generation. Look for a place to pass along the truth of what the psalmist is celebrating: that the lord is good, and his love endures forever!

Music Credit:
"God Of Our Mothers And Fathers" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-29th--53621288
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53621288Sat, 29 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-28th--53615539
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2.

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There are several tricky words in this text: submit, ignorant, slaves, fear, respect. What do you usually do when you come across parts of scripture that seem outdated or feel problematic? Do you dig in, research, and work to understand more deeply? Do you just skip over hard sections? Or do you feel offense, and immediately stop reading?

As you listen to the text again, can you listen to it from a curious vantage point? What is Peter telling the church about how to live as Christians? What tensions do you hear in the passage? Where do you personally feel challenged by Peter?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There’s something in this text about how our attitudes and actions as Christians are meant to be a reflection of our faith in God. Peter says elsewhere that we’re a peculiar people. A chosen people. Christians are meant to be non-conformists. Stand out, Peter tells us, but for the right reasons… and in all we do, our actions should bring honor to God. We’re free, Peter tells us, but not for our own sake. For Christ’s sake. As we close our time of prayer ask yourself: how does your life demonstrate the peculiar nature of a follower of Jesus? Are there places where your decisions, your behaviors, your attitudes… look more like the rest of the world than like a follower of the narrow way of Jesus?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53615539Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 28th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2. "13...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter 2.

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There are several tricky words in this text: submit, ignorant, slaves, fear, respect. What do you usually do when you come across parts of scripture that seem outdated or feel problematic? Do you dig in, research, and work to understand more deeply? Do you just skip over hard sections? Or do you feel offense, and immediately stop reading?

As you listen to the text again, can you listen to it from a curious vantage point? What is Peter telling the church about how to live as Christians? What tensions do you hear in the passage? Where do you personally feel challenged by Peter?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

There’s something in this text about how our attitudes and actions as Christians are meant to be a reflection of our faith in God. Peter says elsewhere that we’re a peculiar people. A chosen people. Christians are meant to be non-conformists. Stand out, Peter tells us, but for the right reasons… and in all we do, our actions should bring honor to God. We’re free, Peter tells us, but not for our own sake. For Christ’s sake. As we close our time of prayer ask yourself: how does your life demonstrate the peculiar nature of a follower of Jesus? Are there places where your decisions, your behaviors, your attitudes… look more like the rest of the world than like a follower of the narrow way of Jesus?

Music Credit:
"You Have Our Yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>653audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-27th--53615541
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 23

"1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Instead of a reflection, you’re going to hear this scripture two more times. This time, I’ll read it from the Message translation. I’m going to read it very slowly, and want you to pay attention to particular words or phrases that stand out to you. Trust that the Spirit of God is with you, drawing you to parts of this holy text that He intends for you to notice today.

The Message

"1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

This line is the one that sticks out to me: ‘you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction’. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, like I’ve run too far too fast! This reminds me that God allows me to slow down, to get my heart rate back to normal, and then that I can rely on Him to direct my next steps, my decisions, my actions. It’s not all up to me and my fast moving, fast thinking, or fast activating. This reminds me who God is, and who I am. You’re going to listen to the Psalm one final time. Try to slow down and simply abide in these words:

"1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."


God is pursuing you with His goodness and His love. He is with you in the valley of the shadow of death and even there, in the dark spaces of life, His beauty and love chase after you and protect you. Can you set an alarm to remind you to take a few more times today to slow down, take a deep breath, and read or recite this psalm again? If you’ve never memorized a scripture, this is a great one to start with.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53615541Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 27th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 23 "1 The Lord is my...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 23

"1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Instead of a reflection, you’re going to hear this scripture two more times. This time, I’ll read it from the Message translation. I’m going to read it very slowly, and want you to pay attention to particular words or phrases that stand out to you. Trust that the Spirit of God is with you, drawing you to parts of this holy text that He intends for you to notice today.

The Message

"1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

This line is the one that sticks out to me: ‘you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction’. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, like I’ve run too far too fast! This reminds me that God allows me to slow down, to get my heart rate back to normal, and then that I can rely on Him to direct my next steps, my decisions, my actions. It’s not all up to me and my fast moving, fast thinking, or fast activating. This reminds me who God is, and who I am. You’re going to listen to the Psalm one final time. Try to slow down and simply abide in these words:

"1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."


God is pursuing you with His goodness and His love. He is with you in the valley of the shadow of death and even there, in the dark spaces of life, His beauty and love chase after you and protect you. Can you set an alarm to remind you to take a few more times today to slow down, take a deep breath, and read or recite this psalm again? If you’ve never memorized a scripture, this is a great one to start with.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>813audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-26th--53615540
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 21.

"21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

Let’s take a moment and try to step into this familiar story. Some of the disciples – career fishermen – went out to fish and caught nothing. These guys weren’t fishing for sport – if they didn’t catch, they didn’t eat. Imagine how they felt: imagine their weary muscles. Imagine how exhausted they were. Imagine the smell of the air, the stink of the disciples themselves, the frustration of an empty haul, and the feeling of empty stomachs. It had been a bad night. Imagine yourself in the scene with them. What is your attitude like in frustrating moments like these?

This next bit in the story makes me laugh… these frustrated fishermen have been up all night, have nothing to show for it, and Jesus calls out to them: ‘friends, haven’t you caught any fish?’ As you listen to the passage again, consider why Jesus would ask a question that he very well knew the answer to…

"21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."


“Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you’ll find fish…” What a silly thing to say! Fish don’t congregate only on one side of a boat. Plus, Jesus was a carpenter, not a fisherman. Why listen to Him? Why follow His instruction? I think that the disciples had begun to notice a pattern: when Jesus says to do something… and you do it… remarkable things happen. How do you respond to the instruction of the Lord when it doesn’t make sense to you? Have you seen enough of His goodness to just say ‘yes’? Or do you struggle to follow in faith? As we end our time of prayer, review places where you may have struggled to obey God’s instruction… and invite God back into those places with a willing and teachable heart.

Music Credit:
"We Say yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53615540Wed, 26 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 26th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 21.

"21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

Let’s take a moment and try to step into this familiar story. Some of the disciples – career fishermen – went out to fish and caught nothing. These guys weren’t fishing for sport – if they didn’t catch, they didn’t eat. Imagine how they felt: imagine their weary muscles. Imagine how exhausted they were. Imagine the smell of the air, the stink of the disciples themselves, the frustration of an empty haul, and the feeling of empty stomachs. It had been a bad night. Imagine yourself in the scene with them. What is your attitude like in frustrating moments like these?

This next bit in the story makes me laugh… these frustrated fishermen have been up all night, have nothing to show for it, and Jesus calls out to them: ‘friends, haven’t you caught any fish?’ As you listen to the passage again, consider why Jesus would ask a question that he very well knew the answer to…

"21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a]It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."


“Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you’ll find fish…” What a silly thing to say! Fish don’t congregate only on one side of a boat. Plus, Jesus was a carpenter, not a fisherman. Why listen to Him? Why follow His instruction? I think that the disciples had begun to notice a pattern: when Jesus says to do something… and you do it… remarkable things happen. How do you respond to the instruction of the Lord when it doesn’t make sense to you? Have you seen enough of His goodness to just say ‘yes’? Or do you struggle to follow in faith? As we end our time of prayer, review places where you may have struggled to obey God’s instruction… and invite God back into those places with a willing and teachable heart.

Music Credit:
"We Say yes" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>832audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-25th--53615537
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2.

1 Peter 2:1-3

"2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past?

Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you.

"2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.

Music Credit:
"We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53615537Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 25th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Peter, chapter 2.

1 Peter 2:1-3

"2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

This passage offers us a picture of an exchange: impure, for pure. Evil, for good. Peter makes us think of a newborn infant, being filled up with healthy and whole nutrition that leads to their growth and development. Think for a moment about the past few days: what kinds of things are ‘filling’ you up? What has your attention? What do you watch, or listen to, or scroll past?

Are the things that fill you up things that are leading to your spiritual flourishing? Does what you watch, listen to, or scroll past lead toward spiritual maturity and Christlikeness? Or are you putting your attention in places that stir up things like malice and envy? Let’s listen to this brief scripture one more time… pay attention to the one word or phrase that stands out to you.

"2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

I have a friend who is an amazing cook. When he brings a new snack to our small group, after each bite someone literally says: “oh my gosh, this is SO GOOD!” Have you experienced that, ever? Maybe eating at your favorite restaurant? Or at your grandmom’s house? Peter is using words to remind his listeners that we’ve tasted the goodness of God himself… they’ve experienced it in a real and impactful way. And he’s remind us that we should exchange the darkness, the impurity of the world for the refreshing, revitalizing, and reassuring goodness of God. As we end our time of prayer, plan to take time today to reflect on moments in your spiritual life where you’ve ‘tasted’ the goodness of God. You might even want to journal for a few moments right now about those moments.

Music Credit:
"We Are Hungry" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>806audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-24th--53615538
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.

Genesis 18:1-1
"18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.
“There, in the tent,” he said.
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today?

"18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.
“There, in the tent,” he said.
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”


This passage ends with a question: ‘is anything too hard for the Lord?’. In our minds, we know the answer to that question is: of course not! God is all powerful. All knowing. Ever-present. God is the creator of all that is. There is nothing too difficult for God. But in our hearts? In our hearts, sometimes we feel doubt. Our circumstances lead us to wonder if we’re out of God’s ability or desire to help. And our pain, or unanswered prayer, or sense of hopelessness in difficult circumstances, can cause us to languish in a place of spiritual despair. As we end our time of prayer, can you bring that which feels beyond God’s control, or that which leads you to doubt or that which causes you to ask your own hard questions… can you bring that to God? Take a moment and bring all of your questions and doubts to God.

Music Credit:
Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53615538Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 24th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18. Genesis 18:1-1 "18...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Genesis chapter 18.

Genesis 18:1-1
"18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.
“There, in the tent,” he said.
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Can you imagine yourself in this scenario? One in which you, like Sarah, feel like God is speaking something impossible, almost laughable, to you? If there a situation in your life right now that feels this way, how are you navigating it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider all the questions that Sarah must have had running through her mind: how do these visitors know what I’m thinking? How on earth could I have a baby at this stage of life? Why now, and not earlier? Is this really God? What kind of questions to you bring to God today?

"18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.
“There, in the tent,” he said.
10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”


This passage ends with a...]]>935audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-22--53539603
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539603Sat, 22 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-21st--53539070
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Job chapter 19.

"7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. 8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 9 He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. 11 His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. 12 His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.
…
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

The scriptures aren’t afraid of expressing emotions. God is an emotional God and he is not ashamed of emotions. Even emotions that we are sometimes uncomfortable with, the Bible doesn’t shy away from. How comfortable are you in expressing your feelings to God? Does it make you uncomfortable to express certain emotions to God?

The book of Job is full of intense lament. And what Job is lamenting is that God is against him. It is God who has blocked him. It’s God who has stripped him. God tears him down. God’s anger burns against him. God’s armies lay siege to him. Have you ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt that God is against you? As you hear the passage again, listen for Job’s turn from lament to hope.

"7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. 8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 9 He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. 11 His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. 12 His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.
…
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

This is one of the earliest glimpses of resurrection that we see in scriptures. After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him, with my own eyes. Amid devastation, a word of hope, that suffering isn’t the last word. Resurrection is. As you go through your day today, hold on to this word of hope.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539070Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 21 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Job chapter...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Job chapter 19.

"7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. 8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 9 He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. 11 His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. 12 His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.
…
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

The scriptures aren’t afraid of expressing emotions. God is an emotional God and he is not ashamed of emotions. Even emotions that we are sometimes uncomfortable with, the Bible doesn’t shy away from. How comfortable are you in expressing your feelings to God? Does it make you uncomfortable to express certain emotions to God?

The book of Job is full of intense lament. And what Job is lamenting is that God is against him. It is God who has blocked him. It’s God who has stripped him. God tears him down. God’s anger burns against him. God’s armies lay siege to him. Have you ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt that God is against you? As you hear the passage again, listen for Job’s turn from lament to hope.

"7 “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. 8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 9 He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. 11 His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. 12 His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.
…
23 “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

This is one of the earliest glimpses of resurrection that we see in scriptures. After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him, with my own eyes. Amid devastation, a word of hope, that suffering isn’t the last word. Resurrection is. As you go through your day today, hold on to this word of hope.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>839audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-20th--53539067
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Hebrews, chapter 9.

"21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Animal sacrifice is so foreign to us that passages like this offend our sensibilities. But the idea of sacrifice, that sometimes one has to sacrifice him or herself for the sake of another, remains with us today. Think of a fire fighter who literally sacrifices his life to save a person from a burning building. The scripture says that Christ appeared at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Think of yourself in the burning building—he broke in and rescued you so that you don’t smother to death from the inhalation of your own sin. And by rescuing you, he sacrificed himself. When you consider this notion of sacrifice, what does it stir up inside of you?

As you hear the passage again, can you thank Christ that the shedding of his blood has brought forgiveness to you?

"21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would
have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Sometimes we think that we must sacrifice something to make God pleased with us. That’s what the priests used to do. But we have Christ who entered the holy place in heaven and sacrificed himself. There is no sacrifice that you could bring to make God love you any more than he already does. He loves you completely just as you are.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539067Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 20 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Hebrews, chapter 9....
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Hebrews, chapter 9.

"21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Animal sacrifice is so foreign to us that passages like this offend our sensibilities. But the idea of sacrifice, that sometimes one has to sacrifice him or herself for the sake of another, remains with us today. Think of a fire fighter who literally sacrifices his life to save a person from a burning building. The scripture says that Christ appeared at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Think of yourself in the burning building—he broke in and rescued you so that you don’t smother to death from the inhalation of your own sin. And by rescuing you, he sacrificed himself. When you consider this notion of sacrifice, what does it stir up inside of you?

As you hear the passage again, can you thank Christ that the shedding of his blood has brought forgiveness to you?

"21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would
have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Sometimes we think that we must sacrifice something to make God pleased with us. That’s what the priests used to do. But we have Christ who entered the holy place in heaven and sacrificed himself. There is no sacrifice that you could bring to make God love you any more than he already does. He loves you completely just as you are.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty...]]>860audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-19th--53539069
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark chapter 12.

"28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Do you ever feel confused by what it means to be a God follower? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a Christian? What am I to believe and what am I to do? Today’s reading is the whole teaching of Jesus and the Bible summed up. God is who he has revealed himself to be—one God existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to love God with our whole being and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the whole teaching of scripture summed up.
But we know that summing it up and living it out are two different things. Imagine for a moment that love is like a fire that can become very hot or, if unattended to, can become very cold. How warm or cool is your love for God? As you hear the passage again, ask God to blow fresh wind on your fire of love.

"28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Now think for a moment about people you are surrounded with in your life. Family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. How warm or cool is your love for these people God has placed around you? As you go through your day today, ask God to renew you with his love that his love may flow through you into one other person’s life today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539069Wed, 19 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 19 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark chapter 12.

"28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Do you ever feel confused by what it means to be a God follower? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a Christian? What am I to believe and what am I to do? Today’s reading is the whole teaching of Jesus and the Bible summed up. God is who he has revealed himself to be—one God existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to love God with our whole being and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the whole teaching of scripture summed up.
But we know that summing it up and living it out are two different things. Imagine for a moment that love is like a fire that can become very hot or, if unattended to, can become very cold. How warm or cool is your love for God? As you hear the passage again, ask God to blow fresh wind on your fire of love.

"28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Now think for a moment about people you are surrounded with in your life. Family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. How warm or cool is your love for these people God has placed around you? As you go through your day today, ask God to renew you with his love that his love may flow through you into one other person’s life today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>694audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-18th--53539071
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 115

"2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield."

An idol is anything that we turn to for purpose or provision in place of God. The Israelites lived among nations who fashioned idols out of wood or stone or silver and gold. The idols often looked like a person—with hands, feet, ears and mouths. They were believed to be filled with spiritual power. But even though these idols looked like a person, they couldn’t speak, hear, or move—they were nothing but statues. Yahweh reminded the Israelites that even though he was pure spirit without a physical body, he was alive. He heard, and spoke, and moved among them and on their behalf.

We have the same challenge today as the Israelites did. We don’t see God with our physical eyes so naturally we wonder, God, do you exist? And if you do exist, how can we hear you speak and see you move? When we doubt that God is with us or when we don’t see God do what we want him to do, we naturally turn god-substitutes. As you hear the passage again, call to mind a god-substitute that you turn to for purpose or provision rather than God.

"2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield."

As we close our time today, can you make the refrain of the psalm your refrain? As you walk through your day today, say to the Lord, “I put my trust in you… You are my help and my shield.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539071Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 115

"2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield."

An idol is anything that we turn to for purpose or provision in place of God. The Israelites lived among nations who fashioned idols out of wood or stone or silver and gold. The idols often looked like a person—with hands, feet, ears and mouths. They were believed to be filled with spiritual power. But even though these idols looked like a person, they couldn’t speak, hear, or move—they were nothing but statues. Yahweh reminded the Israelites that even though he was pure spirit without a physical body, he was alive. He heard, and spoke, and moved among them and on their behalf.

We have the same challenge today as the Israelites did. We don’t see God with our physical eyes so naturally we wonder, God, do you exist? And if you do exist, how can we hear you speak and see you move? When we doubt that God is with us or when we don’t see God do what we want him to do, we naturally turn god-substitutes. As you hear the passage again, call to mind a god-substitute that you turn to for purpose or provision rather than God.

"2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield. 11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield."

As we close our time today, can you make the refrain of the psalm your refrain? As you walk through your day today, say to the Lord, “I put my trust in you… You are my help and my shield.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>738audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-17th--53539068
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13.

"26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size."

Moses sent out spies to explore the Promised Land. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, had led them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He miraculously fed them with manna from heaven and gave them water in the desert. And God had promised to take them into the Promised Land. God wants them to see the future in store for them. But more than that, he is inviting them to see the future with eyes of faith. But they didn’t see their future with eyes of faith—they saw obstacles, they saw enemies, they saw giants.

When you look into your own future, what do you see? Most of us, like the Israelite spies, see both challenges and possibilities. But God wants us to see more than that. God wants us to see him. He is there in your future. He has been with you the whole journey, and he is waiting for you up ahead, ready to accompany you into the next promise. As you hear the passage again, imagine God waiting
for you up ahead.

"26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size."

Think about the day or the week ahead. There will naturally be challenges and possibilities. But more importantly, God will also be there. And he will be there to strengthen you, to bless you, and to empower you. As you face a challenge or a test today, say to the Lord, “You are here with me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53539068Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 17 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13. "26 They came...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book Numbers chapter 13.

"26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size."

Moses sent out spies to explore the Promised Land. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, had led them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He miraculously fed them with manna from heaven and gave them water in the desert. And God had promised to take them into the Promised Land. God wants them to see the future in store for them. But more than that, he is inviting them to see the future with eyes of faith. But they didn’t see their future with eyes of faith—they saw obstacles, they saw enemies, they saw giants.

When you look into your own future, what do you see? Most of us, like the Israelite spies, see both challenges and possibilities. But God wants us to see more than that. God wants us to see him. He is there in your future. He has been with you the whole journey, and he is waiting for you up ahead, ready to accompany you into the next promise. As you hear the passage again, imagine God waiting
for you up ahead.

"26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size."

Think about the day or the week ahead. There will naturally be challenges and possibilities. But more importantly, God will also be there. And he will be there to strengthen you, to bless you, and to empower you. As you face a challenge or a test today, say to the Lord, “You are here with me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus...]]>778audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-april-15th--53516946
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53516946Sat, 15 Apr 2023 04:05:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-14th--53487451
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15

"15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed."

Today, one week after Good Friday, we’re reminded by Paul’s letter to the Corinthians what the gospel is... what the good news is... what is, as Paul writes, of first importance. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and raised on the third day. Paul says: if this isn’t what really happened... you’ve believed in vain. It’s not sentimental, and it’s not symbolic. It’s either nonsense, or it’s the most important thing that’s ever happened.

As you listen to the passage read again, listen for Paul’s intensity. Paul wasn’t originally a believer; he was a persecutor. Paul was not a disciple; he was a detractor. Until Paul was interrupted by a vision of the risen Christ, he chased after the early Christians, even to the point of torture and death. Can you imagine the kind of vision that would turn that kind of person, into the person writing these words?

"15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed."


The gospel didn’t just change everything for Paul, the gospel changed Paul himself. Has the gospel changed you? Do you exist with the gospel as some sort of myth or fairy tale or metaphor? Do you realize that there is something so much more? There is a truth, a historic, existential truth that will change everything if you allow it to intersect you. The truth of God can show you who you really are, what you’re really made for, and it can provide the spiritual power of transformation, so you don’t have to get there out of your own sheer willpower. The Gospel is soul formation, not self-help. The Gospel is what saves: That God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life, and life to the full.

As we end our time of prayer today, be attentive to what is of first importance, and ask God to draw you continually back to the truth and power of the gospel.

Music Credit:
"This is Love" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53487451Fri, 14 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 14 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15 "15...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 15

"15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed."

Today, one week after Good Friday, we’re reminded by Paul’s letter to the Corinthians what the gospel is... what the good news is... what is, as Paul writes, of first importance. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and raised on the third day. Paul says: if this isn’t what really happened... you’ve believed in vain. It’s not sentimental, and it’s not symbolic. It’s either nonsense, or it’s the most important thing that’s ever happened.

As you listen to the passage read again, listen for Paul’s intensity. Paul wasn’t originally a believer; he was a persecutor. Paul was not a disciple; he was a detractor. Until Paul was interrupted by a vision of the risen Christ, he chased after the early Christians, even to the point of torture and death. Can you imagine the kind of vision that would turn that kind of person, into the person writing these words?

"15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed."


The gospel didn’t just change everything for Paul, the gospel changed Paul himself. Has the gospel changed you? Do you exist with the gospel as some sort of myth or fairy tale or metaphor? Do you realize that there is something so much more? There is a truth, a historic, existential truth that will change everything if you allow it to intersect you. The...]]>918audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-13th--53514933
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 16

"1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Think about that phrase, ‘the boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places’. For me, it conjures up an image of a beautiful vista, filled with rolling hills and fresh streams. It calls to mind the green pastures of Psalm 23. Think about the boundary lines of your life and where they have fallen. Consider your relationships, your family, your ministry, your friendships, your work. Could you say that your boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places?

Wherever your boundary lines have fallen in your life, are you able to be thankful for the blessings that are in your life? Maybe that’s what the psalmist is getting at when he says, “Apart from you I have no good thing.” As you hear the passage again meditate on the good things that the Lord has brought into your life.

"1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."


The Psalmist says that his eyes are always on the Lord. What have your eyes been focused on lately? As we close our time, ask the Lord to give you grace to fix your gaze on him, to see glimpses of him throughout your day.

Music Credit:
Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53514933Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 13 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 16 "1 Keep me safe, my...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 16

"1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Think about that phrase, ‘the boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places’. For me, it conjures up an image of a beautiful vista, filled with rolling hills and fresh streams. It calls to mind the green pastures of Psalm 23. Think about the boundary lines of your life and where they have fallen. Consider your relationships, your family, your ministry, your friendships, your work. Could you say that your boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places?

Wherever your boundary lines have fallen in your life, are you able to be thankful for the blessings that are in your life? Maybe that’s what the psalmist is getting at when he says, “Apart from you I have no good thing.” As you hear the passage again meditate on the good things that the Lord has brought into your life.

"1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."


The Psalmist says that his eyes are always on the Lord. What have your eyes been focused on lately? As we close our time, ask the Lord to give you grace to fix your gaze on him, to see glimpses of him throughout your day.

Music Credit:
Reign in Me - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>711audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-12th--53487452
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 28

"28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew tells us that the women were afraid, yet filled with joy. All hope had been lost on Silent Saturday, and here they are: amazed. Terrified. Ecstatic. Can you imagine yourself, sitting with the Mary’s? It’s early, and there’s a chill in the air. The ground is wet with dew. There’s just a bit of light in the sky. You’re terrified. You’ve put all your chips on this Jesus. He valued you, as a woman, like no one you’d ever met. He’d treated you with dignity, like an honored sister. Your hopes were crushed when he breathed his last breath. You’ve no idea what to do next. Can you enter into that picture?
Isn’t it interesting that the angel of the lord appeared to two marginalized women? And the resurrected Jesus did too? Women were devalued in that culture, not counted as legal witnesses. No one would believe a woman, and no one would be expected to. I love that God works this way: he’s unexpected, he’s interruptive, he throws things upside down. It’s not only miraculous that Jesus appeared to two women first, it’s ironic. Almost snarky. It’s like God saying to the world, to culture, to natural law: see. I don’t have to do it your way. I can defeat death. I can honor those who you dishonor. I can lead by serving. I can be first, by being last. Through death... I can bring all the world to life. As you listen again, consider this upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.

"28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”


I love the word ‘suddenly’ in vs 9. Isn't’ that so often how Jesus comes to us? When we’re least expecting Him. Maybe even when we’re not even looking, or when we’ve given up hope? Do you know someone who’s given up hope for finding Jesus. Pray the word ‘suddenly’ over them today and ask God to intersect their life with the upside-down amazingness of His kingdom.

Music Credit:
Eden - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53487452Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 12 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 28

"28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew tells us that the women were afraid, yet filled with joy. All hope had been lost on Silent Saturday, and here they are: amazed. Terrified. Ecstatic. Can you imagine yourself, sitting with the Mary’s? It’s early, and there’s a chill in the air. The ground is wet with dew. There’s just a bit of light in the sky. You’re terrified. You’ve put all your chips on this Jesus. He valued you, as a woman, like no one you’d ever met. He’d treated you with dignity, like an honored sister. Your hopes were crushed when he breathed his last breath. You’ve no idea what to do next. Can you enter into that picture?
Isn’t it interesting that the angel of the lord appeared to two marginalized women? And the resurrected Jesus did too? Women were devalued in that culture, not counted as legal witnesses. No one would believe a woman, and no one would be expected to. I love that God works this way: he’s unexpected, he’s interruptive, he throws things upside down. It’s not only miraculous that Jesus appeared to two women first, it’s ironic. Almost snarky. It’s like God saying to the world, to culture, to natural law: see. I don’t have to do it your way. I can defeat death. I can honor those who you dishonor. I can lead by serving. I can be first, by being last. Through death... I can bring all the world to life. As you listen again, consider this upside-down nature of the kingdom of God.

"28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”


I love the word ‘suddenly’ in vs 9. Isn't’ that...]]>992audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-11th--53487450
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Colossians 3

"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

We get a lot of instructions in these few verses, don’t we? We're to clothe ourselves with compassion and humility and many other things. We’re to forgive one another – and not just a little bit, but as the Lord forgave us. We’re to put on love, be at peace, and practice thankfulness. It goes on and on... so... what do you think about all these instructions? What do you think about the intentional work it takes to practice all the virtues that Paul lists here? Do you find it envisioning and inspiring? Or exhausting?

Paul’s point is this: we, as the church, are supposed to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, bearing the likeness of Christ. And, he tells us in other places, that does not come naturally. It comes only super naturally, and with practice. In our own nature, we’re most often grumpy, selfish, we struggle to forgive. Of course, we are nice when others are nice to us first. (Or maybe that’s just me) As you listen to the passage again, be attentive to what particular instruction jumps out at you.

"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."


Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. What does that mean for you, today? In your family? With friends? At work? In traffic or on yet another zoom call with colleagues? As we end, ask God for the power of the resurrected Christ to fill you, and empower you live in the name of Jesus today.

Music Credit:
When You Come - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53487450Tue, 11 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 11 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Colossians 3

"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

We get a lot of instructions in these few verses, don’t we? We're to clothe ourselves with compassion and humility and many other things. We’re to forgive one another – and not just a little bit, but as the Lord forgave us. We’re to put on love, be at peace, and practice thankfulness. It goes on and on... so... what do you think about all these instructions? What do you think about the intentional work it takes to practice all the virtues that Paul lists here? Do you find it envisioning and inspiring? Or exhausting?

Paul’s point is this: we, as the church, are supposed to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, bearing the likeness of Christ. And, he tells us in other places, that does not come naturally. It comes only super naturally, and with practice. In our own nature, we’re most often grumpy, selfish, we struggle to forgive. Of course, we are nice when others are nice to us first. (Or maybe that’s just me) As you listen to the passage again, be attentive to what particular instruction jumps out at you.

"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."


Whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus. What does that mean for you, today? In your family? With friends? At work? In traffic or on yet another zoom call with colleagues? As we end, ask God for the power of the resurrected Christ to fill you, and empower you live in the name of Jesus today.

Music Credit:
When You Come - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>743audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-10th--53487453
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118

"The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD THROUGH WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS MAY ENTER. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."

Psalm 118 is the final piece of the liturgy of Passover, which celebrated Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Eqypt. The Psalmist is exuberant, singing songs of God’s strength, and of all
the marvelous things God has done. He is also confident in God’s power, and His ability to save. How are you feeling about the reality of who God is today?

Consider what ‘the stone the builders rejected’ means. New Testament author Peter refered to Jesus as the living stone: ‘as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men... but in the sight of God, chosen and precious...’ That is such a kingdom paradox: That the material that the world rejects, God chooses, and calls chosen... and precious. As you hear the scripture read again, consider how that truth might draw you, like the psalmist, to exuberances, and confidence in the character of God.

"The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD THROUGH WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS MAY ENTER. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."


Let us rejoice today and be glad! Can you take time today to practice ‘being glad’? Can you take time right now, as we end, to drop someone a text, or a note, or even a call... and speak a work of thanksgiving or gratitude to them? As we end our time of prayer, enter into the rest of your day with the intention of practicing, and demonstrating, the fruit of the spirit of joy.

Music Credit:
Giver of Life - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53487453Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is April 10 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 118 "The LORD is my strength and my...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118

"The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD THROUGH WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS MAY ENTER. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."

Psalm 118 is the final piece of the liturgy of Passover, which celebrated Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Eqypt. The Psalmist is exuberant, singing songs of God’s strength, and of all
the marvelous things God has done. He is also confident in God’s power, and His ability to save. How are you feeling about the reality of who God is today?

Consider what ‘the stone the builders rejected’ means. New Testament author Peter refered to Jesus as the living stone: ‘as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men... but in the sight of God, chosen and precious...’ That is such a kingdom paradox: That the material that the world rejects, God chooses, and calls chosen... and precious. As you hear the scripture read again, consider how that truth might draw you, like the psalmist, to exuberances, and confidence in the character of God.

"The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16 The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. 18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD THROUGH WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS MAY ENTER. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."


Let us rejoice today and be glad! Can you take time today to practice ‘being glad’? Can you take time right now, as we end, to drop someone a text, or a note, or even a call... and speak a work of thanksgiving or gratitude to them? As we end our time of prayer, enter into the rest of your day with the intention of practicing, and demonstrating, the fruit of the spirit of joy.

Music Credit:
Giver of Life - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-april-8th--53470451Silent Saturday Examen

Today is the Saturday Examen. This is what is known as Silent Saturday In Holy Week. Dr Suess has a line in his children’s book My Many Colored Days that goes: Gray day. Everything is Gray. I watch. But nothing moves today.

Today is the day in-between. The day where hope seemed lost. A day of quiet. Stillness. Nothing moved, today.

For today’s examen, we will practice silence for three minutes. Are you tempted to turn off the examen now? Do you find yourself thinking: silence isn’t useful? Silence will be a waste of my time? I can’t be silent for three minutes?

That’s okay. Learning how to be still is difficult. But it is not impossible. When we are still, we are like branches, abiding in the vine. When we are s
pasture. When we are still, we are like the wind and the waves, hearing the voice of Christ over us: Peace! Be still!

As we enter into our stillness, take time to quiet yourself. If you can, sit upright in a chair with both feet on the ground. Take slow, deep breaths. Keep your eyes closed if you can, to avoid distraction. A chime will ring at each minute to help you know you’re making progress through this quiet space! When you get distracted, or antsy, or impatient, remember that today is Saturday in Holy week. God is at work, but we are not. God is all knowing, but we’re confused. God is on the move – and so, we wait.

Keep bringing your attention back to his words:
Peace. Be Still.

Take a deep breath, and pray Come, Holy Spirit.
(keep music playing)

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. GOD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed are those who trusts in Him!

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53470451Sat, 08 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillSilent Saturday Examen Today is the Saturday Examen. This is what is known as Silent Saturday In Holy Week. Dr Suess has a line in his children’s book My Many Colored Days that goes: Gray day. Everything is Gray. I watch. But nothing moves today....Silent Saturday Examen

Today is the Saturday Examen. This is what is known as Silent Saturday In Holy Week. Dr Suess has a line in his children’s book My Many Colored Days that goes: Gray day. Everything is Gray. I watch. But nothing moves today.

Today is the day in-between. The day where hope seemed lost. A day of quiet. Stillness. Nothing moved, today.

For today’s examen, we will practice silence for three minutes. Are you tempted to turn off the examen now? Do you find yourself thinking: silence isn’t useful? Silence will be a waste of my time? I can’t be silent for three minutes?

That’s okay. Learning how to be still is difficult. But it is not impossible. When we are still, we are like branches, abiding in the vine. When we are s
pasture. When we are still, we are like the wind and the waves, hearing the voice of Christ over us: Peace! Be still!

As we enter into our stillness, take time to quiet yourself. If you can, sit upright in a chair with both feet on the ground. Take slow, deep breaths. Keep your eyes closed if you can, to avoid distraction. A chime will ring at each minute to help you know you’re making progress through this quiet space! When you get distracted, or antsy, or impatient, remember that today is Saturday in Holy week. God is at work, but we are not. God is all knowing, but we’re confused. God is on the move – and so, we wait.

Keep bringing your attention back to his words:
Peace. Be Still.

Take a deep breath, and pray Come, Holy Spirit.
(keep music playing)

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. GOD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed are those who trusts in Him!

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>523audio,bible,daily,devotional,easter,examen,lent,prayer,saturday,silentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-7th--53470449
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Isaiah 53

"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

John 18

"So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God." 8 When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; 9 he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." 12 Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." 13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gab'batha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" 15 They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 17 So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
19 Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

As we close our time of prayer, a reflection written by Fredreick Buechner:

"GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD," John writes, "that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." … To participate in the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ is to live already in his kingdom. This is the essence of the Christian message, the heart of the Good News, and it is why the cross has become the chief Christian symbol. A cross of all things—a guillotine, a gallows—but the cross at the same time as the crossroads of eternity and time, as the place where such a mighty heart was broken that the healing power of God himself could flow through it into a sick and broken world. It was for this reason that of all the possible words they could have used to describe the day of his death, the word they settled on was "good." Good Friday.

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. GOD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed are those who trusts in Him!

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Music Credit:
Room At the Table - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53470449Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:49:56 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Good Friday, in Holy Week. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Isaiah 53 "Who has believed...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Isaiah 53

"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

John 18

"So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God." 8 When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; 9 he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." 12 Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." 13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gab'batha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" 15 They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 17 So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
19 Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

As we close our time of prayer, a reflection written by Fredreick Buechner:

"GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD," John writes, "that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." … To participate in the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ is to live already in his kingdom. This is the essence of the Christian message, the heart of the Good News, and it is why the cross has become the chief Christian symbol. A cross of all things—a guillotine, a gallows—but the cross at the same time as the crossroads of eternity and time, as the place where such a mighty...]]>668audio,bible,daily,devotional,easter,friday,good,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-6th--53418656
The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandātum means mandate, or command. This is in reference to the command Jesus gave his disciples to “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s first reading is from the Gospel of John, 13:2-17

"12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

In Jesus’ day, a host would often have their servant wash the feet of guests. This was an act of hospitality, as well as of practicality. But it was an act that would have been always done by the servant. By the least member of the household. Jesus took on the very nature of a servant, scripture tells us elsewhere, but here’s where we see it. This week, right now... Jesus comes toward you. He looks at you, and at your mess, and at all the proverbial dust on your proverbial feet. He slowly grabs a towel, some water, and he sits down in front of you. You know you’re filthy. You know he shouldn’t be doing this. You wonder: where’s the servant?? Why is Jesus doing this? It’s embarrassing, almost. And then he begins to spill water over your feet, and wipe them clean. Later he tells you this: go do the same thing. Go take on the nature of the servant. Go get down on one knee. Go tend to the messy places and the dusty places in the lives of those around you. Can you hear his words to you? His command?

Todays second reading comes from Mark 14:17-25

"17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”
20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."

What a disorienting day Maundy Thursday is. Jesus washing feet, telling his disciples ot do the same. Jesus, sitting back relaxed at the table, casually mentioning his own betrayal. Jesus, telling them that the bread they were eating and the wine they were drinking was his body, his blood. Imagine being there that Thursday. Is your mind spinning? Are you confused? Worried?

In the midst of all that confusion, all that disorientation, Jesus gives the command that Christians remember every Holy Week on Maundy Thursday: Love one another, as I have loved you. The simplicity of this command cuts through the confusion, doesn’t it? That command is the ‘true north’ of all Christians: that we love one another, as Christ loved us. As we end our time of prayer today, and as we turn toward sunrise tomorrow, and all that Good Friday will bring... ask God to fill you with the power of his Holy Spirit to love others – to truly love - as He does.

Music Credit:
You Give Us Peace (feat. Paul Cullen & Scarlett) - Heaven And Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53418656Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Maundy Thursday, the fifth day of Holy Week. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandātum means mandate, or command. This is in reference to the command Jesus gave his disciples to “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Grace to...
The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandātum means mandate, or command. This is in reference to the command Jesus gave his disciples to “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s first reading is from the Gospel of John, 13:2-17

"12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

In Jesus’ day, a host would often have their servant wash the feet of guests. This was an act of hospitality, as well as of practicality. But it was an act that would have been always done by the servant. By the least member of the household. Jesus took on the very nature of a servant, scripture tells us elsewhere, but here’s where we see it. This week, right now... Jesus comes toward you. He looks at you, and at your mess, and at all the proverbial dust on your proverbial feet. He slowly grabs a towel, some water, and he sits down in front of you. You know you’re filthy. You know he shouldn’t be doing this. You wonder: where’s the servant?? Why is Jesus doing this? It’s embarrassing, almost. And then he begins to spill water over your feet, and wipe them clean. Later he tells you this: go do the same thing. Go take on the nature of the servant. Go get down on one knee. Go tend to the messy places and the dusty places in the lives of those around you. Can you hear his words to you? His command?

Todays second reading comes from Mark 14:17-25

"17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”
20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."

What a disorienting day Maundy Thursday is. Jesus washing feet, telling his disciples ot do the same. Jesus, sitting back relaxed at the table, casually mentioning his own betrayal. Jesus, telling them that the bread they were eating and the wine they were drinking was his body, his blood. Imagine being there that Thursday. Is your mind spinning? Are you confused? Worried?

In the midst of all that confusion, all that disorientation, Jesus gives the command that Christians remember every Holy Week on Maundy Thursday: Love one another, as I have loved you. The simplicity of this command cuts through the confusion, doesn’t it? That command is the ‘true north’ of all...]]>653audio,bible,daily,devotional,holy,lent,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-5th--53418655
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 26:14-16

"14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

On Wednesday of Holy Week, we consider an action of betrayal. One friend prepares to turn another friend in to the authorities. One friend turns another friend over to his death. Judas Iscariot had been with Jesus along with the other disciples. He’d seen the same miracles. He’d heard the same messages. He’d walked the same paths. He’d listened to Jesus talk about the kingdom of God. How do you imagine this shift toward cynicism and betrayal grew in Judas’ heart?

“What are you willing to give me?” These remind me of the kind of words that invite temptation to vice.
The real question they’re asking is more important: “What am I willing to sell out for?” “What’s the price of my friendship? My loyalty? My faithfulness?” As you listen to the passage again, consider what Judas’ frame of mind must have been like in this moment.

"14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

Thirty pieces of silver. Not a ton of money. Not an insignificant amount either. Scholars disagree about the value. But we know that after the exchange, Judas had regrets. He was remorseful. He went to the chief priests and tried to return the money. Why? He was clearly a conflicted man. “What are you willing to give me?” he asked. But Jesus had already answered that question when he said: I have come that you might have life – and life to the full! As we end our time today, can you identify with Judas’ remorse? Can you feel his sudden realization that it’d gone all wrong? Can you sit with Judas, head in his hands, full of grief and sorrow? Trying to make it right? But can you, like Judas did not, cast your sorrows and regrets and repentance onto Christ himself, and find yourself welcomed back, yet again, into His care and keeping?

Music Credit:
Have Mercy (feat. Napsai Orlai) - Heaven Ane Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53418655Wed, 05 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Wednesday, the fourth day of Holy Week. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 26:14-16

"14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

On Wednesday of Holy Week, we consider an action of betrayal. One friend prepares to turn another friend in to the authorities. One friend turns another friend over to his death. Judas Iscariot had been with Jesus along with the other disciples. He’d seen the same miracles. He’d heard the same messages. He’d walked the same paths. He’d listened to Jesus talk about the kingdom of God. How do you imagine this shift toward cynicism and betrayal grew in Judas’ heart?

“What are you willing to give me?” These remind me of the kind of words that invite temptation to vice.
The real question they’re asking is more important: “What am I willing to sell out for?” “What’s the price of my friendship? My loyalty? My faithfulness?” As you listen to the passage again, consider what Judas’ frame of mind must have been like in this moment.

"14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

Thirty pieces of silver. Not a ton of money. Not an insignificant amount either. Scholars disagree about the value. But we know that after the exchange, Judas had regrets. He was remorseful. He went to the chief priests and tried to return the money. Why? He was clearly a conflicted man. “What are you willing to give me?” he asked. But Jesus had already answered that question when he said: I have come that you might have life – and life to the full! As we end our time today, can you identify with Judas’ remorse? Can you feel his sudden realization that it’d gone all wrong? Can you sit with Judas, head in his hands, full of grief and sorrow? Trying to make it right? But can you, like Judas did not, cast your sorrows and regrets and repentance onto Christ himself, and find yourself welcomed back, yet again, into His care and keeping?

Music Credit:
Have Mercy (feat. Napsai Orlai) - Heaven Ane Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>612audio,bible,daily,devotional,holy,lent,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-4th--53418654
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 21:45-46

"45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet."

The chief priests had a lot going on when it came to their interactions with Jesus: they were listening to him. They felt paranoid maybe, knowing he was talking about them. They were angry, and wanted to arrest him. They were also afraid of the crowd. Imagine you were one of
them. Imagine you were convinced you were in the right. You were the moral and religious leader.
Imagine how you would feel, struggling with the strangeness of the message of Christ.

We don’t often take time to consider the pharisees in the Bible. They were very religious people. They were leaders. They were so certain in their followership of God. Yet there were also fearful, angry, and paranoid. Murderous, even. As you listen again, consider the pharisees in this text. What feelings or thoughts does it bring up? Is there anything about their religiosity, their rigid moralism, their judgementalism.... that feels familiar?

"45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet."

A part of Holy Week is recognizing that we find parts of ourselves all the way through it, in every scene, every day. We find ourselves in the singing crowds at Palm Sunday, buying and selling in the Temple on Monday... watching Jesus turn tables... and today – maybe we find ourselves in the Pharisees as well. Maybe there are parts of our hearts that are angry. Or judgmental. Or afraid. As we end our time of prayer, bring all of the parts of yourself to Jesus.

Music Credit:
Are You Who You Say You Are? (feat. Paul Cullen) - Heaven And Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53418654Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Tuesday, the third day of Holy Week. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 21:45-46

"45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet."

The chief priests had a lot going on when it came to their interactions with Jesus: they were listening to him. They felt paranoid maybe, knowing he was talking about them. They were angry, and wanted to arrest him. They were also afraid of the crowd. Imagine you were one of
them. Imagine you were convinced you were in the right. You were the moral and religious leader.
Imagine how you would feel, struggling with the strangeness of the message of Christ.

We don’t often take time to consider the pharisees in the Bible. They were very religious people. They were leaders. They were so certain in their followership of God. Yet there were also fearful, angry, and paranoid. Murderous, even. As you listen again, consider the pharisees in this text. What feelings or thoughts does it bring up? Is there anything about their religiosity, their rigid moralism, their judgementalism.... that feels familiar?

"45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet."

A part of Holy Week is recognizing that we find parts of ourselves all the way through it, in every scene, every day. We find ourselves in the singing crowds at Palm Sunday, buying and selling in the Temple on Monday... watching Jesus turn tables... and today – maybe we find ourselves in the Pharisees as well. Maybe there are parts of our hearts that are angry. Or judgmental. Or afraid. As we end our time of prayer, bring all of the parts of yourself to Jesus.

Music Credit:
Are You Who You Say You Are? (feat. Paul Cullen) - Heaven And Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>503audio,bible,daily,devotional,holy,lent,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/april-3rd--53418653
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark 11:15-17

"15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus enter the temple courts making what can only be described as a scene. If yesterday the people saw him as a humble king... riding into Jerusalem on a donkey... today he’s a frustrated prophet: loud, interruptive, and speaking judgement. Jesus quotes the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah in this text.... Something he was seeing in the temple must have reminded him of that old scripture. Imagine being in the crowd as Jesus was going around overturning tables. What would that have felt like?

There would have been nothing unusual about all the buying and selling, even the money changing. That was standard fare. It was like a market in a city center, providing supplies for the pilgrims who journeyed there. But something about it had become bent, or twisted. The motivations had become disordered. It was likely that the money changers were keeping -people with less means from being able to worship God in the Temple. Maybe it was greed, or selfishness, or turning what was meant to be spiritual into what was simply mechanistic or utilitarian. Whatever it was precisely, on this day of

Holy Week, Jesus reminds us to take our place in his house – seriously. To not forget how easy it is to get coopted by materialism or the
culture around us. To stay, as Jesus quote Jeremiah: a house of prayer for all nations. As you listen to the scripture again, listen for the heart underneath Jesus’ actions and words.

"15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

As we enter Holy week, consider that we often hold the same paradoxes and tensions that the temple did that day: we’re filled with spiritual motivations, and filled with disordered motivations. What are the tensions you find in your own self today? Is there any place in your heart, or your mind, or your actions that Jesus might want to turn upside down? To make right? Ask God for grace today to receive him as prophet, and for humility to hear his words of correction and reordering over your life.

Music Credit:
House Of Prayer (feat. Kenyatta Pinkney) - Heaven And Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53418653Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Monday the second day of Holy Week. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark 11:15-17

"15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus enter the temple courts making what can only be described as a scene. If yesterday the people saw him as a humble king... riding into Jerusalem on a donkey... today he’s a frustrated prophet: loud, interruptive, and speaking judgement. Jesus quotes the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah in this text.... Something he was seeing in the temple must have reminded him of that old scripture. Imagine being in the crowd as Jesus was going around overturning tables. What would that have felt like?

There would have been nothing unusual about all the buying and selling, even the money changing. That was standard fare. It was like a market in a city center, providing supplies for the pilgrims who journeyed there. But something about it had become bent, or twisted. The motivations had become disordered. It was likely that the money changers were keeping -people with less means from being able to worship God in the Temple. Maybe it was greed, or selfishness, or turning what was meant to be spiritual into what was simply mechanistic or utilitarian. Whatever it was precisely, on this day of

Holy Week, Jesus reminds us to take our place in his house – seriously. To not forget how easy it is to get coopted by materialism or the
culture around us. To stay, as Jesus quote Jeremiah: a house of prayer for all nations. As you listen to the scripture again, listen for the heart underneath Jesus’ actions and words.

"15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

As we enter Holy week, consider that we often hold the same paradoxes and tensions that the temple did that day: we’re filled with spiritual motivations, and filled with disordered motivations. What are the tensions you find in your own self today? Is there any place in your heart, or your mind, or your actions that Jesus might want to turn upside down? To make right? Ask God for grace today to receive him as prophet, and for humility to hear his words of correction and reordering over your life.

Music Credit:
House Of Prayer (feat. Kenyatta Pinkney) - Heaven And Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>687audio,bible,daily,devotional,holy,lent,weekfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-april-1st--53342339
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53342339Sat, 01 Apr 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-31st--53341648
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34

"32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?

As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion?

"32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? AS we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lent for Christians starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on either the evening of Maundy Thursday or on sundown of Holy Saturday (day before Easter Sunday). However, the practices of Lent do not end until sundown on Holy Saturday for all Christian denominations. So it is 44 days from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday and another two days with Good Friday and Holy Saturday added to give a total of 46 days for Lent. But Sundays are excluded from fasting during Lent and with 6 Sundays removed from the count we get lent being a 40-day liturgical period.

Music Credit:
Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53341648Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 38th day of Lent May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10:32-34

"32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

The disciples were astonished, and those who followed Jesus were afraid. The disciples seem confused in this part of the gospels. Jesus keeps telling them what’s going to happen, and that he’s got to go away. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear your best friend, your leader, your hope… say these words to you?

As you listen to the scripture again, put yourself in their sandals and try to hear with their ears: They don’t know what you know. They don’t know the Easter story. All they know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who has demonstrated to them a new kind of Kingdom, is telling them he is going to be condemned, mocked, tortured, and killed. Can you imagine their experience of crisis and confusion?

"32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

As we head toward Holy Week, it can be easy to skip straight to Easter and the historic Christian celebration of the miraculous resurrection of the Christ. But can you slow down a bit? Can you enter into Holy Week one day at a time? Can you allow yourself to feel the anticipation, the confusion, the crisis, the fear, the despair… that comes between now and Easter Sunday? AS we end our time of prayer today, and as we look toward Holy Week, choose several individuals to pray for by name… pray for their faith to be stirred up or maybe enlivened for a first time, pray for their passion for God to grow, and pray for the Spirit of God to draw near to them as Easter approaches.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lent for Christians starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on either the evening of Maundy Thursday or on sundown of Holy Saturday (day before Easter Sunday). However, the practices of Lent do not end until sundown on Holy Saturday for all Christian denominations. So it is 44 days from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday and another two days with Good Friday and Holy Saturday added to give a total of 46 days for Lent. But Sundays are excluded from fasting during Lent and with 6 Sundays removed from the count we get lent being a 40-day liturgical period.

Music Credit:
Abounding Grace - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at...]]>754audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-30th--53341650
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.

Philippians 1:1-11
"1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”

Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart.

"1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Above All Else - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53341650Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 37th day of Lent Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Philippians chapter 1.

Philippians 1:1-11
"1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

A summary for this whole passage could be, “When you love someone with the love of Christ, you pray for them. Love is the motive and the fuel for prayer.” The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in the city of Philippi. He is overflowing with thanksgiving as he prays. Why? He says, “because I have you in my heart.” He says that he “longs for them with the affection of Jesus.”

Can you identify with Paul’s words here? Think for a moment about someone that God has hidden away in your heart. Is there someone in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus? Call that person to mind.
What is it about that person that God has placed in your heart to pray for that person? As you hear Paul’s words again, try and pray Paul’s prayer over the person that God has hidden away in your heart.

"1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

As we close our time today, don’t forget to pray for yourself. Pray that the good work that God began in you would be carried through to completion. Pray that your love may abound more and more and that you may be able to discern God’s best. And pray that you may be kept pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In...]]>757audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-29th--53341646
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-41

"36 “You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul."

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?

God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words: “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:

"36 “You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul."

Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53341646Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 36th day of Lent May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Jeremiah 32:36-41

"36 “You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul."

Sometimes Old Testament scriptures are confusing. On the one hand, God seems to be like a jealous God, or He seems to speak out of anger. But then suddenly we also see a revelation of his character as a rescuer, as a redeemer, as a protector. How do scriptures like this make you feel when you read them?

God reveals himself through scripture as not just a God who loves, but as a God who IS love. He also is revealed as a God who IS love and who is always in pursuit of those He loves. There is a wonderful poem from the English poet Francis Thomspon called The Hounds of Heaven… Thompson suffered from depression and lived a life of drug addiction and poverty. He writes that he fled from God… and he ends the poem with these words: “Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!” As you listen again, listen to the voice of God seeking after His people:

"36 “You are saying about this city, ‘By the sword, famine and plague it will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon’; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul."

Like the poet, many of us at many times run away from God. We’re like the prodigal son… looking for the best the world has to give while running in the wrong direction. Is there anywhere in your life that you’re running from God? Running from a reconciliation? Running from a confession? Running from a calling to vocation? As we end, could you imagine yourself slowing down, getting still, and inviting God to be present to the thing you’re running from?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Eternal Light - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by...]]>643audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-28th--53341649
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.

"1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?

You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.

"1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Adore Him - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53341649Tue, 28 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 35th day of Lent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Ephesians chapter 2.

"1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Lent is a season of reflection where we consider things in our lives that pull us away from the love of God. The Apostle Paul specifically mentions our tendency to gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts. He says that even though we try to gratify ourselves, we can’t, and they make us spiritually dead. Think for a moment about the cravings that you have in your life. How are you trying to fill those cravings with worldly things?

You have been raised to life with Christ. Christ is now your means of fulfilling your cravings. As you hear the passage again, imagine God filling every desire with his love. Imagine him being the fulfillment of every craving that you have. Imagine yourself coming back to life as he fills you.

"1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

As you continue through your day, remind yourself that this is a work of grace from beginning to end. You didn’t start it, and you can’t complete it. God rescued you when you were dead, God is bringing you to life, and God will raise you up on the last day. Thank God for his incredible grace in your life.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Adore Him -...]]>820audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-27th--53341645
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 143

"1 LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land."

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?

Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.

"1 LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land."

The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53341645Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 34th day of Lent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 143 "1 LORD, hear my...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 143

"1 LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land."

The Psalmist sounds at his end, doesn’t he? He feels pursued, crushed, like he dwells in darkness. His heart feels faint, and his spirit is dismayed. Have you ever felt so entirely spent? Like you’ve got barely a drop of energy left? Or barely a drop of faith left? Take the next quiet moments to honestly consider this question: what’s the condition of your own soul today? If you were to paint a picture of the state of your soul right now, what would that picture look like?

Maybe you feel full of life, like a small child filled with energy . Maybe you feel fierce and committed, like a strong tree standing against a storm. Or maybe, like the psalmist, you feel like a parched land… Dry. Dusty. Dismayed. Listen to the psalm again and note the actions that he takes alongside giving voice to how he’s feeling.

"1 LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land."

The Psalmist remembers. Meditates. Considers. He spread out my hands to God. He thirsts for God. The Psalmist brings his whole self to God. Do you know that you can bring your whole self to God? Not only the parts that are happy and healthy? But the parts that are in pain? The parts that feel shadowed? The parts that hurt? Actually, let’s say that another way: did you know that God is already present to your whole self. He is always near to you. In His faithfulness and righteousness, He will come to your relief. As we end our time of prayer today, consider giving your word to taking a few moments during your day around lunch, and again around dinner, where you will take a moment to quiet yourself, take a deep breath, and sit in stillness for a few moments inviting God to make you aware of His presence.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Catch Your Breath - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>706audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-25th--53240312
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240312Sat, 25 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-24th--53240137
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

Revelation 11:15-19
"15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm."

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.

Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t.

This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!

"15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm."

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240137Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 31st day of Lent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book Revelation, chapter 11.

Revelation 11:15-19
"15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm."

The book of Revelation, with its epic apocalyptic imagery, stirs great emotion. Maybe those emotions are unsettling. Nations raging against God. God rewarding the faithful and judging the dead, destroying those who destroy the earth. Flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquakes. Notice what this imagery stirs up in you.

Maybe we feel fearful of these images because we realize that we are small and out of control. But keep in mind that these images in the book of Revelation were given to bring comfort to those who were small and out of control. It’s a reminder that God will make everything right again when we can’t.

This is the moment when his reign and rule are fully established. As you hear the passage again, imagine your voice added to the voices in heaven that proclaim “he will reign forever and ever”!

"15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm."

When we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done”, this is what we are praying for—that God’s reign and rule would be fully established in the world, and in our lives. As we close our time, think of one area of your life, or a situation in the world where God’s kingdom has not been fully established. Pray “your kingdom come, your will be done” over that situation.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>710audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-23rd--53240140
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14

"9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving?

Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life.

"9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote (quote) "in any definition we may give of New Testament joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete. Joy, in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (end quote) (Life in Christ Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

We live in an age that is marked for many by anxiety, depression, isolation, and exhaustion. As we end, would you invite God to give you the gift of His joy… Not a joy that pretends, or a joy that ignores, or a joy that denies… but a joy that can be present to you, no matter your circumstances, by the power of God’s spirit?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240140Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 30th day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Colossians, chapter 1:9-14

"9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

In this passage, Paul gives us several examples of what it looks like to please God: that we bear good fruit, that we grow in our knowledge of God, that we are strengthened by the Spirit, that we demonstrate endurance and patience, and that we are filled with joyful thanksgiving. Which of these is an area in your spiritual life that feels most vibrant, most alive? Can you see areas of good fruit being born in your day-to-day life? … Is your time of study and growth in knowledge going well? … do you feel strengthened by the Spirit’s presence regularly? … Are you practicing endurance and patience right now? … Is your life marked by joy and thanksgiving? Where are you thriving?

Like anything else, we tend to focus our spiritual attention on things that come naturally to us, and we often need to put extra effort toward other areas. As you listen to the passage read again, identify one marker that feels like an area of weakness, or of gap in your life.

"9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

I love how often scripture speaks of joy! CS Lewis wrote that Joy is the serious business of Heaven. The Apostle Paul, who by all accounts was likely a pretty intense fellow, wrote often of joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh minister and doctor, wrote (quote) "in any definition we may give of New Testament joy, we do not go to a dictionary; we go to the New Testament instead. This is something quite peculiar which cannot be explained; it is a quality which belongs to the Christian life in its essence, so that in our definition of joy we must be very careful that it conforms to what we see in our Lord. The world has never seen anyone who knew joy as our Lord knew it, and yet He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” So our definition of joy must somehow correspond to that… Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words it comes to this -There is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies...]]>886audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-22nd--53240141
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

Matthew 9:27-34
"27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240141Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 29th day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9.

Matthew 9:27-34
"27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
Consider that these two men had likely been blind for many years, perhaps their whole lives. And consider that they were outcasts because of it, marginalized in their society. And consider that maybe they had prayed over and over again that their condition would change, but it hadn’t. What do you think that did to their faith?
Yet Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” What do you think it was about Jesus, about this moment, that allowed them to say, “Yes, Lord”? As you hear the passage again, call to mind one area of your life that you’ve given up praying about. You don’t think change is possible. Imagine that Jesus is addressing you with the question, “Do you believe.”
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they replied.
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

As you go through your day today, continue to bring to God that thing in your life that you’ve given up on. Ask him to increase your faith, to stir up in you what you don’t have in yourself—faith that he truly is able to do all things.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>732audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-21st--53240139
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21

"14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the LORD FOR THE SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS TO MAKE HIS LAW GREAT AND GLORIOUS."

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?

Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention.

"14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the LORD FOR THE SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS TO MAKE HIS LAW GREAT AND GLORIOUS."


I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you, today, commit yourself to maintaining focus on your followership of Jesus… to keep ‘paying attention’ to Christ? And as we end our time of prayer today, consider writing this scripture down and working to memorize it this week: I will turn the darkness into light before them, and make the rough places smooth.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240139Tue, 21 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 28th day of Lent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Isaiah, chapter 42:14-21

"14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the LORD FOR THE SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS TO MAKE HIS LAW GREAT AND GLORIOUS."

This is a passage filled with the passion of God: both His judgment and frustration against those who trust in idols… and his presence and provision for those who love Him. We hear a familiar theme in these verses about those to whom God has revealed Himself, but who nonetheless pay Him no attention: “you have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen...” Think back over your life as a follower of Jesus: what are the ‘many things’ that you have seen God do? How has He protected you, or provided for you? … Are those things easy for you to forget? To take for granted?

Have you ever experienced what it’s like when someone doesn’t pay you the proper attention? Maybe you are a parent, or a child, or a teacher, or a friend… and someone you love isn’t listening to your words of compassion, of concern, or of wise counsel. What is it like to love someone deeply… yet to experience them as not paying attention to you? As you listen to this passage again, consider God’s demonstrations of persistence and patience as we, over and over, fail to pay him attention.

"14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the LORD FOR THE SAKE OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS TO MAKE HIS LAW GREAT AND GLORIOUS."


I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah’s words remind us that God is not only patient with us, and not only persistent with us, but that he is so very kind to us. While we don’t pay attention, while we turn away… He continues in his faithfulness. Could you,...]]>981audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-20th--53240138
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59

"9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.
11 We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.
12 For our offenses are many in your sight,
and our sins testify against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord,
turning our backs on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14 So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that
reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For
deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that
was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for
you?

But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So
he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God
intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it
was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.

"9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.
11 We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.
12 For our offenses are many in your sight,
and our sins testify against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord,
turning our backs on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14 So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."

If you find yourself in a situation where it feels like God is absent, remember that God has
already moved on your behalf through Christ. And remind yourself that he will move again. As
you walk through your day, ask God to stir his hope in you that he will come again.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from
your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53240138Mon, 20 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 27th day of Lent The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59 "9 So justice is far...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Isaiah 59

"9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.
11 We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.
12 For our offenses are many in your sight,
and our sins testify against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord,
turning our backs on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14 So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak."

Lent is a season that acknowledges the absence of God in the world. Isaiah acknowledges that
reality in his poetry. We look for light, but all is darkness. We look for justice, but find none. For
deliverance, but it is far away. Have you ever experienced a season in your life, a situation that
was full of darkness, or without deliverance? Can you recall what that experience was like for
you?

But God doesn’t leave us in darkness. He was appalled that there was no one to intervene. So
he put on righteousness and salvation and stepped into the world himself. In Christ, God
intervened. As you hear the passage again, think about this from God’s perspective. What it
was it like for God to see our hopelessness, and for him to be moved to intervene.

"9 So justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We look for light, but all is darkness;
for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10 Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
At midday we stumble as if it were twilight;
among the strong, we are like the dead.
11 We all growl like bears;
we moan mournfully like doves.
We look for justice, but find none;
for deliverance, but it is far away.
12 For our offenses are many in your sight,
and our sins testify against us.
Our offenses are ever with us,
and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord,
turning our backs on our God,
inciting revolt and oppression,
uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14 So justice is driven back,
and righteousness stands at a distance;
truth has stumbled in the streets,
honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on...]]>865audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-18th--53183063
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53183063Sat, 18 Mar 2023 04:05:02 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-17th--53161935
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

"Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idol
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.

"Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161935Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 24th day of Lent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1st...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 15.

"Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idol
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

Throughout scripture God condemns hypocrisy in our worship—when the outside form of worship doesn’t line up with the inward reality of our lives. We sometimes think that means that our inside feelings should match our outward worship—that when we sing to God, that we should have passionate feelings about God. But Samuel says that’s doesn’t solve our problem of hypocrisy. He says that what God delights in isn’t having the right feelings about him, but being obedient to him, doing the thing that he says. Consider for a moment a place in your life where you are being obedient to the Lord.

Now, consider for a moment a place where you are being disobedient to the Lord. Is there a place where God is asking something of you but you feel resistant to obey? Maybe out of fear of what it may cost you. As you listen again, ask God for a spirit of courage to trust and obey the Lord in what he is asking of you today.

"Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

As you continue through your day, ask for a soft heart to God’s voice and be obedient to one thing that he speaks to you. It could be a small thing that feels insignificant, like saying a kind word to someone in a moment of frustration. Whatever the Lord places on your heart, ask for grace to be obedient to him in that moment.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
If You Say Go - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>747audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-16th--53161933
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.

"1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?

David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
(CEV)

"You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord."

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161933Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 23rd day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 23. "1 The...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 23.

"1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

This King James version of Psalm 23 is familiar to many. The Shepherd takes us on a journey in these short few verses. From green pastures of abundant grazing to still restful waters, along arduous paths of righteous obedience, through the shadow of death’s mountains. As you consider your life’s journey at the moment, how would you describe the view? Is it peaceful or tumultuous? Are you full and abundant, or in deprivation? Are you protected, or is danger lurking?

David took comfort in the Shepherd’s rod and staff. The Shepherd’s rod warded off danger when David threw it at attacking predators. And the staff was a tool of rescue, pulling the sheep from precarious and dangerous situation. As you hear the passage read in a different version, think of a situation where you need God to ward off danger, to rescue you from a precarious situation.
(CEV)

"You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord."

The last scene is one of a homecoming after a long journey. You arrive safely at home, savor an abundant feast, and you enjoy God’s presence forever. As you walk with God today, allow this picture of homecoming to give you energy to walk with him in trust.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Breathe In, Sing Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>662audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-15th--53161931
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.

“10 Go west and look in the land of Cyprus; go east and search through the land of Kedar. Has anyone ever heard of anything as strange as this? 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
for worthless idols! 12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. 13 “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"

God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.

“10 Go west and look in the land of Cyprus; go east and search through the land of Kedar. Has anyone ever heard of anything as strange as this? 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! 12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. 13 “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"

As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Mighty River - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161931Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 22nd day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 2.

“10 Go west and look in the land of Cyprus; go east and search through the land of Kedar. Has anyone ever heard of anything as strange as this? 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God
for worthless idols! 12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. 13 “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"

God regularly speaks to his people about “living water”. It’s an interesting expression. But think about how important water would have been in that environment for survival. Much of the Holy Land was desert. The closest body of water to Jerusalem was so full of salt that they called it the Dead Sea; no plants or living creatures could survive in it. And God speaks to his people again and again and, in place of dead water or having a lack of water, he offers them abundant, living water. The scriptures speak of this living water flowing from God’s throne in heaven. How do you think people would have felt when they heard this offer of living water?

At the same time, the scriptures speak of people turning away from this living water. Digging their own wells. Storing water in cracked containers. Becoming sick on the water they drink. That’s a powerful image. As you hear the passage again, think about the wells you have dug to find life rather than drink from God.

“10 Go west and look in the land of Cyprus; go east and search through the land of Kedar. Has anyone ever heard of anything as strange as this? 11 Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! 12 The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. 13 “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!"

As you continue through your day today, try and hold a simple phrase in your mind—“I’ll drink from you, Lord.” And throughout the day today, repeat it quietly to the Lord. “I’ll drink from you, Lord.”

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Mighty River - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>798audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-14th--53161934
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Corinthians chapter 10.

"1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ."

The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

"1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ."

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
The Name - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161934Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 21st day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1st Corinthians chapter 10.

"1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ."

The Apostle Paul is reminding us that we are a part of a much bigger story than we could imagine. Aren’t you in awe when we read the stories of what God did with those people? But Paul says, It’s not just their story; it’s your story. Those people who passed through the Red Sea, who followed the cloud, who miraculously survived in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, they didn’t know it at the time, but it was Christ who was with them. And the same is true for you and me today. In your journey from bondage to baptism, from wilderness to promised land, it is Christ who is there with you every step of the way. How does it make you feel to be connected to this story that lives through the ages?

As you hear this short passage again, ask God to show you the ways that he has been miraculously involved in your life up until now.

"1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ."

Think of someone you know who is journeying through life but doesn’t know Christ, or maybe they have lost their way in the wilderness. Maybe it’s been some time since they’ve seen God’s miraculous provision in their life. As we close our time today, pray for Christ to reveal himself to them.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
The Name - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>582audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-13th--53161932
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me! 9 You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. 10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! 14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; they would be doomed forever. 16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me! 9 You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. 10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! 14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; they would be doomed forever. 16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161932Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 20th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 81. “Listen to me, O my...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 81.

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me! 9 You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. 10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! 14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; they would be doomed forever. 16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

The season of Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our hearts. This psalm tells the repeating tale not just of the nation of Israel but about our own personal lives. God has shown his power by rescuing Israel from Egypt, by rescuing us from sin, yet we continue to turn away from him. We follow our own ideas and pursue our own paths instead of following and pursuing God’s path. How would you characterize your own life right now? Are you pursuing God or have you been drawn to other paths?

Another song writer put it this way, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love: Take my heart, oh, take and seal it, with thy Spirit from above.” As you hear the passage again, consider how your heart is prone to wander from the God you love, and ask God to seal your heart with his Spirit again.

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me! 9 You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. 10 For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
11 “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. 12 So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! 14 How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! 15 Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; they would be doomed forever. 16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

The Psalm ends with a reminder of what God wants for you: he wants to bless you! He wants to deliver you, he wants to feed you and to satisfy you! As we close our time of prayer, remind yourself that your path will be full of blessing as you choose to follow God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Restore - Samuel Lane/Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon...]]>757audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-11th--53161794
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53161794Sat, 11 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-10th--53101572
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95

"1Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?

"1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53101572Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 17th day of Lent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 95...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95

"1Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

This psalm describes the bigness of God but also the tenderness of God. He holds the depth of the earth in his hand. Imagine that—the earth in his hand. And the seas are like droplets of water in his hand. He fashioned the mountains like an artist fashions clay. As you think about the vastness of creation, of the cosmos, and how God created everything, how does that make you feel?

If you feel insignificant, you shouldn’t. Because the psalmist says that God isn’t just big, but he is tender. He isn’t just the Maker; he is our Maker. He isn’t just any God; he is our God. And he isn’t just a king, but he is a shepherd. You are like a sheep under his care. As you hear the passage again, can you feel both the bigness and the tenderness of God?

"1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

The psalmist says, “Come, sing for joy” “Shout aloud”. As we close our time today, respond to the psalm by singing for joy, even shouting aloud to the Lord, for his greatness in your life.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Thanks and Praise - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>562audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-9th--53101571
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1

"15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.

"15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53101571Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 16th day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1 "15...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Colossians 1

"15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Do you ever wonder, What is God like? I think we often wonder that, especially when we are walking through confusion, or through pain, or when we don’t sense God’s presence. Is God good, is he loving, does God even care? The Apostle Paul reminds us of something incredibly important—we can know what God is like because we know what Jesus is like. “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Imagine Jesus in the room with you right now. What would he say to you? What would he do for you?

We can know what God is like because we know what Jesus was like. Paul says here that Christ has reconciled all things to himself. As you hear the passage again, think about how he has reconciled you to himself and thank him for the peace you now have with God.

"15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

“In him all things hold together.” As you continue your day today, thank God that he holds your life together. Thank God that he holds the universe together. And continue your day in a posture of trust in his goodness and faithfulness.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>660audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-8th--53101573
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8

"1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?
Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.

"1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
O My Soul - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53101573Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the 15th day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 8

"1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Take a moment and place yourself as a bystander in the scene. You are there in the Temple courts as an ordinary person wanting to hear from this popular teacher, Jesus. And with great commotion, the teachers of the Law, people who love God fiercely, bring in a woman caught in Adultery. What do you hear them saying? How do you feel about what you hear?

Think now about the woman who is there. What do you feel when you look at her? Embarrassment, judgment, compassion, anger at what’s happening to her?
Now look at Jesus, bending down. What do you think he was writing on the ground? As you hear the passage again, think about someone in your life who you find hard to forgive. Or someone who needs to experience God’s mercy, and ask to see them with new eyes.

"1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

The older ones went away first. That tells us something about wisdom, but it also tells us something about how God wants our lives to increasingly be marked by mercy. As we close our time of prayer, think of one person that you can show mercy toward today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the...]]>795audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-7th--53101570
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128

"1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!"

This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

"1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!"

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
All The Ways - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53101570Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 14th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Psalm 128

"1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!"

This is a song that pilgrims would sing on the road to Jerusalem as they would travel to celebrate holy days like Passover. Take a moment and imagine what it would be like to be a pilgrim on that road filled with people. Can you hear the children laughing? Can you see the dust on your feet? Can you feel the fresh breeze coming up from the valley? Can you hear yourself singing as you walk through the gates of Jerusalem? You are finally home with God.

These pilgrims had oriented their whole lives—their personal, family, and communal life around the worship of God. The idea is that when you orient your whole life around God, God will bless you, life will go well with you. As you hear the passage again, think about how God has blessed you because you’ve oriented your life around him.

"1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. 6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!"

As you continue through your day, be mindful of the ways that God continues to bless you. Do you have joy today? Are you flourishing? Is your life prosperous? Do you enjoy the blessing of friendships or family? Have you been blessed with a long life? Keep a posture of thanksgiving throughout your day.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
All The Ways - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>591audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-6th--53101569
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.

"4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people."

Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

"4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people."

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Patient Work - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53101569Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 13th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.

"4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people."

Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

"4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people."

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Patient Work - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>687audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-march-4th--53076591
Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53076591Sat, 04 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward tomorrow.
Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>877audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-3rd--52856211
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95

"1Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

This psalm harkens back to the great Exodus of Israel from Egypt, where God set his people free. And the result of Exodus is worship. Moses told Pharoah, God says, “let my people go that they may worship me.” Think for a moment about the places where God has brought Exodus, newfound freedom into your life. Maybe freedom from guilt, or freedom from shame, or freedom from sorrow or sadness. Take a moment to worship God for your newfound freedom.

The psalm also talks about temptations. The Israelites were set free to worship God but they found themselves in the wilderness where their faith and trust in God were tested. And in the midst of being tested, they hardened their hearts toward God. As you hear the scripture again, identify an area of your life where you are being tested.

"1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

The number ‘forty’ is an important number in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Israelites failed to trust God in the wilderness and for forty years were made to wander in circles. In the New Testament, Jesus was tested for 40 days in the wilderness, yet he succeeded in trusting God and fulfilled what Israel couldn’t fulfill on their own. The same is true for you and me. As we continue through these forty days of Lent, thank God that he fulfills all that you can’t, on your own.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52856211Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 10th day of Lent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 95...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 95

"1Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

This psalm harkens back to the great Exodus of Israel from Egypt, where God set his people free. And the result of Exodus is worship. Moses told Pharoah, God says, “let my people go that they may worship me.” Think for a moment about the places where God has brought Exodus, newfound freedom into your life. Maybe freedom from guilt, or freedom from shame, or freedom from sorrow or sadness. Take a moment to worship God for your newfound freedom.

The psalm also talks about temptations. The Israelites were set free to worship God but they found themselves in the wilderness where their faith and trust in God were tested. And in the midst of being tested, they hardened their hearts toward God. As you hear the scripture again, identify an area of your life where you are being tested.

"1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

The number ‘forty’ is an important number in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Israelites failed to trust God in the wilderness and for forty years were made to wander in circles. In the New Testament, Jesus was tested for 40 days in the wilderness, yet he succeeded in trusting God and fulfilled what Israel couldn’t fulfill on their own. The same is true for you and me. As we continue through these forty days of Lent, thank God that he fulfills all that you can’t, on your own.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally...]]>682audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-2nd--52856210
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy, chapter 1.

"3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.

This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?

"3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52856210Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 9th day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy, chapter 1.

"3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.

This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?

"3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>518audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/march-1st--52856209
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34

"1 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?

Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and
again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.

"1 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

Moses learned to be courageous with God. He prays: God… even though we are stubborn and wicked and sinful… even though we couldn’t get this right the first time… can we still be your people?

Will you still take us as your inheritance? As we close our time, take heart because no matter what your track record is with God, his track record with you is consistent: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52856209Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 8th day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Exodus, Chapter 34

"1 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

This is the story of the ten commandments. But it’s part two, because the first time around… the whole thing turned out to be a disaster. Moses left the people to meet with God, but they started to worship an idol and when Moses got back to them with the law of God, he became so angry He threw the tablets and broke them. It’s funny, isn’t it: that what was meant to be such a holy moment got turned around and filled with impatience, idolatry, and anger. How do you imagine Moses felt?

Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been slow to hear God’s word to you, whether a new direction or a word of correction. Maybe God has had to come back to you again and
again to accomplish his purpose in your life. As you listen to the passage again, consider not only how God is patient with the Israelites, but how patient he is with you.

"1 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

Moses learned to be courageous with God. He prays: God… even though we are stubborn and wicked...]]>770audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-28th--52856208
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?

Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52856208Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 7th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Hebrews, Chapter 4

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the son of God was tempted in every way, just as we are, but did not sin. Consider how you may have been tempted recently: to lie, to cheat, to gossip, to malign someone, to explode in anger… Have you ever imagined that God Himself, as Christ, was tempted in precisely those same ways? How does that make you feel?

Christ can empathize with us in our temptation. But He did something we can’t do: he persevered through temptation without sin. As you listen to the reading again, contemplate the profound truth that God, in Christ, can identify with you in your temptation, and he has mercy on you as you are tempted.

"14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Imagine that for a moment—Christ giving up His protected power and privilege so that he might be able to empathize with us. Can you imagine, right now, the God of the universe looking on you with empathy, mercy, and grace? As you walk through your day today, ask God to so fill you with his mercy that it overflows to someone in your life who needs it.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Throne of Grace - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>654audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-27th--52856207
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?

As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God.

Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Music Credit:
Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52856207Mon, 27 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the 6th day of Lent. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 32 "1 Blessed is the one...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 32

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

This Psalm shows two ways of dealing with our sinfulness. We can keep silent… Or, we can ‘acknowledge our sin to God’. Which of those is more natural to you? Do you have a regular time and safe space for confession? Or, do you tend to hold those things in, keeping them private, or even secret?

As you listen to the psalm again, pay attention to the weightiness in the first few verses… describing what happens when we ‘keep silent’… and to the change in tone when the psalmist describes what happens after he acknowledges His sins, and stops covering up…

"1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

We often think that by covering up, by hiding, we will feel safest. But that’s not true. When we speak out what is real… even the difficult things… we find ourselves experiencing more intimacy with God.

Christians throughout the centuries have found incredible freedom in practicing confession with others. James tells us to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” Today, you may want to ask for courage to practice confession, not just to God, but through a trusted friend, or pastor, or priest.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Music Credit:
Pour it Out - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>587audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lent-examen-february-25--52827031
Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52827031Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:10:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward tomorrow.
Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>868audio,bible,daily,devotional,examen,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-24th--52768739
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4

"1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?

The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either.

As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

" 1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

God seems to be reminding Jonah of who Jonah is, and who God is. Jonah is a man, in need of mercy. God is creator, sustainer, and the only perfect judge. As we end, give God permission to remind you who you are… and who you are not….

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Slow To Anger - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52768739Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is the third day of Lent. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jonah, chapter 4

"1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Jonah, after a time of running away from the call of God, obeyed God’s commands to declare judgment to the city of Nineveh. To his surprise, the King and the citizens of the city repented, and God showed mercy to them, withdrawing His hand of judgement. Jonah was angered by God’s demonstration of mercy, so much so that he told God He wished he were dead. Keep in mind: Jonah himself had just been shown God’s mercy himself! And now, he was angry that God would extend the same mercy to others. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you ever experienced anger at how merciful God is to those who have offended you, to those you feel are undeserving of mercy?

The season of Lent holds a space where we are aware of both judgment and mercy… and where we grow in awareness that judgement belongs to God, and not to us. God reminds Jonah that Jonah is not the creator or sustainer of life, and therefore he is not the judge, either.

As you hear the passage again, think of someone in your life who is difficult to extend mercy to, and pray for them.

" 1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so...]]>749audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-23rd--52768736
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51

"1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my ini
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

"I know my transgressions," says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift. It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

"1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Merciful - Samuel Lane (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52768736Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is the second day of Lent. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51 "1...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Psalm 51

"1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my ini
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

"I know my transgressions," says King David. David was a paradox in many ways. He was called a man after God’s own heart, and he was a murderer and an adulterer. He was a shepherd and a King. He was a poet and a soldier. He demonstrated great bravery, and tremendous cowardice. These 40 days of Lent give us time to consider our own personal paradoxes: To thank God for his many blessings, and also to look at our own sinfulness, and our need for God’s mercy.

When you are ill, receiving a right diagnosis is a gift. It means that you can receive the proper treatment. In this psalm, David says that the diagnosis of his sin is a gift. He seems aware of his great need for mercy, and he’s doesn’t cover it up, deny it, or try to pretend. Instead, he calls out to God for a pure heart, for a steadfast spirit, and for restoration. As you listen to this psalm again, take a moment to consider your own diagnosis of sin, and confess a specific sin to the Lord.

"1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Many Christians fast during this season, as a demonstration of repentance, and as a way of causing our attention to be drawn toward God instead of toward created things. As we end, thank God for His mercy, and if you have not yet done so, consider committing to a practice of fasting from one thing during Lent.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:734audio,bible,daily,devotional,lentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-22nd--52768738
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13

"1 Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
10 Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.

Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants
is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

"1 Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
0 Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52768738Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is selections from Joel chapter 2:1-3; 10-13

"1 Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
10 Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

The Old Testament prophet Joel here paints a frightening and apocalyptic picture.... days of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness. How does this reading make you feel? Do you struggle when you read scriptures like this? If you do, invite God into your struggle.

Here is a famous scripture, familiar to many: Rend your heart, and not your garments. People used to tear their clothes as a sign of repentance, but the prophet tells us that what God wants
is a 'rent heart’, a torn heart. As we reflect on Ash Wednesday, consider that God wants an internal shift in our hearts, not an external signal. God doesn’t want a religious performance. He wants transformed hearts. As you hear the passage again, consider how you can transform and soften your heart to the things of God over Lent. Ask God to soften your heart over these 40 days of Lent, that you might fully return to the Lord over this season.

"1 Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.
…
0 Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian season of Lent which is marked by repentance. Joel says, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” As you enter into Lent, think about something that you can refrain from over these 40 days. We often think of fasting from food, and that can be a starting point. But you may want to think about something that you do that takes up too much of your affections, or that crowds out your love for God. Ask God to bring something to mind that you can fast from, and ask him for the grace to make more space for him this season.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the...]]>681audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-21st--52768737
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118:5-14

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

The Psalmist is pouring his heart out to God. He feels hard pressed, surrounded, pushed back, and about to fail. He also has seen the Lord answer him in those places... and he writes “the Lord helped me.” Where is it that you feel overwhelmed, as though you were surrounded by a swarm of bees?

Where do you need the Lord’s help today?

The psalmist is honest about both sides of the coin: he feels hard pressed, he cries to the Lord... and also, the Lord answers, and brings the psalmist into a spacious place. As you hear the passage read again… listen to the rhythm of personal complaint, and God’s answer. Does your own spiritual life ever follow this rhythm?

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord…” Think about the things that you take refuge in. Maybe it’s your savings or retirement account, or maybe a trusted friend, or a perhaps you take refuge in something feels protective but is actually harmful—maybe eating or drinking too much. Or maybe isolating from others feels like a safe refuge, but you still feel deep longing for connection. What would it look like for you today to surrender the things you trust in, for God’s refuge? Take a moment now and tell God that you want him to be your refuge in the storm.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Your Love - Vineyard Worship Deaturing Tim Brown (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52768737Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 21st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 118:5-14

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

The Psalmist is pouring his heart out to God. He feels hard pressed, surrounded, pushed back, and about to fail. He also has seen the Lord answer him in those places... and he writes “the Lord helped me.” Where is it that you feel overwhelmed, as though you were surrounded by a swarm of bees?

Where do you need the Lord’s help today?

The psalmist is honest about both sides of the coin: he feels hard pressed, he cries to the Lord... and also, the Lord answers, and brings the psalmist into a spacious place. As you hear the passage read again… listen to the rhythm of personal complaint, and God’s answer. Does your own spiritual life ever follow this rhythm?

"5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. 6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. 13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord…” Think about the things that you take refuge in. Maybe it’s your savings or retirement account, or maybe a trusted friend, or a perhaps you take refuge in something feels protective but is actually harmful—maybe eating or drinking too much. Or maybe isolating from others feels like a safe refuge, but you still feel deep longing for connection. What would it look like for you today to surrender the things you trust in, for God’s refuge? Take a moment now and tell God that you want him to be your refuge in the storm.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Your Love - Vineyard Worship Deaturing Tim Brown (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify...]]>607audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-20th--52768735
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was a military man, a man with power and authority. Roman centurions had a reputation for meting out harsh punishment. The Roman historian Tacitus tells a story of a centurion who had been given the nickname "Cedo Alteram", which basically means: "Fetch Me Another"… because he punished those under his service so harshly that he often needed to replace them. So consider this: the centurion came to Jesus and did two remarkable things: first, he asked for help. Second, he showed empathy with his suffering servant. Does this surprise you? Ask God for insight into the centurion: what was going on in this encounter withJesus that allowed such a man in such a hardened role to demonstrate humility and compassion?

We often hear the centurion praised because of His faith in Christ to heal his servant. As you hear the passage read again… consider how his faith in Christ must have transformed the centurion himself... and healed not just the servant, but perhaps his own hardened heart as well.

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was part of a culture that valued brute strength, authority, and power above all. Humility was a despised weakness. But Christ made it a paramount value, transforming our whole understanding of how God’s kingdom works. Invite God to speak to you about how you exercise power and authority in your own life and relationships. Ask God to transform any hardness or harshness in you, into the virtues of humility and empathy, just like the centurion demonstrated.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Surrender - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52768735Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 20th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13 "5 When...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 8:5-13

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was a military man, a man with power and authority. Roman centurions had a reputation for meting out harsh punishment. The Roman historian Tacitus tells a story of a centurion who had been given the nickname "Cedo Alteram", which basically means: "Fetch Me Another"… because he punished those under his service so harshly that he often needed to replace them. So consider this: the centurion came to Jesus and did two remarkable things: first, he asked for help. Second, he showed empathy with his suffering servant. Does this surprise you? Ask God for insight into the centurion: what was going on in this encounter withJesus that allowed such a man in such a hardened role to demonstrate humility and compassion?

We often hear the centurion praised because of His faith in Christ to heal his servant. As you hear the passage read again… consider how his faith in Christ must have transformed the centurion himself... and healed not just the servant, but perhaps his own hardened heart as well.

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment."

The centurion was part of a culture that valued brute strength, authority, and power above all. Humility was a despised weakness. But Christ made it a paramount value, transforming our whole understanding of how God’s kingdom works. Invite God to speak to you about how you exercise power and authority in your own life and relationships. Ask God to transform any hardness or harshness in you, into the virtues of humility...]]>679audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-18th--52708655
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708655Sat, 18 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-17th--52708656
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

This passage ends with Joseph forgiving and providing for his family, even after they had caused Joseph great pain. Joseph didn’t respond out of anger to his family’s faithlessness, but he responded out of God’s faithfulness. As we end our time of prayer, what is God’s wisdom to you for your own family situation? Ask God for grace to response in the ways that he is leading you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take Me With You - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708656Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 17th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47.

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."

The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to God

As you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?

"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”
“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in...]]>798audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-16th--52708657
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Paul says that He is not ashamed of the Gospel. As we begin, take a few moments to think about how you would define ‘the gospel’ message? The word gospel itself means ‘good news’.
If someone asked you today 'what is the good news that Christians talk about’, think about how you could answer them, in your own words, and in your own experience?

This phrase ‘righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last...’ has a lot of meaning packed into it. For Christians, righteousness means to be without sin, to be fully right with God, and to demonstrate his just and right ways in the world. Paul tells us here that the gospel makes us right with God by faith from first to last! So the good news is that it’s our faith in Christ – and only our faith in Christ – that confers on us God's righteousness. Not anything we do, or any action we take. As you hear the passage again, thank God that you are fully right with Him because of Christ.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Does it seem easy for your faith in Christ to take on a religious sensibility? For your faith to be expressed more in dos and don’ts, or rules and ritual, or apathy, than in your actual, thoughtful, emotional and spiritual awareness of the powerful thing Christ has done for you? Sometimes our faith needs to be stirred up. Sometimes we forget that we actually believe the gospel is true, and that it has power. As we end of our time, ask God to increase your faith so that you might know the power of the Gospel again.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708657Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 16th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1. "16 For I...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Paul says that He is not ashamed of the Gospel. As we begin, take a few moments to think about how you would define ‘the gospel’ message? The word gospel itself means ‘good news’.
If someone asked you today 'what is the good news that Christians talk about’, think about how you could answer them, in your own words, and in your own experience?

This phrase ‘righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last...’ has a lot of meaning packed into it. For Christians, righteousness means to be without sin, to be fully right with God, and to demonstrate his just and right ways in the world. Paul tells us here that the gospel makes us right with God by faith from first to last! So the good news is that it’s our faith in Christ – and only our faith in Christ – that confers on us God's righteousness. Not anything we do, or any action we take. As you hear the passage again, thank God that you are fully right with Him because of Christ.

"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Does it seem easy for your faith in Christ to take on a religious sensibility? For your faith to be expressed more in dos and don’ts, or rules and ritual, or apathy, than in your actual, thoughtful, emotional and spiritual awareness of the powerful thing Christ has done for you? Sometimes our faith needs to be stirred up. Sometimes we forget that we actually believe the gospel is true, and that it has power. As we end of our time, ask God to increase your faith so that you might know the power of the Gospel again.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>656audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-15th--52708659
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 5: 1-11, first from the NIV translation:

"5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

In each verse, Jesus identifies different conditions that we find ourselves in. Does one of these characteristics feel particularly resonant to you today: Do you feel poor in spirit; are you in mourning; do you feel meek; perhaps you are hungering for righteousness; are you extending mercy toward someone; trying to keep a pure heart; trying to be a peacemaker; feeling under persecution? Talk to God about what comes to mind for you.

Next, we’ll listen to the same scripture from The Message Translation. Pay attention to how the change in language feels different, or draws your attention to new ways of experiencing the passage:
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

"3 "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."

These are what we call the ‘beatitudes’. They are not meant to sound like wishful thinking, or descriptions of a future heaven, or a naïve way of seeing life’s difficulties. They’re mean to describe the kingdom of God... to paint a picture of an entirely new, entirely up-side-down way of being in God’s new world, and that we access through the Holy Spirit in us. As we close, ask God to draw you deeper into His spirit, and into His way of being in the world.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Look to Jesus - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708659Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 15th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew 5: 1-11, first from the NIV translation:

"5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

In each verse, Jesus identifies different conditions that we find ourselves in. Does one of these characteristics feel particularly resonant to you today: Do you feel poor in spirit; are you in mourning; do you feel meek; perhaps you are hungering for righteousness; are you extending mercy toward someone; trying to keep a pure heart; trying to be a peacemaker; feeling under persecution? Talk to God about what comes to mind for you.

Next, we’ll listen to the same scripture from The Message Translation. Pay attention to how the change in language feels different, or draws your attention to new ways of experiencing the passage:
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

"3 "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble."

These are what we call the ‘beatitudes’. They are not meant to sound like wishful thinking, or descriptions of a future heaven, or a naïve way of seeing life’s difficulties. They’re mean to...]]>780audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-14th--52708658
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

The psalmist writes that the love of God is higher than the heavens, and that his faithfulness reaches to the skies. He’s painting a picture of the eternal and immeasurable nature of God’s love and faithfulness. It is so hard for us to fathom such love and faithfulness... All we have to compare it to is our own versions of these two: and our own version of love and faithfulness are so limited and so temperamental. Our own love disappoints, and human faithfulness is insufficient. Have you forgotten how immeasurable God’s love is for you? Consider the last time that you felt a tangible sense of God’s love for you.

As you hear the passage read again… take note that the writer asks to be saved and helped. Even in the midst of being loved by a faithful God, there are times that we need help, times when we need to be saved or rescued... Where do you need help today? Ask God for His help.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

Every day, there are so many things to remember: appointments, deadlines, projects, taking medicine, setting out the garbage... and sometimes our minds get so full of those sorts of things, that we forget the most important thing to remember: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Remember that truth through your day. And perhaps remind someone else of it, as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708658Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 14th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 108.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

The psalmist writes that the love of God is higher than the heavens, and that his faithfulness reaches to the skies. He’s painting a picture of the eternal and immeasurable nature of God’s love and faithfulness. It is so hard for us to fathom such love and faithfulness... All we have to compare it to is our own versions of these two: and our own version of love and faithfulness are so limited and so temperamental. Our own love disappoints, and human faithfulness is insufficient. Have you forgotten how immeasurable God’s love is for you? Consider the last time that you felt a tangible sense of God’s love for you.

As you hear the passage read again… take note that the writer asks to be saved and helped. Even in the midst of being loved by a faithful God, there are times that we need help, times when we need to be saved or rescued... Where do you need help today? Ask God for His help.

"My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered."

Every day, there are so many things to remember: appointments, deadlines, projects, taking medicine, setting out the garbage... and sometimes our minds get so full of those sorts of things, that we forget the most important thing to remember: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Remember that truth through your day. And perhaps remind someone else of it, as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
When We Call Your Name - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>546audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-13th--52708654
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5

"3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan."

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame.

What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…

"3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan."

Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52708654Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 13th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 "3 In...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5

"3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan."

John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame.

What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel?
The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you…

"3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan."

Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>657audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-11th--52631757
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52631757Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-10th--52630635
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52630635Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 10th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8.

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?

Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?

"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)676audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-9th--52630632
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23

"Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate…."

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

"20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."

In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?

God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.

"Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate…."

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

"20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."

Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us.

As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52630632Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 9th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23

"Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate…."

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

"20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."

In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained?

God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph.

"Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate…."

Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation:

"20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that...]]>756audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-8th--52630634
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 92

"1 It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. 5 How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! 6 Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, Lord, are forever exalted."

The psalmists are well practiced worshippers. They worship through songs of lament, of celebration, of adoration, of doubt. The psalmists teach us to worship God at all times, and in every situation. Can you turn your attention to worship right now? Or is there something distracting you from turning your attention to God? Offer your distractions to God as a prayer.

Turn your attention now from distractions to the great works of the Lord in your life. As you hear the passage read again… call to mind God’s faithfulness to you. Consider things that you might take for granted; things you think come from your own effort or accomplishment. Is it your hands that have done those things, accomplished all you have, or brought your own successes? Or might it be the Lord’s hands that have provided for you?

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. 5 How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! 6 Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, Lord, are forever exalted."

The Psalmist tells us that it is good to praise the Lord. But you don’t have to be a musician, a song writer, or a worship leader, to praise God. Do you have your own way of practicing thankfulness, of expressing gratitude to God for who He is? Perhaps you journal your gratitude, or maybe you create something with your hands, or write your own poem to God. Take time today to express worship to God in your own way, with your own words or actions.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Praise You - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52630634Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is FEBRUARY 8TH May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 92

"1 It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. 5 How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! 6 Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, Lord, are forever exalted."

The psalmists are well practiced worshippers. They worship through songs of lament, of celebration, of adoration, of doubt. The psalmists teach us to worship God at all times, and in every situation. Can you turn your attention to worship right now? Or is there something distracting you from turning your attention to God? Offer your distractions to God as a prayer.

Turn your attention now from distractions to the great works of the Lord in your life. As you hear the passage read again… call to mind God’s faithfulness to you. Consider things that you might take for granted; things you think come from your own effort or accomplishment. Is it your hands that have done those things, accomplished all you have, or brought your own successes? Or might it be the Lord’s hands that have provided for you?

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. 5 How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! 6 Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, Lord, are forever exalted."

The Psalmist tells us that it is good to praise the Lord. But you don’t have to be a musician, a song writer, or a worship leader, to praise God. Do you have your own way of practicing thankfulness, of expressing gratitude to God for who He is? Perhaps you journal your gratitude, or maybe you create something with your hands, or write your own poem to God. Take time today to express worship to God in your own way, with your own words or actions.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Praise You - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>656audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-7th--52630633
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.

"38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[e] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?

"38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[e] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story.

Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52630633Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 7th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 19.

"38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[e] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Both Jospeh and Nicodemus might be called conflicted. They were enamored with Jesus, they were curious about him, they were struck by what could only be the truth of what He said and did. And at the same time, they both seemed to be afraid of what followership of Jesus might mean for them, for their reputation, for their own sense of identity, maybe even for their physical safety. Is there any place in your life where are you conflicted because you follow Jesus?

Take some time to imagine this scene: Imagine the fear that Joseph and Nicodemus may have felt as they approached Pilate. Consider what they may have been thinking, as they took the body of Jesus to the tomb. Imagine what it felt like to also carry seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Imagine the time that it took to tenderly anoint the lifeless body of Christ for burial.

As you hear the passage read again… consider that Joseph and Nicodemus must have been convinced that what they were doing by preparing Jesus for burial was ‘the end of the story’. Are there places in your life today that feel like the story has ended? Places where there is not hope for anything other than burial?

"38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[e] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Can you borrow hope from Joseph and Nicodemus, considering what you know about the rest of their story? Our hope does not primarily come from what God might do for us in this moment, but in the fact that God is always present to us come what may, and that he holds and writes the end of the story.

Even as we pray for particular answers or outcomes, our peace right now is found simply from God’s presence with us. Take time throughout your day today to be still, and to become aware of the nearness of God to you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Slow Kingdom Coming - Vineyard Worship (793audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-6th--52630631
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
"7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?

"7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Sing Out - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52630631Mon, 06 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 6th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4. "7 But we...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4.
"7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power?

Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing?

As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing?

"7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Sing Out - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>613audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-february-4th--52564669
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564669Sat, 04 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-3rd--52564672
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564672Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 3rd May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 16

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

This is a short reading, set at the end of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. In between greeting individuals, Paul gives these imperatives to the young church: Be on your guard. Stand firm. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love. The first four of these instructions sound like words a coach might offer their players: both offensive and defensive instructions. When you hear these kinds of exhortations, how do they make you feel? Does one of the four feel particularly relevant to you right now?

Do everything in love. Imagine being on your guard, standing firm, being courageous, and being strong… all wrapped up in demonstrations of love. Does this feel possible to you? To be strong and courageous… and loving? To stand firm and be on your guard… in a loving way? As you hear this brief passage read again… think about what comes most naturally to you. Are you more naturally ‘on your guard’, or ‘loving’. Which do you need to practice with more intentionality?

"13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love."

Jesus himself is our model for strength, courage, and love. And it is only through the Holy Spirit that we are able to follow in His way…. Bring to mind a specific situation or relationship in your life in which you need strength, courage, or love—or possibly, all three! As we end, pray and ask God to give you the ability to demonstrate Christlikeness.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Make Us Like Jesus - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>735audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-2nd--52564667
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

"22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lor d23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

"22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Jesus was presented to Simeon as an infant – but Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, received him as messiah and as the consolation of Israel. When Jesus first was presented to you, how did you perceive Him? Did you feel moved by the Spirit, like Simeon did? Did you marvel at what was said about him, like His parents did? As you end your time of prayer, reflect on how it was that you first received Jesus: as consolation? As messiah? How else might you describe your first experience of Jesus?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
How Glorious You Are - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564667Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 2nd. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians celebrate the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

"22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lor d23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

This is a beautiful passage that tells the story of both consolation and desolation. Simeon experienced consolation when the awaited Christ child was presented to the Lord in the Temple. And we can imagine that Mary, mother of Christ, experienced desolation at Simeon’s words about her son, and about a sword piercing her soul. Imagine how Simeon felt when he took Christ into his arms. Now, imagine how Mary felt hearing the prophetic words of Simeon.

Jesus is present to us in times of both consolation and desolation. As you hear the passage read again, ask Jesus to draw near to you in whatever season you find yourself.

"22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”824audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/february-1st--52564668
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah 31:31-34

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Throughout the Bible, God reveals His redemptive plan through a series of covenants: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and finally, the New Covenant that came through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah is an OT prophet who is looking ahead to the coming of Christ and describing what will be a new kind of covenant… one that brings completion to God’s redemptive purposes. The old covenants came with a series of religious obligations and rules that were only for the religious insiders, and that had to be followed meticulously. The New Covenant of Christ comes through God’s grace and is available to everyone – ‘the least of them to the greatest’. How does make you feel?

The Lord speaks through Jeremiah and says I will be their God, and they will be my people. As you hear the passage read again… can you get present to what this ‘new covenant’ means for you, personally?

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

God made a way, through the new covenant of Jesus, for you to enter into a relationship with God, for your sins to be forgiven, and for God’s law to be written in your mind and heart. The New Covenant completes the redemptive story of God not only generally, for the whole world, but also individually, for you. Thank God today for His pursuit of you, and determine to treat others with the same kind of grace you’ve received.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
All The Same - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564668Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is February 1st May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Jeremiah 31:31-34

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Throughout the Bible, God reveals His redemptive plan through a series of covenants: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Sinai Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and finally, the New Covenant that came through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah is an OT prophet who is looking ahead to the coming of Christ and describing what will be a new kind of covenant… one that brings completion to God’s redemptive purposes. The old covenants came with a series of religious obligations and rules that were only for the religious insiders, and that had to be followed meticulously. The New Covenant of Christ comes through God’s grace and is available to everyone – ‘the least of them to the greatest’. How does make you feel?

The Lord speaks through Jeremiah and says I will be their God, and they will be my people. As you hear the passage read again… can you get present to what this ‘new covenant’ means for you, personally?

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

God made a way, through the new covenant of Jesus, for you to enter into a relationship with God, for your sins to be forgiven, and for God’s law to be written in your mind and heart. The New Covenant completes the redemptive story of God not only generally, for the whole world, but also individually, for you. Thank God today for His pursuit of you, and determine to treat others with the same kind of grace you’ve received.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
All The Same - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>727audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-31st--52564671
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16:1-7.

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? ’6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives. Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
As Children - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564671Tue, 31 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 31st The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 16:1-7.

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? ’6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

In this passage, Jesus is talking with his disciples. He is warning them of fearful things to come, and He is telling them that He will be going away… referring to his coming crucifixion. We know now that Jesus is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but the disciples were confused and afraid about what was happening. What would your reaction have been to hearing Jesus’ words of warning?

Jesus says that it is for our good that He went away: that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is God’s presence with us and in us. As you listen to the reading again, listen for the urgency and compassion in Jesus’ words?

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. 3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. 4 I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, 5 but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

God is Father, Son, and Spirit, three persons, one substance. And Jesus himself said that it is for our good that He returned to the Father, and that we have access to God through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we can know Jesus and the Father. We pray: “Come Holy Spirit” not because the Spirit is not here, but because we need to continually turn our attention back to Him, and we need to continually invite Him into our lives. Can you pause, take a deep breath, and pray “Come Holy Spirit” throughout your day? Ask the Spirit to grow in you a knowledge of God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
As Children - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78701audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-30th--52564670
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 43.

"Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God? Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you?

As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist…

"Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52564670Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 30th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 43. "Vindicate me, my God, and...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 43.

"Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

The writer is moving between hope and anxiety, faith and doubt, in this psalm. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him from his enemies. In both this Psalm, and the one right before it, the writer is describing a sort of spiritual depression: the sense that God is far off. How do you feel, knowing that even the writer of this Psalm experienced the feeling of being rejected by God? Does that knowledge feel like a consolation or desolation for you?

As you hear the passage read again, pray along with the psalmist…

"Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Can you make verse three of this psalm a prayer for yourself today? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. Do you know someone in a time of spiritual depression who might be encouraged by this passage? Who might need the faithful care of God? Pray for them today as well.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (YouTube)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>670audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-28th--52498485
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498485Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>645audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-27th--52498358
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of
trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How
long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or
‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between?

Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young
or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read
again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in
today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The
Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show
us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His
power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to
God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of
trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones
Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498358Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 27th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of
trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How
long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or
‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between?

Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young
or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read
again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in
today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The
Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show
us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His
power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to
God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of
trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones
Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>752audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-26th--52498357
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of
Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous
things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you
ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness?

“Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like
words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make
you feel defensive? As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual
foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His
heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you
places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life
where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood
Take My Life


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498357Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 26th Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10 "For I do...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of
Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous
things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you
ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness?

“Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like
words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make
you feel defensive? As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual
foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His
heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you
places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life
where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood
Take My Life


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>623audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-25th--52498356
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul.

Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.

"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went
to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found
any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners
to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed
around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted
by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church,
persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision
of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you
think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor
drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ
on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no
one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of
Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you
met Jesus?

Paul’s Conversion

Acts 9:1-9 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s
disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,
so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take
them as prisoners to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from
heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul,
why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us
that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the
character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God? As we end, ask God to
reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far
off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen
Faithful Father [Live]

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498356Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 25th May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians remember...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul.

Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.

"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went
to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found
any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners
to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed
around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted
by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church,
persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision
of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you
think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor
drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ
on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no
one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of
Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you
met Jesus?

Paul’s Conversion

Acts 9:1-9 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s
disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,
so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take
them as prisoners to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from
heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul,
why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us
that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the
character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God? As we end, ask God to
reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far
off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in...]]>727audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-24th--52498355
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be
with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of
hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which
would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant
way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are
in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive
perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were
there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of
picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to
express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you?

Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even
among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we
end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to
grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier
Mary's Song [Live]

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498355Tue, 24 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 24th The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be
with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of
hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which
would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant
way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are
in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive
perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were
there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of
picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to
express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you?

Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even
among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we
end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to
grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the...]]>675audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-23rd--52498353
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.

This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this
message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s
throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the
Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has
been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not
shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then
kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and
on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these
commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to
do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the
vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture,
and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is
reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—
orphans, widows, refugees, children… Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about
how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today?

As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life.
Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and
right with vulnerable people in your life.

Jeremiah 22:1-5 This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and
proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on
David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is
what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one
who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow,
and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these
commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace,
riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do
not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a
ruin.’”

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter
cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the
upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage
to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Roll Like a River - Vineyard Worship/Tina Colon Williams
Roll Like A River | Vineyard Soul Sessions | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52498353Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 23rd The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22. This...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.

This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this
message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s
throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the
Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has
been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not
shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then
kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and
on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these
commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to
do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the
vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture,
and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is
reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—
orphans, widows, refugees, children… Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about
how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today?

As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life.
Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and
right with vulnerable people in your life.

Jeremiah 22:1-5 This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and
proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on
David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is
what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one
who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow,
and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these
commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace,
riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do
not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a
ruin.’”

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter
cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the
upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage
to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Roll Like a River - Vineyard Worship/Tina Colon Williams
Roll Like A River | Vineyard Soul Sessions | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard...]]>650audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-21--52435746
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435746Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>615audio,bible,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-20th--52435742
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435742Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 20th May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>585audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-19th--52435743
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul
Form Us (feat. Tina Colón Williams)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435743Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 19th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul
Form Us (feat. Tina Colón Williams)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>715audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-18th--52435744
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today is the day when Christians around the world remember the disciple Peter’s confession of faith in Christ.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. Who do people around you say Jesus was? A really wise philosopher? A spiritual leader? A perfect person? Or a regular sinner like you and me?
Jesus then asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus always makes it personal for us. At that moment Peter realized that Jesus of Nazareth was Jesus the Christ, God’s long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t just a great man, or a brilliant teacher, or an incisive prophet. He was and is the Christ, the Son of God. God’s revelation always happens over time, just like it did with Peter. As you hear the passage read again, consider how you have increasingly become aware of who Jesus is to you.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

As we close our time, ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to you as you walk through your day.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Jesus Beautiful - Vineyard Worship
Jesus Beautiful (feat. Samuel Lane)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435744Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 18th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today is the day when...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today is the day when Christians around the world remember the disciple Peter’s confession of faith in Christ.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. Who do people around you say Jesus was? A really wise philosopher? A spiritual leader? A perfect person? Or a regular sinner like you and me?
Jesus then asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus always makes it personal for us. At that moment Peter realized that Jesus of Nazareth was Jesus the Christ, God’s long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t just a great man, or a brilliant teacher, or an incisive prophet. He was and is the Christ, the Son of God. God’s revelation always happens over time, just like it did with Peter. As you hear the passage read again, consider how you have increasingly become aware of who Jesus is to you.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

As we close our time, ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to you as you walk through your day.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Jesus Beautiful - Vineyard Worship
Jesus Beautiful (feat. Samuel Lane)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>657audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-17th--52435747
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Do you ever feel foolish as a believer among your family, your colleagues, your friends? What does that do to you? Does it make you introverted with your faith? Afraid, embarrassed? Or, do you feel more courageous because of the foolishness you feel?

The Apostle Paul tells us that feeling foolish is not only something that followers of Christ have always felt, but it is the chosen means for the Gospel to go forward. The message of the cross, God’s salvation, is not on par with human wisdom. It’s not something that brilliant minds have produced. Because of that, it is seen as foreign, as weak, as foolishness. It is by nature humbling. But it is also the power of God to save. As you hear the passage again, thank God for revealing to you this message of salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

As we close our time, ask God to give you courage to be a fool for Christ, and look for an opportunity to live your faith out loud as you move through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane
SAVED [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435747Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 17th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Do you ever feel foolish as a believer among your family, your colleagues, your friends? What does that do to you? Does it make you introverted with your faith? Afraid, embarrassed? Or, do you feel more courageous because of the foolishness you feel?

The Apostle Paul tells us that feeling foolish is not only something that followers of Christ have always felt, but it is the chosen means for the Gospel to go forward. The message of the cross, God’s salvation, is not on par with human wisdom. It’s not something that brilliant minds have produced. Because of that, it is seen as foreign, as weak, as foolishness. It is by nature humbling. But it is also the power of God to save. As you hear the passage again, thank God for revealing to you this message of salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

As we close our time, ask God to give you courage to be a fool for Christ, and look for an opportunity to live your faith out loud as you move through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane
SAVED [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple...]]>647audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-16th--52435745
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

John 8:2-11
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

John 8:2-11
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth
You're All I Need (feat. Paul Cullen & Mallory Headings)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52435745Mon, 16 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 16th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8. John...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 8.

John 8:2-11
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

John 8:2-11
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth
You're All I Need (feat. Paul Cullen & Mallory Headings)

Be Still: Daily Devotional...]]>711audio,bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-14--52364902
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364902Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>614audio,daily,devotional,examenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-13th--52364903
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

Psalm 30:1-5
I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

Psalm 30:1-5
I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364903Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 13th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 30, the Message version.

Psalm 30:1-5
I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

We all have moments when life doesn’t seem to work for one reason or another. The psalmist gives voice to the emotions we feel in those moments. What is one place in your life that doesn’t seem to be working at the moment? How do you feel about that?

“I yelled for help and you put me together.” When we hit a wall, when our lives fall apart, we sometimes yell at our circumstances, or even yell at God. The Psalmist, though, yelled for help from God. As you hear the passage read again, can you turn your frustration into a yell for help from God?

Psalm 30:1-5
I give you all the credit, God—
you got me out of that mess,
you didn’t let my foes gloat.
2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.
4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

As we close our time today, remember that God is with you across a lifetime. Ask God to give you a long view of his love so that you may trust him in this moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
All Things by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=NaqTc8pyM-E

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>570audio,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-12th--52364904
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.

Genesis 12:1-6
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

Genesis 12:1-6
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Anything and Everything by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=yY5PNr0wPMM

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364904Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 12th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Book of Genesis chapter 12.

Genesis 12:1-6
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

Genesis 12:1-6
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing today.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Anything and Everything by Heaven and Earth
youtube.com/watch?v=yY5PNr0wPMM

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>685audio,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-11th--52364905
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

John 6:16-21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The disciples were terrified. Apart from being caught a storm in a boat in the middle of the night, the sea was a frightening place. For people in those days, creatures living in these waters sometimes took on a mythical proportions, representing chaos and danger that only a powerful deity could control. What do you think it would have felt like to be in that boat, with the disciples, in the middle of a storm?

As he walks on the water, Jesus calls out, “It is I”. He isn’t just saying “Hey, it’s me.” He literally says, in Greek, “Ego eimi”… “I Am,” the same words that Yahweh used to identify himself to Moses when he said, “Tell Pharoah, ‘I Am’ sent you to let my people go.” Jesus is demonstrating that he is Yahweh, the divine one who has power over creation, over all of the chaos of this world. As you hear the passage again, think about a storm that you are currently experiencing in your life, and invite Jesus to walk toward you in the midst of it.

John 6:16-21 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

As you go through your day today, become aware of the storms that people around you are facing. As you become aware, pray that Jesus will be with them in the midst of the storms that they are facing.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Be Still by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=6fmXTyJGmxw

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364905Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 11th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

John 6:16-21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The disciples were terrified. Apart from being caught a storm in a boat in the middle of the night, the sea was a frightening place. For people in those days, creatures living in these waters sometimes took on a mythical proportions, representing chaos and danger that only a powerful deity could control. What do you think it would have felt like to be in that boat, with the disciples, in the middle of a storm?

As he walks on the water, Jesus calls out, “It is I”. He isn’t just saying “Hey, it’s me.” He literally says, in Greek, “Ego eimi”… “I Am,” the same words that Yahweh used to identify himself to Moses when he said, “Tell Pharoah, ‘I Am’ sent you to let my people go.” Jesus is demonstrating that he is Yahweh, the divine one who has power over creation, over all of the chaos of this world. As you hear the passage again, think about a storm that you are currently experiencing in your life, and invite Jesus to walk toward you in the midst of it.

John 6:16-21 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b]they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

As you go through your day today, become aware of the storms that people around you are facing. As you become aware, pray that Jesus will be with them in the midst of the storms that they are facing.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Be Still by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=6fmXTyJGmxw

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>749audio,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-10th--52364907
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Familia by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=YJ_OonErk7U

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364907Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 10th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 2.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Do you hear the Apostle Paul’s deep love for the church. He called them brothers and sisters—they were family. He intensely longed to be with them. He describes the family of God as the tangible sign of God’s goodness. Joy, hope, glory, and taste of what heaven will be like. Have you had the blessing of being part of Christian community? How was it a gift to you, a source of joy, or hope, a taste of heaven?

Paul was in a situation in his life where he was blocked from being with the family of God. But he continued to think of them even when they were apart. As you hear the passage again, consider a particular Christian who has been a source of goodness to you, and thank God for them.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

What are the blocks you have from relating more deeply to the family of God? Would you pray today that God would remove those blocks and show you what step you can take to connect to God’s family.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Familia by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=YJ_OonErk7U

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>500audio,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-9th--52364906
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

John 5:19-20
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

John 5:19-20
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Heaven's Work by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=Dcc1v9nS3G8

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52364906Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 9th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5. John...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 5.

John 5:19-20
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

We struggle sometimes knowing what God is like. Jesus tells us that we can know what God is like because when we look at Jesus we see God. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. When you think about the stories of Jesus that you know, what kinds of things do you see Jesus doing? What does that tell you about what God is like?

Jesus shares the secret of how he lived his life. Everything he did was dependent on his relationship to God. He lived a life of utter dependency and complete intimacy with the Father and is the model for how we all are meant to live. Where in your life are you dependent on the Father right now and where would you like to increase your dependency on him?

As the passage is read again, consider how the Father loved Jesus and was pleased to show him all he does. Consider how much he loves you.

John 5:19-20
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

As you go about your day, can you pray, “Father, give me eyes to see what you are doing, and enable me to do all things by your strength at work in me.”

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit
Heaven's Work by Vineyard Worship
youtube.com/watch?v=Dcc1v9nS3G8

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>571audio,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/examen-january-7th--52291778
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291778Sat, 07 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillThis is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward...
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>656bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-6th--52291780
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.

Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him…

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?

The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?

Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him…

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

As you continue through your day, consider how you might seek Jesus and worship him with the gifts that you have.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291780Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 6th. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today Christians throughout history...
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians throughout history have celebrated the Epiphany, the commemoration of the Magi’s visit, the first manifestation of Christ as savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. Epiphany is among the church’s oldest and most important celebrations.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.

Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him…

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Magi were the wise and learned of the day. They were astronomers and astrologers—the two were one in the same in the ancient world—who believed that what they saw in the heavens were a sign of God’s activity on earth. The larger point is that from the beginning, Jesus wasn’t just born king of the Jews—he was king of Kings, one who is worthy of worship of all people. As you think about your relationship with God, have you seen something, a sign perhaps, that brought you to your knees to worship Jesus? What brings you to worship Jesus today?

The Magi brought treasures to Jesus that were costly. They brought the finest gifts and presented them to Jesus. They took considerable time and risked their lives to travel many miles. As you hear the passage again, consider, What costly offering can you joyfully give to Jesus today?

Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him…

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

As you continue through your day, consider how you might seek Jesus and worship him with the gifts that you have.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new...]]>660bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-5th--52291782
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.

Psalm 13 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

Psalm 13 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291782Thu, 05 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 5th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from Psalm 13. Psalm 13...
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 13.

Psalm 13 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

The writer of this song feels forgotten by God. The experience of being forgotten is as old as memory. It’s something that is like a wrestling of thoughts. God you say you love me, but if you love me then why are you not answering me? Have you wrestled with doubt? What are you wrestling with today?

The Psalmist says it’s also like a sorrow in the heart, a sadness, to feel forgotten. Have you ever experienced a spiritual depression in your life?

As you hear the Psalm again, pay attention to how the song moves from sadness to seeking, to asking, and then to believing.

Psalm 13 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

As you walk through your day, can you incline your heart to trust in God’s unfailing love, can you allow your heart to rejoice in your salvation?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>607bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-4th--52291783
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Galatians, chapter 4.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.”7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

The Apostle Paul says that sin enslaves us, it deprives us of freedom, of forgiveness, of friendship and intimacy with God. Sin uses and abuses us. When you think about your life, where has sin enslaved you?

Jesus has come to redeem us. By his death on the cross, he purchased us out of slavery—that’s what it means to be redeemed. But not just to go free to go. He says that we become like children, free to come to God. Free to be accepted and loved and cherished, like a special son or daughter. He says that you become an heir of God himself. Think for a moment about your spiritual inheritance—what gifts have you received because you are a child of God?

Because of Jesus, we don’t have to have a distant relationship with God. He wants us to know him intimately, not as “Master” and not even as “Father”, but as “Abba”. It’s a tender name, like “Papa” or “Daddy”. As you hear the passage again, allow the Spirit in you to call out “Abba”.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.”7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

As you walk through your day, pay attention to the nearness of your “Abba, father”. Be reminded that you are a beloved child.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

Sons And Daughters
Kyle Howard
Vineyard Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291783Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 4th. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the...
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Letter to the Galatians, chapter 4.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.”7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

The Apostle Paul says that sin enslaves us, it deprives us of freedom, of forgiveness, of friendship and intimacy with God. Sin uses and abuses us. When you think about your life, where has sin enslaved you?

Jesus has come to redeem us. By his death on the cross, he purchased us out of slavery—that’s what it means to be redeemed. But not just to go free to go. He says that we become like children, free to come to God. Free to be accepted and loved and cherished, like a special son or daughter. He says that you become an heir of God himself. Think for a moment about your spiritual inheritance—what gifts have you received because you are a child of God?

Because of Jesus, we don’t have to have a distant relationship with God. He wants us to know him intimately, not as “Master” and not even as “Father”, but as “Abba”. It’s a tender name, like “Papa” or “Daddy”. As you hear the passage again, allow the Spirit in you to call out “Abba”.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.”7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

As you walk through your day, pay attention to the nearness of your “Abba, father”. Be reminded that you are a beloved child.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

Sons And Daughters
Kyle Howard
Vineyard Worship


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>698bible,daily,devotionalfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-3rd--52291779
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from

ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

You're All I Need
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Columbus


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291779Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 3rd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis, chapter 3.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

This is the story of the fall from grace. Two common experiences that accompany us when we sin are shame and fear. In shame, we try to cover ourselves, try to make ourselves presentable, to pretend that everything is fine when really it is not. With fear, we hide. We hide from

ourselves, we hide from others, we hide from God. As you think over your life, where have you experienced shame from sin? Out of fear, how have you tried to hide from yourself, or others, or God?

When we sin, we sometimes think that God has left us, that he has withdrawn his presence from us. But God hadn’t left Adam and Eve. They had left him. He is still there in the Garden, lovingly searching for them. He called out, “Where are you?” As you hear the passage again, consider how God is present to you, even when you haven’t wanted to be present to him.

Genesis 3:6-10 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Today, when you sin as we all do, can you remind yourself that God is seeking you? Can you bring your whole self into his presence, knowing that he covers your shame and forgives your sins?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

You're All I Need
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Columbus


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>546bible,daily,devotional,faithfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/january-2nd--52291781
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

John 1:35-42 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]).

The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

John 1:35-42 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]).

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

Draw Me Close/God Is Holding On
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52291781Mon, 02 Jan 2023 05:05:01 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillToday is January 2nd. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1. John...
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1.

John 1:35-42 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]).

The first followers of Jesus were seekers. Jesus didn’t call these first two disciples to follow him. Jesus turned around and Andrew and his friend were already following him. They must have been curious whether what was said of Jesus was true—that he was the Son of God. After spending the day with him they were convinced that he was the One. If you could spend a day with Jesus, what would you ask him? How do you think Jesus might respond to your question?

Jesus gave Simon a new name. He called him Peter, which means “rock.” Renaming is a way of saying, “I’ve given you a new identity. I have a purpose for you. As you hear the passage again, consider the new identity has God have given you. What name or word does Christ speak over you to redefine your purpose?

John 1:35-42 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[g]).

Andrew’s encounter with Jesus grew into a contagious faith. He went and told his brother all about it. As we close our time, consider something that has happened recently that you are thankful for. Can you make a commitment to share that with someone today?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today's worship song:

Draw Me Close/God Is Holding On
Heaven & Earth Worship (Spotify)
Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.
874bible,daily,devotional,faith,growth,wordfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/devotional-preview--52318091
Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52318091Fri, 30 Dec 2022 20:30:34 +0000Eric and Julia PickerillA sample preview of our daily devotional podcast starting on January 2nd, 2023
Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa]]>181falsefull