Daily Devotion, August 31, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:43-48.

  This is in the middle of what is commonly known as “The Sermon On The Mount.” It is some of Jesus’ highest and deepest teaching. This is the last of six segments that begin with “You have heard that it was said…” in which Jesus takes earlier common teachings to a new level.

  Apparently the common teaching of that time was to “Love you neighbor and hate your enemy.” I think it is safe to say that many people today, even those claiming to be Christian, live by that teaching. But Jesus takes this emphasis on love to a whole new level. Love is to be shown even toward enemies. This is a love that is revealed in actions. It may not be felt toward enemies, but it can be shown toward them.

  Why are we to do this? Because we are seeking to let our lives be guided by God. And this is what God is like. Through Christ, God has shown us this “perfect” love. It is a love that goes way beyond common human understanding. It is divine love. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to spend the rest of our lives growing toward this kind of love.

  John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught that the height of grace was this “perfection in love.” He called it “sanctifying grace.” God does not just save us by grace; God calls us into a never-ending relationship of growing in receiving and sharing this love that will do anything to help and serve even an enemy. “God so loved (that enemy) that he gave his only Son….” (from John 3:16) Will you join God in that love?

Personal Worship Option:

Which of your enemies is God calling you to show love toward right now?

Daily Devotion, August 30, 2019

Devotion:

Read Luke 10:30-35.

Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting more than we deserve. This parable tells of a man who put grace into practice. This parable was told in response to a question, “Who is my neighbor?” (vs 29) Every time I hear that question the song from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood pops into my head: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Mr. Rogers and the Samaritan had the same philosophy of life. All people are our neighbors, regardless of race, creed, or social background.  However, we see in this story the lack of love is often easy to justify, even though it isn’t right. The other principle demonstrated is that love means acting to meet a person’s need. There is no good reason for refusing to help.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: Dear Father, every breath is a gift from You. but sometimes my own heart and hand remains tightly closed when I encounter the needs of others. Please open my eyes, my heart, and my hand. Help me to be aware of Your promptings and to open my life to those who need to experience your love and beauty in their life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotion, August 29, 2019

Devotion:

Read John 3:16.

If we have ever memorized a verse of Scripture, it most likely was John 3:16. That is the verse most looked up and quoted. It is the verse most often heard in the simplicity and beauty of a little child’s voice proudly reciting it from memory. As I am a sports fanatic I see that John 3:16 is the one verse showing up on large placards at football games and other major sporting events. Those signs are located where television cameras cannot avoid its message. John 3:16 is the entire gospel in a nutshell. Angel Martinez, a well-known evangelist who had memorized the entire New Testament, referred to John 3:16 as salvation’s formula and observed that it contained four very insightful truths. It is the gospel in one verse. John 3:16 reveals to us salvation’s cause, its cost, its condition, and its consequence. The motivating factor behind God’s redemptive plan for every man and woman is His love for us.

An unknown, yet wise old soul once explained John 3:16 like this:

For God... the greatest Lover

So loved… the greatest degree

The world… the greatest company

that He gave… the greatest act

His only begotten Son… the greatest gift

that whoever… the greatest opportunity

believes… the greatest simplicity

in Him… the greatest attraction

should not perish… the greatest promise

but… the greatest difference

have… the greatest certainty

everlasting life… the greatest possession.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, we can never praise or thank you enough for your love and sacrifice so that we have salvation and grace. Help us keep this verse as a reminder to love others and give them grace and forgiveness.

Daily Devotion, August 28, 2019

Devotion:

Read Psalm 103:1-10. 

Psalm 103 is a beloved psalm.  I believe Jesus had read and knew these words very well, because this psalm describes the nature of God, our Maker.  It is a beautiful, poetic and conversational prayer between human beings and the One who made us. .

Rev. Joseph Monti writes that it is “Praise of the God who is blessing”. And we in turn with our whole being, “praise and bless” God.  This Psalm speaks of the everlasting covenantal relationship God has made with us.

After calling us to give our blessing unto God, the Psalmist describes reasons for praise. Verses 3-14 speak of God’s forgiveness, healing power, redemption, lovingkindness, compassion, provisions, and renewal of life to name a few. In particular, verse 10 says, “God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”  This is God’s grace poured out upon us beyond measure.

Grace and forgiveness are not the ways of the world, but the Psalmist speaks confidently that these ARE the ways of God. Grace is always a gift and it comes at a cost to the “Giver of Grace”.  And God’s kind of grace is never cheap grace. When we sin, God’s heart is broken. But God takes the initiative and “pays the price” of forgiveness.

The Psalmist continues that not even the deepest human sin or most profound evil can diminish the grace and forgiveness of God.  Therefore, we need not live under the weight of the burden of sin and guilt. We are called to remember God will always keep the covenant with us. We are called to return to God and then in response, freely serve and bless others.

Personal Worship Option:

Read Psalm 103:1-10 again. Dear God, we are overwhelmed by your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for keeping your covenant and remaining faithful to us. Help us to bless others today. Amen.