Daily Devotion, January 31, 2020

Devotion:

Read Acts 5:1-10.

  In the two verses before these, we read that a man named Joseph (the apostles of Jesus nicknamed him “Barnabas”) sold a field he owned and gave the money to the apostles. I am guessing that word about what he did spread to other people of the church. He was probably receiving praise from people for this act of generosity.

  That very short story is followed by this story of a couple who also sold a piece of property. Maybe they also wanted the praise and gratitude of people in the church. They wanted to show they were devoted to God. But secretly, they also wanted to have the things of this world, particularly money. It seemed as if they could have both. But in order to have both, they would have to act deceptively. And when confronted about it, they would even have to lie. They were willing to do so.

  Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. It appears that Ananias and Sapphira tried to do that very thing. And it cost them their life. When you and I try to serve both God and money, it doesn’t always cost us our life in a sudden kind of way. It may be slow and it may be subtle, but it will cost you your life. Most importantly, it will cost you your relationship with God.

  Do not let that happen! Make sure your priority is God. Always remember that resources are not for collecting, but for using to serve the needs of others and help them come to know Jesus Christ in their life.

Personal Worship Option:

Almost 150 years ago, Frances Havergal penned these words that became part of a hymn of the Church. Put them in your own words and let them be your prayer.  “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise…...Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold….Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”

Daily Devotion, January 30, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 11:1-13.

The fall of strong and mighty believers does not often take place overnight or in one single instance. More often it’s the result of choices and inaction over a long period of time that one day results in a complete downfall. Bible stories, like this one, aren’t just interesting accounts of ancient people; they contain critical principles that have applied to all generations through the centuries. King Solomon’s life helps us see the progression of compromise and its disastrous results. Solomon began his kingship with devotion to God and righteous priorities. So what happened to change his desires and direction? God had instructed His people not to intermarry with other nations and had specifically prohibited Israel’s kings from taking multiple wives. Instead of holding fast to the Lord in love and devotion, Solomon let his wives lead him toward foreign deities.

Because the king ignored reproof and continued to disobey, Israel became a divided nation. Compromise begins when we ignore God’s instructions and follow the world’s practices. Then we start loving people, activities, or things more than we love God. If we don’t follow His leading, we’re in danger of losing what He intended for our lives. But if we refuse to compromise, we’ll remain devoted to Him. If we are honest, we too sometimes place the things of this world in front of God, and reflecting on this passage is a reminder of our shortcomings.

Personal Worship Option:

God, please help us stay focused on you and stay faithful to you. We know we will fall short, but help us get back on the path. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 29, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 19:16-29.

This conversation between the rich young ruler and Jesus was difficult for the disciples to overhear and it’s difficult for us to overhear. 

Jesus speaks truth into this young man’s life and offers a way of healing. But the irony is that this young man who has “more than he needs”, leaves “lacking” what is most needed.

Jesus sees through to the motives of this rich young man. This man’s focus is on himself and for himself. His question is “what good thing must “I” do to get (implying for self) eternal life? Jesus’ questions probe deeper and the young man’s response is still about self, self-reliance and self-justification on keeping all the commandments. The pride is almost audible in his response. But the young man knows there is something lacking in his life.

Jesus says what is lacking is to let go, give and follow him. This rich young man’s security was placed in all that he possessed and in his own ability to keep the commandments. After all was said and done, it was all about himself.

Jesus’ call to faithful discipleship is to move us, motivated by love, beyond ourselves. Jesus brings us back to the commandments of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength" and Leviticus 19:18—“to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” This brings healing for all.

There are stages of faith on the journey with Jesus. For some the journey begins with keeping the rules. For others the journey begins with climbing the ladder of success and acquiring possessions. Often the journey begins motivated to serve self. Jesus calls us to love God and neighbors more than our possessions and status. Jesus calls us to stop serving self and give to serve others.

Jesus disciples are disturbed and asked, “Who can be saved?” And Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” God can help us let go and give for the sake of the needs of others.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, this is a difficult scripture to follow. Open our eyes and ears to the needs of others. Help us to let go and give. It is only possible with your help. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 28, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 20:1-3.

After the Israelites left Egypt and arrived at Sinai, God gave them the Ten Commandments as their instructions for living. It was common in Egypt to worship many gods, but God had a new plan for them in the Promised Land. In the first commandment God was clear that he alone is God and they were to worship no other gods. God reminded them that he was the one who had led them out of bondage and no matter how faithfully they kept the other nine commandments, they could not be his children if they did not worship him alone as the one true God. We read throughout the Old Testament about the struggle of the children of Israel to keep their commitment to God.

Eventually, the entire Kingdom of Israel falls and they leave the land God gave them because of their disobedience. They chose to worship idols and other gods instead of the Lord God. Today we too allow many things to become gods to us. Money, power, control, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concentrate more on them than our relationship with God. The amount of time we devote to these can grow into gods and begin to control our lives. Jesus preached the same message about making God the priority of our lives. When asked what was the most important commandment in the law of Moses, Jesus replied,

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mathew 22:37)

Scripture is clear that God must be the priority and focus of our lives. God wants us to be all in for him.

Personal Worship Option:

What keeps you from being all in for God? Pray today for the strength to fight against all things that prevent you from fully worshipping the one true God.

Daily Devotion, January 27, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:31-33.

These verses come at the conclusion of Jesus’ teaching about not worrying. When he told his original audience not to worry about what they would eat, drink, or wear, their tendency to worry about those things was more warranted than ours. Many who heard this teaching worked for daily wages and ate and drank only if they were hired for the day. Some days, they and their families simply went hungry. And when their shoes or clothes began to wear out, they would naturally begin to wonder, if not worry, about how they could ever afford new ones.

In contrast, I am ashamed that I “worry” about where we are going to eat out tonight and whether I should dress up or go casually. While our budgets may not allow us to eat whatever expensive food we might want or have the finest of clothing, most of us do not need to think twice about having enough to eat, drink, or wear. So we have a tendency to worry about “wants” instead of needs. The danger in this is we begin to seek things -- more things and better things. Jesus reminds us to seek Kingdom things and right relationship with God. When our focus shifts to Kingdom things, God provides for our needs, and we may even become more content with and thankful for our simpler lives.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray today for things you really need -- food, clothing, and shelter. Pray for contentment with your needs being met. Think about some of your wants and whether some of those are getting in the way of your seeking God’s kingdom and your relationship with God. Pray now for freedom from worry about needs and wants.

Daily Devotion, January 26, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:9-15.

  This week we have been focused on the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray. It is known as “The Lord’s Prayer” but I have often wondered why we do not call it “The Disciples’ Prayer.” It is a great model for how to pray. It includes praise and adoration to God and expresses a desire to see God’s way being lived by people here on earth as in heaven. There is expression of needs, but focused on one day at a time. It guides us to seek forgiveness, but connects it to our own need to forgive others as well. (Follow-up statements by Jesus reinforce the importance of this connection.)  And it acknowledges our dependence on God, without whom we will be devoured by the evil one who rules this world.

  However, this is not only a model for how to pray. It is a model for how to live. Your prayer life should be a reflection of how you live your life, and vice versa. In our worship times together, I often say (or pray) that we are not just to worship God in the church building (or other setting), but that the way we live our lives is to be worship of God as well. That also applies to your prayer life. Let your prayer life be an open-ended, regular conversation with God as you go through life each day. The prayer Jesus teaches here can be just as much a model for how to live each day.

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray through “The Lord’s Prayer” think about how you might apply each line to your daily life.

Daily Devotion, January 25, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:13-15.

  “Lead us not into temptation…” is a phrase of this prayer that has often troubled Christians. Does God really lead us to be tempted? I am immediately reminded of an earlier part of the story about Jesus’ life and ministry where he is led by the Holy Spirit into a time of temptation (4:1). It was a time that helped him focus on what shape his ministry would take and his allegiance to his heavenly Father. Also, the meaning of the word usually translated as “temptation” here is more about testing or a time of trial than what we usually think of when we think of temptation.

  For me, the key to understanding this verse is to take it as a whole. Often in the Scriptures, especially in the Psalms and Proverbs, two lines are put together, so that they are saying the same thing in different ways. I believe that is at least part of what is happening here. “...but deliver us from the evil one” is very much connected to the first part of the sentence.

  For all of us at various points of our lives, there come “turning-point” opportunities, times when we are tested and tried (and in some ways tempted) in order to decide which way we are going to go. None of us really want to face those times, but the main thing to remember is our need to place our dependence on God to guide us or deliver us in those times. If you try to deal with them on your own, chances are good you will fail. But with God as your guide, you will be delivered. Thanks be to God!

Personal Worship Option:

Are you facing a time of testing right now? Do you know someone else who is? Pray for God’s guidance, both for yourself and for wisdom to help others.

Daily Devotion, January 24, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:12.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” The Good News Translation puts it this way: Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Forgiveness can be difficult because we feel we are justified in our anger, yet we want God to freely grant us forgiveness. God holds us accountable for our forgive-ability.  In the words of Max Lucado, “God will treat you the way you treat others. Would you like some peace? Then quit giving your neighbor such a hassle. Want to enjoy God’s generosity? Then let others enjoy yours. Would you like assurance that God forgives you? I think you know what you need to do.” 

Personal Worship Option:

Is there someone who you need to grace with forgiveness? Do it today!

Daily Devotion, January 23, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:11.

The Lord’s Prayer is divided up into petitions, the first three directing our attention to God. We are to pray to the Father about His name (Hallowed be your name), pray about His Kingdom (Your kingdom come), and pray about His will (Your will be done). The second half of the Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for ourselves and others. We are to pray for provision (Give us today our daily bread), pray for pardon (forgive us our debts), and pray for protection (Lead us not into temptation).

Today we are concentrating on our daily bread. At its heart, this is a prayer for food. When was the last time we prayed to God, “O God, please give me a meal?” Most of us ought to pray the opposite, “O God, prevent me from eating another meal, I have already eaten too much”, especially having just finished the holiday season!  Should we go shopping every morning for the day’s needs? I don’t think that’s the point. The lesson I believe God was trying to teach the Israelites about the manna, and indeed He is teaching us, is that He should be our daily reliance. We can plan and prepare all we want, but we must ultimately recognize that our daily provision is from His hand. We need to trust Him to give us what we need each day to sustain us for that day.

Personal Worship Option:

We shouldn’t be dictated to by our greed, or our self-reliance. Rather, we should wake up each morning with thankful hearts for all the Lord has given us, and each night pray that He will ensure we have enough for tomorrow. Let’s make this our daily prayer: "Lord, we thank You for all You have given us, and we look to You and You alone to provide our spiritual and physical needs today.”

Daily Devotion, January 22, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:10.

In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus teaches his disciples “how not” and “how to” to pray. Jesus instructs his disciples to not pray to be seen and heard by others, and to not babble like the pagans who think they will be heard for their many words. Instead, Jesus says, pray in a place where you are not seen and realize your Father knows what you need even before you ask. These brief remarks, if we truly follow Jesus’ teachings, lead us into verses of “what to” pray with open hearts for God to accomplish what really needs to be accomplished in our lives and in the world.

So in this unseen place, we pray with sincerity---”Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This prayer moves us from a place of self-centeredness to the place of being centered on God’s kingdom vision and will for the earth and all its inhabitants. Most importantly it moves our thinking from “our will” to God’s will. The irony of this prayer is as we focus on God’s will, it is incredibly healing for us and for the world. It’s consistent with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” 

Let us also hear Jesus’ teaching about the One who is listening to our prayer. Verse 8 says, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask.” Often we pray as if God is so far removed from us and so out of touch we forget this instruction. When my will is so stubborn about praying “Your kingdom come, your will be done,” I realize I have forgotten God’s very own characteristics of nearness, love and grace. When I remember, then my stubborn will is able to let go and sincerely pray this prayer. In the midst of this prayer, my eyes are opened to God’s will for the earth and its inhabitants to be a place of peace in the full assurance of God’s presence.

Personal Worship Option:

“Loving God, too often I want to control and worry about everything. My own stubborn will gets in the way of praying this prayer. Thank you for your forgiveness. Today help me to pray this prayer sincerely relinquishing my will to your will. ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ Amen.”

Daily Devotion, January 21, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:9.

Today we focus on the portion of the Lord’s Prayer that reads, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” When you read the word hallowed, you might not think Halloween, but the two words come from the same root word: holy. Halloween is the combination of the words hallowed and evening and began as a holy celebration before All Saints Day. The holiday has taken on a very different reputation, hasn’t it!

According to Merriam Webster, to be holy is to be, “exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.” God’s name is holy and each time we say it we should consider his greatness and majesty. Being holy means to be completely perfect and completely whole, in need of nothing. When we pray, we want to acknowledge the holiness and awesomeness of God. A good prayer habit to adopt would include calling out the many names of God found in Scripture as you honor the holiness of God. This recognition of God is a great way to praise God in prayer.

Personal Worship Option:

Today call out all the names of God that show your adoration for him. You might call out these names: King of Kings, Creator, Lord, Great Physician, Savior, Healer, Abba Father. Worship the holiness of God today.

Daily Devotion, January 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:5-8.

This passage precedes the model prayer we call the “Lord’s Prayer” and gives instructions on how we are to pray. In these verses, Jesus emphasizes that most of our prayer time is between us and God alone. God is not impressed with our prayer language nor the length of our prayers. Jesus makes it clear that we are never to pray in order to impress other people and even calls those who do this “hypocrites.” Hypocrites are persons who play act or pretend to be something they are not; and long, insincere prayers meant to impress those who hear us mark us as such! This teaching is not criticizing or condemning public prayer, but it reminds us that those prayers should never be prayed to impress others with anything about ourselves. It is my belief that those who pray best in public are those whose private, personal prayer lives are rich and faithful.

Jesus’ instruction to go into our room and close the door (NIV) clearly calls us to private prayer. He reminds us that we do not need to go on and on in our requests, because God already knows our hearts before we ask for what we need. And that gives us ample time to listen to God, which is perhaps the most important element of true prayer.

Personal Worship Option:

If your prayer time is sometimes squeezed into a few moments here and there during a busy day, look today for a quiet and private time. “Close the door” to others, TV, the internet, social media, or any other distractions and spend time in conversation with God. Listen more than you speak. Enjoy God’s company! 

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:17-20.

  From here to the end of this chapter is a series of teachings by Jesus that begin with “You have heard it said….but I say to you….” In far too many cases, people were interpreting the rules and living their lives in ways that were technically “by the letter of the law” but they had lost an understanding of the spirit of those rules. Both then and today, it is easy for us to be satisfied with what we have not done, to compare ourselves to the sins of others and say “At least I haven’t done that!” The Pharisees were a group of leaders who were devoted to the Law and tried to live their lives with meticulous adherence to it. But Jesus makes it clear that their approach comes up way short of them even being part of the kingdom of heaven.

  

  Apparently, Jesus himself was being accused of not living by the law, such that he sees the need to make it clear that he has no intention of doing away with it, but wants to take their understanding of it to a whole new level. Don’t be satisfied with what you have not done. Focus on what you can do to make a difference in the lives of others, to change the injustice of the way people are treated, to build relationships with those who do not know Jesus in their life so that you can help them get there.

  

  Sure, a lot of people can say “I haven’t broken any laws.” But what HAVE you done to make a difference?

Personal Worship Option:

Focus on one thing you can do each week to make a difference in the life of someone else, so that they begin or grow in their relationship to Christ.

Daily Devotion, January 18, 2020

Devotion:

  These verses can certainly be jarring to read. The prophet is letting God’s people know that God hates their religious festivals and feasts. God doesn’t want their offerings. God is not going to listen to their music, no matter how good it is. Why is God so upset?

  The answer comes in the following verses. The people have not been doing right by others. They have not been practicing justice. Earlier in chapter five we get some specifics of what that means. “...you hate the one who reproves in court and despise him who tells the truth. You trample the poor…” (vs. 10-11) It gets repeated in the last part of verse 12: “You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.” And again in verse 15: “...maintain justice in the courts.”

  

  Prophets of Bible times and various leaders down through the ages since then have said it in different ways, but it is clear that God expects us to treat people right, both as individuals and as a society. When we do not, the world and our lives become chaotic. How we treat the least and the last among us shows how close or far away we are from what God seeks for the world to be like.

  Look for opportunities and ministries that make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Personal Worship Option:

Look for opportunities around you each day and ministries of the Church that make a difference in the lives of those most in need. Seek God’s guidance on when and where you can best be involved.

Daily Devotion, January 17, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:21-24.

Rather than being satisfied with not killing someone, Jesus says this commandment goes much deeper than that. Jesus wasn’t changing the commandment but rather giving a fuller understanding of why God made the law in the first place. We miss the intent of God’s Word when we read his rules for living without trying to understand why he made them. Killing is terrible but anger violates God’s command to love. Anger that is great enough to become out of control is a dangerous emotion. It can lead to violence, emotional hurt, and broken relationships. Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God. if we have a problem or grievance with a person we should resolve it as soon as possible. Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God.

Personal Worship Option:

When do you keep God’s rules but close your eyes to his intent?

Daily Devotion, January 16, 2020

Devotion:

Read Joshua 6:15-19.

If you grew up attending Sunday school, you know the story of Joshua and Jericho. You might have sung this song:

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho - Joshua fought the battle of Jericho - And the walls came a-tumbling down

Up to the walls of Jericho - They marched with spears in hand - "Come blow them ram horns, " Joshua said "'Cause the battle is in our hands."

Then the lamb ram sheep horns began to blow - The trumpets began to sound - Joshua commanded the children to shout - And the walls came a-tumblin' down (that mornin')…

 

The same God still guides us today, and by studying this account, we gain insight into living obediently. Joshua heard God’s directive. In order for us to obey, we likewise need to hear what the Lord is telling us to do. This means we must be reading and meditating on His Word, praying, and spending time with Him. Joshua did as instructed, despite three possible obstacles. 1. Marching around the city didn’t seem like a practical battle strategy for overpowering a fortified city. 2. He felt pressured to explain himself to his men in order to gain their approval and agreement. 3. He could have let fear of failure keep him from obeying God. Upon hearing God’s voice, he followed instructions to the letter—and without hesitation. The details of what to do and what not to do were precise.  Are you willing to do what God says, regardless of your feelings or misgivings? Joshua was confident because the Lord had promised to give Jericho into his hand. And God’s promises to us are also the reason we can trust and obey Him.

Personal Worship Option:

Father in heaven, battle cries rage in the world around us. Give us the peace that surpasses all understanding through the Prince of Peace, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 15, 2020

Devotion:

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-12.

For our children to understand the family stories from before the year 2000, we often begin with the sentence, “Now you have to remember, this was before cell phones.”

Similarly, parents living in the promised land perhaps had to begin their family stories with, “Life hasn’t always been this good.”

God had asked the people to teach their children the story of God’s faithfulness. God was faithful to deliver them from their enslavement in Egypt. God was faithful during the exodus from Egypt. God was with them and provided for them during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. And God kept the promise to lead them into the land “flowing with milk and honey.” 

The verses in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 are known as the “Shema” for the Hebrew people. Jesus knew these verses well. Verses 4-12 call us into relationship with God and can be summed up with five words, “hear, love, teach, live, and remember.” God is asking from us everything God has already done and continues to do for us. God hears, loves, teaches, lives and gives us life, and always remembers us. 

If one reverses each of these words, this covenant relationship between God and humankind would be broken. Self-centeredness would rule our own days and we would soon realize how finite we are.

Frederick Buechner says, “The final secret, I think, is this: that the words ‘You shall love the Lord your God’ become in the end, less a command than a promise. And the promise is that, yes, on the weary feet of faith and the fragile wings of hope, we will come to love him at last as from the first he has loved us—loved us even in the wilderness, especially in the wilderness, because he has been in the wilderness with us. He has been in the wilderness for us. He has been acquainted with our grief. And, loving him, we will come at last to love each other too so that, in the end, the name taped on every door will be the name of the one we love.”

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, you are forever faithful unto us. Forgive me because sometimes it is so easy to forget that all of life’s blessings are gifts from you. Today, help me to remember and see all of your blessings. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 14, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 20:1-17.

The Ten Commandments show us the actions that demonstrate our love to God and to others. They include instructions both on what not to do as well as what to do. The first four commandments refer to love we demonstrate toward God. The last four refer to love we demonstrate to others.

Only two of the Ten Commandments clearly tells us what to do: “keep the Sabbath holy” and “honor your father and mother.” However, by telling us what not to do, the other eight imply what we are to do. For example, by telling us not to worship other gods, God means that we are to worship him alone. By not taking his name in vain, we show respect to our Creator. If we truly love our neighbors, we will not murder them, lie to them, commit adultery against them, or covet what is theirs. The Ten Commandments were given as the law and ethical rules for living in ancient Israel. The commandments still apply to us today.

When Jesus was asked which of God’s laws was most important, he answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). Then he says something else, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” In other words, obeying the letter of the law is not as important as demonstrating love to God and to others. When we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the commandments.

Personal Worship Option:

What are the things you do that show you love God? What are the things you do that show you love others? Concentrate today on demonstrating your love to God and others.

Daily Devotion, January 13, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 2:15-17.

God had created everything the first human being needed. In the Garden of Eden were beautiful trees with fruit that was good to eat. There was life-giving water that flowed from the garden. God gave the man instructions to work the garden and take care of it and permission to eat from any tree in the garden except just one. God commanded the man not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God thus began a pattern of telling us what to do and what we are not to do.

My parents often followed that same practice of telling me what to do and what I should not do. “Go to school and do your best. Do not misbehave, act disrespectfully to your teachers, or break the rules.” As I grew older, I heard them say, “Work hard, do a good job, honestly earn the money you are paid, always arrive on time or early, and stay until the work is done. Do not be late, lazy, or sloppy, and do not ever cut corners.” While I may not have always followed their instructions perfectly, I understood their expectations well! God teaches us what to do and what to avoid doing in order for us to find real happiness and fulfillment in life.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks that the Bible helps us understand what we are to do and what we are to avoid doing. Reflect on how the Bible teaches us values and principles for loving God and loving others. Pray for the faith to follow the moral guidance God provides us through Scripture. 

Daily Devotion, January 12, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:13-16.

  Jesus uses two common elements of this world to teach his followers that we are to make a difference in the world around us. Light and salt were part of the everyday life of the people to whom he was speaking. They immediately connected with what he was trying to communicate. Preachers and teachers of the Bible are constantly looking for those common elements of everyday life to use as a way to help people understand the teachings of Jesus and all of the Scriptures.

  If Jesus were teaching in a similar situation today, what might he use? One of the first things that come to my mind is a GPS. “You are the ‘Google Maps’ of the world,” he might say. As you stay connected to the Holy Spirit each day, you can be a guide to help those around you navigate their life. Or maybe he would say “You are the spices of the world. As you experience my joy more and more fully, you become the spice of life for people who are living a dull and dreary existence.” Of course, related to another teaching of Jesus from the Gospel of John would be something like this: “You are the water of life. Drink from the water that I give you and you will become a source of water for thirsty people you meet every day.” 

  What common elements of life in our day and time come to your mind that could be helpful in explaining our life in Christ? If you come up with any, be sure and give them to your preacher!

Personal Worship Option:

Cesareo Gabarain wrote a song in 1979 with this as the first verse:

“You are the seed that will grow a new sprout; you’re a star that will shine in the night;

 you are the yeast and a small grain of salt, a beacon to glow in the dark.

 You are the dawn that will bring a new day; you’re the wheat that will bear golden grain;

   you are a sting and a soft, gentle touch, my witnesses wher-e’er you go.”  

Copyright 1989 The United Methodist Hymnal 

Daily Devotion, January 11, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 1:1-8.

  Some of the highest and deepest writing in all of the Bible is found in these verses from the opening of “The Gospel According To John.” Jesus is described as light that came into the darkness of our world. What a great image! Even just a little bit of light can light up a room. When I have to get up at night, I only need a very faint light from my phone to guide me through the room without waking my wife.

  I love the story about Robert Louis Stevenson growing up in Scotland. This was in a time when streetlights had to be lit individually. One night he was looking out the window, watching the streetlighters do their work. At one point, he turned to his parents and said “Look, they’re punching holes in the darkness!” That is just what Jesus did. He punched a hole in the darkness that will never be shut.

  This passage goes on to state that John was not the light. (Apparently, some people of that day thought John might be the Messiah, so this writer wants to make the distinction early in the story.) John’s purpose was to be a witness to the light that was Jesus. That is also our purpose. You and I are to be witnesses to the light, to let others know in whom we have found a light that shines into and overcomes any darkness we experience.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on those circumstances in your life where the light of Christ helped you overcome some situation of darkness. How might you use those parts of your life story to help you be a witness for the light who is Jesus Christ? Pray for wisdom and courage to do so.

Daily Devotion, January 10, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 10:11-15.

Jesus describes himself as “the good shepherd.” He was trying to help people understand who He was and what He was like.  Those words would have immediately given the people of Jesus’ time a beautiful picture. For us, shepherding isn’t a standard vocation. But we can still grasp the meaning. A shepherd’s primary job is the safety and well-being of the sheep. He provides a place to gather food, protects from dangers, and tends to the health of each sheep. In this analogy, we are the sheep. Jesus is totally invested in our life and relationship. He is good and therefore wants good for us as well. For the sheep to take full advantage of the goodness of the shepherd they must follow the shepherd and listen for his voice of instruction.

Years ago,I had an opportunity to participate in “herding sheep”. We were given 5 sheep that we were to herd into an enclosure. It was frustrating and unproductive. The sheep wouldn’t listen! They went everywhere except where I wanted them to go. The conclusion was: sheep are dumb! However, not true because they only trusted their shepherd. All he had to do was call them into the enclosure and they all came! Which voice are you listening to?

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the goodness of God and how that is demonstrated in your life. How can you share goodness today?

Daily Devotion, January 9, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 6:35-38.

In the setting of our scripture for today, Jesus has just miraculously fed a crowd of over five thousand people from a few loaves of bread and some fish. Not surprisingly, the crowd wants more of Jesus and his miracles, so they follow him around. Their hungering for physical bread gives Jesus a teaching moment to talk about spiritual life and sustenance. He states that he is the bread of life.

When we trust Jesus the way John intends for us to in this book of the Bible, the presence and promise of Jesus is so satisfying that it helps us to stay focused and our obedience to Him is strengthened. Faith is like drinking water that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul. The satisfaction grows and becomes productive in living out our faith, like a well overflowing. Through faith, Christ becomes in us an inexhaustible fountain of satisfying life that lasts forever. Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus provides the bread of eternal life for God’s children. Bread is wonderful and nourishing, but it can’t feed our souls. Only Jesus, broken for us, can do that.

Personal Worship Option:

Father in heaven, thank you for our daily bread. And thank you for sending Jesus, who nourishes and satisfies our souls. Give us confidence to share the news about the “Bread of Life”. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 8, 2020

Devotion:
Read Psalm 31:1-5.

When I read this scripture passage about God being our refuge and rock, I am reminded of a rock formation in the Nantahala National Forest. The rock formation has a small waterfall flowing over its edge. Individuals can walk behind the waterfall and find refuge within the shelter of the rock.

As we read this scripture, we can sense the writer’s fears, but we also get a strong sense of the writer’s trust in God. Psalm 31 begins and ends with expressions of trust in God. This is a prayer which teaches us about trusting God both for confidence in living and peace in dying.

What are the images of this great trust? The Psalmist chooses words such as “rock of refuge” and “a strong fortress”. These are great metaphors. But the word I noticed this time in reading this passage is the word, “my”. The word “my” in “my rock and my refuge” is more than a metaphor. The word “my” indicates relationship.

The Psalmist understood the characteristics of God to be steadfast in love, eternally faithful, and to be a strong protector for safe refuge. One is safe in God’s presence----as safe as in the shelter of a rock. God can be trusted.

Rocks were and are still common in Israel’s terrain. The people understood this Psalm. It was part of their common worship and heart’s language. Jesus knew and understood this relationship with the Heavenly Father such that in his dying moments he quotes the words from verse 5, “Into your hands, I commit my Spirit.”

Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, sometimes I am afraid, too. Thank you for the Psalmist’s words. You are my rock and my refuge. Help me to trust you more each day. “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Help me to live into that promise today. Help me to realize that with your presence, I don’t have to live in fear, but I am safe with you.  Amen.