Daily Devotion, February 29, 2020

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:10-12, 14-17, 21-22.

  Can you imagine what it must have been like for the disciples in their experiences with Jesus after his resurrection? Talk about mountaintop experiences! All that Jesus had been trying to teach them now came into clearer focus. He really was the Messiah, the Son of God! And they were getting to experience his promise of life after death in this world. He reminds them of their mission and ascends back to heaven. Heavenly messengers then ask a key question: “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” In other words, move on; there is work to be done. Life goes on and you have been given a mission.

  Now they had to go about discerning how to live that mission without the physical presence of Jesus with them; how to stay connected to the same Spirit that was in him. They start by praying together. That’s always the best practice to stay connected and hear from God. Peter discerns that Judas needs to be replaced and they move through that process.

  From this story, be reminded that our mission is not to be focused on waiting for Christ to return. Our mission is to help as many people as possible come to know him. All of our experiences with him guide and inspire us in that mission. 

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks to God for past mountaintop experiences that have re-energized you for continuing the mission of our Lord.

Daily Devotion, February 28, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 19:1-8.

Sometimes, the holiest thing to do is to take a nap and eat some food. When we are exhausted and hungry we lose our perspective on life and on God. Elijah had just experienced a great victory for God over the prophets of Baal, and now he is running for his life! He sat down under a tree and prayed to die - he had had ENOUGH.  He figured his life was over. But God had more for him to do. Elijah needed rest and a new perspective. Troubles and trials are not just annoyances, but can be the conduits to gain fresh perspective and hear from God in a new way. And rest; it is necessary to well-being and an opportunity to hit the reset button.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: Great God of the universe, thank you that you are speaking to me in ways only I can understand. Help me learn to hear your voice in your Word and in all the other ways you speak. Help me to stop and rest and gain your perspective. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 27, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 32:15-20.

In this scripture passage, Moses went from a mountaintop high to a valley low. Moses had gotten the tablets that God had written and was carrying them down the mountain. The Israelites were instructed to place the tablets into the Ark of the Covenant. Moses and Joshua each describe the noise they heard from the camp. Joshua thought that the people sounded like they were warring. Moses thought that they sounded like they were singing. Moses was so angry when he saw them worshiping the golden calf. He could not believe the people’s quick lapse into idolatry.  He was so mad that he threw down the tablets and broke them. He burned the calf to powder, sprinkled it on the water and made the people drink it.  Why do you think that Moses made the Israelites drink the water with the gold dust in it?  Moses wanted to show them that their idol was no true god if it could so easily be destroyed. Perhaps he thought this would shame the people or even cause fear when the magnitude of their sin was realized. Anger is thought to be a negative emotion which can cause us and the people around us harm. However, the scriptures differentiate between anger which destroys or breaks relationships and anger that is directed at wickedness. The disappointment that the Israelites caused Moses to have was monumental. It is hard to go from high to low quickly. It is hard on our wellbeing of emotions.

Personal Worship Option:

Do you savor your mountain top experiences and try to minimize your valley lows? Do you try to help others get through some of their valleys? When you do, it can help you have a high.

Daily Devotion, February 26, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 3:10-18.

I like the title, “Prayerful Listening, Prophetic Proclaiming” the Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery gives to this scripture passage.

We have often celebrated Samuel’s calling from God and Samuel’s response of “Speak Lord for your servant hears.” But we stopped short of hearing the full story of God’s call to Samuel to bring difficult words to Eli, the Priest, his Mentor. The assurance of these verses is that God is with us always, on the mountaintop experiences and also through the challenges of life.

Reading this scripture passage, it might be easy to dismiss today’s devotional as reserved for ministers and missionaries. But wait, Samuel was a helper in the temple. Perhaps he was the one who kept the lamp burning in the presence of the ark of God. And Samuel, even as a young child, was called to bring a difficult message to Eli. God can speak “to” any of us and also speak “through” any of us.

Often we speak first and pray second. We speak from our opinions without doing the deep work of praying and listening, studying and researching scripture, seeking wisdom and understanding. Our hearts are tuned to listen to many voices instead of listening to God’s voice. Let us renew our commitment to pray and listen first.

God called Samuel to have the difficult conversation with Eli, the Priest, his Mentor. Samuel’s news is not good for Eli and his sons. Eli’s sons were not following God. Samuel had to be courageous to deliver this message to Eli. But Eli knew it was from God and received the message which Samuel had to give. God was with both Samuel and Eli.

Dr. Bruce C. Birch says “We are urged not only to discern God’s voice but to listen to what it asks of us as well. We are called to become the channel for God’s prophetic word to our own time.”

How is God speaking into our lives today? Are we listening? Do we live with the assurance that God is always with us and gives us the courage to speak and listen when it is a difficult conversation to have?

Personal Worship Option:

Speak Lord, we are listening. Help us to discern your true voice. Remind us that you are with us even during the challenges of our lives. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 25, 2020

Devotion:

Read Joshua 6:27 - 7:6.

During the battle at Jericho Israel obeyed all of God's directions. At every turn, Joshua did exactly as he was told and the Israelites prospered under his leadership. An ongoing theme in the Old Testament is that when the Jews obeyed God, they did well. When they disobeyed, the consequences were bad. After the battle of Jericho, God instructed the Israelites not to take “devoted” things. God had ordered the Israelites to leave all the spoils of war, the silver and gold and bronze and iron. These were sacred to God and were to go into the treasury. This was Joshua’s first battle and these treasures were the first fruit. They were God’s. But a man named Achan took some of the “devoted things.” Achan’s sin caused God’s blessing upon the Israelites to be withheld in their subsequent battle against the city of Ai. Joshua sent spies out to survey this city and they wrongly advised Joshua that Ai would be an easy victory, so he only sent some of his army to attack. Israel was soundly defeated. God made it clear that this defeat was a result of Israel violating their covenant through Achan’s sin and underestimating their enemy. This brought discouragement, despair and a loss of vision. As we continue to read in Joshua 7, God redirected their thinking. He gave them a course correction, a recovery plan. He said to Joshua,

“Stand up!” What are you doing down on your face?” Joshua 7:10

God promised they could turn the place of defeat into a place of victory. He instructed Joshua about the next battle and Joshua commanded the people accordingly. The people obeyed, and God gave Israel a victory. Sometimes success comes through the back door of failure.

Personal Worship Option:

Recall a time when you learned from a past mistake and made a course correction. Praise God today for giving us second chances and vow to listen to his directions. 

Daily Devotion, February 24, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 15:22-27.

I realize this sounds like something Yogi Berra might have said, but this passage would be really funny if it weren’t so sad! God had inflicted the Egyptians with plague after plague, protecting the Children of Israel from each one, including the horrendous death of the Egyptians’ firstborn. Then when the Israelites were blocked by the Red Sea from escaping from Pharaoh and his approaching army, God parted the water for the Israelites to safely pass through and sent it crashing in on the Egyptians, killing them. So central to their story, the Israelites would forever celebrate these mountaintop experiences as the Passover and as the moment of their salvation by God. And yet, just a few days later, when the water was bitter, they begin to grumble. Where is their faith?

Then I am reminded that we are to read Scripture, not as if looking through a window at others, but rather as if we are looking in a mirror at ourselves. If I am honest, I can see myself in this story. Mountaintop experiences are great! They reinforce our faith and remind us of God’s presence. But we must remember that life is not lived on the mountain. Most of life is lived in everyday experiences and challenges. The God of the mountaintop is with us in the valleys of life!

Personal Worship Option:

Think for a few moments about a few times you have felt especially close to God. Perhaps it was in a spiritual retreat or an awesome worship service. Give thanks for those times. Perhaps it is time to prepare for another of those experiences. But pray today for you to be God’s servant in the everyday routines of life.

Daily Devotion, February 23, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 26:20-29.

  This morning in our worship services, we will be sharing in the Communion meal of our Lord. It is always a moving experience for me to be part of this meal. I am given the opportunity to confess my sin and to be assured of God’s forgiveness. I am reminded of God’s love for all of us, even to the point of giving his Son that we might have new life. I experience the sacrifice and love of Jesus in the broken bread and the juice that somehow become his body and blood for me. I come to this meal as one of many others who are also receiving these gifts and seeking to serve Christ in the world. It is inspiring to be reminded that we are in this together.

  There are many lessons learned from Jesus in this meal. His way is the way of sacrifice, the way of service, the way of grace, the way of love. He sets the example of being willing to be vulnerable in order to connect with those most in need. He was willing to even serve those who would betray him.

  

  Be assured again today with this offer from Jesus Christ our Lord: “This is my body...this is my blood, given for you.”

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the sacrifice and example of Jesus.

Daily Devotion, February 22, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 20:20-28.

“Then the mother of James and John. . . “ What happened right before James and John’s mother approached Jesus? He had just told them what was going to happen. That he would be betrayed, and killed but would be raised on the third day. But obviously no one understood what he meant. James and John’s mother perceived that Jesus’ kingdom was about to emerge and she wanted the best for her sons. But she had missed the point. She knelt in worship, but she wanted something in return. How often do we come to God with praise and then expect him to honor our request. True worship adores and honors God for who he is and what he has done.

None of the disciples had understood Jesus’ leadership either. When they heard what James and John were asking, they all wanted prominent positions in the kingdom. However, Jesus taught by word and deed that his way was a way of servanthood. His Kingdom leaders will be different than the world. They will look for ways to serve others and step up to serve when they see a need.

Personal Worship Option:

A prayer for today: O LORD, what an opportunity to make a difference for you in a desperately hurting world. Help me to see the needs you want me to see, to react in a way that honors you, and to bless others by serving them gladly. Through your Spirit, give me the strength and wisdom I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 21, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

  Jesus taught that all of the Scriptures could be summed up in these two commandments, which can also be summarized with “Love God and love people.” If you really do love God, you are not going to want to do anything that would displease God. You are going to want to serve God in any way you can. You are going to want to be part of God’s mission in the world in any way you can. And if you truly love people, you are not going to want to do anything that would hurt someone. You want to provide for them, to help them, to share what you have with them.

  As I was thinking about what Jesus did in coming to this earth to live among us, it occurred to me that his love for God and people was what motivated him to do what he did. As a human, he wanted to please his heavenly Father. He was devoted to the mission and ministry of God in this world. He also loved people with a love beyond our understanding. He even loved those who did not love him. He was willing to die to provide a path of salvation for everyone receives his gift of grace.

  Love God and love people. Everything else will fall into place.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks to Jesus Christ for the example he set for you in how to love God and love people. Pray for wisdom and courage to follow his example. 

Daily Devotion, February 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 16:21-25.

Matthew's gospel says that, toward the end of his three years of public ministry, "Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Hearing this, "Peter took [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'"

What Jesus then said in the face of this apparent devotion forces me to define discipleship in different terms. The Bible says that "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.' Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'"

There are few words Jesus ever spoke that are scarier. That's particularly true when you contrast them with some of his other invitations. When Jesus says, "Come dine with me", “Come do life with me”,”Come dance with me”, we are pleased to accept. But when Jesus says what he says here, "Come die with me"—come take up a cross with me, come experience my death—there is something in almost all of us that cries out with the fear.

Personal Worship Option:

Are we living the life that God expects us to live? Are we denying ourselves to benefit Jesus’ efforts?

Daily Devotion, February 19, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 14:13-21.

Matthew 26:26 says “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”

I wonder if in hearing these words of Jesus, during the Last Supper, if the disciples remembered their experience with the great crowd. I wonder when Jesus took, blessed, broke and gave the loaves to them if the disciples remembered previously receiving bread from Him. I wonder if the disciples remembered giving bread to all the people with plenty left over.

Matthew 14 records great learning experiences for the disciples. The disciples saw a deserted place, a great crowd of tired and hungry people and only one solution. They had rightly decided that five loaves and two fish would never feed all the people. Their solution was for the people to go into the village and buy food for themselves.

But Jesus saw the crowd of people totally differently. First, He had compassion for them and cured their sick. Secondly, He understood God’s work in a different way. Little is much in God’s hands. After blessing and breaking of the bread, Jesus gave it to the disciples for them to go and feed the people.

Many people who have helped to feed others have also experienced God’s work of blessing, breaking, giving and having plenty left over. There is a holy mystery to this experience.

These experiences with Jesus have lessons for us, too. We can pray to see the possibilities of what we can do to help others through Jesus’ compassionate eyes. We can ask ourselves what gifts and talents we have which can be blessed, broken and given to help others. We can remember God’s gifts are enough and plenty more, such that we can give and there will still be plenty left over.

Personal Worship Option:

Blessed, broken and given to give. Jesus demonstrated this by giving his own life so that we are given new life. Dear Lord, how can I see the world through your compassionate eyes and be willing to give as you have given to me? Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 18, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 10:1-4.

The word “disciple” refers to a student or follower. From his group of followers, Jesus “called” twelve men to be his disciples. They followed Jesus, learned from him, and were trained by him. These twelve were ordinary men whom God used in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a political zealot. The New Testament Gospels records their failings, struggles, and doubts. They became eyewitnesses of Jesus’ works on earth as well as his resurrection. Jesus modeled ministry for them and sent them out to do ministry. He had them baptize new believers, cast out demons, and heal every kind of illness and diseases. After three years of training it was time for Jesus to turn the ministry over to his faithful disciples. Jesus chose to spend his last earthly hours over a meal with his disciples. After the meal Jesus taught his final lesson. Jesus became like a servant and washed the feet of the disciples. In the foot washing ceremony Jesus illustrated that he had come to serve humankind. And then he told his disciples that in washing their feet he set the example for them to do for others. And through serving others, they would be blessed. Jesus modeled servanthood, not only for the twelve, but for us also. He calls us to a life of service also. When we follow Jesus’ example we will learn that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Personal Worship Option:

Do you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus? If you follow his teachings, you are a disciple. Think today about the lessons you are showing others. Do they reflect the teachings of Jesus?

Daily Devotion, February 17, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 10:37-39.

Years ago, I was offered the coveted position of plant manager in a city far from Chattanooga. It was clear that, as good as this position was in itself, it was a stepping stone to an even better position in my career. But there was a problem -- our daughter was about to enter her senior year in high school. There was absolutely no way I would move her at that time, and I could not bear to think of living alone so far from our family. As important as my career was, my family was more important; and I turned the position down. Before you go patting me on the back for my sacrifice, I must tell you it did not impact my career at all. In the long run, it was not even a sacrifice!

Jesus calls us to a sacrificial life of faith. Sometimes following Christ does involve choosing our faith and love of Christ over love of our family. Jesus is not teaching us irresponsibility for our family, but he is challenging us to love him first and most. We take his instruction to take up our cross and follow him much too lightly. We think of inconveniences, health issues, and challenges in life as our crosses. The hard fact is Jesus is telling us to be willing to die, to lose our life, for our love for him. Rarely are we ever asked to die for Christ, but we are asked to live for him every single day!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me today: “Forgive me, Almighty God, when I let inconvenience or hard work get in the way of following your Son as a true disciple. Help me to remember Christ’s sacrificial love for me. Give me the faith to offer my life in service, even if there is sacrifice in it. Thank you for your great love for me. Amen”

Daily Devotion, February 16, 2020

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 12:1-2.

  Some races are short. They are sprints and you run them as fast as you can. Others are longer and you have to pace yourself. You don’t run hard at the beginning so that you have something left “in the tank” for the finish. Of course, for most runners of the marathon race, it is about pacing yourself throughout just to have the stamina to finish at all.

  The race of faith is lifelong. All along the way, there are times to walk, jog and sprint, as well as times to rest and refresh. There will also be many times when it is about persevering, “hanging in there” through the tough times, the times when it can be so tempting to give up.

  The key to it all is to keep your focus on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter” of our faith. He is the One who has already run the race the best and therefore can guide you in how to best run it. So stay in touch with him through that open line of prayer. Study and meditate on the Scriptures, both by yourself and with others. Worship God regularly with other Christians and serve those in need. Never forget that Jesus goes with you, all the way to the finish line.

Personal Worship Option:

What do you most need in the race of faith right now? Rest? A change of pace? Connecting with another runner? Remember that Jesus and other Christians are in this race with you.

Daily Devotion, February 15, 2020

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 2:8-10.

  God has created you as a masterpiece work of art to do good works. But God’s creation was not just a “one and done” event. One of the creeds of the Church states “We believe in God: who has created and is creating…” God continues to create throughout the universe, including in the life of every person, as that person follows God’s guidance and direction. As you study and meditate on the Scriptures, as you keep the prayer conversation line open, as we worship and serve alongside other Christians, God continues to create you to be the person you were meant to be.

  And this writer gives you the purpose for which you were created: to do good works. Every person who has given themselves to God and seeks to represent God in their everyday life has been given this purpose. We are to look for and take advantage of every opportunity we have to do something good for someone else. And even as we do those good works, that becomes part of God’s creative process. Be assured this day that you are God’s work of art and that God is not finished with you yet!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks to God for the gift of life and for the opportunities God gives you each day to be a new creation.

Daily Devotion, February 14, 2020

Devotion:

Read Psalm 146.

This Psalm begins and ends with “Praise the LORD!” Why is praise important? It takes our mind off our problems and inadequacies and focuses them on God. It can also lead us to meditation on God and His Word. Praise also helps us to consider and appreciate God’s character which impacts our perspective on life. Praise is an integral part of our relationship with God.  

This Psalm emphasizes that help from people is fleeting and unstable, but help from God is lasting and complete. Look at all the ways the psalmist describes God. He is creator, promise keeper, gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry, frees the prisoners, opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up the down, loves the godly, protects the foreigners, cares for orphans and widows, and frustrates the plans of the wicked. God counts on us to be his hands and feet to show others what kind of God he is.

Personal Worship Option:

The Psalmist says it best: “I will praise the Lord all my life" … How will you praise Him today?

Daily Devotion, February 13, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 25:1.

Samuel, the great prophet and judge of Israel, died. This great man, who was dedicated to the Lord, served Him from his youngest days. His mother begged for a child and then she gave her son to God. Being Godly and living a dedicated life did not save him from an earthly death. Remember Samuel was a descendant of Adam. God’s work in Israel did not end when Samuel died as God’s work is never dependent on one person. The faithful keep the journey of faith going. David rose up to continue. The Israelites gathered together and lamented for him. He was appreciated after his death probably more than when he was alive. Samuel laid the foundation for the organization of the Levites who are responsible for the service of the sanctuaries. David completed this process. It mentions in 2 Chronicles that Samuel was faithful to remember the Passover and God’s great deliverance. We must pass on our faithful witness to those coming behind us.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about how you might leave an impact on someone’s faith journey. Are we sharing our story to inspire others?

Daily Devotion, February 12, 2020

Devotion:

Read Joshua 24:22-31.

The title given for Joshua 24 in The Message Translation is “The Covenant at Shechem”. The tribes of Israel have been in the Promised Land for a while. The people have begun adapting to their surroundings and conforming to the ways of the people around them. Joshua reminds the people of Israel of all that God has done for them. Joshua is calling the people to a decision in verses 14-15, “Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

Joshua lives out this covenant relationship with God throughout his lifetime right up until the day he died (verse 31). He lived in service unto the Lord all the days of his life.

I heard a preacher say, “To choose to serve God is a choice we make every day!” To choose to serve God every day is also remembering all God has done for us along life’s journey.

The beautiful part of this lifetime journey of faith is that growth is possible at every age. As we acknowledge God’s love and faithfulness unto us, we in turn grow in our love and faithfulness unto God. And as our love for God grows, God’s love leads us to love others more than we love ourselves. This creates the covenantal community of people called to help others along their life’s journey.

I give God thanks for individuals I have known who have served the Lord throughout their lifetime. There is one who comes to mind. In his late retirement years, he walked with purpose, with his head in front of his feet, with blueprints for a Habitat House under his arm, and a pencil behind his ear. It was 30 degrees outside. He was on a mission to build his fiftieth house for a new family! His testimony was profound. He was grateful for the love he had received growing up in an Orphan’s home and wanted to give God thanksgiving for taking care of him by building homes for others.

Personal Worship Option:

Let us hear Joshua’s call again. “Choose today whom you will serve.” Help me O Lord, to always be growing in faith and service all the days of my life. Amen. 

Daily Devotion, February 11, 2020

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:36-38.

After her husband had died, Anna had dedicated herself to fasting and praying in the temple. In fact, the Bible says that she never left the temple ­but worshipped day and night. We read that she had been a widow for 84 years and was very old. In her old age she remained faithful to God. This faithful widow had a regular ministry at the temple. Her teaching would have been heard by those who frequented the temple.

At the temple the day Simeon blessed the baby Jesus, Anna was full of thanksgiving and became the first witness to tell others about the child. When Anna saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were waiting for redemption. She knew that the one who would save his people had arrived. Anna reminds us that no matter our age we are a witness to the work and wonder of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Anna was full of thanksgiving and couldn’t wait to tell others about the birth of Jesus. What are you thankful for today? Think of a way to share your gratitude with others.

Daily Devotion, February 10, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 48:10-16.

It is a telling and powerful statement to hear Israel, as he blessed his son Joseph and his grandsons, declare that “God has been my shepherd all my life to this day!” Just so we do not forget, Israel was originally named Jacob, which means “grabber.” Born second to his twin brother Esau, Jacob’s little hand firmly grasped the heel of Esau, as Jacob, even in birth, attempted to gain the birthright as the firstborn son. Jacob did not give up, and a few years later, he convinced the hungry Esau to trade him the birthright for a bowl of stew. And as their father Isaac was nearing death, Jacob and his mother used deception to secure Isaac’s blessing that should have been given to Esau. Jacob had received his new name Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God,” and humbly walked with God from that time. Now, nearing his own death, Jacob (Israel) can look back over his life and see that God had been with him, shepherding him, even when he was not obedient to the shepherd’s will.

May we, after our own struggles and pushing back at times on God’s will, remember that God is our shepherd all of our lives to the last day. God provides, protects, loves, and cares for us. God is faithful!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for God’s love and faithfulness. It is through God’s grace that God loves us and shepherds us even when we are not obedient. Ask God to help you see God’s presence in your life all along the way.

Daily Devotion, February 9, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 7:1-5.

  It is so easy to look at some bad thing someone else has done and say “I would never do that!” When we see how other people deal with family relationships or act in certain situations, it is so tempting to think “I could never be like that!” However, as some like to say “Never say ‘Never’!” If you had been raised the way they were, if you had lived through the things they have dealt with, if you were put in the same circumstances they were in, maybe you would do that or be like that. This is not to say that we should condone wrong behavior or bad attitudes. It is to say that we should not judge others. That role belongs only to God.

 

  Earlier in the “Sermon On The Mount” Jesus teaches a model prayer for his disciples to pray. Both in the prayer and in follow-up teaching right after it, he says that we will receive forgiveness from God in the same proportion that we are willing to grant it to people who sin against us. Just nineteen verses later, he gives the same teaching, this time related to judging others: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

  There are times when the Holy Spirit may guide you to confront someone else about some sin in their life. Just make sure you are doing it on behalf of God and that you do it with a Spirit of humility and love. Following on the example Jesus uses here, make sure you have visited your heavenly eye doctor before taking on the role of eye doctor yourself. Then when you go to that person, you go not as a judge, but as a healer.

Personal Worship Option:

Way back in 1895, Clara Scott penned the words to one of my favorite hymns. They are most fitting here. (I will adjust her pronouns to what I believe she would use if she were writing today.)

Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me;

place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.

Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;

open my heart and let me prepare love with your children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for you, ready, my God your will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Daily Devotion, February 8, 2020

Devotion:

Read Luke 18:9-14.

  We all have a tendency to judge other people. I sometimes wonder what our motivation is for that. I am guessing (and maybe confessing) that it often has something to do with helping us feel better about ourselves. We know of our own issues and sins, but somehow find some satisfaction in comparing ourselves to some other person or family or group and saying “At least I’m not like them.”

  The introduction to this parable gives us the reason for Jesus telling it: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else….” Jesus has a “target audience” for this story!

  The Pharisees were deeply committed to God and the Scriptures. They had devoted themselves to living their lives by what the Scriptures taught. That’s a good thing! However, for some of them, they had succumbed to the temptation to feel good about how good they were. They were “confident in their own righteousness…” Their confidence was probably fed not only by how good they were at what they did (and didn’t do), but also when they noticed how other people lived their lives. So they “looked down on everybody else.” Jesus makes it clear that though they are seeking to serve God, that attitude and spirit separates them from God.

  When I read this parable, it is very tempting to do exactly what Jesus says not to do - I find myself judging the Pharisee! Let’s learn from both men in the story, but not judge them. In your relationships with both God and other people, stay humble.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of confession related to the lessons of this parable and seek a spirit of humility.

Daily Devotion, February 7, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 8:1-11.

Judging others is such a temptation. We do it almost without thinking. From the most miniscule to the monumental we pass judgment. Have you ever caught yourself thinking or saying, “I can’t believe he just did …” or “Did you see what she …”   In essence we are putting ourselves above the person in question.

This is exactly what the Pharisees did the day they brought the woman accused of adultery. The Pharisees were using the situation to trap Jesus. However, Jesus’ response was quite unexpected. The one without any sin, may throw the stone of judgment. Of course they all slipped away and the one without sin (Jesus) offered compassion and forgiveness. Jesus demonstrated for us how we are to respond to others. It is God’s role to judge and our job to offer forgiveness and compassion.

Personal Worship Option:

Express to God your gratitude for His compassion and forgiveness. As you go about your day, look for opportunities to offer compassion/forgiveness in the place of judgment.

Daily Devotion, February 6, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 3:17.

The gospel books of the Bible tell the good news of Jesus coming on our behalf.. The scripture for today certainly does. Jesus wasn’t sent to condemn us. He came to rescue us. That means we each have value to God. To God, it doesn’t matter the sin we have committed, our upbringing, or social status. God loves us and sent His son to be our Savior. We should not allow ourselves to believe the concept that we are insignificant. God sees each of us as important and our lives have a purpose. So many believers are living under condemnation. They see God as an angry God with a big stick, watching our every movement waiting in anticipation for us to do something wrong, so that He can punish us.

If only believers would take this verse literally and believe what it says, so many would not be living their lives under condemnation but would be rejoicing in the Lord; for God did not send His Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but to save the world through Christ. It was out of love and not cruelty that God sent His Son into the world to die for the sin of the world.  Once sinners believe this simple truth, their outlook on life is immediately changed.

Personal Worship Option:

In the midst of all of the challenges of life, keep your focus on Jesus. Let His value and opinion of you be the one that counts. .Jesus came to rescue you. So today choose to see the value He sees in you and in others. Know that you are vital to God’s plan on the earth.

Daily Devotion, February 5, 2020

Devotion:

Read Job 22:5-11. (The Message Translation)

This is one of Job’s friends, Eliphaz, who is trying to explain the reasons for Job’s suffering. It was common in Biblical times to believe if one is suffering that it must be because of the great sins of that individual. Up until this point, Job’s friends have never yet identified Job with the wicked. In previous speeches, Job’s friends said his sufferings were caused due to divine discipline, or because his children had sinned, or that Job had sinned but not in an intentional way. But now, Eliphaz is identifying Job with the wicked. The solution according to Eliphaz is for Job to repent of all his wickedness and then the suffering would end and life would be good again.

 

But Job knows that what Eliphaz is saying is not the truth. And Job remains faithful to God. Dr. Carol A Newsom writes “The irony of Eliphaz’s depiction of Job’s restoration as an intercessor is that it truly comes to pass, when Job intercedes with God to spare Eliphaz and his two friends from God’s anger (42:8).”

Job’s dear friends judged Job too quickly by putting themselves in God’s place and by trying to discredit Job’s character. In Matthew 7, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

We also can judge too quickly, putting ourselves in God’s place, and discredit a dear friend or acquaintance. Because we know how Job’s story concludes, we see how ridiculous Eliphaz’s speech is! Let us hear Jesus’ words again, “Do not judge.”

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, too often, I judge too quickly things I don’t truly understand. Thank you for your understanding and grace unto us all. Help me to be an encouraging friend instead of a judging friend. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 4, 2020

Devotion:

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-7a.

One of the roles of prophets in the Old Testament was to confront sin. God spoke through prophets and used them to take his message to his people, even kings. David had sinned against God when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah killed. David seemed to have become callous about his own sin. He tried to cover up his first sin (adultery) with another sin (murder). David had become hardened to sin. So the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to tell David a story. We read that story in our passage today. The story is about a rich man who abused a poor man by taking his lamb, killing it, and preparing it for a guest. David was outraged that one could be so callous, but Nathan told David, “You are that man!” Nathan helps David come to repentance. Nathan was courageous and tactful in pointing out David’s sin. Nathan didn’t humiliate or scold the king, but he did judge him as God had directed him to do. When you have to confront someone with unpleasant news, pray for God to give you courage, skill, and tact. This old adage has much truth: “It not just what you say; it’s how you say it.”

Personal Worship Option:

Pray that you will use love when facing someone who has hurt you or sinned against God. Ask God to point out any sin in your life so that you can repent.