Daily Devotion, May 31, 2020

Devotion: Read John 20:19-22.

  This scene of Jesus breathing on the disciples and inviting them to receive the Holy Spirit harkens back to the creation story that I referred to yesterday in Genesis 2:7. It is a reminder that only by God’s creating grace are we given life. Jesus is again creating here, breathing the life-giving Spirit into these disciples, who will continue to be his Body (the Church) on earth.

 

  It is vital that as we seek to do the work of our Lord, we are always seeking the Holy Spirit to guide us, continuing to create us as the people of Christ. That work of creation never ceases. We are continually being formed as the Body of Christ. When we try to do things on our own, that effort will often be “life-less.” It will die because it was not “God-breathed.” It does not have the Spirit of God in it.

  This Spirit is given to us as a gift (“Receive the Holy Spirit”), just like being given the gift of life itself. So, rather than deciding what needs to be done, then asking God to bless it, we first receive the Spirit, who guides us in what we are to do. Receive this Spirit, then go be the people of Christ! Personal Worship Option:

Here are words to two verses from a beautiful hymn, written by Edwin Hatch (I have changed some pronouns to help it flow better for today):

Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, 

  that I may love what you would love, and do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly yours, 

till all this earthly part of me glows with your fire divine.

Daily Devotion, May 30, 2020

Devotion: Read Genesis 2:4-7.

  Because God has always existed, the Holy Spirit who is God has always existed. Genesis 1:2 says this Spirit was hovering over the waters at Creation and Genesis 2:7 says God’s breath (or “Spirit”) was breathed into the first human. So one of the primary activities of this Spirit is to create, to give life. We see that same activity happen when the angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will provide this new life of God’s Son, to whom she will be the mother.

  In Luke’s version of telling when the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a new way, this Spirit comes upon them at Pentecost in a powerful and dramatic scene. It is often said of this scene that the Church was birthed there.

  It is only with the breath that God has given us that we can live. And it is only by the Spirit of God that we can live life the way God intended for us to experience it. This Spirit gives us life and guides us in how to live life to the fullest. Anytime you feel like life has been taken out of you, ask God to give you new life and be assured that the Holy Spirit will fill you again. Personal Worship Option: Offer a prayer directly to the Holy Spirit, giving thanks for the presence of this life-giving Spirit in your life.

Daily Devotion, May 29, 2020

Devotion: Read Galatians 5:16-25.

This writer contrasts life controlled by our sinful nature verses life controlled by the Holy Spirit. So how well are you staying in step with the Holy Spirit? One way to gauge that is to determine how well we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit; LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL. God’s Spirit creates and distributes these characteristics. Whenever they are lacking, we are out of step with the Spirit.

To walk in the Spirit, respond to the promptings God gives you.

Don’t sense any nudgings? Just be patient and wait. God instills seasons of silence in his plan. Winter is needed for the soil to bear fruit. Time is needed for the development of a crop. Disciples wait for the movement of God. Wait for him to move, nudge, and direct. Personal Worship Option: Prayer for today: “Father, work in my life in a way that people will see you shining out. Help me to break free from the selfishness and sin that prevent me from being conformed to your image and expressing your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Daily Devotion, May 28, 2020

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13.

When Paul talks about the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, he uses the “one body” as a word picture because each part of the body needs every other part. The human body is amazing. Each part depends on the other parts. We have all experienced how something as simple as a headache can affect other parts of the body. While every part has an important role to play, no part is independent. All parts must work together so that the body can function well as a whole.

Writing to the Corinthians, Paul describes the body of believers in terms of the human body to show how everyone depends on one another. This helps us to understand Christ’s command to love each other. Our differing giftedness is for the common good, not for selfish pursuits or desires. Followers of Jesus are interrelated with every other person in the body of Christ. Though each believer may be unique, each believer is also dependent on the rest. Like interrelated body parts, Christians must work together in unity and oneness of purpose to help bring about growing God's kingdom by sharing the Good News. The Holy Spirit empowers each of us to use our gifts and abilities for the good of others, guiding us to build up the body of Christ. What are your spiritual gifts? Are you using them to God’s glory? Personal Worship Option: Thank you, Father, that I am part of the Body of Christ. I have been baptized into one body by the one Spirit. I pray that on that basis I may fulfill my function in life to be an instrument for you, right where I live and work.

Daily Devotion, May 27, 2020

Devotion: Read John 14:15-21, 25-27.

John 14 is often read to bring comfort in times of grief. The commentaries say that this chapter is the centerpiece of Jesus’ farewell meal and conversations with his disciples. He was preparing them for the days of his crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension.

It is also wonderful to read John 14 at other times for the new inspirations we receive. First, it is important to hear this calling from Jesus, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Secondly, Jesus gives the assurance, “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever---the Spirit of truth.“  The word, Counselor, has been translated in other English versions as Comforter, Advocate, and Helper. The gospel of John gives these varieties of functions associated with the Holy Spirit in his usage of the Greek word, “Paraclete,”---“the one who comes along beside you.”

In his book, “Living Our Beliefs”, Bishop Carder writes, “The Trinity is the framework for understanding the nature, character, purpose, and presence of God. At its core meaning is this declaration: God, the Father, who is before us; God, the Son, who is for us; and God, the Holy Spirit, who comes along beside us and is with us.”

In verses 25-27, the gospel of John adds additional characteristics of the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said”.  These verses, to me, circle back to verse 15. The Holy Spirit enables us to keep Jesus’ commands out of our love for him. Personal Worship Option: Pause for a moment and ponder these wonderful words about the Holy Spirit, who is with us: “Helper, Advocate, Comforter, and Counselor”. You are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you in the ways you need and for the calling to service which God has given to you. We, as the church, can be strengthened by these words too, for the global mission ahead. 

Daily Devotion, May 26, 2020

Devotion: Read Acts 2:1-11.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. We read the believers could hear what sounded like a windstorm. I wonder how that compared to the sound of wind heard a few weeks ago in our area when we were hit with an F3 tornado. I’m sure it was as frightening to the believers then as it was to those in our area on Easter Sunday night. Then they saw flames of fire that settled on each of them. Wind and fire were familiar signs of the presence of God. On this day they served as symbols of the Holy Spirit filing them and equipping each believer to serve in the ministry of the early church. Just as God had promised, he sent his Holy Spirit to give Jesus' followers the power to tell others the Gospel. They couldn't see the Holy Spirit, but they knew he was there.

I use a small electric fan to keep me cool in the mornings when I get dressed. How do I know it works? I can't see the air coming out of the fan, but I know when it's working. I can see the blade spinning on the inside; I can hear the motor softly purring; I can feel the air blowing on my face. While I can't see the air, I feel the power of the fan. In a similar way, we can also feel a much greater power - the power of the Holy Spirit.

Those early believers could feel his power as they began to speak and understand in different languages as the Spirit gave them the ability. A few years ago at Christ Church speakers of five languages led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer. What a joyful noise it was to hear the prayer in many languages! I can only imagine witnessing the miracle of people from all nationalities speaking different languages all at once! God works all kinds of miracles to spread the Good News. At Pentecost 3,000 people were added to the fellowship of believers. Even though we can’t see the Holy Spirit, he gives us the power today to spread the Good News using the gifts and talents God gives us. Personal Worship Option:

Let this be your prayer today:

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me

Melt me, mold me

Fill me, use me!

Daily Devotion, May 25, 2020

Devotion: Read Acts 1:1-5.

I love the way Luke writes -- always carefully researched, well organized, and logical. Volume One was his Gospel, and now begins Volume 2, the Book of Acts, the story of the apostles’ ministry and of the early church following the resurrection and ascension of Christ. As I read these verses, I stopped and reread verse 2. It clearly says that Christ gave instructions to the apostles through the Holy Spirit before being taken up into heaven. I had not noticed that before. I turned to the commentaries of Dr. Willam Barclay, who acknowledges in writing about this passage that it is not always easy to draw a line between the work of the Risen Christ and that of the Holy Spirit. He continues by telling us we don’t need to worry about that. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and God is one!

Perhaps the most important point for us comes in verse 5 when the apostles were told to wait for the Holy Spirit. I have seen churches and individuals miss opportunities for ministry as they drag their feet and fail to take action while “waiting for the Spirit to move.” I am rarely guilty of that, but sometimes I may need to wait a bit for the Holy Spirit to guide me. The apostles did not have to wait long, and neither will we have long to wait for the Spirit’s guidance. Personal Worship Option: Give thanks today that God is with us always. As you think of decisions and choices you, your family, and your church may be making in the near future, pray for the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance. 

Daily Devotion, May 24, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 1:1-5, 14.

  We believe Jesus was fully God, even as he was also fully human while here on earth. He is the One who showed us most fully what God is like. The writer of this Gospel begins his version of the life and ministry of Jesus by emphasizing this very point: “...the Word was God.” Jesus Christ was at the beginning of creation, not created by God at Bethlehem. This God became one of us and lived among us. It is hard to grasp this belief and yet it is a core belief we have about Jesus. This God comes to be with us in our sinful condition, but also lets us know we can be more than we are. We no longer have to be bound by sin.

  So, when we say we are Christian, we are declaring that we worship a specific God, one who was fully revealed to us through Jesus Christ. He is our gift and our guide for living life to the fullest and for knowing this God personally. We cannot fully know this God, but we have a connection to the One who does, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Thanks be to God for “the light (that) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 

Personal Worship Option:

Which of the “I am” sayings of Jesus is most meaningful for you? Share your thoughts with others and invite them to share as well. Give thanks to God for these images that help us better know God through Christ.  

Daily Devotion, May 23, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 14:1-9b.

  Jesus offers a three-fold definition of himself in this passage: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Jesus is “the way.” There is a particular way of living and relating to both God and people that are characteristic of Jesus and his followers. It is a way of love, forgiveness, hope, healing, grace, peace, joy, generosity and life. His followers in the early Church were known as the people of “the Way” (Acts 9:2).

  Jesus is “the truth.” He invites us into a search for truth in all of life. In the Gospel of John 18:37 Jesus was in the midst of a conversation with Pilate when he said “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

  Jesus is “the life.” This is a theme running throughout this Gospel. John 3:16 says that all those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. At 10:10 Jesus says he “came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” And at the end, the writer says he wrote all this “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

  Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life.” So don’t just follow any way that looks good; learn and follow his way. Don’t just follow any truth that sounds good. Listen and learn his truth. Don’t just live life any way that feels good. Live and learn of life in Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on and pray about how you can better live the “way, truth and life” of Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion, May 22, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 11:17-27.

“I am the resurrection and the life.” These are the words that Jesus spoke to Martha in the midst of her grief. Martha confirmed her belief in the resurrection but misunderstood that Jesus was the embodiment of life - resurrection. However, she believed in Jesus and who he was yet was confused that He didn’t intervene to save her brother’s life. Everything that Jesus did or did not do was to shine a spotlight on God’s glory. This was no exception.

How often do we come to God in confusion - why didn’t God intervene? But God did intervene and He continues to work whether we can see or feel Him working. Jesus IS the resurrection: now and forever. Trust His heart and His plan.

Personal Worship Option:

Where do you see God working? Reflect on how God has worked in your life. Thank Him for who He is.

Daily Devotion, May 21, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 10:11-15.

The primary characteristic of a good shepherd is that he loves unto death; he is willing to die for the sheep. Jesus, as son of God, is our good Shepherd. We are His sheep. He takes care of us. In John 10, Jesus twice declared: “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14). It is a reassuring picture of God’s gentle, loving care for us.

Jesus’ use of the shepherd imagery continues. Not only will Christ gather His people and give them eternal life, He will die for them. When the wolf comes, says Jesus, “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Our great Shepherd, Jesus, will give everything so that we might have life forever in Him. The disciples never could get over the fact that Jesus loved them so much he was willing to die for them. Many of the epistles of Paul, John, James, and Peter contain awestruck references to this.

It doesn’t matter how bad or hopeless your circumstances are, there’s always hope. The good shepherd has already died for you, and he has risen from the dead! He is looking for you. He wants to give you a full life and fill your heart with thanksgiving. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote an aria (as part of a larger cantata) capturing the theme of Jesus as the sacrificial shepherd: “Sheep May Safely Graze.” Find a version of this beautiful musical piece online and reflect on the Shepherd’s love for you and His sacrificial gift of eternal life.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, we are so privileged and grateful to have your Son as our good shepherd! He leads us along your ways and gives us hope in the most desperate situations. Give us the wisdom to lean on Him alone each day. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 10:1-10.

During my college years when classes were difficult, I sat under the shade of one of the largest trees on campus for my devotional time. While reading John 10, I sensed Christ’s presence and peace with me. In particular John 10:10b, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” gave me hope I would make it through that semester!

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at The Good Shepherd and His Sheep, Phillip Keller describes Jesus’ words in verses 7 and 9, “I am the gate for the sheep…. and I am the gate for the sheep and whoever enters by me will be saved.”

Keller writes, “A flock has both an interior life within the shelter of the sheep fold and an exterior life outside. It is by means of the doorway, through the opening of the gate, that they enjoy both ingress and egress to a fully rounded and beneficial mode of life….the person under Christ’s control will sense and know the hand of the Good Shepherd directing him or her in both areas. The person will be acutely aware that it is through Christ’s presence that it is possible to pass in and out peacefully wherever He leads us.“

The two “I AM” statements in this chapter “I AM the Good Shepherd” and “I AM the Gate”, are declarative statements of the relationship Jesus offers on our behalf. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and will give His life for His sheep. Jesus is also the Gate and under His care the sheep are protected from anyone who would destroy them and they can go and come in peace.

This is an invitation into the relationship of life with God and God’s kingdom through Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd and the Gate.  This invitation invites us into a life of peace in the full assurance of God’s presence with us.  With this invitation, we are invited into the “sheepfold” to be with others, sometimes to help and sometimes to be helped, but always to follow where the Shepherd is leading.

Personal Worship Option:

Henri Nouwen, author of “Reaching Out” describes life in Christ’s presence as the deep peace which fills the empty space between us. We are in Christ’s “sheepfold” together. Going and coming today, follow as Christ leads and be completely assured of the Good Shepherd’s care, safe-keeping and peace.

Daily Devotion, May 19, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 8:12.

“I am the Light of the world” is the second of seven ”I AM” declarations of Jesus. In these statements Jesus is pointing out his divine identity and purpose in the world. Jesus is claiming that he is the exclusive source of spiritual light. During the power or outage of the recent tornado I lighted candles and used flashlights to dispel the darkness. When moving from one room to another, my husband and I would shine a flashlight in front of us to light the way. We followed the light. Likewise, the Light of Jesus Christ dispels the darkness of sin and evil in the world. Jesus lights the way for us. He shows us how to walk in goodness, kindness, truth, hope, and love.

Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so are believers to reflect the Light of Christ so that all can see it in us. The Light is evident to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Worship Option:

Make this verse your personal prayer today:

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Daily Devotion, May 18, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 6:35, 48-51.

In the Republic of Georgia, bread (puri) is traditionally baked by slapping the dough onto the hot walls of clay ovens. The bread rises, bakes until a golden crust is formed, and is removed with a wooden paddle. As I complimented the delicious bread at dinner and reached for another piece, my Georgian host remarked, “A culture is known by its bread,” and a great conversation ensued. Bread is the common element in meals around the world, even as it often reflects something unique about the region and culture in which it is enjoyed...from hot dinner rolls to cornbread, from pita to challah, and from tortillas to naan. To eat with others is to “break bread” together.

We begin this week of Jesus’ “I am” sayings in the Gospel of John with “I am the bread of life.” Food, represented by bread, is one of the absolute essentials of life. Without the right bread (food), our bodies will not be healthy, and without any food, we cannot survive. Jesus had fed the five thousand the previous day, and the apostles’ minds were filled with that miracle. In that context, Jesus tells them and us that he is the essential element of life. Unlike earthly bread, Jesus fills us completely; and if we accept this living bread of life, we have the promise of eternal life!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for your food that nourishes and strengthens your body. Give thanks for the gift of God’s Son, who came in love to fill us spiritually with bread that saves us. The best definition of evangelism is “one beggar telling another where to find bread.” Pray for the chance today to share this precious bread of life.

Daily Devotion, May 17, 2020

Devotion:

Read Romans 1:1-7.

  At the opening of this letter, Paul refers to each person of the Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit. Today in our worship time, we will begin a sermon series focusing on our belief in a trinitarian God: one God in three Persons. In the sermon for today, we focus on the God who has created and is creating, the God who first called us into a covenant relationship to save the whole world. This is the God who gave us life, against whom we rebelled and who has been seeking after us ever since. Throughout the Old Testament, we read of the relationship of this God with all of humanity. This is not a God who creates and then leaves us to our own devices. This God comes looking for us in the Garden, then goes all the way to the Cross to find us. This God loves, disciplines, wrestles, counsels, shepherds, commands and engages us.

  This God seeks to bless the whole world. Paul reminds us of this mission in these opening verses to the church he longs to visit in Rome. He writes of “the gospel of God…” that has been given to us through Jesus Christ. “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” The Gentiles are the “outsiders,” those not considered to be the people of God. Through Jesus, we see and hear the fulness of this good news that God has been seeking to share since the beginning: everyone is welcome to a relationship with this God.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you know who feels like an “outsider” with God? How might you share this good news with them? Pray for wisdom and courage to do so.

Daily Devotion, May 16, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:7-15.

  The prayer Jesus taught us to pray begins with the title he used in his relationship with God. As a human, he taught us about the personal relationship he had with his heavenly Father and let us know we could have such a relationship ourselves. You can know this God as intimately as you know your parents or other close human relationships you have. You can talk to God and know that God hears you and will never leave you. This is the God who made you, who gave you life and loves you even more than the best human father ever loved their child. And just like the best of human fathers, this God will hold you accountable to how you live your life. As I often like to say “God loves you as you are, but loves you enough not to leave you as you are.” Part of that accountability is an expectation that you will forgive those who have wronged you, knowing that your heavenly Father will likewise forgive you of your sins.

  How is your relationship with your heavenly Father going? Can you talk to God about anything? Are you able to share your frustrations and fears, as well as your celebrations and desires? Do you know that God is on your side? If your relationship with God is not as close as you would like, talk with one of our pastors or a trusted Christian who can help guide you to that place. If your relationship with God is close, who might you help develop their own close relationship with the One Jesus said we could call “Father”?

Personal Worship Option:

One of Chris Tomlin’s hit songs is “Good, Good Father.” Not only does he describe God in that way, but goes on to affirm that our core identity is found in knowing we are loved by this heavenly Father (“It’s who I am…”). Celebrate the God who loves you as a “good, good Father.”  

Daily Devotion, May 15, 2020

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:25-33.

Many years ago I was walking through a very dark time and it felt like God was absent. One morning, this passage in Matthew was my daily reading. Still struggling, I prepared for work that morning and when exiting the car, a little bird on a pole started singing a most beautiful song. It was a reminder that God cared for me and was working in and through the circumstances. For the next month, every morning, that little bird was on that pole singing his song. I don’t know if it was really the same little bird, but I do know that God used that little bird to soothe and reassure his child - me.

Worry and anxiety fills our minds with useless clutter that leaves no room for God. It also clouds perspective, causing us to focus on self rather than on God. Trusting God involves trusting Him to care for us. As believers we still work to meet our needs; but we don’t worry. We know God will care for us.

Personal Worship Option:

What worries are occupying your thoughts today? Share them with God, do the next best things, and rest in the knowledge that God is working on your behalf.

Daily Devotion, May 14, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 20:1-17.

Today’s scripture is the listing of the Ten Commandments. The name “Exodus” means departure, and the book of Exodus describes the departure of the Israelites from Egypt where they had been slaves. The commandments were God’s covenant with the people when they were camped at Mount Sinai. Moses tells them what he had been told by God, the father—laws known as the  “Decalogue,” from the Latin for “ten words”. These commandments provided the people with moral, civil, and religious laws by which they were to live. The Ten Commandments are based on an ancient form of a treaty between a ruler and his people. In such a treaty, the ruler identifies himself and refers to acts done on behalf of the people. Then the ruler gives laws that the people are to live by in order to keep their part of the treaty. I like the way God laid out the Ten Commandments in a cultural way that they were familiar with.

In thinking this week as God being the Father, I think of the rules that my Dad laid out to my siblings and me. They were rules for safety, doing the right things for people, achieving our best, and using appropriate language. Those rules were for our own good, but of course we did not always adhere to them. My older sister was always pushing and breaking the rules which made it easier for the rest of us! Our Dad’s love never wavered. This is the same with our Godly Father. Even when we fall short, He forgives and loves us as His children.

Personal Worship Option:

God, you have rescued us from bondage to sin. Teach us to obey your commandments and to live each day in a way that honors you. You are my God and I worship you alone. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 13, 2020

Devotion:

Read Exodus 3:1-10.

Let’s stand beside Moses in this experience. What would we have seen and heard? Dr. Walter Brueggemann says to hear loud and clear (with hope) the verbs here which the voice of the Lord speaks. These same verbs which are in Exodus 2 are repeated here in Exodus 3. “I have seen the misery…I have heard them crying…I am concerned (or know) about their suffering.”

Dr. Brueggemann says there is a fourth verb here in Exodus 3 which is not paralleled in Exodus 2 and this verb phrase “decisively advances the action: ‘I have come down’ (vs.8) God not only knows, but God is now physically mobilized to be present in the midst of trouble. These action words articulate Israel’s understanding of God in the Old Testament and continue in the incarnation of Christ---God has ‘come down’ into human history. The verb phrase ‘come down’ is followed by two other verbs of enormous power: ‘deliver, and bring up.’” 

This God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob rescues those who are oppressed! Psalm 107 in The Living Bible has declarative sentences within it which are repeated in various ways. As in Psalm 107:13 which says,“Then they cried out to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them!”

We serve the living God who sees, hears, knows, comes down and rescues those who are oppressed. God’s ears and eyes are not closed. God cares and God will rescue! These are definitely words of hope! This living God is a God of relationship! And this living God is a God of presence!

Jesus knew this relationship well as he often referred to God as Heavenly Father and began the prayer he taught his disciples to pray with, “Our Father which art in heaven….” Jesus knew that his heavenly Father is the God who comes down and rescues all who are oppressed! That’s great news!

Personal Worship Option:

 A contemporary Christian song titled “Song of Hope (Heaven come down)“ written and sung by the Robbie Seay Band has as its chorus lyrics, “I will sing a song of hope sing along, God of heaven come down, heaven come down, Just to know that You are near is enough, God of heaven come down, Heaven come down!” We have the assurance God has come down and is with us, always! Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 12, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 12:1-3.

God made a covenant with Abram telling him that he would found a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed also through Abram's descendants. God gave him one condition: Abram needed to obey God. He obeyed God, left his home, and even through great testing, he remained faithful to God. God's original design in creation was for us to experience prosperity, peace, and fulfillment, but that design was ruined when sin entered the world. Through Abram's family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. It is through Christ that we can have a personal relationship with God and receive all the blessings he has in store for us. Since God is the giver of all good gifts, we are the recipients of countless acts of favor and goodness, but the ultimate blessing that God has given is the new life and forgiveness that comes through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Like Abram, let's commit to a life of faithfulness and obedience.

Personal Worship Option:

Take time today to count your blessings and give God the thanks for all of his goodness. Meditate on the words to the hymn "Count Your Blessings."

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Daily Devotion, May 11, 2020

Devotion:

Read Genesis 1:1.

Our passage for today is rather short, isn’t it? But in it, the writer communicates a fundamental truth to us that it was God who created all we know and are. The second chapter of Genesis gives us a dramatically different creation story with one marked similarity to the first one -- it was God who created all things.

As I began to study the physical laws of science in more depth, something happened to my spiritual thinking. The laws of conservation of mass and energy and all the formulas and relationships that explain how things work totally fascinated me. I began to wonder, “Where is God in this?” Science seemed to explain everything, and I was troubled by that. Knowledge is a good thing, but wisdom is even better. It took some time for me to realize that God did not create a totally random universe. God created in ways that are repeatable, and God’s wondrous creation can be more fully understood as we learn and discover the underlying laws and relationships God beautifully wove into creation.

God continues to create as human beings discover truths of God’s creation and develop new things. Our latest cutting edge technology is based on the principles and relationships God created “in the beginning!” 

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect in your prayer time on the wonders of creation. The seasons have changed again. Buds appeared on the trees, then came colorful blooms, and now trees are in full, new green foliage. Pay attention to the beauty of God’s creation today and enjoy it.

Daily Devotion, May 10, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 20:19-29.

  The usual focus in this scene is on the disciple who unfairly gets labeled as “doubting Thomas” because he needed to see the scars of Jesus before he would believe that his Lord was alive. However, it is interesting to note that when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the early part of this scene, the first thing he did after speaking to them was to show them the scars in his hands and side. He apparently knew that they too would need some evidence to help them believe that it really was him.

 

  Scars are evidence that we have been wounded, that we have suffered in some way. They are not always physical. Sometimes they are psychological or emotional. In other words, sometimes they are not so easily seen.

  

  The Scriptures tell us of a God who is willing to suffer with us as humans, who has been scarred by being in relationship with us. That is most evident in the life and death of Jesus Christ.

  Those who will follow him, who are committed to his mission and ministry, will also receive scars. There will be times when we will be hurt or wounded in various ways because we are serving in his name. Just remember that God can heal those wounds and can even bring healing to others through those wounds.

  Jesus was identified by his scars. So too will be his people.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the scars you have received as you served the mission of Christ. Give thanks to God for healing those wounds and ways you have been able to help others because of your experience. How have you been helped and inspired by the wounds of others?

Daily Devotion, May 9, 2020

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 2:14-18.

  It makes all the difference when you have been there. When a person is going through some difficulty or crisis in their life and others try to help them through that situation, it is so much more meaningful when they encounter someone who has been through something similar, if not the same thing they are going through. When my wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I did all I could to support her and be there with her through the whole experience. Many other people did likewise. But she had a special connection with those who had been through having that diagnosis; those who had been through cancer treatments; those who had dealt with all that comes with that battle.

  The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers both in the first century and since then that Jesus Christ can help those who suffer in this life because he himself has been through struggling. He became one of us and came to live among us. He is not some “far-off” distant God who has no idea what it is like to live in this broken world. He experienced what you go through, so you can talk to him about anything and be assured that he understands. He has been there. And that makes all the difference in the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Joseph Scriven wrote the words to the hymn “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Here is part of one of the verses: “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Daily Devotion, May 8, 2020

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-30; 12:9b-10.

Paul defends his ministry by acknowledging the many ways he has suffered for the cause of Christ.  The physical and emotional consequences of that suffering produced weakness. Often we are reluctant to acknowledge our weaknesses and in so doing may miss out on experiencing the blessing and strength from God.  God doesn’t spare us trials and hardships, but he does help us overcome them.. God works in our weakness, because when we are weak his strength accomplishes the task. Remember, when your weakness surfaces, God still loves you and wants to use you to make a difference in your world.

Personal Worship Option:

Tell God your weakness and then volunteer for a form of service that requires you to depend on God’s strength.  Depend on him every step of the way.

Daily Devotion, May 7, 2020

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Many public speakers try to impress people with powerful speeches. Paul insists that he did not do that. In fact, he felt very weak as he spoke God’s message in Corinth. Paul knew that he himself was unable to save anyone. Only God can save people. Paul had to depend completely on God. So the success of the church at Corinth was not the result of Paul’s skill. It was entirely the result of the powerful work of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul was just God’s servant whom God sent to Corinth to declare His message. The honor for that success belonged to God alone.

Paul had no desire to become popular when he went to Corinth, or anywhere else. Paul went to these places because of his desire to know Christ. Paul already knew Christ as his Lord who had saved him. But Paul understood that his knowledge of Christ was not yet complete. Paul was ready to give up everything so that he could know Christ better. So when God sent Paul to Corinth, or anywhere else, Paul willingly went. Paul desired that every Christian would allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide them in a similar manner. He wanted people to trust in God’s power, not in human wisdom. That was why Paul chose not to use impressive words or clever arguments. Instead, Paul explained simply about the death of Christ and God’s sacrifice of His son because He had such a love for us. God’s Holy Spirit worked powerfully as Paul spoke and he can work through each of us if we will trust and obey.

Personal Worship Option:

God, thank you that you loved us enough to sacrifice your Son on our behalf. Fill us with courage, truth, and hope so that we may share your spirit with others. Today we pray that people see your love and hope realizing that you are the one to give it.

Daily Devotion, May 6, 2020

Devotion:

Read Daniel 3:24-28.

Corrie Ten Boom’s family helped many Jewish families escape the Nazi Holocaust of WWII. When it was discovered that Corrie’s family was helping the Jews, their home was raided and their family was sent to a Nazi concentration camp. Although other members of her family died, Corrie survived to share her stories of faith that God was with her through it all and her words continue to inspire us.  “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” is one of her famous quotes.

No doubt Corrie’s Dutch Christian family had choices. They could have chosen the safe route and not helped the Jewish families, but their faith in God thru Christ led them on the path of great courage to help their friends and neighbors who were in harm’s way.

Daniel’s friends had choices as well. They could have bowed down and worshipped the golden image which King Nebuchadnezzar had made. That would have been the safe route. But Daniel’s friends took the path of great courage.  They had such confidence and faith in the living God that whether they lived or died, they would not serve a false god.

When the King sees them surviving in the fire, it is the King who realizes there are four, not just three in the fire. And the King says that the fourth one in the fire has the appearance “like a son of a god.” God’s own presence with them in the fire not only rescues Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but also gives witness in such a way that the King gives the “decree that the people of any nation or language” will not be allowed to say anything against their God.

These young servants of God knew so well the power and presence of the living God, even through times of their suffering, in life, in death and in life again, that they were willing to remain faithful to their God. They did not abandon their God because they knew their God would never abandon them.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus, through the generations, has been called the Suffering Servant. He knows and understands any suffering you might be enduring these days, because he also chose the path of great courage. Whatever you might be going through, you can have this confidence. God is with you. Amen.