Daily Devotion, September 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2.

“Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” We truly rejoice in living as “forgiven people,” but we often grumble and struggle with forgiving others. True forgiveness usually costs someone something. Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “It is costly grace because it cost God the life of his Son.”

Dr. E.Y. Mullins in 1935 penned these words, “Verses 1 and 2 in chapter five are among the most striking and beautiful in all the New Testament. Briefly summed up, they include the following: First, we are to imitate God as beloved children, and second, the particular point of the exhortation to imitate God is that we are to ‘walk in love.’ The degree in which this love must manifest itself in order to be a true imitation of God is suggested by the last verse of chapter four, namely: the forgiveness of those who offend against us.”

One of the most admirable examples of forgiveness in recent years is offered by the people of the Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC. “I forgive you,” are the words spoken by many of the relatives of the nine who were killed by the young man as he faced the judge in his first court appearance, in June of 2015.

My Ethics Professor, Dr. Glen Stassen, said that Christ gave us the example of the “transforming initiative of forgiveness.” He said, “Christ did not wait for people to say, ‘I’m sorry, or I repent, or I apologize.’ Christ initiated this transforming forgiveness in giving His life for our sins.” This is the highest degree of love.

The verses in Ephesians 4:30-5:2 call us to walk and follow in this way of Christ’s love and forgiveness. With the enabling power of the Holy Spirit it is possible for us to grow into this life of love and forgiveness. Personal Worship Option: Forgiving God, we are overwhelmed and transformed by your forgiving our sins. Forgiving others is one of the most difficult tasks you have called us to do. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to forgive others and to follow the example of Christ to walk in His way of love. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 103:8-12.

We often mistakenly think the Old Testament only focuses on an angry, wrathful God, but this passage describes God as compassionate, merciful and filled with unfailing love. He is slow to get angry and doesn’t stay angry. When he forgives our sin, he doesn’t even remember it. These verses show God separating our sins from us by an endless distance, as far as the east is from the west. The Psalmist tells us the Lord “does not treat us as our sins deserve.” Can we do the same for those who sin against us? If we are to follow God, we must model his forgiveness. When we forgive others, we don’t need to harbor resentment or dredge up the past. We too should demonstrate compassion, mercy and love. Personal Worship Option: Thank God for his unfailing love and forgiveness. Who in your life do you need to extend unfailing love and forgiveness?

Daily Devotion, September 28, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Romans 5:15-19.

Romans, Paul’s letter to the house churches of Rome, provides some of the most carefully developed and articulately expressed Christian doctrine and theology in the New Testament. In this letter, Paul makes some absolutely foundational points of Christian beliefs that are shared across essentially all denominations and churches. While many other important truths and teachings are included in Romans, these three are basic to Christianity: we are in need of salvation, we cannot save ourselves, and only God through Jesus Christ can save us.

The one man whom Paul says we died by, who brought judgment upon us, and whose trespass condemns us was Adam. Poor Adam! Adam was created in God’s own image and given stewardship over all God’s creation. But God did not control Adam’s thinking and actions; instead God gave Adam the ability to think and choose, using his free will. Adam chose to disobey God, revealing the tendency in all humanity to fall short or sin...something we call original sin. Like Adam, we are not capable of saving ourselves. But Jesus Christ’s gift to us, the gift of salvation bought by his death on the cross, is so much greater than Adam’s sin and even greater than our sins. Thanks be to God! Personal Worship Option: As you pray today, acknowledge that we are like Adam and do not always choose well. Give thanks that God loves us so much that God forgives us. Remember some of the things God has forgiven you for. Is there someone who needs your forgiveness? Pray for the love and grace to forgive them.

Daily Devotion, September 27, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 28:1-6.

  Yesterday, we reflected on God being the Creator who brought order out of chaos, light into the darkness and filled up the emptiness. The Easter story is another time when God did those very same things. When Jesus was crucified, it appeared to his disciples that the world had become formless and empty and dark again, that chaos had again taken over. But on that third day, God created a whole new world. God brought life from death. God defeated our most frightening enemy. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God assured us of life forevermore. As those disciples met the risen Lord, they knew that the world would never be the same again, that God had overcome all the darkness, even that of death.

  There are moments in some days and stretches of many days when life can appear empty and hopeless. You can probably call to mind some of those times in your own life right now, or you may be experiencing one right now. When they come, be reminded of these foundational stories from our Scriptures, assuring us of the God who creates order out of chaos and brings life out of death. So God can handle any other trouble that may come your way.

  There is much about our world that looks chaotic right now. There is much that can cause us to worry about the future. But I am remembering lines from two songs we sing at Christ Church. One says “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you….” and the other says “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.” Thanks be to the God who is our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer! Personal Worship Option: Sing your favorite Easter song today!

Daily Devotion, September 26, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Genesis 1:1-2.

  The writer of the first scenes in the Bible tries to put into words what it was like “in the beginning” when God created everything. Initially, “the earth was formless and empty” (the NRS Version says “a formless void”) and “darkness was over the surface of the deep…” Also, in Biblical times, the sea was understood to be an image for chaos. (If you have ever been on it or seen it when a storm is tossing the waves around, you can easily understand the reasoning of that!)

  All those words and images are descriptions of how life can seem at times. Life can feel formless and empty. A sense of darkness can be overwhelming at times. Chaos seems to rule.

  However, this writer communicates a life-giving message of assurance right here in the opening scenes: God creates order out of chaos! God overcomes the darkness! God gives form and structure to life! When your world feels empty, God can fill you up to overflowing!

  Yes, these are awesome images of God creating the world. But they are so much more. They let you know that this same God can create a whole new world for you as well! Celebrate that and tell everyone you can! Personal Worship Option: Is there some part of your world, your life, that is empty or chaotic right now? Give it to God, who is still in the creating business.

Daily Devotion, September 25, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 11:21-27, 41-44.

Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” and offers a sign of that truth by bringing Lazarus back to life. He who is life can surely restore life. Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in any way. When we realize his power and how wonderful his offer to us really is, how can we help but commit our lives to him. Martha must have learned from her other encounters with Jesus, because in this passage we see a woman of deep faith. Her statement of faith is exactly the response that Jesus wants from us.

Jesus loved this family and shared their grief and pain but he had not responded immediately to their pleas of help. His delay had a specific purpose. God’s timing, especially his delays, may make us think he is not answering or is not answering the way we want. But he will meet all our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose. Personal Worship Option: Reflect on God’s goodness and those times where you felt God was delayed. In what ways can you see “the work of God” in your life?

Daily Devotion, September 24, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Peter 2:9-10.

This passage is filled with so much, that it’s hard to gather it into a short devotional. Peter uses wording from Exodus 19:5–6, where God told the children of Israel, “if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people.” What an astonishing revelation is contained within this simple yet profound verse of Scripture. But in this New Testament book, written to a primarily Gentile audience, Peter applies it to those “who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” Peter is making it clear that Gentile believers are also God’s chosen people. We have the great honor of praising Him here on earth and on into eternity. We have been delivered from a spiritual darkness of sin, and misery.

As Christians we have a special place in God's unfolding plan. We are born into the family of God and have become a new creation through spiritual birth, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are an elect body and have come into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. We have been made heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ by faith. We have been given the Holy Spirit .We are individual members of Christ's Body and collectively are to testify of and proclaim the Good News of His new Covenant. Personal Worship Option: Pray this prayer: Thank You Father for including me as one of your chosen servants. Enable me, with the power of the Holy Spirit to be a good and faithful witness to You in my earthly walk. May You be glorified with my life, and in all that I say and do. AMEN.

Daily Devotion, September 23, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Isaiah 40:21-31.

In verse 31, the word “wait” caught my attention. How are you at “waiting?” Over the last century we have been blessed with a world which offers us faster paced things….cars, microwave ovens, fast-food, computers, the internet, and mobile phones, to name a few. With these gifts, perhaps we have lost touch with what it means “to wait.” When we hear the Prophet Isaiah speak these words, “But those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength…” how can we best understand what he is saying?

Some translations replace this word “wait” with the words “trust” or “hope”. These are important words as well. But for today, again, the word “wait” caught my attention. Through the years, I realized that this “waiting upon the Lord” is not a passive word, but an active word. It is a call to actions of service to others. But the Hebrew word for “wait” also includes a definition which is, “to bind together.” I believe it is Isaiah’s call for the people to bind themselves to God and to one another such that they realize that their strength isn’t from themselves alone.

In seasons of suffering, sometimes the seasons go on longer than expected. It had been a long season of suffering for the Israelite people who were living in exile. They were weary and exhausted. They were wondering if God was hearing their prayers. Isaiah 40 opens with the words, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (If you have the time, I would encourage you to read all of Isaiah 40.) The concluding verses 28-31 give the assurance that God is hearing their prayers and our prayers. God is the Creator of the ends of the earth. The prophet assures us that those who look to God will not be weary and will not faint, but shall be renewed. Our part is to wait, to trust, to hope, to bind together, to not give up, and to be active in service to others. God created order out of chaos, God is understanding and is able to create order out of the chaos of our lives. Personal Worship Option:

Creating, listening and understanding God, we bring all of our concerns to you trusting completely that you are working in ways in which we cannot see. Bind us to You and to one another such that our strength is renewed to love and serve others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 22, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Genesis 1:31-2:3.

Six times in this process of creation God stopped, looked over his handiwork and saw that it was good. On that final inspection he actually pronounced his work as "very good.” We learn from God that he stops periodically in the creation process to evaluate his work. Are we able to look at the work we do, the goals we accomplish, the relationships we build and say, "This is good!" or "This is very good!"? It’s good to take time periodically to evaluate ourselves.

Then on the seventh day of Creation God rested from all his work and declared that day holy. God didn’t need a day off because He was exhausted! God wanted to instruct us by showing us a pattern of work and rest for our existence on earth. God’s setting apart the seventh day models the weekly rest and worship we need. The purpose of Sabbath is not simply to renew ourselves so that we can be more productive during the rest of the week. It is a time set aside to enjoy God and the life he has given us. It is a time when we are set free from anything that keeps us bound up - or maybe I should say wound up! We too should find the time to rest and reflect after a period of work. This period of rest will renew our bodies, souls, and spirits. Personal Worship Option: Do you find a time to rest and reflect after a period of work? Follow God’s pattern of reflecting, resting, and refreshing.

Daily Devotion, September 21, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 104:1-13.

As I read this passage, I thought of my English grammar teachers’ admonitions not to change person (first, second, and third person) in a paragraph. The writer breaks this rule, changing from the second person to the third in verse 2 and back to the second person in verse 6. This works to give a powerful image of the writer praising and speaking directly to God and then turning to address us in witness of God’s awesome creating power. The psalm emphasizes the power of God, clothed in splendor and majesty and wearing light as a garment. The results of God’s acts of creation are solid and unshakable, as God provides order out of chaos. In Israel’s culture, expanses of deep water were scary and dreaded images, and God covered everything including even the mountains with water and then dispersed it to valleys and places to which he set boundaries, with water never again to cover the earth. The image of water as a destructive force is replaced by images of its life-giving properties for the land and all creatures.

Psalm 104 sings of the Spirit of God bringing forth life and then sustaining life in an orderly, predictable way. It speaks of the environment as God-centered and God-dependent, reminding us of our role of stewardship of God’s creation. Personal Worship Option: Give thanks today for the beauty and balance in God’s creation, with reminders of that all around us. Reflect on the way God left little to chance but instead created in an orderly, sustainable way. Give thanks to God who continues to bring order and abundant life when we submit to God’s will.

Daily Devotion, September 20, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Nehemiah 2:17-18; 6:15-16.

The book of Nehemiah tells us the story of a Jewish man over 400 years before the time of Jesus. He was in exile in Persia, serving the king as a cupbearer. In that position, he would be highly trusted by the king. After getting word that the few Jewish people living in Jerusalem were “in great trouble and disgrace” and the walls and gates of the city had been destroyed, he asks for and receives permission from the king to go to Jerusalem and rebuild those walls. We read in these verses that the project was completed in less than two months.

In these times of change in which we live, this story brings this question to my mind: If you could totally “rebuild” your life, what would you still include and what would you leave out? Would you use your time differently? Are there habits and routines you have allowed to creep into your everyday life that need to go? Are there other habits and routines that need to be included? Would you change how you use other resources you have? Are there some relationships that need to be stopped and others that need to be started or strengthened? How might you better care for yourself spiritually and physically?

Nehemiah saw a need to rebuild Jerusalem and was guided and blessed by God to do so. How might God be guiding you to rebuild you? Personal Worship Option: List five things you would do if you were going to “rebuild” you? (Of course, you can add more to the list if you like.) What is keeping you from doing these things?

Daily Devotion, September 19, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 9:19b-22.

Saul’s life and worldview had been dramatically changed. He had been working with zealous commitment to get rid of the movement known as “The Way” who were the followers of Jesus Christ. He had no doubt that they were deceiving the people of God and therefore had to be destroyed. But then Jesus confronted him and convinced him that he was actually working against God in what he was doing. Now he was going to work for Jesus. Now he would also be part of “The Way.” Now he was headed in a completely different direction with his life.

It raises the question for all of us: what do you do with your life when everything changes? Here is what Saul did: he gathered with other disciples and began to tell other people about Jesus. It’s a good basic pattern to use for all who follow Jesus: meet with other Christians as often as you can and tell others about Jesus. Meet with other Christians to worship God together, to fellowship with and support each other, to study and learn more about the Scriptures and what it means to live a Christian life and to serve the needs of others. In addition to those actions with other Christians, look for opportunities to be with those who are not followers of Jesus, to build relationships with them and help them come to know and serve him.

So, no matter what changes in your life, remember this basic pattern to live by: meet with other Christians as much as you can and tell other people about Jesus Christ as much as you can. Personal Worship Option: How might you increase your connections with both Christians and non-Christians in order to follow this pattern?

Daily Devotion, September 18, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 19:1-10.

Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus that day. He went as far as to climb a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus. Can you imagine the chief tax collector climbing a tree! Tree climbing is usually relegated to children. Yet, it was a child-like heart that said “yes” to Jesus not just to come to his home but into his life. An encounter with Jesus changes you. Zacchaeus knew Jesus was giving him a chance to rebuild and reshape his life. And he took advantage of that opportunity. He knew he did not want to go back to the ways he had lived before. What do you need to do to reshape your life? Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on areas of your life that need to be changed. Commit these to Jesus. As you encounter HIM today may you experience a renewal of heart and soul.

Daily Devotion, September 17, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ruth 1:15-17.

The decision to not return to Moab was a defining moment for Ruth. She shows incredible strength of character here by choosing to not take the easy way out. Ruth had no idea what was to come, but she steps completely forward toward a new future. She not only makes a commitment to honor Naomi, but she breaks from the pagan heritage of her past and places her loyalty with God of Israel. Ruth promised to walk alongside Naomi, to change nationalities, to worship God, and to do this for the rest of her life. How did she come to make such a deep commitment? Could Ruth have seen and experienced the love of God through Naomi? She stepped out in faith to claim the promise of God’s commitment.

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi gives us a picture of God’s com­mit­ment to us. In essence, God says to each of us, “I will go where you go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people.” God has sworn that nothing in heaven and on earth will ever separate us. Every day we are faced with choices. We can choose what will serve our own interests, or we can show strength of character and surrender our rights in order to serve others and honor God. Let’s choose wisely. Personal Worship Option: Lord, we want to honor You with the choices that we make. Help us to not take the easy way out, but to turn from selfishness and serve You. Show us the way when we have to reshape our lives. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 16, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Numbers 14:1-10.

Our history as humans includes many times when we desired to go back to the way things used to be, rather than going to the new places and ways to which God is leading us. Moses and the Israelites who are all being led by God into the Promised Land are a great example of this truth. When the Israelites heard the discouraging report of the ten out of twelve who had been sent to survey the new land and its people, the scriptures said that they grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They concluded their remarks with, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” 

In case we are imagining that this is a small group of people grumbling, we get a better perspective on this from Numbers 1: 45-46. “All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. The total number was 603,550.” This would have been an overwhelming number of people grumbling!

They were saying that returning to Egyptian enslavement would be better than forging ahead to trust God to bring them into the Promised Land. They were stuck in the past, afraid of change and lacked trust in God’s vision for their future.

Thankfully, Joshua and Caleb assured them that the land they had explored was good and “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us….do not rebel...and do not be afraid.”

Often we as individuals and as people get stuck living in the past, idealizing it and wishing we could just return to the “good ole days.” We too are afraid of change. But we can trust God who is at work to bring us to new days and a new future. We must remain faithful and trust God to lead us each step of the way. Personal Worship Option: Loving God, your vision is beyond ours. Forgive us when we long for and live in the past. Help us to cope with the changes which life brings. Help us to trust You more as You lead us into your vision for our future. Thank you for your transforming work of love in our lives. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 15, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Exodus 2:15b-17.

Moses’ life had been turned upside down. After witnessing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, Moses killed the man and hid his body in the sand. To escape punishment, he ran far away to Midian. He was 40 years old and starting his life over as a stranger in a strange land. In his new homeland Moses set down to rest and probably contemplate his life when he once again witnessed an injustice. The daughters of the local priest Jethro were attempting to draw water at the well when shepherds came and chased them away. Moses rescued the girls from the shepherds and drew their water for them. Here we see him defending those who were being taken advantage of and serving the needs of others. Moses showed compassion and empathy to these helpless girls and took decisive action without regard to what might happen to him. These traits will serve him well when God calls him to lead the Israelites decades later. Moses ended up marrying one of those daughters, Zipporah. He became a shepherd and took care of Jethro’s sheep for the next 40 years. What a contrast between his life as an Egyptian prince and his life as a Midianite shepherd! Moses focused on rebuilding and reshaping his life after change came his way. Through this humbling experience God was preparing Moses for leadership. Personal Worship Option: Just as Moses’ actions revealed his values, so do ours. Identify four or five values that are non-negotiables in your life. What values do you live by, no matter what happens to you? Pray for God to show you how to use your values to serve him and others.

Daily Devotion, September 14, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 21:1-3.

In Matthew and Mark, Jesus had told the disciples to go to Galilee as he would go ahead and meet them there. Yet it is only in John’s gospel that we learn of this encounter in Galilee. The apostles had indeed gone to Galilee, but they had not yet seen the risen Christ there. What prompted them to go fishing? Perhaps Simon Peter was just bored and decided to go fishing to pass the time. But it is more likely that he was attempting to return to something familiar. This may have been much more than simply a way to pass the night. Peter and a number of the apostles had left commercial fishing as their livelihood in order to follow Jesus. Was this their acknowledgement that it was over, that their “fishing for people” was a failed venture, and now it was time to return to life as they had known it? Peter’s leadership is evident in the group’s getting into the boat and going along, but they caught nothing.

There is a wise expression that “you cannot go home again.” Home changes, life changes, and we change. The apostles were not meant to go back home to that kind of fishing. Jesus changes us, and once we know him, we can never go back to the old life. The apostles would soon learn that their ministry in Christ was just beginning! Personal Worship Option: After major change, we often long to “go home” and return to life as we knew it before the change, but that is not always possible or even good. Pray today for insight into what life after your current changes may be like. Ask God to lead you to new and better things instead of simply placing you back where you were.

Daily Devotion, September 13, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 137:1-4.

  It is one of the saddest, heart-rending passages in all of the Bible. God’s people had been defeated. Their beloved Jerusalem had been ransacked, the temple destroyed. Many of them were taken captive and marched to Babylon. Their world and lives were forever changed. These words of lament state the depth of their sorrow; they were finding it hard to even sing their favorite songs.

  What carries you through the changes of life? Whether the changes are minor or major, what is it that helps you in those times? For me, one of my primary resources is the songs of our faith. There are so many of them. Lots of old hymns that we sang as I grew up in the church. Then there were praise choruses that were simple, yet contained key points of life with God. And contemporary music for the last thirty years has continued to resource me with songs that help see me through anything that comes my way.

  I can understand why those captives did not want to sing for their captors. Yet I am sure the songs of their faith helped carry them through what they were experiencing. What is it for you? Personal Worship Option: What are the two or three hymns or songs that are vital resources for you when you are going through tough times? Sing them today and give thanks to God for them.

Daily Devotion, September 12, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 13:13.

  It’s just one verse, but it has much to offer. The focus of this section of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Corinth is on the love that Jesus Christ lived and taught. To a people who had become divided, Paul stressed that this love was the key to staying united. This whole chapter is devoted to emphasizing that point and defining this love.

  Then comes this verse. There he included two other powerful, life-giving forces: faith and hope. The verse leading into this chapter says “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” Faith, hope and love are those greater gifts of the most excellent way. They are what remain in life, when all else fails. They are the foundational building blocks of a solid life. They are what will carry you through when all else fails. They are the core of what God provides for us through Jesus Christ.

  Think about the power of those three gifts in your own life. Faith gives you a place to stand when everything changes around you. As the old hymn says “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Hope gives you something to look forward to in the future, a future that belongs to God. And yet, as powerful as those gifts are, love stands out above even them. It is the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ that will see us through any changes in our life and in our world. It is a love that we are to receive as a gift, then share with everyone we can. Personal Worship Option: Reflect on the effect that faith, hope and love have had on your life. Give thanks to God for these life-giving gifts.

Daily Devotion, September 11, 2020

 

Devotion:

Read John 15:4-9.

No matter what happens in your life, Jesus invites you to remain in him, and more specifically, to remain in his love. In other words, no matter what happens around you and to you, be assured that he loves you. To begin to understand the analogy of the vine and branches is to acknowledge that the vine and branches are not the same. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. The two are joined together but not one. The common denominator in nature is the sap. The sap is the life of the vine. As the branch draws its life from the vine, so we draw life from Christ. To abide in Christ is to draw upon his life. His love flows from him through us to others. His love is what makes a difference in life.

Personal Worship Option: Count the many ways that God demonstrates his love to you. Share that love with others today.

Daily Devotion, September 10, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Isaiah 43:1-5a.

What reassures you in times of difficulty and hardship? What gives you comfort in the midst of incredible pain? From what source of strength do you draw when suffering is a reality in your life, or when it is inevitable in the days to come? How can you squash the natural feelings of fear, feelings that can so easily consume us? Throughout the Scripture the phrase “fear not” appears 366 times. We are not to fear, for God is with us. In this Isaiah passage, God provides the reason why His children need not fear. They will not be overcome by their situations and circumstances for one reason: God is with them. That is an incredible concept and a precious truth on which to stand.

Christians should take heart. He is with us in every situation, every scary moment, every tear, every pain, and every hardship. He is a God who strengthens, helps, and upholds us. He is a God who transcends time, space, and matter. He is a personal God, who is abundantly able to keep watch of each of us. He not only knows us each by name, but He also calls us by name, for He is the good Shepherd of the sheep, Who gave His life for His little flock. Personal Worship Option: May the truths in this passage hold us during our difficulties and strengthen our practice to cast our fears on Jesus! He is always there for us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 9, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 22:34-40.

In his “The Character of a Methodist” written in 1742, John Wesley writes that the heart of Christianity for him is to “Love God and neighbor.” He continues, “Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. And neighbors include as Jesus says, neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.”

These verses seem so simple to read and to hear, but living out these verses with our lives calls us to follow the ways of Jesus more closely and into a deeper walk of faith. We are enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to “love God with our whole being and to love our neighbor as ourselves.”

We can be sure that anything Jesus asks us to believe and do is reflective of God’s ways already. God’s love unto us is  completely unselfish, self-giving and sacrificial. We rarely can begin to even understand this kind of love.

 

Dr. M. Eugene Boring writes that we understand this love is “God’s nature made known in Christ. It is from this revelatory perspective that we come to know love as unmotivated and unmanipulated, unconditional and unlimited. Such love is not a matter of feeling, which cannot be commanded in any case, but of commitment and action. It is related to the Old Testament word for ‘covenant love’ or ‘steadfast love.’”

We have the example of this kind of love through Jesus. And Jesus teaches us what this kind of love looks like lived in action toward others, as he teaches his disciples, “Forgive seventy times seven, love and pray for your enemies, and if someone asks you to go one mile to go the second mile.”

 

When everything around us is changing, these are truths to which we can anchor our core beliefs, not in words only, but in actions as well. Even when so much changes in your world, keep on “loving God and loving people.” Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, it’s so easy when everything is changing around us to become self-centered. Help us to re-center our lives in You, remember your great love and compassion toward us and to hear your call again to love You and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Thank you for loving us and calling us back to you. Only in You do we experience true contentment and peace. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 8, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 119:105.

What do you think of when you hear the word “change"? Does it bring about fear, anxiety, uneasiness? Or does it bring excitement, anticipation, readiness, willingness? Does the song “Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes…Ch-ch-Changes”…start to swirl in your mind? In these past few months we have experienced change that has affected every aspect of our lives. Covid-19 and the tornado that hit our area this year have drastically changed us. To make matters worse, we are witnessing division, hatred, and financial woes all around us. What are we to do when the world has become such a dark and scary place? Our only hope to lighten our path is the Word of God. God’s Word gives us direction to help us in every situation we face and every decision we make. It lights our path. Just as we must correct the steering wheel of a car twenty times every minute (so as not to run the vehicle into the ditch), God’s Word steers us down the straight path. Psalm 119:105 gives us a beautiful promise and an eternal truth...that God's Word is a shining lamp to our feet that will guide us through the darkness of this fallen world. Let’s grab that light today and learn of God’s promises. Personal Worship Option: Memorize our passage today and claim its promise for your life. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

Daily Devotion, September 7, 2020

 

Devotion:

Read Philippians 4:11-13.

Paul is in an interesting situation as he writes this. The church at Philippi has sent gifts to him in prison in Rome. He wants to express his appreciation to them for their generosity, and he does so in verse 18. But, more importantly, he wants to teach a powerful lesson to them and to us about strength in Christ. He is balancing his heartfelt gratitude toward one of his favorite congregations with his hard-learned lessons of being content in tough situations in which he does not have enough food and lives in want. He tries really hard to not say, “I really don’t need your gifts,” and he succeeds. 

We should not miss the secret that Paul has learned in situations in which he lived without proper food and shelter, in beatings and imprisonments, in shipwrecks and ridicule. And the secret is not just how to endure, but rather the secret is how to be content in all situations! Paul’s secret is the deep realization that he can do all this (these things) through the one who gives him strength. Verse 13 is a memory verse, and I recommend that you memorize it if you have not done so already. We all have our difficult situations, and we can be content in the strength Christ gives us. Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the strength that Christ gives you. Mentally name a few things you are able to do now or have done in the past only because of that strength. Pray for continued growth so that life is less about just making it through and more about being content, knowing that Christ is with you always.

Daily Devotion, September 6, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Lamentations 3:17-24.

  This book, along with many of the Psalms, teaches us the value of lamenting when we are down. It is obvious that for the people of Israel, expressing frustration, anger, sorrow and despair to God was an important part of their relationship with God. Whether they were hurting or scared or lonely or experiencing any other emotions related to struggle, they believed it was important to share that with God. The writer of this passage expresses some feelings of despair: no peace, no prosperity, afflicted and without a home.

  However, in the midst of expressing these feelings and memories, there comes an expression of hope. He knows that God loves him and therefore he has hope. He will make it through this time of struggle. God has been faithful in the past and God will continue to be faithful.

  This is a common practice in the expressions of lament in the Bible: during the time of struggle, take some time to reflect on the past when times were different or when God brought them through an earlier struggle. It is a good lesson for all of us to remember, because we all go through times of struggle and difficulty. Remember what God has done before and let that be a source of hope for what God will do again. Personal Worship Option:

Let the hymn by Thomas Chisholm be your prayer today (with some minor language updates to reflect how we would say it):

Great is your faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with you;

you do not change, your compassions they fail not; as you have been, you forever will be.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endures, your own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed your hand has provided; great is your faithfulness, O Lord to me!

Daily Devotion, September 5, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Exodus 3:6-10.

  There are those times in life when we are going through a struggle and it continues for a long time. We pray for God to take the struggle away but it continues. In this next sermon series, we are going to be using the imagery of being in a tunnel. We are in a place of darkness. We know there is a way out. We know there is an end to this, but we are not yet seeing it. We wonder how long it will last. We can easily become frustrated when God’s timing does not fit with what and when we think God should act in our situation. We want God to shatter the tunnel, or at least shorten it.

  This passage from the Exodus story reminds us of this God who hears us and knows of our struggles when we are in the midst of them. The language God uses here is consistent with a theme that runs throughout the Bible: our God comes to be with us in our times of struggle. We are not alone. This God is with us in the tunnel. Until we find the light at the end of that tunnel, it is so good to know that God is traveling alongside us. Personal Worship Option: Look back and give thanks for the times God was with you in the midst of struggles.

Daily Devotion, September 4, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 27:45-50; Psalm 22:1-5.

In the midst of our struggles, especially if they last a long time, we can feel forsaken by God. Jesus knew that feeling and expressed it to God as he quoted from this Psalm. However, included in those verses are words of hope. Jesus’ question of “Why?” was very real, He felt alone, desolate, and abandoned. That is what sin will do in our lives as well. We are separated from God and it is a dark experience. But there is hope. The following verses of Psalm 22 reflect the events of the crucifixion but look at verse 19-21. They tell of the strength of the LORD and how all the world will know of the glory of God. God is always present, even if we can’t feel him or see his work in our lives.  When was the last time you felt lonely? Just know that God remains at your side. Personal Worship Option: Reflect on the goodness of God. Thank him for his presence in this day. Ask for open eyes and heart to see him today.

Daily Devotion, September 3, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 77:1-15.

This Psalm seems to express what we are living with each day right now. We have the pandemic, the economic crisis, the violent protests, and the heated politics. How and when will it end? Have you ever been so sick or so distressed that you don’t even have the will to pray? But isn’t praying exactly what we should be doing if we are distressed, depressed, angry, or frustrated?

This psalmist first prayed and moaned and longed for God’s help, but help never seemed to come. In fact, it seemed like God had forgotten about him. Sometimes it is easy to get in that same mindset. What do you do when you can’t even pray? Try to think and remember other times in your life! Call to mind the wonderful things God has done in your life. The psalmist says in verses 5-6 “I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now”.

If those memories don’t help us find resolution, then we need to step outside of our own problems and get the big picture about the God we have. And when we finally remember that God loves us and is bigger than our problems, we can regain focus and God will enable us to reset and adjust our own will to be in accordance with Him and be excited about His purpose for us. Personal Worship Option: This Psalm is a lament Psalm that agonizes over the tough times he is going through. He does pray his way through his agony. Say a prayer of thanksgiving today for all of the blessings that God has given you.

Daily Devotion, September 2, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 80:1-4.

Psalm 80 is a “Psalm of Lament.”  “Lament” is not a word in our everyday vocabulary, but it has deep and rich traditions in our faith journey. A brief definition of lament as a noun is a “passionate expression of grief or sorrow” and as a verb it means “to mourn”. There are more psalms of “lament” than any other types of psalms. These psalms remind us that we, too, can be completely honest and pour out our hearts to God.

Psalm 80 is a “Psalm of Lament of the Community” (instead of an individual). Some of the commentaries for this psalm say it was composed in Judah (the Southern Kingdom) after the fall of Israel (the Northern Kingdom). Dr. James L Mays writes, “Whatever the original historical setting, the psalm in its continued use belongs to the repertoire of the afflicted people of God on their way through the troubles of history.”

This psalm is an honest prayer of the community. It relays the paradoxical messages that they believe God is not listening or responding and yet, it also relays the deep trust that God can and will save them.

I like the New Living Bible’s language for verse 3. “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Beautiful poetry and imagery are in these three sentences which are repeated three times in this brief psalm! 

The opposite of these sentences could be, “we have turned away from you, O God, and we are going the wrong way. And walking in the darkness, we have lost our way.”  Imagine God gently turning you around to receive the light of God’s face. Now see the beautiful imagery of God’s gentle turning around of an entire community as prayed in the Psalmist’s words, “Turn us again to yourself, O God.”  Personal Worship Option: In this season of a global pandemic and woes of economic disparity, we are a global people of lament. The Psalmist’s words help us to find our words too. We can pray honest prayers of lament which include affirmation and trust in God. God is faithful working even during times of great trouble and deep sorrow. Let us also be open to praying for God to turn us around, for God’s light to shine upon all, for only then shall we be saved. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 1, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 143:5-8.

David’s enemies are chasing him and he is losing hope, paralyzed with fear. David is desperate for God to rescue him, and this psalm is a prayer request, a cry for help. He is at the end of his strength and falling into the pit of despair. Then David remembers. He remembers the past when God had rescued him. As he refocuses his thinking on God’s faithfulness, David finds the courage to stretch out his hands to God. He asks God to hear his cry for help. David expresses his trust in God and his desire to learn more of God’s steadfast love. He asks God for guidance. These days are you finding yourself discouraged, disappointed, or even in the pit of despair? At times when we are having trouble pulling ourselves out, we can go to the Lord and express our true feelings. God offers his help in many ways, including through his Word, his Holy Spirit, and other people who are trained to offer godly wisdom and counsel. God wants to guide us through our storms. Personal Worship Option: Lift your hands in prayer today and ask God to guide you through whatever discouragement, disappointment, or despair you are experiencing. Pray as David did, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”