Daily Devotion, October 31, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Coninthians 13.

  This is one of those Bible passages that every Christian should read regularly (at least once a month). It is a core, guiding passage for who we are and how we are to conduct ourselves as the people of Jesus Christ.

  It is in the middle of three chapters where Paul is dealing with divisions among the Christians at Corinth in the first century. The stated issue is “spiritual gifts” but it is how the people of the house churches there had allowed that issue to become one of division that is his focus. He emphasizes there is only one thing that will repair those relationships: the love that Jesus Christ taught and lived. Emphasizing that same message has often been needed for Christians in many places every since then. Certainly, it is needed for us in our nation today.

  Maybe his opening would be different today. (If I speak up for the values of my political party, but do not have love…. Whether I wear a mask or not, if I do not show love toward those who do the opposite…) However, the definitions for this love are still the same. (I am especially drawn to the NRSV translation of part of verse 5: “It does not insist on its own way.”) And his conclusion is still the same: even though faith and hope are powerful forces in our life with Christ, it is his love living in us and through us that most reveals we belong to him. (John 13:35) Personal Worship Option: Of the definitions for love offered in verses 4-8a, which one is most difficult for you? Pray and ask our Lord to help you grow in that part of his love, so that you can better show that part of his love to others.

Daily Devotion, October 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 7:12-23.

The “Golden Rule” begins this section of teaching from Jesus that includes images of a narrow gate and a fruit-bearing tree and the need to do more than just call Jesus “Lord.” In fact, the “Golden Rule”: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” is a proactive foundation of goodness and mercy. It is much more of a challenge to take the initiative to do something good for someone else. Each section in this passage examines the measure of belief. Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to DO right, not just say the right words. Your life will withstand the storms that come your way only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. What you DO cannot be separated from what you believe. Many people think that if they are “good” people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. In reality, faith in Christ is what will count. Personal Worship Option: Does your “walk” match your “talk”? Reflect on the discrepancies and ask God for direction in your life.

Daily Devotion, October 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2.

Some of you might remember the "just say no" 80’s phrase that discouraged drug use and the "just do it" 90’s phrase encouraging us to challenge ourselves beyond our normal limits. Growing up during this time, it was easy to get stuck: to do or not to do.

Paul was quite clear about the "to-dos" and "not to-dos." His don't-do list discouraged acts, anger, and words of falsehoods that harms ourselves, others, and the world. His do list encouraged actions of lifting up others, speaking the truth, and giving grace that benefits ourselves, others, and the world. It should be simple, but we make it so complicated. We comb through and pick apart every word of the Bible searching for specific phrases and verses that support our point of view on all kinds of ideologies. Then we use them to bash and hurt other people. Paul tells us to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

There is a Muslim saying that could work for all religions: Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. At the first gate, ask yourself ‘Is it true?’ At the second gate ask, ‘Is it necessary?’ At the third gate ask, ‘Is it kind?’ Evangelist Alan Redpath formulated an acronym for us to weigh our words using the word “think.”

T—Is it true?

H—Is it helpful?

I—Is it inspiring?

N—Is it necessary?

K—Is it kind? Personal Worship Option: Take a step back. Do your actions show love or hate? Do your actions benefit the few or the many? Do your actions accept or exclude? Do your conversations take a side, or are they open to all? We will serve God best when we show kindness and love to each other as one body.

Daily Devotion, October 28, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Colossians 3:1-17.

This is one of my favorite scripture passages. It is great in every translation, but I particularly like The Message version. Verse 1, and verses 12-17 are often selected to be read at wedding ceremonies.

Today, as I’m reading all of these verses, I hear it through the voice of a wonderful coach, choir director, or band director each encouraging their team, choir or band. “So, if you’re serious about living this new life in Christ, act like it…look up and be alert to what is going on around Christ…”

This letter to the church at Colossae is giving the call for the qualities necessary for living in the new community of Christ. “The lists of vices and virtues (which follow the first set of verses) are those that will either disrupt or enhance the life of the new Christian community,” according to Dr. Andrew T. Lincoln.

It is easy to read these verses and to turn it into a list for our own “self-improvement”, but the ways of Christ are not just ways of self-improvement. Christ’s ways are about how we relate to each other. Christ’s ways answer the question of “How are we to live in the ways of Christ with each other?”

It calls for higher and deeper ways of relating than the ways of this world. It calls for forgiveness and love, for peace and for being thankful, for letting the Word of Christ have the run of the house!

I particularly like the words, “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.”  Again, it’s the spirit of “teamwork” of how we relate to each other which will make a difference in this world.

And perhaps my favorite words in this version are: “And sing, sing your hearts out to God!” Even if we can’t sing a note, we can’t help but give praise and thanksgiving to God every step of the way! The writer of these verses moves us from serious following to joy overflowing! Personal Worship Option: Loving and Gracious God, unite us together as a community of Christ in such ways that we are in tune with each other and in step with each other. Help us as a community to be forgiving, thankful, loving and peacemakers in our homes and in this world. Amen

Daily Devotion, October 27, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Philippians 4:6-9.

Worry and/or anxiety is mentioned 25 times in the New Testament. The Greek word for worry is meridzoe, which means "to be divided, to be pulled in opposite directions, to choke." The Old English word for worry meant "to gnaw." Like a dog gnaws on a bone, we gnaw on our problems. But Paul tells us to pray about everything instead of worrying about anything. He says this is the key to peace. And then Paul tells us how to stop worrying and get the peace that God gives. He gives us a “to think” list. How do your thoughts line up against Paul’s list of fine thoughts?

1. True

2. Noble or honest

3. Right or just

4. Pure

5. Lovely

6. Admirable

7. Excellent

8. Praiseworthy

Proverbs 23: 7 tells us, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." Today if you are gnawing on a problem, switch your thinking. God will provide peace of mind in times of turbulence when we give our thoughts to him. Personal Worship Option:

Use Philippians 4:8 as a biblical guide for thinking. Write it down and post it as a reminder of how to think. Learn to identify your thoughts and switch those that aren’t in line with Philippians 4:8. And then thank God for providing you with peace of mind in times of turbulence.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Daily Devotion, October 26, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Romans 12.

The first eleven chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans are packed with some of the most powerful theology and Christian doctrine in the New Testament. Chapter 12 shifts to apply that theology and gives us timeless and practical guidance on how to live as Christians in our everyday lives. Paul admonishes us to not conform to the world around us, to be humble, to use our gifts to serve others, to cling to what is good, and overcome evil with good.

In verse 9, Paul tells us that love must be sincere. Some of our staff attended a virtual conference on church leadership a few weeks ago, hosted by the Church of the Resurrection, the largest UM church in the country. Their senior pastor, Adam Hamilton, spoke about the eight things they have done and continue to do that have allowed the church to grow from ten people to over 22,000 members in just 30 years. One of those eight things popped out at me! Pastor Adam said something like this, “You must truly care about people in your community and the people you hope to reach for Jesus Christ. Your love must be sincere!” This is exactly what Paul is trying to tell us, and everything we do in church from worship to missions, from education to evangelism, must be done out of sincere love of Christ and others. Personal Worship Option: Read this chapter again and let the words speak to you. I selected verse 9 as the one that struck me to work on. Select a verse and ask God to help you put it into more powerful action in your life.

Daily Devotion, October 25, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 25:1-13.

Today in our worship services, we will conclude our focus on some of the parables of Jesus that only Matthew includes in his Gospel. Our devotional writings this week have anticipated this parable, which continues a key theme for this writer. It is basically the Scout motto I remember learning as a boy: Be prepared.

Parables are sometimes like dreams we have: not all the details make sense. This parable is like that (e.g., a bridegroom arriving at midnight for the wedding, shops being open at midnight to sell oil). Furthermore, we cannot impose our wedding practices on those of first-century Palestine.

 

Still, there are certainly lessons to learn from this parable. For instance, all the bridegrooms (NIV - “virgins”) look the same and all appear to be prepared. But some are only prepared for a certain amount of time. Others are prepared, even when things did not go as they expected. I wonder how we might apply that to our life in Christ in this day and time? I hope you will join us for worship today, either in person or online, as we explore that together. Personal Worship Option:

One option for being prepared to be with Jesus at any time is to live your life as if the words of this song by Andrae Crouch are always in the back of your mind:  

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;

soon and very soon, we are going to see the King;

soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We’re going to see the King.  

Daily Devotion, October 24, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 24:36-44.

We have all had experiences that remind us that life can change suddenly: an accident, a storm, a diagnosis, a decision or actions by others. Life can change quickly.

It can also end quickly. We get reminders about that on a regular basis as well. Watch or read the news any hour of any day and we see where somebody died suddenly. We sometimes experience that among our own family and friends.

One of the emphases of the Gospel of Matthew is that life can change suddenly in another way: the return of Jesus Christ to this world. In the days and years after Jesus ascended back to heaven, his return was expected by many in their lifetime. The writer of this Gospel was among them, so he included stories and teaching by Jesus about that issue. This passage is one of those. He lets us know we need not focus on when that will happen (because only God knows) but that we should instead focus on being prepared at all times. How can you be prepared at all times? Stay connected to God through your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and continue to serve his mission of helping others come to know and serve him. No matter how your life in this world ends, you can always be prepared to go home to God. Personal Worship Option: Some people worry about whether they are ready to meet God. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God that you do not have to worry about that because of the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace given by God through Jesus Christ. Receive Christ and share Christ and know you are prepared.

Daily Devotion, October 23, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Mark 6:17-29.

Herod had arrested John the Baptist under pressure from his wife and advisers. John had pointed out the sin of adultery that Herod had committed with Herodius, his brother’s wife. Due to the public attention this garnered, Herod felt he had no other choice but to imprison John. However, Herod respected John’s integrity and knew he was a holy and righteous person, so he protected him from Herodias. The offer of half his kingdom was Herod’s way to say that he would give Herodia’s daughter almost anything she wanted. When she asked for John’s head, Herod would have been greatly embarrassed in front of his guests if he had denied her request. Pressure from family and friends can lead to poor choices at times and the effect of those choices can be far reaching.

The death of John the Baptist is another reminder of how quickly life can end. But he was prepared to die, no matter when that would happen. It is of eternal significance that you be prepared as well. Personal Worship Option: You may plan to live a long life, but preparation now is paramount to your future. Would you be prepared to meet God today? If not, what preparations do you need to make?

Daily Devotion, October 22, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 16:10-31.

This parable is very solemn. The title of this parable is The Rich Man and Lazarus. It is about a rich, self-indulgent man, and a poor man who was in need. First, we meet the rich man. Here is a guy who dresses in purple, the color or royalty, and fine linen every day. He showed the world how successful he was because if you have it why not flaunt it, right? In addition, this man had a feast every single day. Then there is the poor man, Lazarus, lying at the rich man’s gate. Covered with sores, he is longing to receive just a scrap from the rich man’s table. The rich man neglected to respond to Lazarus’s begging for relief. There is such irony in this story, as Jesus probes our hearts a little deeper by giving the poor man a name, the only character in any of Jesus’ parables to have a name. The name Lazarus literally means “God Has Helped”.

Both men die. The rich man wakes up in Hades where he was constantly tormented. A big flip-flop has occurred; the rich man enjoyed the good things in life but received nothing in the afterlife. Lazarus, on the other hand, had nothing in his earthly life, but is received into heaven alongside of Abraham. When the rich man looked up, he saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side.  The rich man ignores Lazarus and tries to do a business deal with Abraham. In essence the rich man is saying to Abraham, this is not the lifestyle to which he was accustomed. Have mercy on me. The reality of this parable is that if we separate ourselves from God in this life, we will be separated in our eternal life. Personal Worship Option: God help guide us to see and assist those that are hurting and to do it with your love, showing compassion and gratitude. God we know that you will guide us if we allow you to.

Daily Devotion, October 21, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

Preparing for my first year of teaching at a middle school, a Middle School Specialist at a nearby university gave me many creative ideas for classroom discipline. But one sentence in our conversation made all the difference for the year ahead. He said, “All discipline should lead to self-discipline.”

I hear this theme in Paul’s writing to the church at Thessalonica. I hear Paul saying in summary, “Live ready. Live in the light, faith, hope and love of Christ which you have been given, so that you are always prepared to meet Christ.” And Paul gives assurance, “He died for us so that, whether awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”

There is a huge difference between living in fear of Christ’s return and living in Christ’s love and light; loving and serving others. The difference changes our “why”.

This Thessalonians passage reflects two gospel passages from Matthew 24:43 and Luke 12:39-40. In The Message translation, the passage from Luke 12 says, “Lucky the servants whom the Master finds on watch! He’ll put on an apron, sit them at a table, and serve them a meal, sharing his wedding feast with them. It doesn’t matter the time of night he arrives; they’re awake---and so blessed!“

Luke’s picture moves us from the fears of a “thief in the night” to an anticipation of the Lord’s day which is filled with hope!

We return to what it means to “be prepared”. In verse 3, the reference to “labor pains of a pregnant woman” reminds me of all the preparations we make for a new baby! It is a day we look toward with great anticipation!

This day of the Lord is also a day we can look toward with great anticipation! We follow Christ’s teaching in every way, out of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice for us. It can be overwhelming, but I really like Bishop Reuben P. Job’s little book, Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living. These three simple rules are: “1. Do no harm, 2. Do good, and 3. Stay in love with God.” And by God’s grace in Christ that “whether awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” Personal Worship Option: Loving God, help us today to be an answer to another’s prayer so that we may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love. (From Three Simple Rules)

Daily Devotion, October 20, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Job 1:18-19.

Job’s sons and daughters were enjoying a great time feasting and celebrating at home when suddenly a powerful wind swept in, hit the house, and killed them all. This is a sad and tragic ending to the children of Job, known as a blameless and upright man. What happened to Job’s children is a reminder to all of us just how suddenly life in this world can end. I’m reminded of the tragic death of my brother. One day he was enjoying life as a good husband, father, church leader, and businessman. The next day he died in a tragic accident. Fortunately, he was a faithful follower of Jesus who was ready to meet his Lord. It is vital that we are always prepared for our lives to end at any moment. Once you’ve accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, being ready to meet the Lord means living in a way that pleases him so that whenever your time on earth is over —and knowing that could be any time—you can hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  Personal Worship Option: Consider what the words from Matthew 25:23 mean, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Make sure you have accepted Christ as both your Savior and the Lord of your life. And then go into the world and “Serve the Lord with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2)

Daily Devotion, October 19, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

Paul, assuming the Second Coming of Christ would happen during the lifetime of his audience, urges them and us to be ready. His point is that Christ’s return and our physical deaths happen without notice, and we must live ready, standing firm, and giving ourselves fully to the work of our Lord.

Interestingly, just before reading this passage to prepare this devotion, I was reading in Genesis of Isaac, the son of Abraham to whom the covenant had passed. Symbolically, Isaac went back across the land, redigging the wells his father had dug, showing respect for the faith and tradition of his father. But, more importantly, Isaac began to dig his own wells, showing his own faith. Isaac was giving himself fully. The study manual I was using asked one of those excellent questions that I dislike, essentially asking how my life is a reflection of total commitment to God’s work. As I wrote my answer, I was confronted with the unasked question as to what I am holding back. We like escape clauses in our contracts, and “outs” in our commitments. In today’s passage, Paul is calling us to live our lives totally committed, standing firm, ready, and prepared. That means today, right now, and for the rest of our lives. Hmmm!  Personal Worship Option: As you pray today, thank God for the good and abundant life on this earth and the joy of family and friends. Ask God to help you see what you might be holding back and keeping you from being fully committed to Christ. Pray for the courage to be “all in,” and go for it! Remember, God answers our prayers.

Daily Devotion, October 18, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 20:1-16.

  Jesus often told stories that make you think. They get inside you and work on you. They cause you to question what you have always thought. They turn the ways, attitudes and thinking of this world upside down.

 

  This is one of those stories. From the perspective of the first workers who worked all day, it doesn’t seem fair, particularly as they compare their situation to that of the workers hired at the end of the day. But the landowner simply points out that he paid them exactly what he said he would. From the perspective of those who were hired late in the day, they are thrilled. Who wouldn’t be? What a gift!

   Now, if this is just about paying workers, it would cause us all to grind our teeth. But what if it is about the grace God offers to all of us? It might cause us to ask the question “Is grace fair?” That’s the very question we will address as we take a look at this parable in our worship services this morning. Join us, whether online or in person, and invite others to do so as well. Personal Worship Option: Is there some person or group to whom you do not want God to be gracious? Have a conversation with God about that.

Daily Devotion, October 17, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 103:1-14.

  I just love this Psalm, especially this portion of it. It begins and ends in praise of God. In between are many reasons why we want to do that very thing, listing many “benefits” we have because we belong to this God. The highlight is the very first one: “who forgives all your sins.” That one is at least alluded to in other words and phrases throughout: “redeems your life”, “gracious”, “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” and “removed our transgressions from us.” We are also reminded that the Lord works on behalf of the oppressed, that he is “compassionate…..abounding in love.”

  While it is mostly good news here, there is also a word of warning: God does get angry.  Still, there is good news included even about that subject: God is “slow to anger” and when angry, it does not last forever.

  We tend to think of grace as just a New Testament concept, but this is just one of several places in the Old Testament where we see and celebrate the grace of God. Verse 14 tells us that God “remembers that we are dust,” that we are part of this fallen world and in constant need of grace. Thankfully, God is always ready to offer that great gift. So we can sing with the Psalmist “Praise the Lord, my soul…”!  Personal Worship Option:

Hopefully, the song “Amazing Grace” never gets old for you. Sing or reflect on your favorite verse from those words written by John Newton way back in 1779. Here is mine:

Through many, dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Daily Devotion, October 16, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Genesis 45:3-15.

If Joseph had done what was “fair” in relation to what his brothers had done to him, this encounter would have ended much differently. But he showed the grace of God toward them and restored his relationship with them. Many times we like to attach a condition to forgiveness. If the other person saw the error of his ways, was properly sorry, and admitted his guilt, then yes, he should be forgiven, However, that is not what God demonstrates to us or what he expects us to offer others. God’s grace and forgiveness is unconditional. This type of grace and forgiveness is easy to grasp for ourselves, but when we are required to forgive in this manner it is staggering. So apart from God’s work in our lives and heart it is most difficult to love and forgive in this manner. Personal Worship Option:

What person seems impossible for you to forgive? What keeps you from fully forgiving the one who hurt you? God’s love outweighs any hurtful experience. Will you obey God and forgive?

Daily Devotion, October 15, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Genesis 33:1-11.

If anyone had good reason to hold a grudge, it would be Jacob’s brother, Esau. Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright and his blessing; then he fled because Esau planned to kill him as soon as their father, Isaac, died. Twenty years had passed since Jacob and Esau had seen each other. We can understand that the idea of meeting again made Jacob nervous, especially since Esau came with 400 men.

Jacob sent messengers and lavish gifts ahead of him, hoping to appease his brother. But he shouldn’t have worried. As Jacob bowed before his ­brother, Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. Jacob responded, “To see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.”

Most of us have struggling relationships with family members, friends, or others we have wronged. Perhaps we recognize the need for reconciliation but aren’t sure how to go about it. We cannot control how others respond to us; we can only show grace and enjoy the grace shown to us. In Christ, we find the unexpected and merciful embrace of God. And for this we can only give thanks and enjoy God’s grace shown to us. Personal Worship Option: How do you think Esau felt to see Jacob bowing before him? Could you similarly humble yourself before someone you’ve wronged? Who do you need to make amends with through forgiveness? Forgiving others is one of the greatest ways we can demonstrate the love, mercy and grace that Christ gave us. 

Daily Devotion, October 14, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ephesians 2:1-9.

During October, our Lutheran brothers and sisters will celebrate the life of Martin Luther (1483-1546). These verses in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works so that no one can boast,” were life-changing for Martin Luther, and as a result changed the course of the Christian church’s history.

Being reconciled to God is completely God’s gift. We continue to wrestle with this. Some like to believe that we are reconciled to God by our good works. Some like to believe that we are reconciled to God by having enough faith. Instead, these verses remind us that it is completely God’s gift to us. We can’t earn it, deserve it, do enough good works for it, be good enough for it, or even grovel enough for it. It is not we who are able to make peace with God, but God who makes peace with us through God’s own gift of Christ. There is nothing we can do but simply receive this gift offered by the grace of God.

I was taught in Greek classes to read Paul’s writings sometimes in reverse order. So now let’s see what a difference this gift of being reconciled to God can make in our lives! Before this gift, the scriptures tell us, “You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived…but God made us alive with Christ…and raised us up with Christ…” We have been brought from death unto life and not only life, but eternal life!!!

Our God, who initially breathed the very breath of life into us, is broken-hearted when we live in ways which lead to death, death of our bodies, souls, minds and hearts. Our God, “who is rich in mercy” is forever desiring to bring us to life again! Our part is to receive this gift of life!!!

Our good works then, are no longer works to earn salvation. Our good works are our “thank-you’s” to God for giving us this marvelous gift of grace through Christ!!! The purpose of our lives begins going in a new direction to live everyday in thanksgiving to God!!! Personal Worship Option: Thank you God for this marvelous gift you have given unto us to have life and life eternal! Help us to live lives in daily thanksgiving unto you by loving and serving others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 13, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 8:1-11.

Jesus sits down at the temple mount to teach the crowds, when he is rudely interrupted by some teachers of the law and Pharisees trying hard to trap him, again. This time it’s a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. First of all, were they spying, or was this a set-up to catch the woman? Secondly, where’s the man? If they caught her in adultery, didn’t they catch him too? The whole thing doesn’t pass the smell test. So, they humiliate the woman and have her stand in the middle of the group. They ask if Jesus approves of stoning her. If he says no, he’s disobedient to the Law of Moses. If he says yes, he comes across as cruel, and no friend of sinners. They are testing whether he is loving or just. Finally Jesus stands to speak, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they leave the scene, unable to take the position of judge. “I don’t judge you today either,” says Jesus to the woman. “But return home, and leave your life of sin.” With a master-stroke he is both loving and just. He is fair but not weak. He chooses to extend grace and mercy. Personal Worship Option: Do you treat those who have offended you with grace or fairness? We humans usually want God to deal with us in grace and our enemies with justice. But the Lord is reminding us to treat others as he has treated us, with grace and mercy. And that is not always what we would call fair. Ask God today to show you how to extend grace.

Daily Devotion, October 12, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Romans 5:1-11.

This letter from Paul to the house churches in Rome provides some of the most essential elements of Christian theology or doctrine, especially on the subject of our salvation. In the first three chapters, Paul makes the case that human beings sin and need to be saved. Then Paul proceeds to show that we cannot save ourselves. For that, we need God’s grace. Our part is simply to have faith and to accept the gift of grace. We think correctly of God as always acting and judging justly, treating us fairly and without bias, punishing the guilty and rewarding the innocent. The problem is that none of us are innocent!

While God indeed is just, an even more defining attribute is that God is love! Grace is God’s love poured out to us without our earning, meriting, or deserving it. That grace came in the form of God’s one and only Son, coming into the world to die for our sins. By Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we are counted or treated as righteous. Wow, that is Grace with a capital G! We remember this awesome grace in our liturgy for Holy Communion when we hear the words of confession and pardon that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (verse 8) ... that proves God’s love for us!” Personal Worship Option: Pray with me, “Thank you, Almighty God, that you love me so deeply that you would send your Son to die for me, yes for me! Help me to believe more strongly each day in his death and resurrection. I do not deserve your love, but I accept it as grace and desire to walk in your ways by following the teachings of Christ. Amen” 

Daily Devotion, October 11, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 13:24-30.

If you have spent any time on a farm, out in a field or in a garden, you have seen the weeds. (Hey, I’ve got more than a few in my yard!) In certain crops or in a garden, the plants are spread out enough that you can pull up, or chop out, the weeds without doing damage to the plant you want to keep growing. But after a wheat field is far along in the growing season, you can’t pull up any of the weeds without damaging the wheat around it as well. It is another great image of everyday life that Jesus used to illustrate life in the kingdom.

In his Gospel, Matthew includes several stories and images about judgment. He was apparently dealing with a church that had grown lax in their service and faithfulness to God. But he also includes this story from Jesus, reminding Christians (then and now) who tend to want to do some judging of other people’s standing with God.  Making those kinds of judgments are not for any of us to do. Don’t worry about the weeds. God will deal with them when the time comes to do so. Personal Worship Option: Rather than judging others, including enemies, Jesus taught us to love them. What needs to change in your life so that you can better live that teaching?

Daily Devotion, October 10, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Revelation 21:1-8.

Judgment of every person who ever lived will be done at the end of time by God. “The Revelation” is part of the group of literature in the Bible known as “apocalyptic” meaning they deal with end times. John is given a vision of what is coming and writes it in coded language that only the people of God will understand. You see, much of what he writes about refers to powers and places of that time, as well as what will happen at the end of all time. One of the points of emphasis throughout is there are consequences to how we live our life and who we let guide our life. If we let God guide our life, we get to experience what the first seven verses of this passage offer; but if we have not placed our life in God’s hands, we will find ourselves among the list of verse eight and suffer grave consequences because of our choice.

There is another message we can glean from this book that relates to our focus in worship this Sunday: since God is going to take care of judging everyone in the end, we need not concern ourselves with doing so. None of us get to choose who is in or out with God, whether now or at the end of time. Our job is to live and share the love of Christ and let God do the judging. Personal Worship Option: What person or group are you most tempted to judge? Pray that God will help you overcome that temptation and give you the opportunity and power to offer them Christ’s love instead.

Daily Devotion, October 9, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 9:51-56.

This passage gives us a glimpse into a potential clash of culture, prejudice, and pride. Just a little background: the Assyrians invaded Israel (the Northern kingdom) and resettled it with its own people. The mixed race that developed became known as the Samaritans. The “purebred” Jews hated these people and the Samaritans in turn hated the Jews. So many tensions arose between the two people groups that Jewish travelers between Galilee and Judea often walked around rather than through Samaritan territory, even though this lengthened the trip considerably. Jesus held no such prejudices and so planned his trip through Samaria. But the village refused to welcome these Jewish travelers. James and John were so incensed by this rejection they wanted to send down fire from heaven to consume all the people. Jesus rebuked them and moved on to another place.

When others reject or scorn us, we too may feel like retaliating. We must remember that judgement belongs to God, and we must not expect him to use his power to carry out our personal vendettas. Personal Worship Option: Are you quick to judge? Is retaliation the first thing that comes to mind when you experience rejection? How does loving God and loving others affect your view of personal slight/rejection?

Daily Devotion, October 8, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 25:31-46.

Those who claim to carry the name of Christ are held accountable in how they live their lives. Claiming to live for Christ and not actually exemplifying that in our actions can question our commitment. This passage points to a crucial point that is part of the Christian life, which is when we treat people with love, kindness and grace we are actually showing love and obedience to Christ because that is what He has called us to do. Christ calls His children to live in a way that sets an example of who He is.

 

One more point that this passage makes is that there will come a day in which we are all held accountable by our actions. The day when Jesus calls us into His presence to give an account for how we have lived our lives. However, if we truly are followers of Christ then He will recognize us as His children. It is critical to realize that when Jesus returns He will be judging people based on the fruit they produced with their time on the earth. He will not be quizzing them on their theology. He will not be asking people if they read the KJV or the NIV. He will not be asking people if they believed the 5 points of Calvinism or if they went to a church that had a drum kit. None of these things will be of concern. What Jesus will be looking for are the ones who served Him faithfully by walking in the Spirit and producing good fruit. Personal Worship Option: We must all ask ourselves, what kind of Christian am I? Do I love others? Do I show my faith through actions or do I just talk about it? Am I using my influence for good or for self-importance? In the end it will be our way of living that reflects the state of our hearts.

Daily Devotion, October 7, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 10:34-48.

The characters in Acts 10 are: Cornelius, an Angel, Simon Peter, Simon the Tanner, the three men sent from Cornelius to find Simon Peter, some believers from Joppa, relatives and close friends of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit, and the believers back in Jerusalem (from Acts 11) who were complaining about Peter’s being with Gentile people.  If this story were a theater production, which character would you be? This story definitely has an “insiders” group and an “outsiders” group. Where would you place yourself in the story?

Having been “in” the church since I was in the church’s nursery, I always placed myself in this story as an “insider”, the one with the message to be taken to the Gentile people. In my mid-twenties it dawned on me that if Simon Peter had never taken the message to the Gentile people, I might have never known Christ! If I had lived during the times of The Book of Acts, I would have been in the “outsiders” group! How would that have felt? No wonder Cornelius and his family and friends were rejoicing that God’s message in Christ included them, and that they were no longer on the outside of God’s grace!

Rev. Adam Hamilton says, “Luke devotes two chapters to this story, and for good reason. This is the hinge point not only of the Book of Acts, but of the entire Christian faith. Had this vision and Cornelius’s conversion not occurred, Christianity may have remained a small sect within Judaism.”

When one has been on the “inside” of the church for a long time, it’s easy to lose the vision of God’s love, welcome and offer of salvation for all the people of the earth. We can all give God thanks for Simon Peter’s words in Acts 10:34, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men (and women) from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Simon Peter continued to learn!

The Holy Spirit teaches Peter that he need not try to figure out who has a good relationship with God. God will take care of that. We are called to be witnesses to the “ends of the earth!” Personal Worship Option: Forgive us for stepping into your role as judge, O God. Let us humbly and simply remember that we too, like all the people of the earth, are the recipients of Your grace in Christ. Surprise us with a new understanding and vision of your welcome for all people. Empower us to give witness of your grace in words and in actions of love. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 6, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 9:9-13.

Like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, Matthew responded immediately to Jesus’ call to follow him. Matthew left his responsibilities as a tax collector behind and became a disciple of Jesus. The people despised tax collectors because they often dishonestly charged more money than the regular tax rate. Jesus changed Matthew’s life. As a result, the former tax collector became a bridge between his former associates and Jesus. At some later point, Matthew held a large feast at his house. Jesus and his disciples were there and guess who else? A number of Matthew’s former associates, other tax collectors, were present. God used Matthew, a formerly despised man to further his kingdom. We shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin. God can use you to become a bridge also. Personal Worship Option: When God calls you to do something for him, do you respond as quickly and enthusiastically as Matthew? Like Matthew, we too must decide to leave behind those things that keep us from following Christ.

Daily Devotion, October 5, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 4:7-15.

The Jewish people of Jesus’ time thought they had good reason to not associate with Samaritans (see verse 9). Many years earlier when the Assyrians conquered the northern tribes and took the leaders and many of the people away into exile, they brought other conquered people into the vacated central land of Israel. Turning from their customs and teachings, the Jewish people remaining there intermarried with these foreigners. When the exiles returned home, they despised their brothers and sisters in Samaria who had not kept their race and customs pure. The refusal to associate with Samaritans was so strong that Jewish persons traveling north and south between Judea and Galilee would travel east, cross the Jordan River, go north or south, and then travel back west to their destination.

Not Jesus! Traveling on this occasion north from Judea to Galilee, Jesus went directly through Samaria; and in this story, he associated with a Samaritan woman with a no-good reputation! Jesus offered her the living water of the Good News of Christ. In a time when Jesus was not telling others that he was the Christ, he clearly announced it to this Samaritan woman. Who are the Samaritans we avoid whom Jesus would have us associate with today? Personal Worship Option: Please pray with me, “Lord, help me not to judge others. Help me to associate with all people in order to build relationships of trust and understanding, especially those people whom others judge. Give me the grace to live in such a way before them that they will listen when I share the Good News of your Son. Amen.”

Daily Devotion, October 4, 2020

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 18:21-35.

  It’s one of those stories that makes you shake your head in disbelief. Don’t miss the radical nature of it. The amount of money the first servant owes the king is an amount nobody could ever pay. (A “talent” was equal to fifteen years of wages and that is to be multiplied by the largest number you can imagine - which is the real meaning of the number 10,000 here.) So this guy has a debt which nobody could ever repay. He is doomed. He has no hope. Then everything changes. The king forgives the whole debt! He is debt-free, given new life. You would think that he would have a new approach to life; that he would want to be as generous and forgiving as what had been shown to him. Not this guy! He sees this guy who owes him about three months worth of wages (a significant amount, but a tiny drop in a huge bucket compared to what he owed the king); and he refuses to forgive this man of his debt.

  It just seems ridiculous to think that anybody anywhere would be that way. But wait! Through Jesus Christ, God forgave us of the debt we owed God that we could never pay. And sometimes, we find it hard, if not almost impossible to forgive others for things that might be of some significance, but do not compare to what we owed God. Maybe that story is not so ridiculous after all. Personal Worship Option:

Carol Owens wrote one of the songs in our hymnal, the chorus of which says this: 

“He said, ‘Freely, freely, you have received, freely, freely give.  

Go in my name, and because you believe, others will know that I live.”

That certainly applies with giving financial resources. But it also applies to love and forgiveness. Give thanks to God for the many ways you can give (including forgiveness) because of how God has given to you.

Daily Devotion, October 3, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 6:9-15.

  This month in worship, we will be looking at some parables Jesus told that only Matthew includes in his Gospel account of the life and ministry of Christ. The parable for tomorrow focuses on forgiveness. Of course, that parable is not the only place that this subject comes up in Jesus’ teaching. In our text for today, coming out of what is often referred to as the “Sermon on The Mount,” Jesus offers a model to the disciples on how to pray. Right in the middle of that prayer is a line that connects our being forgiven of our sins by God with our willingness to forgive others who sin against us. Even then, Jesus does not just leave it at that. Apparently, that was not sufficient in his mind (or at least the writer of Matthew). That particularly part of the prayer needed to be emphasized. (“In case you missed that part about forgiveness, let me be very clear about it.”) There is no receiving forgiveness from God without giving forgiveness to other people.

  Make no mistake about it, forgiveness is sometimes very difficult. There are some people and some situations that are extremely difficult to forgive. That is equally true for God. However, God does forgive, because God knows how necessary it is to forgive in order to live life fully. God has high expectations on this subject for you as well, because God wants you to be able to live life fully as well. So, receive the forgiveness of God, and give that same gift to others. Personal Worship Option: Before you pray the Lord’s Prayer again, is there someone you need to forgive?