Daily Devotion, November 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 5:14-16.

In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching his disciples; and as his disciples today, we should read this passage as intended for us as well. “You are the light of the world!” When I hear that, my first thought is to feel complimented and affirmed. Wow, look at me! Being the light of the world means chasing away darkness, championing good, and showing others the way. But my second thought is that Jesus is the real light of the world, so how can he possibly call me this? Jesus goes on to tell us that we will do good deeds; and when we do, we should think of those as a light to be placed on a table to provide light to others, glorifying God.

As I sit preparing this devotion, I remember that we had a full moon just a few days ago. On the night of its fullest glory, we went outside and gazed up at that huge, bright, and perfectly round moon. It seemed closer than usual; and its light was so bright that I looked down to see if I was casting a shadow. How does the moon give off light? You probably know that it does not produce light at all, but rather its light is light reflected from the sun. At our very best, the light we give off is actually God’s light reflected through us; and when we acknowledge that, we give glory to God. Personal Worship Option: How are you being the light of the world? Perhaps a better place to start with that question is how are you being the light of your family, your school, your community, or your church? Pray today for the opportunity, even a small opportunity, to shine God’s light and to give God the glory.

Daily Devotion, November 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 1:1-5.

Today we begin the Season of Advent and the journey toward Christmas. This is also the beginning of the year on the ecumencial calendar of the Church. We start all over in telling the story of Jesus Christ. That story begins with the anticipation and preparation for him coming into the world.  

The Gospel of John gives us no Christmas story. No shepherds or wise men or angels. No Mary and Joseph. No baby or manger or Bethlehem. As this writer begins to tell the story of Jesus, he has a much bigger picture in mind. He wants us to know that Jesus Christ did not begin as a baby in Bethlehem, but has existed since the beginning of time. This was and is the Word who is God coming to be with us. This is the One through whom all things were made, who came to bring life and light to all the world. One of the most beautiful verses in all of the Bible is this: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  

With all that we have dealt with this year, it is such good news to be reminded that our God has (and continues to) overcome the darkness. This Jesus who came among us has existed since the beginning of time, as One with this God. Be assured that no matter what darkness you may have to deal with, God has already overcome it and can give you all you need to overcome it as well. Thanks be to God! Personal Worship Option: What is your favorite Christmas song that relates to life or light? Let it be a point of focus for you during this Season of Advent.

Daily Devotion, November 28, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 6:35.

This is the first of Jesus’ “I am” sayings in this Gospel. By describing himself this way, he is equating himself with God. This goes all the way back to the story in the book of Exodus when God was calling Moses to go to Egypt and confront the Pharaoh about letting God’s people go. Moses anticipated that when he got to Egypt and went to the leaders of Israel, they would ask for the name of the God who had sent him to do this. So Moses asked God for his name. And God said “Tell them ‘I am’ sent you.” So here in this Gospel, several times Jesus describes himself and each time begins the description with “I am.” John includes these descriptions by Jesus to further emphasize what he wrote in the first few verses of his Gospel book.

In this case, Jesus says “I am the bread of life.” In many cultures, some form of bread is the foundational element of their diet. It is at the core of keeping humans alive and nourished. So this is such a fitting analogy for who Jesus is for the world. He is that foundational resource for us, keeping us spiritually alive and nourished. When we receive the nourishment he offers as the Word of God, we will never be hungry. As Christians reflect on this, we cannot help but think of the bread we eat at the Communion meal. Jesus says to us in that meal “Take; eat. This is my body, given for you.” Be reminded this day of your primary source of nourishment and life: the One who says “I am the bread of life.” Personal Worship Option: The next time you have some bread to eat, give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ to be our “bread of life.”

Daily Devotion, November 27, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 1:22-23.

Joseph is told by the angel that the baby that will be born to Mary is not just a substitute for God; but is “God with us.” In fact, this baby was to be called Jesus meaning “Saviour” and comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua. There were many Jewish boys with the name of Joshua, but Mary’s Boy was called Jesus, the Christ or Messiah. Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title; and Immanuel describes who He is - “God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! From the very beginning, God was with us, but this gift of Himself was unique and almost unimaginable. Immanuel - God with us. Think on that for a minute.. . . God almighty, creator, sustainer of the universe, King of all, wrapped himself up as a human being all because of His tremendous love for us.  Personal Worship Option: Reflect on all the names or attributes of God. The most precious is IMMANUEL. Thank Him for his presence and love today.

Daily Devotion, November 26, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Hebrews 1:1-3.

Have you ever been asked by a child what God looks like?” I have wondered that very thing myself through the years. Hebrews gives us the answer to this question: “Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being.” God looks like Jesus because Jesus looks like God. To some of us this might not seem helpful, because we do not know exactly what Jesus looked like. But this is about more than just a physical appearance. We know that Jesus became a human being, so we can assume things about his physical nature. But his being means so much more.

In doing some cross referencing, Jesus says in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Also we are told in Colossians 1:15, “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Reading about Jesus we can see God’s character. Some Bible translations state that Jesus reveals the exact imprint of God’s nature. In Jesus we see that God is loving, merciful, caring, just, righteous, and more. The actions and words of Jesus show us God’s nature.

Jesus demonstrated God’s character the most clearly when he showed his love for us by dying on the cross to save us from our sin. In that one act we see God’s love for humankind. If you want to know what God looks like, look to Jesus. In him we see what God is in all of his glory. Personal Worship Option:

God, as we look to Jesus, we can see you and experience your great love for us. Help us to show your love to others as your representatives. May we live in gratitude, seeking to serve in building your Kingdom wherever you lead us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 25, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Philippians 2:5-7.

These verses along with verses 8-11 are understood to be one of the earliest hymns for Christians to declare who Christ is. Altogether, these verses form a word-picture of Christ’s pre-existence with God, his humble life in incarnation and his final exalted status. These verses were memorized and repeated in prayers and worship together. It is believed that this was a commonly understood hymn even before Paul wrote his letter to the church at Philippi.

With that in mind, Paul is bringing forth this magnificent hymn to encourage the people of the church to live truly in Christ. In the verses previous to these, he summarizes by saying, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Paul says to have the same attitude as Christ’s attitude. “Christ, who was equal with God, made himself nothing and took the very nature of a servant.” Christ set aside his infinite powers for the finite powers of humanity and not only that, but took upon himself the nature of a servant.

One commentary said that Paul was not asking them to imitate Christ, but to live in Christ. Dr. Morna D. Hooker says, this literally means, “to show among yourselves the attitude that arises from the fact that you are in Christ”.

Christ relinquished rights and privileges which could have been his. Instead, he chose to be with us in our suffering, with us in the crosses that we bear, and with us through the grief and sorrow we experience.

Paul is saying “become humble” to be with others who are suffering. I like the way that my New Testament professor, Dr. Polhill defines humility. “Humility is the realization that one’s relationship to God is wholly dependent upon God and God’s grace.” Is the way of humility possible? With God’s help, it is. Personal Worship Option: Loving and gracious God, help us to have a better understanding of what it means to be humble. We often are “proud to be humble” or err on the side of “false humility”. Help us to remember today that we are wholly dependent on You and your grace. Help us as Paul writes “to not only look to our own interests, but to the interests of others and to have the mind which was also in Christ.” Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 24, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Colossians 1:15-20.

What does God look like? That’s a classic child’s question, isn’t it? Well the answer is Jesus. We learn this in our passage for today. “Jesus is the image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15) But what does that mean? It means that if we want to know what God is like –then we look at Jesus. In this passage we call the “Supremacy of Christ,” Paul goes on to explain what it means for Jesus to be the visible image of the invisible God. Before creation began, before anything had been created, before there was anything: there was God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. That means Jesus, long before he was born on earth, was part of the creation of the world! Jesus is more than merely a prophet or a good teacher. Jesus is not just equal to God, he is God, a central truth to Christianity. Everything started in him and finds its purpose in him. He holds the entire earth together and protects it. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together. Paul teaches that Christ is fully human and fully divine, and through his resurrection we have been given the way of salvation. In this passage Paul keeps Christ as the central focus and makes clear to the church at Colossae that Christ is to be the center of their worship. His message is the same for us today. Christ made it all and then Christ paid it all so that we can have a relationship with the living God. We want to make Christ the center of our focus every day. Personal Worship Option:

Dear Father,

We have not seen you. We do not even know what it might mean to see you. But you have shown us Jesus, and because we have seen him, we have seen you. Thank you for Christ, the invisible God. Thank you for creating all things through him who is the first-born of all creation. Help us grasp what it means that everything was created by Christ and that all these things hold together through him. Help me to make him the center of my worship today and always.

In Christ’s name I ask. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 23, 2020

 

Devotion" Read Genesis 1:1-5.

This begins the beautiful, poetic account of God’s mighty acts of creation. If we were to read the entire account, we would notice how orderly the creation proceeds, providing everything needed to sustain life, with the creation of human beings in God’s image as the final act. As the first created element, light is critically important for photosynthesis and plant life. Light represents good, it enables us to see, and it chases away the fear of darkness. At the end of this week, we will look at the Gospel of John, which begins by stating that the Word of God (the Son) was present with God in the beginning and was active in creation. The qualities of light mentioned above come to mind when John continues by saying the Son came as the light of humanity, and the darkness has not overcome it.

For some time, I mistakenly viewed the Trinity as a hierarchy with the Father at the top followed by the Son and then the Holy Spirit. It turns out this is a heresy known as “subordinationism!” The Son’s active role in creation as proclaimed in John’s gospel is consistent with the plural for God in Genesis 1:26 in which God says, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” Christ the Son was there with and equal to the Father from the beginning! Personal Worship Option: Reflect on the fact that the Son was always a part of God. The Son came to earth and lived among us as Jesus of Nazareth, one of us, even giving up his equality with the Father while limiting himself in that way. God is so immense, so mysterious, and so loving! Give thanks today for God’s love offered through Christ. 

Daily Devotion, November 22, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 100.

As I was growing up, it was the Psalm most associated with Thanksgiving, probably because of verse 4: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” In other words, the Spirit in which to approach our worship of God is one of gratitude.

Why? Why should we be grateful to God? There are hundreds of reasons that could be quoted from the Bible, but for now, let’s just look at the ones given right here in this Psalm. 1. It is God who made us.  You would not exist if God had not given you life. You get to experience all that life has to offer because God gave you this wonderful gift. 2. We are God’s people. God did not give you life and leave you to fend for yourself. You belong to God. You are not alone. 3. God is good. That simple statement is so reassuring and hope-filled! And because of this, God is also constantly working for your good. 4. God’s love endures forever. The forces of evil and hatred can often seem very strong in this world. But God’s love overcomes those forces and we are assured here that this love will never end. 5. God’s faithfulness also never ends. You can depend on God. Even when bad things happen in your life, you can depend on God to see you through those times. God is trustworthy.

So, why should we always worship God with an “attitude of gratitude”? Those five reasons from the Psalmist should get you started! “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!” Personal Worship Option: What are five more reasons you would add to that list?

Daily Devotion, November 21, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-19.

Wow! There is a lot of solid guidance in these few verses. There is even more in the verses just before and after these. (Verses 12-22 is the larger section of these instructions.) Related to our focus for this week, our focus phrase from this passage is “...give thanks in all circumstances…” Is it possible to do that? Surely there are painful situations and experiences in our lives in which it would be extremely hard to give thanks.

I believe it is possible to have this commitment to gratitude, no matter what happens in life, but only if we are not depending on ourselves for it. For me, the key to this particular instruction is found in the verses just before and after that phrase. The verse before simply says “pray continually” and the verse after it reads “Do not quench the Spirit.” If we are keeping this conversation with the Holy Spirit going all the time, there will be this power beyond us who will give us all we need to give thanks or do anything we are led to do, no matter the circumstances.

Certainly, this is not the first time the Scriptures have given us a tough assignment. (“Love your enemies” comes quickly to mind!) But God has never given anyone an assignment without also providing the resources and power to do it. Yes, it is almost unbelievable to even consider, but with the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, you can even learn to “give thanks in all circumstances”! Personal Worship Option: Think about one of the most difficult times in your life. As you now look back on it, is there something about what happened for which God helps you give thanks?

Daily Devotion, November 20, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 107:1.

This one verse gives us two primary reasons why we “give thanks to the Lord”: he is good and his love never ends. These two reasons can generate gratitude for each day. Here’s an exercise in gratitude: alphabetize your blessings. Start with A and work your way down the alphabet, thanking God as you go. This is a sure cure for the grumpy spirit.

A=Annabelle C=Chocolate 

B=Beaches D=Doctors  

and so on through the alphabet

THANKS. Just the word lifts the spirit. To say thanks is to celebrate a gift. Something. Anything. Gratitude flushes the self-pity out of our systems.

Have you said your ABC’s today? Personal Worship Option: Prayer for today. “Father, as I sit here surrounded by all I should be thankful for, I'm reminded that you are so much bigger and greater than I could ever imagine or understand. Give me reminders to be grateful today. Don’t allow me to miss the small or big blessings around me. Fill my heart with gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Daily Devotion, November 19, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 2 Corinthians 4:15-18.

This is such an encouraging passage. Paul faced challenges and troubles in his life that are unimaginable to me. Yet he calls them light and momentary. The apostle Paul advises God’s people not to lose heart when the troubles of this life dim our outlook on the future. When we are discouraged by the problems and injustices of the world, a broken relationship, a tough situation at work, a grim financial outlook, or a health crisis, it can feel like we are burdened and hopeless.

Why is Paul able to have such a positive outlook? Because he could see beyond life here. He caught a glimpse of glory, and knew that there is no real comparison between what happens here and what is to come. It’s all about perspective and what we focus on. We can sit around forlorn, or we can see the light of Jesus. Paul says the problems we see are temporary, but the hope we have in Jesus, though unseen, is eternal.

This is also a challenging passage, because it calls on me to fix my eyes, not on the here and now, but on eternity. That is hard for me to do. This life seems so real. While I have my hope placed in the eternal, it is not something I can grab hold of and see. What I can see and hold onto is only temporary; it will not last. But the unseen is eternal. Personal Worship Option: Because we have the light of Jesus and assurance of eternal life, we should be grateful and enthusiastic about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Our gift of love from God and the sacrifice of His son, should make us eager to tell our story with others out of gratitude to our Lord.

Daily Devotion, November 18, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Colossians 2:6-7.

With a little more than a week until Thanksgiving Day, we might be thinking about the foods we will eat and/or the parades and ballgames we will watch. We might be planning some activities for our children. We might be making travel plans. Perhaps we need to step back, pause and ponder all for which we are grateful.

In his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul describes a beautiful picture of a life lived in Christ, “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” 

When I think of “overflowing”, I think of waterfalls. The water “flows over” the edges of the mountains and hillsides. As I observe waterfalls, there is so much water that I think it will eventually run-out, but the overflow continues and never stops!!!

The World Waterfalls Database lists Inga Falls, an area of rapids on the Congo River, as the waterfall with the largest volume. More than 11 million gallons (46 million liters) of water flow through Inga Falls each second. And 160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second. This accounts for 75,750 gallons of water per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls!!! That’s more water “flowing-over” than we can begin to imagine! God is not limited and overflows with grace!

What does a life lived overflowing with gratitude look like? Several years ago, we visited Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, GA. More than 3546 gallons of water a minute, which is 5,106,240 gallons in a day, flow over the waterfalls! Anna Ruby Falls feeds Smith Creek which tumbles downhill to Unicoi Lake and then to the Chattahoochee River. Its journey continues south, eventually joining the Apalachicola River in Florida and ending its 550-mile journey in the Gulf of Mexico….giving nourishment at every turn! Personal Worship Option: Being rooted in Christ, we receive nourishment. We receive strength from those who have taught us. And the overflowing of our thanksgiving gives nourishment to all others along our journeys of life. Throughout our lives we are ever mindful for all we have received and live lives overflowing with thanksgiving to God through our prayers and worship and service to others. To whom will the overflowing of your thanksgiving tumble to today?

Daily Devotion, November 17, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 118:24.

I have fond memories of Sunday mornings at the church where I grew up and the pastor beginning every service by saying with great enthusiasm, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It was such a beautiful reminder to give thanks to God for the day. There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our circumstance is difficult, our feelings are hurt, our mood is down, and our sorrow is great. The writer of this Psalm understands and writes of fear, distress, and hostility he is experiencing. But the writer pours out his heart to the Lord and recognizes the strength of God and the glorious things he has done. When you don’t feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. God will remind you of reasons to rejoice. Then do as the Psalmist does in the last verse of this Psalm, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Personal Worship Option:

List all the reasons you have to rejoice today. Give thanks to God.

Daily Devotion, November 16, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 17:11-18.

When we teach lessons about New Testament passages dealing with lepers, we usually go to great lengths explaining how leprosy was extremely contagious, causing those afflicted with it to separate themselves from others and to live isolated lives. But in these days of social distancing and wearing masks, we need little explanation! Jesus healed the ten and sent them to the priests, who would declare them clean and thus able to rejoin their families and society. Only one returns to express gratitude, and we should not miss Jesus’ disappointment with the other nine.

There were only 42 students in my senior class in our little high school, but I had the absolute best math, science, and English teachers a student could possibly have. Our principal took a personal interest in me, gave me a part-time job, and encouraged me as I saved up for college. When I arrived at college, it quickly became obvious to me how very fortunate I was to have had such excellent teachers, support, and encouragement. So I went to each of them and thanked them. To a person, they each seemed very pleased but almost embarrassed by my gratitude, which tells me they did not get thanked enough. I laugh inside when someone describes themself as self-made. No such thing! Personal Worship Option: Don’t wait until next week for Thanksgiving. Every day is a good day to thank God for our many blessings. Give God thanks for special people in your life. And today might be a good day to see or call or send a card to someone to express your gratitude to them. You will both be blessed by that!

Daily Devotion, November 15, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 21:1-4.

It is one of my favorite stories in the whole Bible. It’s very brief, almost like a side note. However, it packs a powerful lesson among the teachings of Jesus. As he sat with his disciples watching people put their offering in the trumpet-shaped receptacle at the temple, he noticed the common sight of rich people putting in their offering. But then he noticed something that most others probably overlooked. This widow put in two small coins. Comparing the value of those coins to our money today, she put in about 90 cents. Most people would say “Why bother!” But to her, it was a way of showing her deep commitment to God. She was giving all she had. She would not hold back from God even her last 90 cents.

And Jesus noticed. It was a great teaching moment for him to share with his disciples. He offers the way God saw the offerings of both the rich and this poor widow. Though they were giving large amounts, they were giving from their abundance. They had a lot left for themselves. Though she gave a small amount, she was giving everything she had. Her commitment to God and God’s mission was that deep.

 

When we give sacrificially, we follow the example of this widow, as well as the example of Jesus Christ. And be assured, no matter what amount that is, God will do amazing things with it! Personal Worship Option: This week, look for opportunities to notice small acts of giving that are done by others. Or think about how others have blessed you with small acts of giving. How might you express your gratitude to them. Thank God for them as well.

Daily Devotion, November 14, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 13:1-8.

According to Matthew, Jesus had a particular focus when he told this parable. He goes on to give an explanation of it a little later in this chapter. But as is so often the case with the stories he told, there are additional insights that come from them. I’m focused today on the seed that fell on good soil: “Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one.” Wow! That’s some yield! I’ll take that kind of return anytime!

When I was a child, my sister and I helped Dad and Mom in the garden. (Actually, I don’t know that we were much help, but they used that setting for teaching us a lot of good life lessons.) I remember helping to sow the seeds for green beans. With just one or two seeds in a spot, up out of the ground came this plant that would have a big handful of green beans! It was amazing!!

It is the way the kingdom of God operates. When we sow seeds of love and good will in the lives of others, God takes that and produces amazing results. And just like with the seeds in the ground, it takes time for them to grow. We often do not see results of our sowing until later, maybe even years later. But be assured, your seed-sowing of the things of the Spirit of God will bring in a great yield for God’s kingdom. So keep sowing those seeds! Personal Worship Option: In whose life might God be inviting you to sow seeds today?

Daily Devotion, November 13, 2020

 

Devotion: Read John 6:5-14.

John is the only Gospel writer who tells us that it was a boy who gave the five loaves of bread and the fish to Jesus, from which he fed this huge crowd of people. Can you imagine the expressions on the disciples faces when Jesus said “you give them something to eat.” Immediately they looked in their wallets and it was more than they even had collectively. I sense their frustration and yet Jesus isn’t even a bit flustered by the situation

 

Here’s the contrast: when Jesus saw the people, he saw an opportunity to love and affirm value. When the disciples saw the people they saw thousands of problems. So where do we find ourselves on this continuum? Are we so blinded by a “problem” that we can’t see a God-given opportunity? God can do amazing things, even when we only have a little to offer. Personal Worship Option: What is in your hands that you can bring to God? Trust His compassion and plans.

Daily Devotion, November 12, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Exodus 35:4-8, 20-29.

God wants to have a home in the Israelite camp, so He gives Moses an exact plan to build a portable tabernacle. He invites all of the Israelites to have a part in this project by bringing offerings of various materials to build His tabernacle. The people willingly bring costly and precious metals, stones, animal skins, wood, and textiles as love offerings for God’s dwelling place. This is a lesson about worship. Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice are fitting ways to show God that we absolutely worship and adore Him. We can give Him a message that He is much more important than any of the material things that He has given us. When we liberally give gifts to Him, we are also thanking Him for all His blessings to us. While the building of the sanctuary was in progress the people, old and young—men, women, and children—continued to bring their offerings, until those in charge of the work found that they had enough, and even more than could be used. All who love God and treasure His presence among us, truly feel it is a pleasure to give sacrificially. This scripture teaches us that we should desire to bring to the Lord an offering of the very best that we possess. God has given us money, talents, time, energy, and other things that we can give to His work. This is one way to worship God. Personal Worship Option: Lord Jesus, teach us the joy of being generous, teach us to serve you as you deserve, and teach us to give and not to count the cost. Help us to see that if all of us give what we can, great things can be accomplished for your Kingdom.

Daily Devotion, November 11, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 2:42-47.

“They will know we are Christians by our love” is a hymn written in the 1960’s by Father Peter Scholtes. It originates in a phrase that non-believers used to describe Christian believers of the early church.

Acts 2 also has phrases to describe the earliest Christian believers including that they “sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need,” indicating that they were generous.

Paul writes in his letter to the church at Corinth, “If I give all I possess to the poor, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

Love and generosity go together. Love is the “why” of God’s generosity unto us and God’s call for us to be generous unto others.

Thinking about the word, “generous,” what if the earliest Christian believers had been known for all those wonderful characteristics listed in Acts 2, but had not been “generous?” How can one encounter God’s generous gift to us of Christ, God’s own Son, and not be generous? Their generosity gave testimony and witness of their belief in Christ and love for others.

Through the years I have found that “little is much in God’s hands.” One of my favorite stories is that of Oseola McCarty who did laundry and ironing for others for a living. (Guideposts, September 1996 and can be found on Guideposts.org) She loved God, her church, her Bible and others. She saved her small amounts of change through the years. She retired at 86. She asked that her savings be given to the University of Mississippi for scholarships for African-American children who are eager for learning, but whose families couldn’t afford to send them to college.

Her lifetime savings of pocket change has enabled many to receive a college education. Oseola said, “I’m always surprised when people ask me, ‘Miss McCarty, why didn’t you spend that money on yourself?’ I just smile. Thanks to the good Lord, I am spending it on myself.”

That’s generosity, born of Christ’s love. Personal Worship Option: Give God thanks today for God’s generosity unto you. Give God thanks today for the people who have been generous unto you. Ask God for new ways in which you can be generous unto others. Little is much in God’s hands. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 10, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

Paul had boasted about the church at Corinth, but there was one area of their Christian witness, which Paul wanted to address very specifically. It was in connection with their financial giving. Persecution in Jerusalem had increased and many Christians found themselves in very difficult, economic circumstances. The Corinthian Christians had been neglectful in supporting those in need. Paul urged them to joyfully give a generous gift. Paul knew the principle of sowing and reaping, and he knew that God loves a cheerful giver. Let’s remember that God knows our heart and he knows when gifts are given reluctantly or joyfully. Let’s give generously to others and to the Lord and see the amazing results. Personal Worship Option: Pray this today: I pray that I may become a cheerful, generous and gracious giver, in every area of my life. Help me to apply the principle of sowing and reaping abundantly, so that others may be blessed, and your name may be glorified. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 9, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Kings 17:8-16.

Now be honest...as you read this interesting story, did you think as I did of the nursery rhyme, “Old Mother Hubbard?” This poor widow’s cupboard was all but bare, with only a small amount of flour and oil remaining for a paltry final meal for herself and her son. But God was about to use what she had to produce abundance. I can only imagine how she felt taking part of that meager handful of flour and making a small loaf of bread for Elijah before preparing anything for her own son, but she believed and trusted God’s promise to provide. 

This obscure story, tucked as it is into the larger story of the prophet Elijah, is one of those examples of God instructing us not to worry so much about what we lack but rather to focus on what we do have. Soon after Christ Church constructed the multipurpose building and the first parts of our children’s and adult buildings, we began to run out of classroom space. The bid to expand our education buildings came in at $150,000; and the bank agreed to loan us $100,000, but no more. We asked everyone to bring an extra one-time offering. We counted it -- just over $50,000! None of us made a huge sacrifice or went hungry. We just gave what we had and trusted God to provide. Perhaps we should not worry so much about what we do not have but rather offer generously from what we do have and trust God! Personal Worship Option: Think of a time in your life when someone gave you something small, seemingly of little value, that made a huge difference. God has a way of using small offerings in powerful ways. Ask in your prayers today for the ability to always see what you do have more powerfully than what you may lack.

Daily Devotion, November 8, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26-27.

Paul was writing to a church in which there was division. These were followers of Jesus Christ in the house churches in the city of Corinth in the first century. But they were not united as his people. A significant portion of this letter (chapters 12-14) is given to one of the primary issues causing the division: spiritual gifts. As is the case in any church, the Holy Spirit had gifted each person with the various gifts of the Spirit to accomplish their mission. Apparently, there had developed among them a ranking of these gifts. Some were more important than others, they thought. Paul writes to dispel this divisiveness, using the analogy of the human body. All parts are needed for the body to function at its best. So it is in the Body of Christ, the Church.

Events and rhetoric of this year have threatened the unity of the Church. Too often, we hear or read statements that say you cannot be a part of the Church if you vote a certain way or interpret Scripture a certain way. But we need each other, to guide each other and learn from each other. Whereas Paul loved the analogy of the human body, I love the analogy of a bird. In order to fly, the bird needs both the right wing and the left wing. So does the Church.

The primary issue here is being united so that we can serve the mission God has given us through Jesus Christ. In the next chapter of this letter, Paul emphasizes that it is the sacrificial love Jesus taught us that is the key to staying united in the midst of our differences.

You are part of the Church. So are those other Christians. We are the Body of Christ. Personal Worship Option: Offer a prayer for Christians with whom you differ. Seek God’s wisdom for how to better unite with them in our mission to bring others to Christ.

Daily Devotion, November 7, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 1:6-8.

The last few verses of the Gospel of Matthew are what is often called “The Great Commission,” where Jesus gave his disciples their mission for the rest of their lives. This is Luke’s version of that mission. It is the mission, or purpose, not only for disciples then, but for all time.

I see two points of emphasis in this mission. First, your power for this mission comes from God; it comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already told the disciples to wait where they were to receive this power. We find out later in the chapter that they spent this time of waiting “devoting themselves to prayer.” They were not just sitting around doing nothing. They were united in seeking God’s presence. It was into this united group that the Holy Spirit came to empower them for their mission. (Followers of Jesus Christ, please read those last two sentences again.)

Second, you are to tell others about your experience with Jesus Christ, wherever you are. That includes those closest to you, those like you and those who are not like you. Yes, you can lead others to Jesus by doing good deeds and serving the needs of others. But at some point, there comes a time of needing to speak, to let them know why you are doing this. What motivates you to do these things? It is at that point you get to let them know who has motivated and inspired you to do these things.

  

Stay connected to the one who empowers you for your mission, then go do it. And remember, this mission was given to a group, united in Jesus Christ to serve him together. Personal Worship Option:

Frederick Morley wrote these words to a hymn:

O church of God, united to serve one common Lord, proclaim to all one message, with hearts in glad accord.

Christ ever goes before us; we follow day by day with strong and eager footsteps along the upward way.

May (your) great prayer be answered that we may all be one, close bound, by love united in (you), God’s blessed Son;

To bring a single witness, to make the pathway bright, that souls which grope in darkness may find the one true light.

Daily Devotion, November 6, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 22:34-40.

Once again the Pharisees were attempting to trip Jesus with a question that religious leaders had been debating for years. What is the greatest commandment? Jesus answered them with what the Jews know as the “Shema” , the confession of faith. The greatest commandment is to love God with all that we are and have - heart, soul, mind, and strength, possessions, and service. To love God is not to “have good feelings about Him,” because true love involves the will as well as the heart. Where there is love, there will be service and obedience.

But Jesus also quoted Leviticus 19:18 putting this commandment on the same level as the Shema, demonstrating that a right relationship with God will impact the relationships with others. If we love God we will love our neighbor and want the best for them. In other words, our purpose as God’s people is to love God and love people! Personal Worship Option: Prayer for today: “O LORD, what an amazing opportunity you have given me - a chance to make a difference in a hurting world. Help me to see the needs you want me to see, to react in a way that honors You, and to bless others by serving them gladly with practical expressions of your love. Help me to be Jesus’ hands and feet. Give me the strength and wisdom to fulfill your plan for me. In Jesus’ name, amen”.

Daily Devotion, November 5, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 28:16-20.

When we refer to the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20, we usually only read verses 18-20. Verse 17 jumps out to me when reading this passage. I am fascinated that the eleven disciples saw the risen Jesus, standing before them as he had promised, yet still some doubted! Some weren’t ready to give Jesus all of their trust. How do you think that doubt affected those disciples’ reception of Jesus’ words about the Great Commission? Looking throughout the Gospels, we see that following Jesus always involved an element of mystery that required trust. Even from the beginning, Jesus’ invitation to some of the disciples was “come and see,” asking them to trust and obey without knowing the details up front. When they accepted Christ’s invitation, they witnessed and did amazing, miraculous and life-changing things.

Christians are called to make disciples. We make disciples by helping new believers grow in their relationship with the Lord. This requires establishing deep and meaningful relationships with those who are searching for God. With whom are you sharing your knowledge of the Lord? Even if you don’t believe you have strong Bible knowledge, you are still able to share the things you do know. You can encourage and pray for others. You can fellowship with other believers. You can participate in a church Bible study. Let nothing stop you from sharing your love for Christ. Personal Worship Option: Dear God, you have entrusted us with your good news and promised to be with us always. Let us be faithful to this charge, reaching out to all the world in words and deeds of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Daily Devotion, November 4, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-20a.

At the time of this writing, we are a little more than two weeks from this day which is the day after the election.

But Paul’s writing here in 2 Corinthians is as timely for these days as it was during Paul’s day. The world’s messages would like to divide us, but God has given us a different message. That message is first and foremost that God loves us and not only us, but all the people of the world. And within the message of God’s love for us is that God sent Christ who died for all of our sins to give us life. Therefore we are being made new in Christ and we are called not to live for ourselves only but as Ambassadors of Christ. And we have been reconciled to God and we are called into the “ministry of reconciliation” unto others.

We must remember whatever the outcome of the news, as believers and followers of Christ we are called to the “ministry of reconciliation.” With God’s help, this is possible.

I like the words of Dr. J. Paul Sampley, “People have value because Christ died for them. People, whoever they are, whether they have responded to Christ or not---Christ died for everyone---are treasured by God.”

Dr. Sampley continues, “Reconciliation is at the heart of life’s business. If the most important single factor about any of our lives is God’s having reconciled us to God’s very self, then the proper celebration of our reconciliation is to share it with others by fostering reconciliation and atonement wherever and whenever we can.”

In our work as a people with a “ministry of reconciliation”, it binds us together in a greater mission, so that we can help others along the way. Together we can help others who have nothing; together we can help others who have no one; together we can help others who are hungry; together we can help others who have no shelter; together we can give a witness of God’s love through Christ so that others may come to know Christ, too. Personal Worship Option: Loving and Gracious God, we hear your call to the “ministry of reconciliation”. You reconciled us unto yourself. This is a gift beyond our imagining. Help us today to seek your ways of being reconciled to one another. Help us to remember that together we can accomplish so much more to help others than we can accomplish by ourselves. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 3, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 5:43-48.

Think for a moment about your personal friends, acquaintances, and social media friends. How many can you name? For most, it would take a great deal of time. Now think about your enemies. I suspect that most would have a short list. But who is your enemy? When Jesus talked about “loving your neighbor” and “greeting only your brothers,” he seems to imply that our “enemies” are those who are different from us. For the Jews, those who were different were the Gentiles (non-Jews). With this understanding, does your enemy list grow? The rancor of politics this year in our nation has many Americans and even many Christians looking at each other as if they are enemies. Even if you are convinced of that, Jesus gives instructions here on how to treat them. Jesus calls on us to love those who are different. How do we do that? Jesus tells us God always gives his best. He goes beyond the expected. Jesus even tells us, as the Message puts it, “any run-of-the-mill sinner” simply greets others hello. Jesus tells us to live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward us. Think about how that will look in your comings and goings today and make an effort to generously and graciously love those who are different. Personal Worship Option: Pray that God will direct you toward those who are different today instead of away. Look for a way to extend God’s generous and gracious love. You might pay for a meal, carry the newspaper to the front door, actively listen, restrain from negatively responding, or do some other kind of random act of kindness.