Daily Devotion, January 31, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 14:1-6.

Some of the translations of the Bible use the word “If” in verses two and three in a way that leaves some people wondering whether Jesus is actually preparing a place for us. I believe The Common English Bible best captures the meaning of the first three verses here. “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.”

His follow-up comment to the disciples about them knowing the way to where he was going prompted Thomas to admit they didn’t know the way. At that point, Jesus offered another of his “I Am” statements in this Gospel to describe himself: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” There is a particular way to live one’s life if you are going to represent Jesus. It is not a matter of just saying you believe in him and then living and thinking and relating to others the way you always have. Truth is not about each person’s interpretation, but finding it in what Jesus taught with his words and actions. Later in this chapter, he goes on to say that God will send the Spirit of Truth, who will continue to teach and remind us of what Jesus taught us. And living life to the fullest, as God created us to live it, is found in following this Way as guided by this Spirit.

 

It is so tempting and so easy to get caught up in following the ways of this world, in believing “so-called” truths of this world and seeking life in the wrong places and people. Be sure you are following the One who is “the way, the truth and the life.”

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on who guides your life more: voices of this world or the Holy Spirit? To whom do you spend more time listening?

Daily Devotion, January 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12.

It is a passage I return to regularly and I invite you to do the same. It gives excellent guidance in how to live life as the people of Jesus Christ. I invite you to read it in several different translations of the Bible. I often recommend The Message as a good option. In the last few years, I have also been reading more from The Common English Bible. Here is how that translation offers verse two in this chapter: “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is - what is good and pleasing and mature.” Notice that the word “minds” is plural. This discerning of God’s will is not just to be done on an individual basis. It is to be done in community, joining with other followers of Christ.

In the following verses, Paul goes on to affirm the importance of all parts of the body of Christ. We need each other. Being God’s people is not just about a bunch of like-minded individuals getting together every so often to affirm their belief in Jesus. It is to acknowledge and welcome different understandings and interpretations, realizing that our differences do not have to divide us, but can instead make us stronger and wiser. We can learn from each other and better understand the will of God.

Please reflect on these other key verses, especially for the times in which we live. (Vs. 10) “Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.” (Vs. 16) “Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else.” (Vs. 17-18) “Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.”

Personal Worship Option:

Take 20 minutes to reflect on the five verses quoted here. Ask God to help you live them each day.

Daily Devotion, January 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Philippians 4:4-8.

A great passage of Scripture with guidance on how to live life at its best, especially in verse 8, which tells us on what we need to focus our thinking. To focus our thinking on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy requires a relationship with God, which the first part of this passage addresses. Our relationship with God is an invitation to be in constant contact with Him to keep the lines of communication open. In doing so, joy is abundant and worry - well- becomes non-existent or at least minimal. Live with an ear toward heaven, eyes on Christ, and our thoughts on the goodness of God and His work in the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: Dear Father, you are the great I AM. You are my helper and my Redeemer. Help me today. Give me the strength for this day. Give me direction for decisions that come my way. Direct my thoughts to those things that honor you. Thank you for your provisions, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 119:33-37.

These verses of Psalm 119 focus on being taught, gaining understanding, and keeping the instructions of God’s Word. The psalmist is requesting for God to teach him since he needs help from the Lord to find the true way to live which he cannot find on his own. He longs for God to teach him so that he may obey God’s way of life for him. If he doesn’t follow God’s commands, he will be inclined to go the wrong way. The psalmist wants his heart to head in the right way and not toward selfish gain. He wants his life to have purpose and not be focused on meaningless things. He wants to be God’s obedient servant.

Isn’t this what we all struggle with? We are sometimes slow and stubborn people who need God to teach us. I think we’re all tempted to pursue selfish gain, but we need to pray and ask God to take control of our heart and turn it away from the lure of the world. We should assess what worthless things in our lives consume our time and attention, making an effort to have more time for Scripture reading. The struggle of this psalmist transcends the thousands of years to our struggles of today. These few verses sum up trying to live a Christian life.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us understand your word. We need you to show us the way to follow and obey you. Direct our lives by your word. Turn us toward you and away from selfish gains and worthless things. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 13:21-22.

In its earliest days, I liked to argue with my phone’s GPS instructions. I had a lot of pride that I usually could find my way from one destination to another, even without a map! So, I decided to go against the GPS and take the exit I had always taken off of I-75 in Atlanta, only to realize that particular exit had been totally changed! I was humbled to make a U-turn to follow the GPS toward taking the exit of its original recommendation!

On another occasion, I was following the GPS for the shortest route to Cades Cove and it led me to a road which was a dirt road for emergency vehicles into the National park! The shortest route added an hour to the trip! 

Before GPS, and before printed road maps, Moses was called to lead a group of people out of Egypt and out of their enslavement to Pharaoh to freedom in the Land of Canaan. This was not a small group of people. Exodus 12: 37 says there “are about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.”

God is the attentive leader of this great group of people leading them to freedom in the new land of promise. God understands the minds of the people and charts the course not through the Philistine country, but around the desert road and toward the Red Sea.

God brilliantly leads this large group of people in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night! And God’s presence and leading never leaves the people! (But some probably argued with Moses that perhaps God’s leading didn’t make sense!)

It’s not always easy to understand how God is leading. Sometimes it is when we look back, we realize how God was leading and stayed with us. Sometimes we try to go our own way. God leads us to make a U-turn to get back on track! But we can have full assurance that God is always present leading and guiding each step of the way.

Personal Worship Option:

God is with us. We might not always see the signs that clearly, but we can have full assurance that God is always with us to guide us. Dear Lord, lead us to trust and to follow You in all the ways you are leading. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:1-2; 22:1-5.

As followers of Christ, we are known as Christians around the world. But believers in the first century were known by other names. “Followers of the Way” was one way the early followers of Christ identified themselves. They based the name on Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 that he is “the way and the truth and the life.” Early Christians were called Followers of the Way, not simply because of the way they lived, but because of who they followed, Jesus. Saul of Tarsus went to Damascus to take prisoner men and women who “belonged to the Way.” After Saul was converted, he became a missionary and went by the name of Paul. Paul was an enthusiastic follower of the Way. Christ's plan was to have close, personal "followers" who were also learners and doers of his Way. They listened and followed him as they learned from him. As the church began to grow, the followers were taught that every aspect of their lives was to be reflective of what they learned while following Jesus personally. In fact, the Greek word for followers, “mimetes,” means “mimics.” It’s clear that as followers of Christ we are to mimic him. Following in “the way of Jesus” means we focus our life on discipleship. Instead of just learning about him, we actually live in a certain “way.” Would your life change if you began to think of yourself as a “Christ follower” or “follower of the Way?” Let’s strive to mimic Christ in all we think, feel, say, and do.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus still says to us today, “Follow me.” He never told us to gain a lot of knowledge about him, but rather, to be with him, to remain in him, and then, to live as he would in our place—to do what he did. Pray today for guidance about following the Way.

Daily Devotion, January 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 18:33-38a.

Pilate, the Roman governor of Palestine, did not seem at all interested in honoring the Jewish leaders’ accusations against Jesus and executing him. While John does not give us the details of their main charge, it must have been that Jesus claimed to be their king. When Pilate asked Jesus in private if he indeed was the king of the Jews, Jesus asked him if this was Pilate’s own idea or if others had told him this. Interestingly, Pilate asked Jesus what he had done (to get him handed over by his people and their religious leaders). Jesus responded by explaining that the nature of his kingdom was not like those of the world, but that his is the kingdom of truth.

I wonder about Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” Was it a sarcastic question, showing disdain for the Jewish people and their religious issues and disagreements? Was it the deeply cynical question of one who had given up on finding anything in life worthy of being called truth? Or was it the wistful question of someone who wished he could act with integrity instead of political expediency, defining truth as whatever suited those in power? If so, Pilate’s question is a good one for all believers to ask as we make our decisions and choices. Jesus invites us into his kingdom of truth.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on how the world makes truth seem relevant, always colored in shades of gray. Open-mindedness is a good quality, helping us to grow and love others. So, pray today for discernment to see the truth that Christ offers without being judgemental of others. 

Daily Devotion, January 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 15:1-9.

In another of Jesus’ “I Am” sayings in this Gospel, Jesus uses the image of a vine to describe himself (and thereby to describe God). Not only does he describe himself in this passage, but he also describes his followers: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” However, there is a condition to being a branch related to this vine. It has to stay connected. It is so tempting and so easy to get disconnected. We want to follow our own will, the ways of this world. We decide to fight the enemy with the ways of the enemy. And when we do that, we stop producing the fruit of the kingdom of God. Peace and hope and kindness are no longer our focus. We stop drawing other people to the way of Jesus Christ, but instead join them in going the way of the world.

How do we stay connected? How do we remain in this vine who is Jesus? He tells us in verse 9: “remain in my love.” In the following verse, he further explains: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love…” And what were his commands? A couple of chapters earlier, in this same setting, he gave a very specific one to his disciples: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Elsewhere, he taught us to love God, to “love your neighbor as yourself” and even to “love your enemies.” It is obvious that the primary nutrient running through this vine is love. That is what nourishes the branches. “Remain in my love.”

There are some really troublesome vines in this world. (Kudzu immediately comes to mind!) There are also some really destructive vines in the spiritual world. Be sure you are connected to the vine who is Jesus Christ. And be sure you remain there.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the love that flows through Jesus Christ to you (which produces the fruits of the Spirit in you) and through you (which produces the fruit of other people coming to know Christ for themselves. Pray for perseverance to stay connected to this vine.

Daily Devotion, January 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 5:1-7.

This section of Isaiah is often called “The Song of the Vineyard.” This prophet uses a parable to warn the people about impending consequences for their lack of justice and righteousness. God’s people of that time, the people of Israel and Judah, were not following God’s commandments on how to treat those most vulnerable and marginalized among them. They were taking advantage of the poor. The rich were lining their own pockets and not concerned about the needs of others. When these things happen in any nation down through history, there have always been consequences. God never allows that to continue forever.

In verse 7, the writer uses a play on words in the Hebrew language to emphasize the point. God expected “mishpat” (justice) but instead found “mishpah” (bloodshed). God wanted “tsedakah” (righteousness), but heard “tse’akah” (a cry of distress). I invite you to think of word plays in the English language that would help us see the point in our day. Here is one possibility: God expects us to be involved in the work of an angel, but instead finds too many of us involved in the work of anger.

  

When we disconnect from the way of the Lord, we will not produce the fruit of the kingdom. Be sure to stay connected to the Vine who is Jesus Christ. It is through following his way of treating the least, the last and the lost (even the enemy) that we produce the fruit that God has always expected of his vineyard.

Personal Worship Option:

In the last month, would you say your spirit has been more closely related to an angel or anger? Meditate on that and pray about it.

Daily Devotion, January 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 5:22-25.

The way we live, the things we say, the attitudes we entertain, the lifestyle we adopt, the enterprises in which we engage are all continuously producing either positive or negative results in society. Too often people assume they can adopt a neutral stance. They feel they can be noncommittal. They try to remain detached and uninvolved with the trauma, turmoil and tension of their times.

We live in an atmosphere of antagonism, and environment of enmity. Yet amid such adversity Christ calls us to produce fruit. The “fruit of the Spirit” are not works that believers must accomplish so they can check them off as they “grow” them. Instead these fruits grow naturally as the produce of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in a person’s life. As we grow in the Christian faith, these characteristics should increasingly be manifested in our lives. The key is for us to submit our lives to Christ daily. By being connected to the Spirit of God, this fruit is produced in our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

How do you demonstrate the Fruit of the Spirit in your life? Which of these need more cultivation? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Daily Devotion, January 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:37-41.

Have you ever had anyone ask you what they should do to become a follower of Jesus? I have, and it can be both scary and exciting. When people are seeking to know Jesus, they need the basic steps. As we see in the book of Acts, the answer the apostles repeatedly gave was: If you believe that Jesus is Lord and Messiah, then turn your heart to Jesus and repent, be baptized asking for the forgiveness of your sins, and the Holy Spirit will be given to you.

Peter’s sermon on the first day of Pentecost is extraordinary, and it tells us what God wants for His church. The Gospel is to be preached so that people hear, respond, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and stay close to the teaching of the apostles. Our reading today is fairly well-known. It describes the response to Peter's first sermon and his appeal to 'repent and be baptized', and his plea to people to 'save yourselves'. It also records the remarkable number of people who were baptized that day (3,000), and offers a simple description of the life of the first Christian community. This passage tells new converts what they were to do to grow in the things of God and how to become the foundation of the church.  This reading today offers us a fascinating insight into what God did to start the church, and what He can still do today. Through the Holy Spirit, God still works today to bring repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Spirit, and He longs to see people rooted in the scripture, in fellowship, in the ‘breaking of bread’ and in prayer.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, as we try to lead others to know and follow Jesus, help us to share what is in the scriptures. Be with us as we seek to share the Good News of the Gospel that all people can receive His grace. We pray for a great increase in the Kingdom, just like what is recorded in the book of Acts. We asked this in your son’s name. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-11.

In 2 Corinthians’ earlier chapters, Paul is defending his and Timothy’s identity as true and sincere ministers of Christ. They are in this for the glory of God and the power has come from God.

 

Chapter 4 begins with this continuing theme,“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart,” through vs. 5, “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.”

Then verse 7 begins with this profound declaration clarifying God’s work through them. Imagine Paul speaking this aloud, “But we have this TREASURE in jars of clay to show that this ALL-SURPASSING POWER IS FROM GOD and not from us.” It helps us realize the grace of God to place this TREASURE AND POWER in fragile clay pots.

Paul continues in verses 8-9, with evidence of God’s power at work in their lives even though they are going through much suffering and many trials, yet they are not overwhelmed!

Dr. J. Paul Sampey writes, “Then Paul makes a double connection with Jesus: In his own body, Paul carries the death of Jesus (symbolizing Paul’s sufferings and afflictions as reflections of Christ’s death) so that the life of Jesus (a reference to Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is the very basis of hope) may be shown forth“.

I hear Paul saying, “Do you really think that I could do what I am doing, enduring imprisonment, persecution, tribulations and threats of life with my own power? Do you really think that I would be compelled to bring this good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to you in my own power? And referring back to Paul’s words in chapter 3: 2-3, I believe Paul would say, “The only way that a true difference could have been made in your lives is by the power of God. We were just the clay vessels of God’s power at work through us.”

Personal Worship Option:

God chooses to work through us, just simple human beings!!! Whatever God is calling you to do in the name of Christ for others today, God will give you the power to do that. For many of us, it is the little things we do, but which often can make a powerful difference in the lives of others. Lord, keep us connected to you and let all that we do be for your glory. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 17:8-13.

The Israelites learned the importance of God’s power and of connecting to each other through Moses' example. When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites, Moses told Joshua to gather his men to fight. Moses promised to stand on top of the hill and pray with the staff of God in his hands lifted toward heaven. So Joshua obeyed the command and fought the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron, and Hur stayed on the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, he sat. Aaron and Hur even helped hold up his hands. Joshua's army overcame the Amalekites.

God's power was released when Moses prayed. God's power is released when we pray too. In the case of the Israelites, the power to win the battle was released. The power released when we pray looks different depending on what we pray for. In times of weakness, we may pray and receive courage. When we feel insecure about a situation, the power that's released may be in the form of confidence.

Power can be released as wisdom, an idea, courage, confidence, perseverance, a changed attitude, altered circumstances, or it may take other forms. It's awesome to note how powerful it is for others, like Aaron and Hur, to come along beside us to lift us up and support us in our prayers. When you’re facing your Amalekites, remember the power of prayer. Prayer is the way to unlocking God's power in your life. There is a connection between prayer and God's power! Unleash his power!

Personal Worship Option:

Small groups are where we have opportunities to “hold up our hands” for others. If you are not in a Christ Church small group, consider joining one during 2021. Our groups continue to meet virtually and would love to welcome you. Visit our website at www.christchurchchatt.org to learn more.

Daily Devotion, January 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 51.

King David had sinned on a number of levels. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his most faithful soldiers. As king, David had exploited his power over Bathsheba by sending for her to be brought to his palace. This act of adultery took place while Uriah was away, loyally serving and fighting for his king. When David learned that Bathsheba was pregnant, his efforts at a cover-up failed, so he had Uriah killed in battle!

When David showed no remorse for these sinful actions, his prophet Nathan confronted him and helped him to clearly see his guilt. David loved God and was described as a “man after God’s own heart.” Sin has a way of separating us from God, and now David feels the weight of his sins against God and knows that he is disconnected from God. David often wrote psalms to express his feelings, and David wrote Psalm 51 during this time. In this psalm, David cries out that he cannot get his sins off his mind, and he craves God’s forgiveness. David also acknowledges that God does not desire offerings or sacrifices but rather desires a broken and contrite heart, which David offers and asks God to cleanse him and restore him to salvation. Like David, may we desire always to stay connected to God. 

Personal Worship Option:

Today, let David’s plea in Psalm 51:10 to “create in me a pure heart, O God,” be our prayer. It is from our hearts that our actions and our words come. And when we earnestly desire a pure heart, we will very likely stay closely connected to God.

Daily Devotion, January 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 10:7-10.

In the days when Jesus was here on earth, a shepherd would sometimes construct a rock-walled enclosure into which he would guide his sheep for the night. There would be an opening at some point along that enclosure. It was there that the shepherd would lay down and sleep for the night. He literally was the gate that kept the sheep from wandering away and gave them a sense of security in which they could sleep. The shepherd was also there to protect them, not letting any predators get to them.  

As Jesus often did, he used an image from everyday life to teach. In this case, this was a scene he could use to teach about himself. He is like a human gate that is there to protect the people in his care, providing a sense of security and peace in which we all can rest. He follows this up in the next verses by describing himself as “the good shepherd.” Being “the gate” was one of the responsibilities of a good shepherd. 

You are invited to find rest, comfort, peace and assurance in this knowledge. I also invite you to think about those people you know who need this knowledge. They do not have that sense of peace and assurance in their life. How might you allow Christ to work in and through you to help provide them with that “peace which passes all understanding”?

Personal Worship Option:

Write down the name of at least one person who needs this knowledge and assurance in their life. Pray for them today. Ask God to reveal to you the next step you can take to help them.

Daily Devotion, January 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 14:1-3.

According to this Gospel, these words are part of a lot of teaching that Jesus gave to his disciples the night before he died. Within a few hours of that time with them, he would be arrested and later go through interrogations and beatings and finally crucifixion.

He had already been predicting his death. Just before these verses, he had predicted that Peter would deny knowing him three times before morning. In that setting where all those who were there had to be so troubled about what was going on come these words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” That same message of comfort and assurance are there for each of us anytime we face troubling times.

But there is more. Jesus not only offers words of peace and hope for the present, but also for the future. He is working to prepare a place for you and me and everybody else. Think about the security that comes with knowing you have a place to live, to be. One of the saddest and toughest aspects of being homeless is not having that sense of security and peace. Pray for those who are homeless and look for any way you can to help rid our city and world of that blight.

Be assured that Christ can and does provide for you someone you can trust, both today and into eternity!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the security and peace Jesus Christ provides.

Daily Devotion, January 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 121.

One of the most reassuring verses in all of the Bible is this: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” I picture children being able to play freely in the neighborhood without a care in the world. There is nothing to fear because our Father is concerned about all our tasks and schedules and even the so-called “minor details” of life. Our Father is with us and cares for us even when things are difficult and hard. God turns into good the things we think are evil. Another reassuring verse in this Psalm is “He who guards you never sleeps.” He will guard and protect us. Even while we sleep, God watches over us.

Personal Worship Option:

Hand your worries to God. Thank him for his provision and protection. Reflect on your faith journey and how God has provided for you.

Daily Devotion, January 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:25-33.

As we go through life, there is a wide spectrum of worries. We are constantly bombarded and burdened with everything from what we’re going to have for dinner or what we are wearing to a wedding to how to maximize our finances and how to keep ourselves as healthy as possible. It doesn’t matter what we do, where we go, or how much money we have, we have the guarantee that we will always have something to stress about. Those worries can consume us to the point that we are just existing and are paralyzed, rather than living in the freedom that we have through Jesus. We can become depressed, confused, and lost in hopelessness and despair.

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has a simple message for us. As children of the Creator and Sustainer of all, we don’t have to worry. God knows just what we need. If we have faith in this, why make ourselves crazy trying to fix our situations by ourselves? God cares and God knows everything about us. If we, who claim to trust and believe in God, would turn our attention away from worrying about our daily needs, and instead focus on working on growing our faith and growing God’s Kingdom, we have assurance that every crucial need will be met. As Christians, we are called to put our trust in God, as we turn our attention from ourselves to the multitudes who need God’s peace, love, and salvation.

Personal Worship Option:

Creator of all, help us to trust in you; turn our focus from what we need and desire to the tasks you give to us every day. Help us to ignore worries, doubts, and fears, knowing that you have the power to provide for our needs. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 16 (NIRV)

David, the psalm’s writer, speaks of being secure in God’s care three times in this brief psalm!

My college professor of Child Development and Preschool Methods, Dr. Barbara McDougal said “to build within children a strong sense of their own security and their being secure in your care are two of the most important gifts you can give to children. It all begins with building trust each step of the way. And trust is built when words and actions match-up.”

The psalmist speaks of complete security in God’s care of him. This builds trust and confidence in the relationship in such a way that the psalmist has absolutely no need of other “gods”. God provides for him everything he needs. God counsels him in the night and is always present. He is given all the security he needs; even life and death are secure in God’s care. There is joy in God’s presence and everything about the future can be trusted into God’s care. The psalmist’s heart is glad and full of praise!

What a gift of security God has given to us in this Divine and human relationship, that not even death can undermine! We can trust God completely! God’s words and actions match-up! We don’t have to go searching for “other gods” who would try to consume us. Instead God breathes into us the very breath of life! This Psalm has been called a “Psalm of Confidence” filled with the joyful attitude and speech of abiding in God’s presence and care.

Dr. J. Clinton McCann, Jr. writes, “Abundant life is something we receive. We begin to experience this gift when we say with the Psalmist, ‘You are my Lord’ (vs. 2). This act of humility promises exaltation. Psalm 16 is both a challenge to keep the Lord always before us and a promise that the experience of God’s presence is its own reward: abundant life and fullness of joy.”

Personal Worship Option:

Let this song be our prayer,

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

Oh God, You are my God

And, I will ever praise You

I will seek You in the morning

And I will learn to

Walk in Your ways

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

 “Step by Step” by David “Beaker” Besser and Rich Mullins

Daily Devotion, January 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

A Jewish audience would be completely comfortable with this talk of a "great high priest" because they were familiar with the ritual need of a sin bearer. Once a year the high priest entered the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple to perform a sacrifice of blood which would bring forgiveness to God's people.

But Hebrews tells us that our "great high priest" lives forever, and he does not only enter the Holy of Holies once a year. Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of God all the time. Our High Priest is able to sympathize with us because he understands us. He suffered and was tempted as we are. So we are to hold firmly to that belief and boldly go to him in our time of need. We need not be ashamed to speak exactly what is on our hearts. When we boldly pray, we will receive mercy. Jesus is willing to simply give us what we need, and all we have to do is open our heart and by faith receive it. Notice the closing words in our passage today, “in our time of need.” The phrase is a translation of the Greek word “boetheia,” a word with a military connotation. In the world of the early New Testament, it was a military word that called soldiers to battle. This military word depicted the exact moment when a soldier heard that his fellow fighter was entrenched in battle, captured, or struggling. Once alerted to this situation, the soldier quickly went into battle to fight for the safety and well-being of his fellow fighter. Just hearing of the need sent the soldier into battle.

When we get into trouble and we tell Jesus about it, he goes into battle like a Mighty Warrior to be our defense and to secure our deliverance!

Personal Worship Option:

Use this passage today as a prayer:

Dear Lord, let us hold firmly to what we believe and go boldly to you, receive your mercy, find your grace and get help in our time of need. We call on you to fight our battles and keep us safe, secure, and protected. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 28:10-17.

Throughout Scripture, we see God choosing unlikely characters to do God’s work, and Jacob is indeed an unlikely character. His name literally means “Grabber,” given to him at birth as his little hand reached out to grab the heel of his twin brother Esau in a futile attempt to be born first and receive the birthright. As a young man, Jacob had given his hungry brother Esau a bowl of stew only if Esau would give him the birthright, and then he tricked his aging father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Now on his way to Harran to live with his mother’s brother in Harran, Jacob is running to escape Esau’s plan to kill him for his trickery.

Would God honor Isaac’s blessing of Jacob that included the covenant, the promise originally made to Abraham, then passed to Isaac, and hopefully to the next generation? The answer came in this dream in which Jacob saw angels moving up and down a stairway (Jacob’s “ladder” in the children’s song) from earth to heaven and God. Then God spoke to Jacob, promising the land to him and his descendants and to be with Jacob wherever he goes, bringing him home safely. God’s promise to protect Jacob was the beginning of Jacob’s journey toward carrying on the covenant.

Personal Worship Option:

When we think about it, all of us are unlikely characters whom God chooses to do God’s work. Like Jacob, we are not perfect. But give thanks that God sees deep within us, knows our hearts, and uses us to do the work of God’s Kingdom, often through the church. Pray for clarity in understanding God’s role for you.

Daily Devotion, January 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 6:35-40.

Bread. It is a food staple in most every culture. It helps sustain life. Jesus uses it to give us another image of who God is and what God is like. God is the One who provides for us, who sustains life in us.

  

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus fed the multitudes of people with the five loaves of bread and two fish. The next day, some of those people had sought him out again and were asking questions. Jesus knew their motivation for seeking him: “you ate the loaves and had your fill.” In other words, you got your belly full and are looking for another meal. We eat food, but then we get hungry again and need more food. Jesus encourages them to instead seek “food that endures to eternal life…”

When you seek the bread who is Jesus Christ, you don’t need anything else. He shows you the Way to live life at its best. You don’t need to look for anything or anyone else. And the key ingredient in this bread is found in verse 38: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” The key is to always be focused not on yourself, but on God and other people. This is the Way of Christ. This is the ‘bread of life.” And then he said “The one who comes to me will never go hungry…”

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on this chorus from Robert Batastini and the Taize Community, based on John 6:35:

Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry.  

Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.

Daily Devotion, January 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 22:19.

It is a powerful connection to put this verse alongside Jesus’ teaching from John’s Gospel, where he says he is the “bread of life.” When Jesus gave the bread to his disciples, he said “This is my body given for you…” Still today, when we share in Communion, we offer this reminder: “This is the body of Christ, given for you.” The bread is broken to remind us of his broken body, which he sacrificed to show us just how much he loves us.

In all of the “I Am” statements of Jesus in this Gospel, we are given images of the character of God. This is what God is like. This is who God is. This God is all about sacrificial love. This God is about more than just speaking of love for someone, but showing it in action, even to the extent of suffering if necessary. This love puts the needs of other people above the needs of the self. This God is this love. This God is this broken bread.

Throughout my life, I have had people tell me they love me. But only certain ones were willing to make sacrifices for me. My parents are at the top of that list for me. They made so many sacrifices to provide for me and teach me the way to live life at its best. Because of those sacrifices, there is no doubt in my mind that they loved me.

The Word of God who is Jesus Christ became flesh to show us God’s love. He said “This is my body given for you.” 

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to Christ for the sacrifice he made for you.