Daily Devotion, April 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 21:14-21.

God had compassion on Hagar and Ishmael and provided for both of them. God had not forgotten Ishmael. Although he was not to be Abraham’s heir, he would also be the father of a great nation. Ishmael and Hagar were thrust into circumstances beyond their control. Have you ever felt that way? We may not be in a position to change circumstances but we do have control over how we respond. God is working whether we can see it or not. Just know that regardless of your circumstances, God has not forgotten you. Obey him and trust in his plan. Even when we don’t know how God will act, we must trust that he watches over us and will meet our needs.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on God’s faithfulness. God always keeps his promises. What promises do you need to be reminded of today?

Daily Devotion, April 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 41:53-57.

As the earlier verses in chapter 41 tell us, Joseph makes the most of the time allotted to him. He ensures that the harvest over each of the good years is efficiently collected and stored. Joseph remained faithful to God, who had a great plan for Joseph that He worked out through all the twists and turns of his life just as he does in our lives.  When the bad years began, like the shrewd businessman he must have been, he sold the grain to those in need, making a tidy profit for Pharaoh, which proved his worth once again to his boss. Joseph’s story and influence gradually shifted from a local setting (in a family), to a national setting (in the land of Egypt), to a much wider setting described as “all the world.” Because Joseph, with God’s wisdom, had stored up grain in Egypt against this major famine, Egypt became the most powerful nation in the known world of its day.

Joseph’s story in many ways parallels Christ’s own life. Joseph’s people would not accept him, he is lowered into the pit (like a grave), then raised to rule at the right hand of the authority, in charge of all things so that blessings might be distributed to many. Christ was sent by God to save the world. Jesus came to save us, the people of all nations, by feeding his very life into our starving souls.

Personal Worship Option:

God’s work in and through Joseph can inspire us to serve faithfully so that God can work in and through us too. In what ways can we be like the voice, hands, and feet of Jesus, bringing goodness and blessing in God’s world today? Lord Jesus, fill us with your life, and help us to share it, bringing blessing to others in your name.

Daily Devotion, April 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 17:8-16.

God’s people, such as prophets, show up to meet the needs of others. But God can also work through a widow and her son in an unfamiliar land to meet the needs of others. The human part is, even when all hope is lost, to trust in the living God, and to be willing to follow in the ways our God, who is full of compassion and tender mercies, is leading.

Elijah was a prophet of the living God of Israel.  After Elijah confronted King Ahab, God told Elijah to go into hiding. God provided for Elijah by the streams of the Wadi Cherith and commanded the ravens to bring his food.

After the Wadi Cherith dried up due to the drought in the land, God sent him to Zarephath, a land unfamiliar to Elijah. God had commanded a widow there to feed him.

As you read this passage, you see that this widow had lost all of her hope and no doubt her son had, too. Perhaps Elijah was weary and was also losing hope. Anyone who is hungry has a difficult time seeing a brighter future. But Elijah speaks three words which are spoken often throughout the Bible, “Don’t be afraid.”

The living God was at work in their midst! Out of the willingness of this widow to share the last of her flour and oil and through the prophet’s word of the living God’s blessing unto her and her son, their futures change! There is enough flour and oil for them until the drought ends! Next week, we will hear more from this chapter!

Personal Worship Option:

Where do you find yourself in this story? As one who walks closely with God, but becomes weary at times; as the widow who is weary and hungry; as the son is hungry; or as the narrator telling this story of God’s compassionate and miraculous work? If you find yourself among the first three, keep hope alive because God is at work in your midst! If you find yourself as the narrator, keep telling the stories of God’s compassionate works in and through us all! As any of these, follow their lead with your actions to show up for others. Trust God for miracles of compassion because little is much in God’s hands!

Daily Devotion, April 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 10:25-37.

In the story, a Jew was robbed and left to die by his assailants. Two highly respected men passed by him but decided to walk away. Then a Samaritan came along. Unlike the other two, he tended to the man’s wounds and brought him to an inn. Then he gave money to the innkeeper saying, “Look after him and when I return, I will reimburse you for any expense you may have”. What makes this story very compelling is that Jews and Samaritans are historical enemies. Jews don’t talk to Samaritans as they consider them renegades. And this sentiment is returned by the Samaritans.

Having the intent to help is good but acting on that intent is much better. The Samaritan’s intent didn’t save the wounded man from death. It’s his actions that ultimately saved the man’s life. He didn’t walk away just like the two men before him. He decided to do something.

The Samaritan knew that the wounded man may never help him in return. Yet, he pressed on because he knew it’s the right thing to do. Being a Good Samaritan in its modern-day context is hard. Most of the time, we are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about the less fortunate. We can start with little acts of kindness, practice more empathy, and think about what we can do for others.

Personal Worship Option:

Who are your Samaritans? Pray today for a way to meet a need or do an act of kindness. Then be ready to act on it.

Daily Devotion, April 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:26-38.

The Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Because he was a eunuch, he would not have been allowed into the temple, but that barrier did not stop him from seeking to know God. His wealth is obvious in that he had his own scroll of the prophet Isaiah, which he read as he rode along the Gaza Road on his way south to his home in Ethiopia. Isaiah is not an easy read! Some of it speaks to events happening in Israel during the time of the prophet; but much of it, including the passage the eunuch was reading, is about the future coming of the Christ. Invited to join the eunuch in his chariot, Phillip explained the passage and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with him. The eunuch, accustomed to barriers being placed before him, asked, “What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Phillip baptized him and went on his way. And the eunuch? The Good News took deep root in Africa, south of the Nile, and we are left to wonder whether it was the eunuch who shared it once home.

Teachers love to study the Bible with those who long to understand it better. Good teachers love to see the light suddenly sparkle in a student’s eyes when they understand and learn a new truth, and great teachers help the seeker find their own personal relationship with God through Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, thank you for the good teachers in my life who have helped me understand the Bible more clearly. Bless them as they do their work of loving others by teaching. If there is truth that I might share with others, help me to seize those opportunities and share the truth that has been passed along to me. Amen!

Daily Devotion, April 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 4:13-20.

At the beginning of Acts 3, we read of the day that Peter and John were going to the temple when they encountered this man who had been crippled all of his life. Instead of giving him money, Peter offered him healing in the name of Jesus Christ. As the man celebrated, people became interested in what had happened, so Peter told them about Jesus, reminding them of his death but also that he and others had witnessed his resurrection. They invited the people to repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus. Some of the Jewish leaders, especially the Sadducees, were disturbed by this teaching and had both of them put in jail. The next day the leaders questioned the two apostles and Peter shared the same message with them. After conferring about the situation, they warn the two to stop speaking about Jesus. Peter responds with one of the best statements in all of the Bible: “...we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

That’s all any of us are invited to do as part of our devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. Just share your experience, both in your personal life and as a part of the Church. How have you experienced Christ in your life? What do you believe about his forgiveness and love? What have you seen our Lord accomplish through His Church? Tell anyone and everyone you can and don’t ever let anybody stop you!

Personal Worship Option:

When did you last share with someone your experience and relationship with Christ? If you have gotten out of practice, get back in! If you need to, start with a Christian friend and practice on them, then move out from there. Set a goal of how many you want to tell each week.

Daily Devotion, April 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 5:33-39.

This was the second time these apostles of Jesus had been before the ruling council of Jerusalem known as the Sanhedrin. Peter and his brothers spoke boldly, holding these religious leaders accountable for the crucifixion of their Lord. That made those leaders furious, such that they were ready to condemn the apostles to death as well. The Council was made up of seventy men. We know there were at least two who thought favorably of Jesus. There could have been a few more, but I’m guessing that a large majority of the seventy would have voted to convict the apostles at that point. However, in that atmosphere of high tension and anger, one man was willing to speak up and offer another viewpoint. Gamaliel offered much-needed wisdom and four words in the next verse sums up the result of what he said: “His speech persuaded them.”

It’s hard to speak up when tensions and anxiety are running high. When people are being emotional, it can be very intimidating to say anything. It’s hard to speak out against popular opinion. But the people of Christ, the people who represent the God of justice, are called to do just that anytime we see injustice being done. You may often feel like you don’t know what to say. Don’t worry about always having just the right words. Nobody always has the wisdom of Gamaliel in every situation. (I’m guessing he didn’t either.) The main thing is to say something. Say or do whatever you have to in order to try to right the wrong. Speak up. Speak out. That Spirit is of God and can’t be stopped.

Personal Worship Option:

Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote the words to one of my all-time favorite hymns of the Church. There are a couple of repeating phrases in each verse that particularly fit for our lesson today. Here are two verses:

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power;

crown thine ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!

Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.

Daily Devotion, April 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 9:24-38.

The man who Jesus healed could have easily been intimidated by the religious leaders questioning him. But he was willing to speak up and share what he had experienced with Jesus. He did not know how or why he was healed, but he knew that his life had been miraculously changed and he was not afraid to tell the truth. The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained physical sight and also spiritual sight. The longer you walk with Jesus, the better you will understand who he is. You don’t need to know all the answers in order to share Christ with others. It is important to tell them how he has changed your life. Then trust that God will use your words to help others believe in him too. 

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on all the ways that Christ has impacted your life. Look for ways to share and celebrate God’s grace and goodness.

Daily Devotion, April 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 2:11-14.

This scripture is so important for us to keep in mind for at least two reasons. One, we need to be on guard not to get complacent and just follow the crowd or current culture. We need to think our actions through using the way of Jesus. Two, we need to be brave and bold enough to speak up and challenge others for justice and equality.

Living for Christ means continual assessment of our lives to His word. We may come under pressure to turn away from the gospel to follow trends or culture. We might be tempted to conform to the way others do things. But we must not give into the pressures of others simply for the sake of appeasement. Paul could have said just get circumcised so that there are no more problems, but Paul understood that this would not work. We cannot create our own rules. We need to follow the scriptures. This means a constant checking of our heart, our beliefs, and our actions. If Peter can be weak, anyone can be weak. We need to speak up for our convictions of justice and for those who have no voice.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Help us to speak up for what we believe is just and right. Give us the courage to be bold in our faith and share it with others. You have told us to spread the good news, so guide us in that effort. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 14:1-4.

Matthew’s gospel tells this story in its past tense. We are troubled by it because we can’t fix it. There’s nothing we can do to change the outcome. But walk back to a different moment just before this story begins. Let us place ourselves in John the Baptizer’s shoes. Now in his shoes we begin to see John the Baptizer’s dilemma. Do we speak truth to power or just let it go? Yes, if we speak the truth to Herod, the tetrarch, we face possible imprisonment. But if we don’t, can we live with denying our God-given purpose to “prepare the way of the Lord”? John the Baptist was not afraid to speak truth to those in power.

Having the courageous compassion to speak truth to power rarely has positive consequences for the one speaking. But by speaking up one can, as Jesus says in Luke 4:18, “set the oppressed free.”  

Jeremy Wong writes on day 25 in The Lead Anti-Racism Challenge- 40 Day Journey, “When I witness discrimination, I will rise in defense of the powerless.” He quotes Proverbs 31:8, “’Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.’”

Jeremy Wong continues, “Oftentimes, those who are on the receiving end of an injustice are not able to speak up for themselves. Because of the circumstances, they need someone to advocate for them.”

It was turbulent times during John the Baptizer and Jesus’ day.  Jesus understood this well as later in Matthew 14, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” But the crowds followed him. The people were afraid and Matthew 14:14 says, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (The story which follows this is that Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish).

Speaking the truth to power calls for much prayer, discernment and listening for God’s leading. It moves us beyond our comfort zone. But if we see injustice, we are called to speak out against it as an advocate with great compassion for others.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and gracious God, lead us to know when to listen, when to speak up and when to remain silent. Help us to discern your truth. When you call us to speak up, grant us your courage and compassion. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 40:1-9.

Have you ever felt out of place, or that you just were not in a good place, or like your life had been uprooted? Have you ever felt disconnected in your marriage, family, or other relationship? That’s about displacement. “Comfort, O comfort my people,” are God’s words to displaced people. Isaiah first spoke those words to people exiled in Babylon, people whose lives had been uprooted. They needed good news, words of comfort. They needed to know that God was with them and would be with them in eternity. Those same words come to the displaced people of God today. God cares for you and will make a way where there seems to be no way. God’s promise is that the mountains will be made low, the valleys will be lifted up, and the rough and uneven ground will become a level plain. We are not immune to rough times, but we can trust God to see us through. Whenever your life seems to be falling apart, ask God to comfort you. Find comfort in his Word and in his people. And look forward to the time when believers will not ever feel displaced and will live with God in eternity.

Personal Worship Option:

Find comfort in these lyrics to “Comfort, My People”:

Comfort, my people, and calm all your fear;

the day of salvation is quickly drawing near.

The One you long to see

will soon set you free.

O come, Lord Jesus, come.

O come, Lord Jesus, come.

Daily Devotion, April 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 17:30-37.

Goliath’s unanswered challenge was a source of great embarrassment for Saul and the entire army of Israel. When this armed and armored nine-foot giant came out from the Philistine army each morning and called for an Israelite opponent to come and fight him, he was defying Israel and their God. Sadly, but perhaps understandably, day after day no one in Israel’s army came forward. Young David, the shepherd boy, was amazed that no one was stepping out to take on the challenge. His confidence seems almost brash, but if we read closely, we can see how his confidence is as much in God as in himself. We can learn from the way David used only the simple sling that he had used to protect his flock from wild animals as his weapon. He was familiar with the sling, he had become skilled in its use, and now was not the time to be learning how to use a new weapon.

There are times when God’s people must step up and take action. Invariably, we feel unequal to the task. Our giants seem invincible. But like David, we can face our giants using the gifts, talents, skills, experience, and knowledge we already possess. And when we go forward in the will and in the name of the living God, as did David, giants will fall!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for this story of a shepherd boy stepping up when his people needed a champion. What do you see around you that someone needs to speak up about? Think for a few moments about the resources you have and pray that God will go with you, bless you, and make your resources enough for the task.

Daily Devotion, April 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:15b-17, 21-26.

The verse before these needs to be included as a beginning point for our reflection today. After listing the eleven remaining apostles, we read this: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” I am reminded that this same writer, back in “The Gospel According To Luke” noted that Jesus prayed all night before he chose the twelve. Here again, they prayed to discern what to do next. In the midst of those days of prayer, they determined that they needed another leader to replace Judas.

As with any group or organization, there is a constant need for leaders in the church. As you look around at the people in the groups in which you are involved, who is that person (or two or three) that is not in a leadership role right now, but you can see potential there to become one? One of the ways the Holy Spirit nurtures that potential is through other people in the church. You may be one of those people. Who might you pray for in this way? How might you encourage and guide them? And keep this in mind: somebody may be praying for you as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray for guidance on how you can help encourage and develop future leaders of Christ Church, as well as who God might be calling to be a pastor to other churches. 

Daily Devotion, April 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Timothy 1:5-14.

Paul was a mentor and guide to Timothy. He begins this letter with a word of encouragement, reminding his young apprentice that he lives in a line of faith that goes back generations. In other words, God was at work in his life even before he was born! Timothy is not serving this mission on his own, but has been given authority from God through Paul to be a leader among the people. So he need not be timid in showing that leadership, but know that the Holy Spirit will give him all he needs, specifically “power, love and self-discipline.” He is reminded to follow the example and teaching given to him by Paul, as well as his mother and grandmother.

God still calls out from among his people those who will lead and guide. It is important that they are convinced that it is God who has called them and the Church has affirmed that calling. The Spirit does not just speak to the individual, but also affirms that calling through other Christian leaders. It is in that calling from God that the person gets their power and authority. The authority to lead does not come from the self; it comes from God.

 

I invite you to do three things. (1) Be listening for the area or role of ministry to which God may be calling you, including the possibility of being a leader. (2) Through prayer, seek discernment on how you can help someone else hear their call to ministry, including encouraging them in that calling. (3) Pray for leaders at all levels of the life of the Church.

Personal Worship Option:

Make a list of church leaders at all levels of the church. Divide the list by seven and pray for some of them each day.

Daily Devotion, April 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Judges 6:11-16.

God calls Gideon to lead his people against the oppressive Midianites. God assures Gideon that he won’t be doing this on his own. “I will be with you,” God told Gideon, and God promised to give him the strength he needed to overcome the opposition. In spite of this clear promise for strength, Gideon made excuses. Seeing only his limitations and weaknesses, he failed to see how God could work through him. However, God sees past the limitations to the possibilities.

 

Like Gideon, we are called to serve God in specific ways. Although God promises us the tools and strength we need, we often make excuses. But reminding God of our limitations only implies that he does not know all about us or that he has made a mistake in evaluating our character, which is neither true or accurate. Don’t spend time making excuses. Instead spend it doing what God wants you to do.

Personal Worship Option:

What specific fear holds you back from accepting new opportunities at school, work, home, or church? Ask God to help you overcome it.

Daily Devotion, April 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Joshua 1:1-9.

We love to read the stories of courageous people in the Bible. We stand in awe of Abram for leaving his homeland to follow God. We admire Moses for storming in before the Pharaoh with God's demand "Let my people go!" We cheer when we hear about young David going out to meet mighty Goliath. The scripture for today tells of God's approach to Joshua, who is about to take over the leadership of the Israelites since Moses is dead. God's first words to Joshua are about courage. Three times in his address to Joshua, God repeats the challenge to be strong and courageous. God said to Joshua: “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you… Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Courage is needed when the task is big and Joshua’s task was immense! God told Joshua to call Israel together; cross the Jordan; conquer the cities; overcome the enemies; and resist their gods. God further said that the enemies would be fearsome, but that He would be with him. Today God still promises to be with us—always. Jesus, the Son of God, came and fulfilled the law of Moses, and now we know God through the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in our hearts. The Spirit helps us understand the words of Moses and all the rest of the Bible, which gives us the trustworthy Word of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes we are afraid and discouraged, God. Thank you that you are our refuge and strength. Help us remember that you are always with us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 3:5-9.

A treasured gift from friends, is a daily devotional book, A Leader’s Heart, by John Maxwell. When visiting these friends, I had noticed this book on their back porch and quickly learned how early they awaken for their morning devotions! They are active in service in their community and in their church. “Their joy in serving God and others,” they said, “comes from these times of devotion listening for God to lead them.”

We cannot lead without God leading us first. Solomon was young, and was not the oldest among his brothers. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with what was before him as the new King of Israel. God recognized that young Solomon was overwhelmed and as the scriptures said, “appeared to him in a dream.”

God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” If God appeared to us and asked us the very same question, there are many answers we might give! Asking for “a discerning heart” or as the NRSV translates it, “an understanding mind” might not be the first thing on our list!

God was pleased with Solomon’s answer and said, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” And Solomon led for many years with the wisdom which came as a gift from God. His leadership was successful in every way as he governed his people. And he is attributed with writing the Old Testament books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon.

In the end though, Solomon forgot this first principle of wisdom. He forgot, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 11:10) The words, “fear of the Lord,” call us to not to be “afraid” but to respect and remember that all the gifts we have, have truly come from God.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes leaders are called to be trailblazers. There is no prior path to follow. But when God calls, God leads and equips us for service. We are called first to listen and to follow God. True wisdom is always a gift from God. These verses are on the back of the book, A Leader’s Heart. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path." Proverbs 2:6, 8-9.

Daily Devotion, April 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Esther 4:9-17.

The Jews had only months to live. Queen Esther was challenged by her cousin, Mordecai, to go before the King and make an appeal for the lives of the Jews. Esther struggled with this challenge. Simply going before the king without being invited could result in her own death. After three days and nights of fasting, Esther figured out what she would do. She had a banquet worthy of the king prepared before she ever left her chamber. Dressing in her royal garments, she went before the king. Certainly, all those who watched the beautiful queen approach the king held their breath in anticipation. As she walked into the courts of the king, the most dramatic scene in the Book of Esther unfolded. King Xerxes extended his scepter to Esther, as a symbol that he would allow her into his presence. Esther found favor in his eyes.

We see that Esther had faced a difficult decision. Her decision making process included fasting, deliberating, and gathering a group of people to support her. Even though she was given guidance, the decision was hers alone.

What steps do you take to make the hard decisions of life? Consider this method for making decisions.

•    Get direction from God.

•    Deliberate alone and with others.

•    Determine your options.

•    Decide what you should do.

•    Do the right thing.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer: God of Wisdom, guide me in all my decisions, great and small. Sharpen my understanding of the truths in your Word and give me discernment and wisdom to follow in the paths of righteousness. Help me to know your will and always do the things that please you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 12, 2021

Devotion:

Read Exodus 3:1-10.

This is familiar Scripture, isn’t it? In the burning bush story, we learn the “I Am Who I Am” name for God, and we laugh and sometimes identify with Moses as he gives feeble excuses to God for not jumping at his call. There is something else this passage brings to mind. On the surface, Moses was not a likely candidate to take on the greatest leadership challenge ever facing one of the Children of Israel. He was a lowly shepherd, working for his father-in-law in a foreign land. He was an escaped murderer, and the job was back in Egypt where he committed the murder. Yet when we reflect on Moses’ qualifications, he was perfectly suited for the job. Born to a Hebrew woman, he was taught their stories and traditions, and he had a heart for his people. Adopted and raised by the daughter of Pharaoh, he knew the Egyptian culture and language well. Moses reluctantly accepted and the rest is history!

We often and correctly say that God calls unlikely people to serve as leaders in the Bible, and that is true. But in God’s awesome wisdom, God is able to see our possibilities. God did not stop calling leaders when the Bible was finished. God continues today to call some unlikely people as leaders; but God equips, sends, and sustains obedient leaders.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for leaders in our church -- pastors and staff leaders, ministry team leaders, small group leaders, teachers, and our Church Council. Most of these persons likely felt unqualified when they were asked to take on their roles, and some may still feel that way. Pray for God’s guidance for them.

Daily Devotion, April 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 21:1-14.

I don’t know why they were fishing. Maybe they just needed a break; needed to get away and think about all that had happened. Or maybe they had decided to go back to their old business. Whatever the reason, they were together. They were still supporting each other.

 

Once again, Jesus met them where they were. He had one more lesson to teach; one more reminder of what he had called them to do. He specifically wanted to talk to Peter. The others were going to need him to lead them into the future of this mission. It was not just for him; it was for all of them. But Jesus wanted to encourage and challenge Peter to lead them.

Still today, as we seek to serve the mission of our Lord, he calls us to do so together. In different situations, different ones will lead. But all are needed to most fully carry out the mission. That includes you. Do not ever think that you are not needed. The fulfillment of the mission is never as complete if you are not part of it. Be assured of that yourself and look for opportunities to help others know that as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about the many people of Christ Church who do their part to help us all serve the mission of our Lord. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them! And when you have a chance, let them know how thankful you are to be in this together with them!

Daily Devotion, April 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 20:24-28.

Some of the disciples had experienced their risen Lord. They had seen him standing right there in the room with them. They had heard his voice. He was alive. So they did what was only natural - they told the one who wasn’t with them that night: “Thomas, we’ve seen the Lord!” But he just could not believe them. He would have to see Jesus for himself. The next verse says “A week later…” I wonder what that week was like! Were there other conversations about this among them? Did he wrestle with whether to believe or not? We don’t know.

I love the simple detail that is mentioned in verse 26: when they were together again, “Thomas was with them.” They had not kicked him out of the group. They kept including him, until he could have his own experience of the resurrected Jesus.

As we seek to serve the mission of Christ in the world, there will be those among us who may not share a particular belief you have about God or the Bible or something else. Following the example of his apostles, we are to continue to welcome them among us. We are to love them and set an example for them. We are to listen and learn from each other, constantly seeking the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we do, we never know when our risen Lord will show up among us!

Personal Worship Option:

Do you know anyone who has become disconnected from the church? How might the Holy Spirit be calling you to help them reconnect? Pray for eyes to notice those people and discernment on connecting with them.

Daily Devotion, April 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 10:19-25.

We have many privileges in our new life with Christ. Some of those include personal access to God through Christ, growing in faith, overcoming doubts and questions, deepening our relationship with God, persevering in our faith by encouraging one another to continue in good works and meeting together. One of the keys of a vibrant life of faith is the support and encouragement of fellow believers. If we neglect to meet together we give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the LORD. As we get closer to the “Day” when Christ returns, we will face many spiritual challenges and possible persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance. Hopefully the safety precautions we have put in place during the pandemic have also reminded each of us how blessed we are to get to worship together. As we are able to do away with those precautions later this year, let’s all make a renewed commitment to worship together every chance we get.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your faith journey. Where do you need support and encouragement? How will you encourage someone today?

Daily Devotion, April 8, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:42-47.

I love the scripture for today as it should inspire us as Christians. We learn a lot about what community was like in the early church. The early Christians daily did things like sharing meals, caring for one another, worshiping together, and praying together. The early church took community seriously, getting to know one another and supporting each other. They valued spending quality time together, and they did it often. It was regular and ongoing.

The early church focused on what matters: the Word of God, fellowship, the sharing of resources, worship, and prayer. The early Christians lived out being the body of Christ together. It wasn’t about a church building or a certain place to gather. The early church grew so fast, but there was always room for more.

In our culture, there is so much focus on individual desires, that a church community can seem a bit strange and too personal to us. But relationships are key, and that is something we can grasp even in the “it’s all about me” world. Relationships always involve sharing of time, events, material goods, and more. Sharing requires ongoing personal participation. Doing life together is one of the strengths of church community. The gifts we bring to the community are always needed and new ones are welcome.

Personal Worship Option:

In what ways can you invest more in your relationships with God and others today? 

God, we want to live fully together as your people, wherever you have placed us. Amen