Daily Devotion, June 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12.

The Apostle Paul experienced and understood well the mercies of God. Prior to his conversion to being a believer and follower of Christ, he was persecuting the new communities of Christ followers. Here in Romans 12, Paul is calling the church at Rome, “in view of God’s mercy” to new ways of living which follow Christ’s ways, “as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God---this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Paul’s comparison and use of the words “conform and transform'' have always captured my attention. To conform means to take the shape or pattern of something else. Paul writes, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed…”

“Transform” is translated from the Greek word similar to the English word metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is often used to describe how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Everything changes and it can’t return to its original form! Paul is calling the church to transformation by the renewing of its mind so that the church “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, God’s good pleasing and perfect will.” 

In verses 3-13 Paul is calling the church to live in unity, peace, love and community such that each person functions out of the gifts that they have been given to love and serve one another.

And in verses 14-21, Paul is calling the church to live counter-intuitively to our typical ways, opposite to the ways of the world. For example, he begins his list with “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...” Following in these ways could bring transformation in and for the world!

There is so much in Romans 12 and I encourage you to read it in several translations. Many commentaries describe this chapter as “Lessons in Humility”. It can take a lifetime to understand the blessings of this way of living and it is truly transformative in and through the mercies of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, too often we conform to the patterns of this world instead of allowing you to transform us by the renewing of our minds. We ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for your mercy. By your Holy Spirit, help us to examine our ways and then open our eyes to see and follow more closely in Your ways. Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 13.

Do you agree with the guy who said, "To live above with those we love, oh, how that will be glory. To live below with those we know, now that's another story." Sometimes it’s hard to love others. In one of Pastor Nathan’s sermon illustrations, he rewrote 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 to have the opposite meaning. I thought that would be a good way to remind us that when we are not showing love, we are not living God's way.

"Love is impatient; love is unkind. It is envious, boasts all the time and is arrogant. It dishonors other people and is selfish. It is easily angered and constantly keeps a scorecard of times hurt. Love delights in evil and hates the truth. It is never around when needed, will not trust anyone, says there is no hope and gives up easily. Love is a failure."

Are we too often impatient and unkind? Boastful? Angry? When we display those traits, we are not walking in the way God would have us to. Here is the actual passage from 1 Corinthians. Let's look at the characteristics of love we are to demonstrate. Remember that Jesus commanded us to do two things: Love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love others. Let's see how this love is supposed to look in our lives.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:4-6

When we are at our best, as individuals and as groups of people, love is at the core of who we are and how we live our lives. Love is the goal of Christian maturity. Of all the qualities we can have, love is the greatest.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer: “Father, help me to put away my childish selfish desires and to love the way you love. I don’t see clearly right now and don’t understand things you ask me to do, but know that one day we will all see as clearly as you see us. Right now I pray for three things that will help me in my faith journey: to trust steadily in you, to hope without wavering, and to love extravagantly. And to know the best of the three is love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Daily Devotion, June 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Leviticus 26:3, 9-12, 40-45.

God made covenants with people from the time of the flood, when God placed the rainbow in the sky as a sign of the covenant that God would never again destroy creation with a flood. When God told Abram to go to a new place that God would show him, God promised Abram that he and his descendants would be blessed in order to bless all people of the earth. These are examples of unilateral covenants, in which God promised to do certain things with no action required of the recipients in return. The covenant described in today’s passage is different. It is a bilateral covenant, marked by the structure of “If you do..., then I will respond by doing....” The thing the Israelites must do in order for God to make their lives very good is to obey God’s commands. And if they do not obey God, things will go badly for them. If they confess their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God, God will remember the covenants and not destroy them.

We Christians can become so focused on God’s love, poured out on us as grace in the new covenant, that we take too lightly the call to live according to Christ’s teachings, to follow his ways, and to do what he did during his time on earth. The awesome gift of salvation through Christ is given to us freely as grace; but if it is truly embraced, that gift should change us as we are born again in order to grow and to become disciples of Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, thank you for reminding us of your expectations of the Children of Israel. As we read this passage, we are reminded that you expect things from us as well. Thank you for sending Christ to be our Saviour. Help us to better learn to truly see him as Lord, the one who directs our thoughts, words, and actions. Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-22.

Paul is writing to people he loves in Corinth, brothers and sisters in Christ who he led in establishing the Church in that city. They had sent word to him about several issues that were going on in the church which they did not know how to handle. At times he praises them and at others he expresses deep concern about their behavior. At verse 17, he is clear that what he is about to discuss is of deep concern. In this case, it is how some of them are behaving when they come together for the Lord’s Supper. They would gather for a community meal, at which they would then partake of what we call “Communion.” But their actions were showing that they had no sense of community; no thought about the needs of others among them. Paul is reminding them that love for each other is just as important as love for God. As Jesus had emphasized with his disciples, love for each other would be the defining characteristic of those connected to him.

We need constant reminders that our faith is more than just a private matter. It is more than just a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is about living our lives and relating to other people as he taught us to do. This situation in Corinth was just one practical example where those Christians were failing to be the people of Christ. May it cause each of us to more deeply examine the practices of groups in which we participate, helping us to constantly improve our ways to be more in line with the teachings and Spirit of our Lord.

Personal Worship Option:

What groups are you part of in the life of the Church? (Those can include groups for study, for service, for outreach, along with other purposes. If you are not in a small group, please contact our church office to inquire about getting connected to one.) What practices of your group might need to be changed to better align with the way of Christ? 

Daily Devotion, June 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 2:11-20.

Sometimes when we read and hear of Christians arguing among themselves, whether in a local church, within a denomination or across denominational lines, we might think we are the first generation to experience this. Let’s be reminded today that disagreeing about many things has happened in the Church across the world, going back to the days of the first followers of Jesus.  

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is in the midst of reviewing his personal journey from persecuting the Church to being an apostle of Christ and preaching his gospel message. He tells about when he first met Peter and was welcomed by him (as well as James and John) into this shared ministry. He goes on to tell about the time he felt compelled to confront Peter for his hypocrisy in relating to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul challenged Peter to be true to the gospel message they were sharing.  

It is another fascinating scene from the Bible that reveals the sinfulness, as well as the saintliness, of even the leaders of God’s people. Peter was a primary leader of those early followers and the establishment of the early Church, yet even he continued to have his moments of struggling to be the person his Lord wanted him to be. It is a challenging, yet comforting reminder for all of us. We must be vigilant in caring for our own souls, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us each day. In addition, we are to watch over our brothers and sisters in Christ in love.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer: Gracious God, make me mindful of any way in which I hinder your kingdom. Help me not to shy away from examining my thinking and my attitudes, so that I allow you to root out anything that would prevent someone else from coming to know you. Help me continually grow in your love for every person I encounter. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 19:13-15.

Jesus corrects his disciples about seeking to prevent the children from being brought to him. The disciples must have forgotten what Jesus had said about children earlier (Matthew 18:4-6). Jesus wanted the children to come to him and took that teachable moment to help the adults understand how God not only views children, but what is necessary to come to Him.

If you have been on a playground recently, you may hear children say, “Daddy! Look what I did!” or “Daddy watch me!” or “Daddy can Tyler come home with us?” There is no formal speech or impressive vocabulary, just kids who were happy to see their dads and eager to speak. This is the way of becoming little children. Carefree. Joy filled. Playful. Trusting. Curious. Excited. Trust more, make lots of requests and accept all the gifts. Come to God the way a child comes to Daddy.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy. Spend some time enjoying your Abba. Share with him your joys and hurts. Let Him love you today.

Daily Devotion, June 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.

Church unity has always been important beginning in the early churches. Paul puts it first of problems he deals with at the church at Corinth.  Many of the other problems in the church were caused by the division within the congregation. He appeals to them, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. There is no other name magnificent enough or powerful enough to gather people in unity. Paul recognized that we share a common life if we focus on Christ; we are brothers and sisters because we have his life in us. Jesus unifies us. We have a responsibility to obey him and follow him together with a unity of purpose.

This does not mean that everybody has to think alike. With all the differences among us, it is impossible to get people to think alike on all matters. The church has never expected to have everybody having the same thoughts on all subjects. Yet Paul says we are to be united in mind as we strive to live with the mindset that Christ had, which was to sacrifice for others and serve with humility. Many of our churches today struggle to stay focused on the main thing of Christianity, which is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and help others.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Help us to stay focused on you and not get distracted with petty issues that cause conflicts within our church families. Remind us and encourage us to show your love, kindness, and forgiveness to others inside and outside our churches. Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 9:38-41.

Mark 9 begins with the story of Jesus’ taking Peter, James and John to a high mountain where Jesus was transfigured before them. Perhaps from their perspective, they had become Jesus’ leading disciples. Perhaps they were thinking that when Jesus ushered in his earthly kingdom, they would enjoy sharing in all of his power. But woven within the stories of Mark 9 are Jesus’ predictions of his suffering which Mark 9:31-32 shares with us.  The disciples didn’t understand all of this. They were concerned with their own greatness.

In Mark 9:14-18, a father had asked Jesus’ disciples to heal his son, but they could not. Now in verse 38, John says to Jesus, “‘Teacher we saw a man driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’” Is it possible that they were jealous that someone else could heal in Jesus’ name and they couldn’t?

Throughout the disciples’ journey with Jesus, Jesus is trying to teach them his way, but they are having a very difficult time understanding, because their first motive is to figure out how to seek their own greatness!  Here, Jesus is teaching his disciples to understand that his circle is great enough to include “outsiders”. We also need Jesus to open our eyes to individuals beyond the inner circle and to see that Jesus’s circle is always great enough for others!

Jesus is also teaching his disciples about prayer and faith, about being last instead of first, about being a servant of all, about welcoming children, about welcoming outsiders, and about the responsibility to set an example in life so as to not lead others astray, in particular not to lead the little ones to sin. Jesus is teaching his disciples about living lives which are counter-intuitive to the world’s standards for greatness.

Mark 1:1 (NRSV) says, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Throughout Mark, this theme runs true! Everything that Jesus is teaching here in Mark 9 is good, good news about Jesus! He lived by example and taught his disciples and us the way to love others and to live by faith trusting God every step of the way. Jesus suffered and gave his life so that we might live and find life not in seeking greatness for self’s sake but by serving others in Jesus’ name.

Personal Worship Option:

Forgive us O God, when we draw your circle so small to only include a few people. Open our eyes and hearts to welcome many others and to see you through their lives, too! Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 9:51-56.

This passage indicates the hostility between Jews and Samaritans, which was strong in Jesus' time. James and John were furious when they were not received in the village of the Samaritans and wanted revenge. They were ready to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate the Samaritans. I suppose it took all the self-restraint Jesus had when he rebuked them. Jesus called these brothers “Sons of Thunder” for a reason! The disciples are supposed to follow Jesus’ example of love and grace and mercy, but they want to rain fire down from heaven. Can anyone relate? Do you get fired up when someone is mistreating a loved one? When injustice is happening, do you want to spout out in anger? The Sons of Thunder wanted to do that. Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. The Greek term “rebuke” is quite a strong word in Greek; the term basically means, “Stop it! Don’t you do that!” Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. He was on a mission, and James and John were taking Jesus’ eyes off his goal, so he basically says to the disciples, “Let’s not take our eye off the goal. Let’s just go to another village.” Let’s keep our eyes on our goal as followers of Christ as we strive to reflect him in all we think, feel, say, and do.

Personal Worship Option:

When feelings of revenge, anger, and judgment enter your heart, place those feelings before the Lord and pray to become more like Christ in your attitudes.

Daily Devotion, June 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Revelation 2:1-7.

The Revelation is an apocalyptic writing, so it uses symbolism and numerology, cosmic events, and graphic images to communicate its key points, much of which deal with the end of time. But before he goes to his prophecy, John begins with proclamation or preaching in the present through letters from Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. To the church at Ephesus, Christ has praise for their hard work and for remaining faithful in the face of persecution. This church has been discerning, not allowing some of the heretical teachings of the time to take root. But Christ also has a strong reprimand for the church -- it has lost some of the love it had at first, and it is not doing the great work it had once done. In Acts, we learn of the first church, which seemed to be perfect. Here, and in the letters to most of the other churches, we see Christians not living up to all of Christ’s expectations.

Our tendency is to read as spectators and think, “Shame on you Ephesians!” Instead, we should read these letters as if written to all churches, including ours. We must continuously think about and give thanks for what we are doing well, but we must also look closely at ourselves and ask where we are falling short. We are not called to be a perfect church; but we are called to fully follow Christ, knowing that to those to whom much is given, much is expected!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for our church and its work. Reflect on what we are doing well and what we might do if we loved Christ and our neighbors more completely. Be open to the Spirit’s leading you to step up. Praise God, who inspired all Scripture, for stories that help us see the full story, some parts of which are not so good.

Daily Devotion, June 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 51:1-10.

Psalm 51 is generally accepted by scholars as having been written by King David after he had been confronted by the prophet Nathan because of his sins of adultery with Bathsheba and ordering the battlefield murder of her husband. David is deeply remorseful and offers his confession and cry for mercy from the Lord. He seeks healing for his ailing spirit. Later, in verse 17, he acknowledges that the sacrifice God most seeks “is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart…”

Psalm 51 is one of the most powerful of all the Psalms because it gives words to that deep need we all have to confess when we have done wrong. If we keep the sin inside, it festers and continues to damage us. But when we confess what we have done, the healing begins. We can receive the forgiveness of God and others and move forward in restoring those relationships.

  

Often, we only focus on wrongs we have recently committed. However, there are times and situations when it is just as important to confess a wrong from sometime in our past. That could be a year ago or a decade or more. Until we confess, until we seek healing from past sins, they can continue to haunt us and hurt our relationships. Let this Psalm be a reminder to you to search your soul and offer confession for any sin that remains hidden inside. Be assured that God seeks for you to be completely healed. God seeks to put “a pure heart” and “a steadfast spirit” in you.

Personal Worship Option:

When I serve Communion, I always invite us to offer our prayer of confession. I invite you to make that a regular part of your prayer life. And just like at Communion, be assured that God responds with an assurance of forgiveness. I believe both confession and receiving forgiveness are vital to being the people of God.

Daily Devotion, June 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Numbers 5:5-7.

At the core of all of the Bible story is relationships:  our relationship with God and our relationships with people.  All of the commandments and rules and guidance really boil down to doing what is necessary to maintain good relationships.  We were made by a God OF relationship (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) FOR relationship.  As God says in one of the creation stories “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) 

This passage in Numbers is from just over a year after God brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt.  God is in the midst of instructing Moses on how the people are to order their life together.  This particular section deals with what is to be done when someone wrongs another person.  Notice that when we do that, we are “unfaithful to the Lord…”  It is one of the many times in the Bible that emphasizes that our relationship with people is connected to our relationship with God.

In order to right the wrong, two things are required.  First of all, confession must be made.  The person has to admit to what they did.  Second, they are required to make “full restitution” for it, plus add a fifth of the value.  It is obvious that a high priority is being placed on restoring the relationship.  It will be costly, but it is worth the cost.

When God’s people are at our best, we will do whatever is necessary to restore relationships with anyone we have wronged.  It is the way God made us to begin with.  It is still who God seeks to create.

Personal Worship Option:

One of my favorite hymns was written by Fred Kaan in 1974. Here are two verses of it.

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;

teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.

Be present, Lord, among us, and bring us to believe

we are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.

Let your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved

in living situations to do the truth in love;

to practice your acceptance, until we know by heart

The table of forgiveness and laughter’s healing art.

Daily Devotion, June 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 15:11-32.

The prodigal son had practiced his speech of repentance before he went back home, only to find out his father was much more ready to forgive him than he was ready to repent. Everyone stumbles. The difference is in the response. Some stumble into the pit of guilt and shame. Others tumble into the arms of God. They make a deliberate decision to stand up and lean into God’s grace. We identify with the prodigal son - but this parable also gives us a glimpse of the character of God. God sees us with the eyes of a Father. He sees our defects, errors, and blemishes. But he also sees our value. He knows that each person is a treasure. God's love is constant and patient and welcoming. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond but He will not force us to come to him. He waits, like the father in this story, for us to come to our senses. God offers forgiveness and salvation to everyone. What will be your response?

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the lyrics of the song from Jordan Feliz: “Next to Me”

I've been empty

When I'm low, you fill the cup

But my ego fights back telling me that

I'm ready to grab the wheel and take control

But I'll crash if I don't let myself let go

You put the "X" on my faded map

Draw me a line back to where you're at

Patient when I try to move too fast

I get this feeling in my spirit when I'm low

I hear it calling like a compass to my soul

Saying, child, come on back now

You've been gone too long

Let me lead you back where you belong

Right next to me

I've been captive by the plans I tried to make

I've been selfish

'Cause callous hearts they die hard like habits

That I know I gotta break

Ain't it good to know that help is on the way? 

Daily Devotion, June 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 John 1:8-10.

If we believe that Christ died and paid for our sins, then as Christians we should avoid intentionally sinning. Also we should ask for forgiveness when we do sin, and be willing to grant forgiveness to others. To me, this is when it gets complicated. The scripture for today says if we say we don’t sin, we are not in the truth. If we do say we are sinful and ask forgiveness, God grants that to us and helps us with our unrighteousness, even though we may not deserve it.

I love God. I want to live in a way that reflects what God has done for me and in me. I don’t want to live in some struggling form of myself, but strive to be Christ-like. I want to be alive in Jesus. The goal is to strive for perfection, but know that we will fall short. I still sin; what do I do with that?

I need to check to make sure that I honestly love God and want to live in Christ. Then I need to understand this: being alive in Christ does not mean I will be totally free from sin. It means sin can no longer run or totally ruin my life. It means I don’t treat every choice as an option, but I ask first, “What would Jesus have me do?” It means I start my day by asking God what I can do to serve him. Being alive in Christ means I will serve him. When I fail, I will be honest and confess to him, and then, with his help, I can get up and serve him again.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, because I belong to you, I do not want sin to reign in my life. You are my Master; I want to be your servant. I offer myself to you this day. Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 28:13-14.

Sometimes scripture best interprets scripture. I believe this is true for these two verses. Psalm 32 echoes the themes of these verses in Proverbs. The one who is willing to confess their sins finds mercy and healing.

Psalm 32 gives us a “word picture” of the effects of what it is like to carry the guilt of sin by ourselves. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” The weight of guilt is all-consuming. Sin we have not confessed becomes a weight which is too heavy to endure day after day.

These verses reflect a clearer picture of Proverbs 28:13, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper.”

Psalm 32:9 gives us another word picture, “Do not be like the horse or the mule which have no understanding.” This corresponds with verse Proverbs 28:14,”but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.”

These are pictures of what it is like to carry unconfessed sin. It saps us of life and causes us to be hardened of heart.

Who is waiting to hear our confession? The gracious and merciful God who is able to forgive us is the One who is waiting. Psalm 32: 7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” And in vs. 10, the Psalmist writes…”but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” God’s gift of forgiveness releases us from the weight of sin and guilt and brings healing. Proverbs 28: 13 says, “We find mercy.”

Through the years of our faith journeys, God opens our eyes along the way to the many ways in which we sin and break our fellowship with God and with others. Sometimes, along the way our eyes are opened to our individual sins and at other times we realize our sins are more of a corporate or systemic nature.

For healing, our God who is listening to our confessions offers forgiveness with compassion, grace, mercy and unfailing love. Throughout all of scripture, God initiates with abundant grace, love and forgiveness. Our confession which brings healing is our response to God’s invitation.

Personal Worship Option:

Read this verse again: Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 18:9-14.

“God, I thank you that I am not like….” Now fill in the blank with whatever it might be for you. Have you ever had thoughts like that? The Pharisee boastfully cited his good works in his prayer making himself look better than others. The tax collector knew he was sinful and needed mercy, forgiveness, and grace. The difference between these two men was not their outward actions or words, but their hearts. One went to the temple to praise himself, the other to praise God! Jesus reminds us that our faith isn't about being boastful of our good works, but about our humble response to the God who loves us and wants to extend his forgiveness, mercy, and grace. In his story Jesus reveals it is the one who is willing to confess sin that is most connected to God.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, thank you that we don’t have to be all cleaned up and perfect to come to you. Thank you for your love and forgiveness. We thank you for accepting us no matter what we have done. Help us to be willing, like the tax collector, to ask for and receive the mercy you so freely give. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotion, June 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 32:1-7.

I found the combination to the lock on our dad’s toolbox one day, and my younger brother and I helped ourselves to his best tools. We each picked up a tape measure and began pulling out the tapes and letting them snap back into their cases. The spring on my little brother’s tape was not very strong, and when he pushed on the end of the tape to help it back, the tape snapped off! Our young lives flashed before our eyes! “Let me have it!” I said, pushed the broken piece back into its case, dropped it into the tool box, closed the lid, and spun the lock. “Dad never uses that tape measure,” I told Neal, “and if he does pull on it, he will think he broke it.” The cunning wisdom of an older brother at work! A few nights later, Neal broke into tears, sobbing loudly. My dad rushed into our bedroom, expecting to see one of us with a bloody nose or black eye. Neal confessed and blurted out, “I broke your tape measure.” Dad told him it was OK, as that tape measure was old and did not work well. Then he shifted his attention to me with a warning to never use that combination again. Neal was relieved, totally at peace and smiling broadly.

Our sins almost always cause us to feel separation from God. The Psalmist describes the agony we endure when we keep silent, worrying if God will still love us. And when we do confess, we are filled with joy over our forgiveness.

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray today, spend a little more time than usual in confession. Name the mistakes you have made and ask God to forgive you. Be specific, knowing that God is already aware of your sin. Don’t rush through this. Accept the forgiveness God gives you and know that you are loved. It is called grace!

Daily Devotion, June 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 11:1-10.

Throughout this week, we have been looking at situations and people included in the Bible that show the negative, sinful side of those involved. And this was not just the common people. These were the leaders of God’s people and the founders of the faith.

Our Scripture text today is another example of our focus. In some parts of the story, Solomon is lauded as one of the great kings of Israel. It could be argued that at one point during his reign, Israel enjoyed their greatest days as a nation. He was described as being extremely wise and had attained much wealth for the nation and himself.

But there was more to the story, and the Bible does not shy away from telling that part as well. Solomon failed to remain faithful to God. He disregarded specific commands that God had given him. In this case, he sought political alliances with other nations through marrying many wives. This and other sins brought division in the kingdom. Even though it did not occur in his lifetime, his sins were sowing the seeds of division that would have lasting impacts for generations to come.

Once again, we can see a valuable lesson the Bible teaches. It is important to know and review the negative parts of our past, as well as the good parts, in order to learn how to live life at its best today.

Personal Worship Option:

Join us for worship today, either in person or online, as we begin a new sermon series. It’s titled “Telling Our Story: The Good, Bad and Ugly.” 

Daily Devotion, June 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Numbers 14:1-10a.

It was one of the darkest and lowest points in the history of the Children of Israel. After experiencing much evidence of the power of their God, they were standing on the border of the land God had promised them and decided not to trust that God could continue to fulfill the promise. God had performed mighty miracles to convince Pharaoh to free them from their bondage in Egypt and then provided a way across the Red Sea. God had provided guidance in ordering their life together and fed them as they traveled. Still, the challenge before them looked too daunting, so they turned on their leaders and their God.

Some might say that when writing the history of a people, it would be best to leave out a scene like this. Only include those scenes that reveal when the people acted honorably and with courage. But God inspired the Biblical writers to include this scene as well. God wanted future generations to be reminded of this scene when they faced daunting challenges. God wanted all of the history shared, not just the good parts.

Still today, God wants us to know all of our history. There is much to learn there that will guide us in the present.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for lessons learned in knowing all of our history as God’s people.

Daily Devotion, June 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 32:1-6, 21-24.

If someone wanted to only give a positive picture of their heritage, they would not include a story like this. But the Bible does. So what can we learn from the choices and experiences of the Israelites? Idol worship was the norm in all the countries around them so they found it quite natural to make a golden calf to represent the God that had just delivered them from their captors. They still wanted the familiar gods they could see and shape into whatever image they desired. However, they were ignoring the command just given to them to not make any idols.

Even if we do not make idols today, we are often guilty of trying to make God in our image, molding him to fit our expectations, desires, and circumstances. To make him a God that is convenient to obey or ignore. When we do this, we end up worshipping ourselves rather than God.

Personal Worship Option:

What is your favorite image of God? Is it Biblical? Is it adequate? Do you need to destroy it in order to worship the immeasurable powerful God who loves, cares and rescued you?

Daily Devotion, June 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 2:11-15b.

Moses was spared from death as a baby by being laid in a basket and put into the river where the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh rescued him. Moses spent four decades in Pharaoh’s palace, enjoying Egypt’s finest things. He was educated by top scholars, had expensive royal clothes, and ate delicacies enjoyed by the very elite. One day Moses, age 40, went out to where his own people were and watched them laboring. We don’t know what made him go out of the palace to watch the Hebrew slaves being abused. He snapped and killed an Egyptian overseer, creating a situation in which he had no choice but to flee to Midian.

Based on the anger that flared inside of him and prompted the killing, he’d already chosen the side of the Hebrews, people being wronged and killed. However there is always a plan for redemption. This is hope for each of us today.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this simple prayer: God, thank you for not giving up on us, no matter our faults. Amen.

Daily Devotion, June 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 37:1-11.

This is another of the unflattering stories of the patriarchal families that is included in the Biblical history. The Biblical writers include ALL of Jacob’s family story. It doesn’t just have the good parts, it includes the messy parts as well. This story provides enough information for several healing family therapy sessions.

One of the major issues is Jacob’s favoritism for his son, Joseph, and the generational problems it causes for the family. And there is a collection of issues which involves the power and jealousy among Jacob’s sons, all of whom seem to be seeking their father’s favor.

But in the midst, God works. And through it all, God brings relief from the famine not just for one family, but for a whole nation.

Dr. Terence E. Fretheim says, “No one in this story emerges innocent. Even Joseph, though certainly the primary victim furnishes fuel for his own troubles. God works in and through even the worst that this family can perpetrate—-even evil—-God works for good.”

This story helps us realize that even in the midst of our imperfections, sins and messy lives, God can work, forgive, restore and transform us to bring about good, not only for ourselves, but for others, too. This story gives us hope that God can turn things around to bring healing and to teach us new lessons. Our part is to have humble and willing hearts for God’s transforming love to heal us.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and Gracious God, thank you that the scriptures tell us the whole stories of people’s real lives. Thank you that you can work in the midst of the whole stories of our lives to bring hope and healing to us all. Amen.