Daily Devotion, September 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 12:9-14.

What prevents us from doing good? Sometimes it may be our busyness or other times it may be that doing something good is not convenient. Perhaps we just don’t want to go against social norms, so we stand back. Whatever the reason, most of us have passed up an opportunity to do something good for someone.

The Pharisees presented Jesus with a difficult situation. Their law said it was a violation to do work on the Sabbath, unless it was saving a life. There was a man in the temple with a withered hand. His life was not in danger, so should he be healed on the Sabbath?

Jesus didn’t even hesitate. He asked the religious leaders what they would do if something bad happened to one of their precious sheep on the Sabbath. Of course they would help the animal. Wasn’t a person more valuable than a sheep? This man with a shriveled hand was precious to God. Of course this man could be helped on the Sabbath.  Jesus healed the man. Should anything stop us from doing good for each other? No, I don’t think so. Nothing stood in Jesus’ way. We are his treasured possessions. He has done and will do whatever it takes to rescue us and make us whole. So nothing should stand in our way either.

Personal Worship Option:

God, you never hesitate to pour out your goodness on us. Let us never hesitate to do the same for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 12:1-8.

What do we do with the gifts God gives us? The gift of the rhythm of work and rest is a tremendous gift which God gives to all of humankind. God began giving this gift in the story of creation. God gave this gift in provisions of manna for the Israelite people. And God gave this gift in the commandments given to Moses in Exodus 20:8-11.

But by Jesus’ lifetime, God’s gift had become lost in a long list of rules about how one should “keep the Sabbath”, and what was considered “work” and what was not. Acts 1:14 tells us that the Mount of Olives is a Sabbath Day’s walk from Jerusalem. Even steps were counted!

According to Rev. William Barclay. “There were thirty-nine basic actions which were forbidden on the Sabbath, and among them were reaping, winnowing, and threshing grain and preparing a meal. It was also forbidden to carry a burden. And a burden was anything which weighed as much as two dried figs!” 

The heart and intention of God’s gift to humankind had become lost within all the rules. Jesus, knowing God’s heart lifts this gift from its hiding place as he walks with his hungry disciples through the grain fields. Jesus has just offered the invitation for all to come to him who need rest in Matthew 11:28-30. Perhaps Jesus was walking through the grain fields and continuing the conversation as he gave the hungry disciples permission to eat the grains, even on the Sabbath!

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you God, for the gift of work and rest which we find in You. Help us discover again your gift of a healthy work/rest balance for the sake of offering mercy unto others. Amen.

Jesus reminds the Pharisees of the stories from the Old Testament in verses 3-5. Then, in verses 6-8, Jesus restores the gift proclaiming God’s intent, “’For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Jesus lets the Pharisees know that sometimes work is necessary on the Sabbath.

God’s gift of the rhythm of work and rest is truly a gift which is healing for us and reminds us that we are not God. God knows better than we do that we need mercy. I wonder if during the Last Supper and during Jesus’ appearance at the table after his resurrection, the disciples remembered Jesus’ gift of grains on the Sabbath?

Daily Devotion, September 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 16:22-30.

Shortly after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing the destruction of Pharaoh’s armies, the Israelites entered the vast desert wilderness. Within days the food supply they brought from Egypt was exhausted. The Israelites began all manner of grumbling and complaining to Moses. However, God was a step ahead of them, promising to send manna to nourish and sustain them for as long as they were in the wilderness. But God had one condition. He would provide the manna only six days out of every seven. On the sixth day there would be twice as much as usual, but none on the seventh day, the Sabbath. They were to plan and prepare for day seven by collecting more manna on day six. They were to collect it, boil it, and bake it and then set it aside for the next day. God was teaching them an important lesson. He did not want them to work on the Sabbath, not even to cook food. God knew the busy routine of daily living could distract people from worshiping him. God wanted the people to trust him and follow his instructions each day for their needs. Resting on the Sabbath meant they needed to do a little extra work in order to prepare for a time to rest. The Lord’s provisions made rest possible. We may not eat manna today, but God still provides for our needs and expects us to make time to rest and worship him. Do you find it hard to slow down for Sabbath rest? What is the extra work you need to do to prepare for a time of rest and worship?

Personal Worship Option:

Just as God offered manna for the day for the Israelites, he offers us grace and strength for the day so that we can cope with whatever we will face. Thank God for meeting your daily needs and commit to daily quiet time to get your spiritual food for the day.

Daily Devotion, September 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 2:2-3.

Growing up on a farm, I learned the rhythm of work and rest at a very early age. Summer was the busiest time of the year, and every day had its work...cutting and putting up hay, hoeing tobacco, tending the huge vegetable garden, and milking twice a day. Saturday often meant finishing our work a little early to go to town and buy groceries. The only work we did on Sunday was the essentials, feeding the animals and milking. Even if there was hay on the ground and rain in the forecast, Dad was adamant that no work was to be done on Sunday. We got up early on Sundays, milked, had breakfast, and went to church. We enjoyed a good home-cooked meal together and then rested and spent the afternoon as a family. Relatives often came to visit on Sundays. As a young boy, I loved Sundays!

Today’s passage shows us God’s taking a day to rest. God had done the amazing work of creation, with the writer of Genesis giving an account of the work of each “day.” God did not rest on the seventh day because God was tired but rather to show us this rhythm of work, followed by rest that recharges and refreshes us. The Sabbath is a wonderful gift that we must learn to embrace again, not with rules and legalisms, but with the joy of following God’s example.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for the work you give us to do. Help us to do it as if we are working for you, no matter the task. But thank you also for showing us that rest is important. Forgive us for feeling guilty when we rest and help us to reclaim your gift of the Sabbath, a day set apart from all other days. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 John 4:9-19.

This is another of the great “summary passages” in all of the Bible (beginning at verse seven). It focuses on our motivation and reasoning for loving other people. It is rooted in the identity and character of God. “God is love” as verse eight states. And God is the One who initiates the healing of our relationship with God by giving “his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”  

Verse 19 sums up why we love others: “We love because he first loved us.” An area church had a great phrase to put on signs around the city a couple of years ago: “Love is why.” Why did God send Jesus into the world? Love is why. Why did Jesus willingly become a human and die on the cross for everyone? Love is why. Why do we seek to live this love toward other people? Love is why.  

Today in our worship services, we finish up this sermon series with “For God’s sake, we love.” We cannot be the people of God unless we are a people of love. We seek to know and grow in this love of God because we want others to know God in their life. We seek to show God’s love to every person we possibly can. Why? “We love because he first loved us.” 

Personal Worship Option:

Who in your world of relationships most needs to experience the love of God? What might you do for them this week that could sow a seed of that love?

Daily Devotion, September 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 103:1-8.

One of my favorite passages of the whole Bible extends here to verse 14, but today we stop at the end of verse 8, which reminds us that God is “abounding in love.” I looked up synonyms for “abound.” They include “flourish, thrive, abundant, overflow, be alive with, be all over the place, be plentiful” but my favorite for the meaning of this verse is “be no end to.”

And then I noticed key words in verses 3-5 that tell of the “benefits” connected to a relationship with God: “forgives”, “heals”, “redeems”, “crowns”, “satisfies.” It is because God loves you so much that God provides all of this (and more) for you.

As the people of Christ, we seek to represent this God in the world. (We will focus on that tomorrow.) Before you can do that, you have to receive this love yourself. You have to believe that you are loved by God as you are, no strings attached. You have to believe that this love of God is “abounding,” that it “never ends”; that it is the core of who God is. If you think there are some kind of strings attached to this love or that there is a limit to it, then that is how you are going to represent God in the world. Through your actions and your words, that is how you are going to present God to others.  

I invite you to let these verses from Psalm 103 wash over you and go deep inside you, so that you can shout with the Psalmist “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name!” Then you will be ready (and anxious) to help others experience and praise this God whose love is “abounding.”

Personal Worship Option:

Consider offering this prayer: God whose love is abounding, help me to continue to grow in my conviction that the core of who you are is love. And help me live my life each day secure in that knowledge. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 13.

One of the best chapters in the whole Bible focuses on the love that Jesus Christ showed us. This is who God is and what God is like and those who are God’s people will constantly grow toward being like this. Love is more important than spiritual gifts, great acts of faith, acts of dedication and sacrifice and miracles. Love makes our actions and gifts useful. People have different gifts and talents but love is available to anyone.

God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward self. It is completely unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us. In striving to become more like Christ, we must show more love to others. God IS love - this is what He looks like:

God is patient and kind. God does not envy, doesn’t brag, nor is prideful. God is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. God does not count up wrongs that have been done. God is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. God patiently accepts all things. God always trusts, always hopes, and always remains strong. God never ends.

Personal Worship Option:

This is how God loves. Exercise your love today with each person you encounter.

Daily Devotion, September 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 3:16-19.

Love is often considered an emotion, a feeling, a leaning of the heart. We have to know a person to love them, and yet even that knowledge is not the end of love. Paul reminds believers of this basic truth when he prays that they may “know this love that surpasses knowledge.” Paul is talking here about the love of God, and he’s saying that it’s not enough to know about God without loving God.

The standard of love that believers strive for is to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. That’s a lofty standard. God is far beyond what our minds can comprehend or our hearts can hold. We will never achieve this total fullness. This is a powerful prayer and what a wonderful goal to guide us in living our life. We must be continually growing in this fullness of God.

This is an inspirational prayer offered for us, but it’s also a prayer to offer on behalf of others. What a transformation of our relationships when an entire community of believers together experience a growing fullness of God’s love. It’s beyond our ability to imagine. 

Personal Worship Option:

This song immediately came to mind. Read these wonderful lyrics: How High and How Wide No eye has seen and no ear has heard

And no mind has ever conceived

The glorious things that You have prepared

For every one who has believed

You brought us near and You called us Your own

And made us joint heirs with Your Son

How high and how wide

How deep and how long

How sweet and how strong is Your love

How lavish Your grace

How faithful Your ways

How great is Your love, O Lord

Objects of mercy who should have known wrath

We're filled with unspeakable joy

Riches of wisdom, unsearchable wealth

And the wonder of knowing Your voice

You are our treasure and our great reward

Our hope and our glorious King

Daily Devotion, September 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 3:16-17.

Surrounding these beloved verses is the story of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus came at night for this conversation with Jesus. I believe Nicodemus was seeking assurance that Jesus had been sent from God. And I believe Jesus recognized Nicodemus‘ need for assurance. We are not told what Nicodemus was thinking after his conversation with Jesus.

But, we hear about Nicodemus again in John 7 and in John 19. In John 7, Nicodemus is a part of the Pharisees, but stands up for Jesus, asking, “’Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?’ The other Pharisees replied, ‘Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.’”

Then in John 19, it is Nicodemus who helped with Jesus' burial and brought the generous gift of seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes. Not only did Nicodemus bring the spices, but he must have given witness of his conversation with Jesus, such that it is a gift for us today. Dr. Gail R.O’ Day writes, “The God revealed in Jesus is a God whose love knows no bounds and who asks only that one receive the gift.”

Read again the words of John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Dr. O’ Day reflects, “God sends the Son into the world in love in order to save the world, not condemn it.”

We who have been believers in Jesus for many years sometimes are too quick to condemn others. We forget that Jesus’ way was the way of no condemnation. If we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, we need to remove our ways of condemnation. One way we show who God is and live God’s love in the world is by not condemning others.

Personal Worship Option:

First, re-read John 3:16-17 and place your name in the places of “the world” and “whoever”. Imagine you are seated across from the table with Jesus and you are hearing Jesus speak these words into your life. New birth from God is possible! Second, ponder your list of condemnations against others. Pray for that list to be transformed to Jesus’ ways of love.

Daily Devotion, September 21, 2021

 

Devotions:

Read Psalm 36:5-9.

The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. The Rocky Mountains. These are some “out of this world” vistas. The Psalmist uses images to paint some dramatic pictures of God’s vast love that we might describe as “out of this world!” His love reaches to the heavens, his faithfulness covers the sky, his righteousness is taller than the highest mountain, and his justice reaches to the deepest sea. God’s unchanging character provides believers a bounty of blessings. We can run to him for protection when we are lonely or fearful. We can gain strength when we are weary. We can drink from the life-giving fountain of God’s love that has no limits. And no matter what kind of circumstances that we face, God offers light in the darkness. Even in our darkest moments, God’s light is able to shine through and give us the clarity and wisdom we need. With these rich blessings comes the responsibility to pass them on to others. We are called not only to receive and know this love for ourselves, but to share it with others, guiding them to its source, the fountain of life. Let’s do as the children’s song says, “This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.”

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer: God of love, thank you for your limitless, boundless love that fills me with all good things. God of light, thank you for shining light in the dark places of my life. I pray today that I will be a beacon of light for others as I reflect your goodness and love. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 20, 2021

 

Devotions:

Read Romans 13:8-10.

Other passages of Scripture tell us that God is love and how Jesus gave one new command to all who would follow him, “Love one another.” Here Paul reminds us how Jesus taught that we are to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This assumes a healthy and positive regard or love for ourselves. For most people, loving ourselves comes pretty easily, and our love for self can grow beyond that into a self-centered and selfish view of life. That is not the way of Jesus! Jesus teaches us instead to care as much for the well-being of others as we care for our own, giving food and clothing, shelter and comfort to those in need. That is how we love our neighbor as ourselves.

If we truly love others as much as we love ourselves, we desire nothing but the best for them. We would never think of murdering them (or their reputations), stealing what is theirs, or wishing their stuff was ours instead. We would never engage in an adulterous affair, hurting our own spouse, the spouse of the other person, and inevitably the other person. Do you see why Jesus, and in this passage Paul, teaches that the whole law is summed up and fulfilled in this command? But it is not easy! Let’s truly love one another for a day, a week, or a month...we will be transformed!

Personal Worship Option:

Forgive me, Almighty God, when I focus too much on me and mine. Help me to see others as your children and as my sisters and brothers. Help me to love my neighbors just as much as I love myself and my own. And when I get discouraged by their lack of appreciation, let me continue to love as you love. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 19:1-10.

Some people in the crowd probably snickered at the sight. Even though they hated this man and didn’t want to be near him, they had to admit it looked funny to see him up in that tree. He wasn’t just a tax collector, he was “a chief tax collector” which meant he was rich. What’s this rich man who everybody hates doing up in that tree? Apparently he wanted to see Jesus and even though his money could usually buy him anything he wanted, he figured it wouldn’t help him in meeting this rabbi. Since he was short and wouldn’t be able to see over the crowd, getting up in the tree was his only option.

Jesus could have easily passed on by. But he saw this man and realized there was at least some interest on Zacchaeus’ part about who Jesus was and what he was all about. So he initiated a meeting, a personal encounter, a relationship. And it changed Zacchaeus’ life. Jesus lets him know (and Luke lets all of us know) that one way to describe the mission of Jesus on earth is he “...came to seek out and to save the lost.”  

Who knows how many people around each of us we come into contact with each day who have some level of interest, or at least curiosity, about the ways of Jesus and those who follow him. But they are not coming to church services or activities. We will need to be intentional about seeking them out, looking for opportunities and openings to begin a relationship with them. It starts with genuine love and care for others. Then stay connected to the Holy Spirit who will guide you from there.

Personal Worship Option:

Oh Lord who came seeking us, guide us to follow your example and seek others. In your name we pray, Amen. 

Daily Devotion, September 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 3:8-9.

One of our earliest stories from the Bible tells us about a God who is seeking us. God came seeking Adam and Eve, even though they had broken the relationship with God to the degree that they felt the need to hide. This God takes the initiative to seek relationship with the humans he has created, even when we have disobeyed and gone against God’s guidance for our lives. This God does not wait for us to seek him; God seeks us.

Claiming to be the people of God means that we desire to represent this God to other people. We want to act as our God acts. We want to show people that the ways of this God are superior to the ways of this world, that God’s way is the way that leads to life at its best. 

Therefore, we will be a people who are intentionally seeking after those who have lost their way. Even when they disappoint us, even when they don’t act like we think they should, even when we disagree with their thinking, we will still be looking for ways to establish and grow a relationship with them.  

God came seeking those who had lost their way. May we follow God’s example.

Personal Worship Option:

Seeking God, we are so very thankful that you seek after us, even when we choose to live in ways contrary to your will. Guide us to help others relate to you by seeking after them. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 15:3-7.

Let’s set the scene for the telling of this parable. Jesus is dining with tax collectors and “sinners” who have sought him out because they wanted to hear what Jesus had to say. But over in the corner of the room were the Pharisees who also were interested in what Jesus said and did, but for very different reasons. The Pharisees fancied themselves as righteous but were critical of everyone else in the room.

The story of the lost sheep embodies the reason that Jesus associated with sinners. He wanted to bring the “lost sheep” - people considered beyond hope - the gospel of God’s kingdom. Before you were a believer, God sought you; and his love is still seeking those who are yet lost. It is sometimes hard to grasp. We may understand a God who would forgive a person who comes to him for mercy. But a God who is tenderly searching for people and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that God has for YOU. God comes looking for people who are lost. As God’s people, we are to be on this same search.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the extraordinary love that God lavishes on you. How will you share this love with someone today?

Daily Devotion, September 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 49:5-6.

God chose Israel before they were a nation. He remained faithful to his people although they wandered so that Israel could become “a light for the Gentiles.” He made his people a nation that the world would know as God’s chosen. Isaiah received God’s promise some 700 years before Jesus fulfilled it on the road to Jerusalem. Now God’s Son would bring salvation to all peoples, Gentiles as well as Jews. Jesus trekked resolutely toward Good Friday’s cross to redeem his people and make them the light of the world.

As Isaiah tells us, God’s servants exist to display his splendor, which is a burden and a reward. God’s love and splendor is too wonderful to be reserved for a select few. God is for all people in the world. As Christians we should be helping show the path to Christ to those who are searching. God is the hope of the world and we should not be bashful in proclaiming this to others. Do others see the light of God in us? The burden of being God’s servant is to do what God is calling us to do and the reward is sharing God’s love and eternal life with those around us.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about who you can share the Good news to around you. Is it a friend, family member, neighbor or someone in the grocery store?  Dear God, help us have conversations about your love every time that you give us the opportunity. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 9:9-13.

On the day of this writing, the rain is pouring as the remnants of Hurricane Ida pass over Chattanooga. At the same time, many people driving utility vehicles, first responders, rescuers in boats, helicopters and high-water trucks, Red-Cross volunteers, FEMA, UMCOR and other rescuers are quickly on their way to help the people along the Gulf Coast. There’s an analogy here. In Matthew 9:12, Jesus says, “’It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.’” The people responding to the call to go and help, perhaps understand what Jesus was and is saying!

Matthew 8:28-Matthew 9:34 gives us stories of Jesus’ physically and mentally healing eight individuals. Woven within these stories is the story of Jesus’ healing of Matthew’s need for a divine purpose and to be welcomed into God’s kingdom. And within the story of Matthew’s calling is Jesus' response to offer healing to the Pharisees’ own self-righteous blindness of God’s mercy.

Matthew was a tax-collector. Jesus knew that Matthew had lost his way in life and was hated by many. The crowd Matthew hangs out with and Jesus chooses to eat with is criticized by the Pharisees.

Jesus brings healing, not only in physical ways, but in every way. Rev. Debi Thomas says, “Restoring the lonely, the isolated, and the ostracized to a healthy community is healing too.“ Jesus’ way of healing brings wholeness. “To be made whole” is a deeper understanding of the word, “salvation”. Yes! Jesus’ offer of healing and “being made whole-salvation” is offered unto all people.

Personal Worship Option:

At the end of Matthew 9, Jesus has compassion for the crowds “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He says to his disciples, “’The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers for his harvest field.’”

This call is for us today, too. This is what God’s people are supposed to be doing. By God’s grace and mercy through the gift of Christ, we are offered salvation. We are given the gift “to be made whole.” When we respond to the call to offer Christ’s healing, wholeness, salvation to others, the irony is it brings healing to us, too. Dear Lord, thank you for your gift of salvation. Open our eyes to see others through your eyes of compassion and to respond. Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 16:7-14.

The Bible uses many names describing the character of God. The Hebrew name describing the God who sees is “El Roi.” We find it only one time in the Bible, in the story of Hagar- Sarai’s servant. God had promised Abraham he would have descendants that would be as great as the stars in the sky. After many years of waiting for a child with his wife Sarai, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Sarai offered her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram to begin their family. After Hagar became pregnant, Sarai despised her and cruelly mistreated her. In distress, Hagar fled to the desert. An angel of the Lord appeared and told her, “The Lord has heard of your misery.” She gave the name Él Roi meaning “You are the God who sees me” to the Lord who spoke to her. Hagar learned an important lesson that day as she rested at the desert spring. God was watching over her and had plans to bless her. When she was feeling the most dejected and invisible, El Roi came to her. Have you ever felt abandoned or overlooked? Hurt or betrayed? God knows your struggles and sees you in your pain. Find hope and comfort in the name “El Roi” today.

Personal Worship Option:

When God found Hagar, he called her by name. He saw her distress and he knew her name. Thank God today that he knows your name, he sees you, and he acts on your behalf. Thank him for seeing you when you have lost your way and join him as he leads you through the pain.

Daily Devotion, September 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:26-38.

Philip was one of the seven chosen by the first church in Jerusalem to ensure fair distribution of food. As a believer in Jesus Christ, he had learned the connection between prophecies like Isaiah and the Good News of Jesus Christ. When the Holy Spirit sent him to the Gaza road, he went; and when the Holy Spirit nudged him to go to the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot and be ready, he did so. Philip reached out to the eunuch, suspecting correctly that he did not understand the passage he was reading from Isaiah. The eunuch was ready to hear and to learn, to believe, and then to be baptized. But he needed Philip’s help in order to find a meaningful relationship with God.

How easy it is to miss those opportunities to sit with someone and help them understand! You and I are in a shrinking minority in our post-Christian American culture. We are Christian, and we understand quite a bit of the Bible and its teachings. We do not need to be great scholars or theologians in order to help seekers make sense of the Bible. But we must have a desire to see people find Jesus Christ. Sometimes it means explaining a bit of Scripture, and sometimes it means sharing our faith. It almost always means letting the Spirit guide us to those who need our help.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, you sent people into my life to help me to find you, to know you better, and to accept your Son as my Lord and Savior. Now send me! Put me in places to get to know and talk with people who do not yet know you. Give me the words and the courage to speak them. Amen!

Daily Devotion, September 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 10:2-4.

It’s just a listing of the twelve that Jesus called out from among his many disciples. Why would we be reading that for a devotional passage? I have invited you to do so because of two names on that list: “Matthew the tax collector” and “Simon the zealot.” Because of those descriptions given with their names, we know there would have been a deep tension between these two men, especially Simon toward Matthew. Being a tax collector meant he worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes on their behalf from his own people. For that reason alone, Simon would have hated him. I can only imagine that tension present among them in those early meetings with Jesus. But Jesus taught them the way of love, rather than hate, even toward enemies.  

A common statement these days is “I can’t talk to certain family members or friends anymore because we are so divided.” As we continue this sermon series today in worship, the Lord has given me this message: for God’s sake, let’s not give in to that. Be assured, I understand that issue. I also have family members and friends with whom I disagree about many matters and have felt somewhat estranged and distant from them over the past couple of years. But I believe that God does not want us to be defeated by this, to give into it. It is an evil spirit of rancor and division that has been let loose among us, but our Lord assured us that he had overcome all of the evils of this world and we need not be afraid of anything that seeks to defeat us.  

I invite you to join us in worship today as we are reminded of this God and renew our belief that God can overcome anything in our life, including the divisions we feel even among those we love.

Personal Worship Option:

Who are the two or three people you most miss talking to and spending time with, because differences with them have separated you? Pray and ask God to guide you in opening up a conversation with them.

Daily Devotion, September 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 2:11-14.

In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul emphasized the freedom that Jesus Christ offered from having to follow all of the Jewish laws and customs in order to be right with God. Everywhere he went, he emphasized that we are saved by the grace that Christ offers. It is simply a matter of accepting that gift of grace. But others often came in behind Paul and spoke against what he was teaching, saying you had to follow the Jewish way, along with believing in Jesus.

In the midst of this letter where he is again making his argument, he tells about the time when he had to confront Peter, the leader of Jesus’ disciples, about this issue. Peter knew that what Paul was teaching was right, but even he had apparently been intimidated by those who believed differently. Paul confronted him right in front of the others. Personally, I would love to know more about how that conversation went!

Sometimes our conversations with Christian brothers and sisters have to include challenging them and speaking the truth in love. The ideal is that this is not done in front of others, but individually (see Matthew 18:15-20). The key is that we do it, rather than avoiding it, and that we do so humbly. We state what we believe to be right and invite the other person into further conversation, together praying for God’s will to be discerned. After all, that is what we are always to be seeking.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer today: Gracious God, give us both wisdom and courage to confront our Christian brothers and sisters when necessary and to do so in a way that honors you and helps us both grow in your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Daily Devotion, September 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

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

The church is composed of many types of people from a variety of backgrounds with a multitude of gifts and abilities. It is easy for these differences to divide people, as was the case in the church in Corinth. But despite the differences, all believers have one thing in common -- faith in Christ. On this truth the church finds unity. We don’t lose our individual identities, but we have oneness in Christ. As members of God’s family, we may have different interests and gifts, but we have a common goal.  

This common goal of sharing Christ with others requires each person working together. In working together we must avoid being too proud of our abilities or thinking that we have nothing to give. Either attitude diminishes the effectiveness of the body of Christ. As we stay connected to each other we reveal we are the body of Christ. When someone needs comfort, we are there. When someone is celebrating, we celebrate with them. We don’t stop enjoying our own relationship with God, but we need to get involved in the lives of others as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Are there fellow believers around you who need someone to share in their sorrow or joy? Do you have trouble being happy with some, or sad with others? Look for challenging opportunities to share the emotions of other people’s lives.

Daily Devotion, September 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 6:1-7.

In this passage, there was a problem rising in the Jerusalem church because the Greek widows were not being served as well as the Hebrew widows. The unity of a church can be threatened in many ways, even over the distribution of food. The church growth brought challenges, including the challenge of one group of people feeling overlooked. The followers of Jesus knew the Hebraic widows. But the Hellenistic widows who came from Greek-speaking Jewish families were relatively unknown. So in the daily distribution of food, many of them went unnoticed and unfed.

As tensions rose, the potential for church division along ethnic lines grew. So the apostles called everyone together to address this need. The apostles would remain focused on prayer and the ministry of proclaiming the Word of God. Seven others would be designated to serve the needy, and it seems apparent from the names of these seven leaders that they were from a Greek background. So unity was restored, and its story continued. When a church has problems, what matters is how people respond to the problems. They gathered everyone together to solve a problem and worked together for the right solution. That is such a lesson for us today. We must be willing to share in conversation to resolve issues among us.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, give us eyes to see so that the work and story of your church continues to go forward in unity. Help each one of us to be guided by the Holy Spirit and to give you all of the praise and glory. Amen.