Daily Devotion, October 31, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 8:2-11.

These guys were right. It was in the Bible. Both in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, it is stated that this woman should be stoned to death. Of course, both passages also state that both the man and the woman were to be stoned. It is another glaring sign of injustice that they only bring the woman to Jesus! 

Still, they bring her to Jesus, wanting to trap him in a difficult situation. These “teachers of the law and the Pharisees” are wanting to portray themselves as devoted to following the Scriptures. As in other scenes throughout this Gospel, Jesus reveals that while they may be following “the letter of the law” they have moved far away from the Spirit of it. They are seeking to take life away; Jesus is seeking to give life. They are seeking to condemn; Jesus is seeking to forgive and restore.  

These opposing approaches to being the people of God are still very much alive today. There are those who use the Bible as a resource for hurting and harming people, rather than healing and helping them. They know the Scriptures, but they have become so focused on proving their point, they may win the argument but lose their opportunity to lead that person or group to Christ.  

As you study the Bible, be sure to regularly pray that the Holy Spirit will not only inform you, but will form you into a person who has not only the mind of Christ, but his heart as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider offering this prayer: Holy and gracious God, continue to teach me to be a person of both your written and living Word, who is Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me with both the mind and heart of Christ. In his name I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 19:23-27.

This scene (the whole story takes up the whole chapter) tells how Paul’s teaching about Jesus challenged the thinking and ways of the world. Paul was teaching that there was no other god than the one true God and that idols were not to be worshipped. In this case, he was teaching that in the city of Ephesus, location of the temple to the goddess Artemis. Craftsmen made a lot of money selling trinkets and shrines and Paul’s teaching was causing people to stop purchasing these idols. This text tells about one of those craftsmen stirring up the crowd against Paul and his people because they were hurting business and therefore hurting the economy of the city. That will always get people stirred up! If you read further in the story, you see that stirring turned into an uproar, with a huge throng of people gathered at the city theater.

I am reminded of the scene we looked at yesterday, when Jesus cleared the Temple in Jerusalem of those who were robbing the people, turning that holy place into a den of thieves. He still calls on those who would represent him to challenge anyone and anything in this world that is opposed to the Way and Spirit of God. When people are being done wrong, we are called to speak up, to take a stand, to protest. When people are being led astray, we are called by God to shed light on what is happening and do all we can to help people see and follow the Way who is Jesus Christ. It may (and probably will) upset some, even many. Just remember that Jesus has gone before you on this path and will be with you as you travel it.

Personal Worship Option:

Is there some person, group or activity that you perceive are leading people away from the Way and Spirit of God? Pray for wisdom and courage in how to best confront those involved.

Daily Devotion, October 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 21:12-13.

This scene is one example of how Jesus challenged the leaders of the Temple of his day, saying they were not connected to the Spirit of that place. Let’s set the scene. Jesus has just entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and proclaimed King by the people. It is also during the Passover season so Jerusalem was filled with people from many areas of the world. It was a holy time set apart for worship. What Jesus experienced in the Temple was anything but worship.

 

The money changers and merchants did big business during Passover. Those who came from foreign countries had to have their money exchanged into the temple currency because this was the only money accepted for the temple tax and the purchase of animals for sacrifice. Often the inflated exchange rate enriched the money changers and the exorbitant price of the animals made the merchants wealthy. To add to the insult, all this was set up in the court of the Gentiles which was a tremendous hindrance to the non-Jews who had come to worship God.

Jesus became angry because God’s house of worship had become a place of extortion and a barrier to Gentiles who wanted to worship. This moved Him to action and the restoration of the purpose of the Temple. Others may have disapproved of what was happening in the temple, but only Jesus took a stand and made a difference.

Personal Worship Option:

Are there wrongs or injustices that God is moving you to take a stand? Or do you have an opportunity to stand for God and godly principles? Embrace those opportunities and trust God’s leadership.

Daily Devotion, October 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.

As I read this scripture, it reminds me of growing up on a farm. Working on a farm takes everyone doing their part, no matter what age, to make it all work and get the jobs done. When I was young, I fed the chickens, picked berries, and shelled peas. As I got older I sheared sheep, helped bail hay, and corralled the hogs. This is the way it is as Christians. As new believers we share the Good News with others and share our faith story. As we mature and study God’s word, we take on more teaching roles and church responsibilities. It takes all people, at all levels, including children, to make churches work and to expand God’s Kingdom.

Comparing and competitive Christians in Corinth needed to be reminded that God never planned for us to tend his work alone. He said no one person is more important than another in growing His Kingdom. We are all privileged to be coworkers with God and each other in our Lord’s mission to rescue and restore his creatures and creation. Each person is important and vital. Working together is essential in the church. Our gifts and efforts are encouraged and coordinated, and relationships are cultivated to build up the body of Christ as God’s agents of transformation in the world. The most effective churches function in this way.

Personal Worship Option:

How are you doing with your church in working together in God’s world? 

Lord, only you can guide us and give us the right spirit to help your church grow. Help me to work well with you and with others to promote Christianity. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 9:51-56.

“Jesus turned and rebuked them” are probably not the words you were expecting to be greeted with in this devotional. The disciples were also probably surprised by Jesus’ rebuke! Jesus, who truly loved and cared for his disciples, cared enough to be honest with them, and he cared enough to teach them new ways.

It helps to see the bookends for this passage. The first bookend is Luke 9:1-2, “Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. “ Jesus called them together and gave them power and authority. These disciples who had very little power and authority before meeting Jesus, now had these gifts!

The second bookend is Luke 10:29-37 when Jesus tells the Parable of The Good Samaritan. Jesus helps them see that the Samaritan was the true neighbor, who helped the man who fell among the robbers and thieves.

All along the way to Jerusalem, Jesus is trying to teach his disciples not to misuse their power and authority. He is broadening their understanding of who is welcomed into the kingdom of God. He is planning to go through Samaria to get to Jerusalem! Luke 9: 51-56 is a clash of the disciples’ misunderstanding of the power and authority they had been given and their understanding of how to deal with rejection. This was true especially when the rejection was given by a group of people which the disciples considered to be outside of God’s favor.

The disciples wanted to use their new power to “command fire to come down from heaven and consume the Samaritan village.” Jesus loves them enough to rebuke them. The disciples’ offer for retaliation is not the way of Jesus. Retaliation is not the reason they have been given power and authority. They need to open their eyes to see the people of Samaria the way God sees them. They have much to learn. And we do too.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and gracious God, help us to remember that you love us and care enough to be honest with us and you never give up teaching us the ways of Jesus. Open our eyes to see others with the love and compassion you have for them. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 3:1-6.

Already when he entered the synagogue, there were people watching to see what he did; it’s possible that they had been waiting for him. It seems that they were almost hoping he would do something wrong so that they could accuse him. Jesus noticed a man with a deformed hand and asked him to stand in front of the crowd. So the man came forward and Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath?” Jesus is implying that healing that man would be good – and not a violation of the Sabbath. The Pharisees kept silent. They weren’t interested in truth; they were only interested in their religious system. But Jesus went further, “Is it lawful to save a life or to kill on the Sabbath?” The Pharisees remained silent.

But when Jesus healed the man’s hand, they ran off to plot with the Herodians. They were seeking a means to “destroy” him, to have him killed. For the religious leaders, love had been replaced by tradition and religious fervor. This angered Jesus. He was grieved at their hardness of heart. Jesus showed righteous anger. This is one of the few times we’re told that Jesus was angry. He saw that religious leaders were devoted to the rules but not the Spirit of them. When we keep our eyes on Jesus we can learn to have the right kind of anger, the kind that comes from a truly godly compassion for those around us who are hurting.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus was being watched to see what he might do, yet it did not stop him from doing good, from bringing life. I ask God for the courage I need to do what I know to be the right thing.

Daily Devotion, October 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:21-30.

Matthew is known as the teaching gospel, as it emphasizes Jesus’ teachings and collects them into blocks of Scripture. This block of teaching is known as the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus teaches his disciples then and now what it means to follow him. With the Old Testament law as their moral guide to this point in time, those first disciples may have felt a sense of self-satisfaction in having never murdered anyone or having never committed adultery. Obedience to rules can do that! In these verses, Jesus challenges them and us to be more than mere adherents to rules.

It is understood that we are not to break the commandments, but Jesus tells us that God expects more, going right to what is in our hearts. Of course we are not to murder someone, but Jesus calls us to think kindly of others and to be reconciled to them when we have disagreements. Jesus teaches that lustful thoughts are just as sinful as actually committing adultery. If we are honest with ourselves, these are troubling teachings and much more challenging than simply complying with the rules. Jesus challenges us to follow the spirit of the rules if we are to be his disciples and kingdom people.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, your Son helps us to see things so very differently. Thank you for revealing yourself through him. Just as he challenged things that were not your way, help us to step up and do that as well, but only in the spirit of love in which Christ calls us to act. Show me your way! Amen

Daily Devotion, October 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Our views on giving should be grounded first and foremost in the God we worship. Throughout the Bible and in our own life, we see and experience the generosity of God. We see the ultimate expression of this divine generosity in God’s gift of his only Son for the whole world. At the core of our God is this Spirit of generosity and abundance.

Our views on giving also come from a balanced understanding of receiving. We take stock of all we have been given, the many ways and times we have been blessed. Whether it is family and friends, skills and talents, education, financial resources or other areas, we have much for which to be thankful. At the same time, we have much from which to draw in order to bless others.  

The writer of this letter is correct: the ideal is not about giving under compulsion or guilt. Eugene Peterson in The Message translates verse 7 this way: “I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” After all, God certainly delights in giving. So when we learn to give (in whatever way) with that kind of attitude, we more closely and fully represent our God. And we thereby help other people come to know this God.  

It’s another area where it’s most fulfilling to live a balanced life: receive what God has to offer, then give as you have received.

Personal Worship Option:

The “Doxology” of the Church says “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Do that, then let them flow through you.

Daily Devotion, October 23, 2021

Devotion:

Read Luke 12:48b.

I recall hearing this principle early in my life: to whom much is given, much is required. It certainly makes sense in all areas of life, especially in the kingdom of God. The one who has been given more skills and talents has the responsibility to use those as much as possible to glorify God and serve people. The one who has been given leadership capabilities is called to use those in the same way. The one who has been blessed with financial resources has the opportunity to show their gratitude to God by giving generously to the ministries of the Church and helping as many people as possible.

In the 19th chapter, Luke shares the parable from Jesus that is very similar to the more repeated parable in Matthew about the servants given talents (differing sums of money). Each servant is expected to harvest more, depending on what they were given. And a related principle concludes the parable (at verse 26): “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” This is not referring to material possessions being taken away from those who have little. It’s about refusing to share whatever God has given you for use to help others.

It is a principle that you can apply to most any aspect of your life. At whatever level you have received in that area, that is the level at which you can reasonably be expected to give. Sounds only fair to me.

Personal Worship Option:

Take some time to reflect on your blessings in different areas of your life. Give thanks to God for all of them. Also reflect on whether you need to increase your use of those blessings to glorify God and serve other people. 

Daily Devotion, October 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 23.

When we allow God to shepherd us in life, the first verse of this Psalm sums up our life: “I lack nothing.” This Psalm reminds us to be aware of what we receive from God. He gives us rest, calmness, and strength. He provides direction, companionship, comfort, daily needs, and protection. As the Good Shepherd he freely gives to us these gifts and it is our responsibility to follow Him. It is when we wander off the path that life can become unruly but the Good Shepherd pursues us and draws us back to himself. He promises to guide and protect us throughout life and bring us into his home forever.

Personal Worship Option:

On a piece of paper write out Psalm 23. Slip it into your pocket or your purse. Or tuck it between your phone and your phone case. Then read it a few times throughout the day. Let God’s Word wash over you and comfort you.

Daily Devotion, October 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 12:1-3.

It is much easier for me to be a giver than a receiver. Somehow I never feel worthy of attention or gifts. I always want to out give others so I don’t feel beholding. It is a balance I need to work on. When God called Abram and his wife, Sarai, and their nephew Lot to experience a journey, they were about to receive a nation. Of course they were giving away their known way of life. God was on the move to redeem his world and to restore people to himself—and we can see that in the promises of blessing that he gave to Abram.

God works through people, and as he makes us his people, his family, his church, God seeks to mold us as a people of blessing and giving. God promised Abram and his descendants abundant blessings, but those were never meant to be just for them. They were called out as a family to become a blessing to all families. When Jesus came, he gave us grace and eternal life and it is there for all to receive. We are blessed to be a blessing. God wants us to share the Good News.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Thank you for all of the blessings that you give each of us. Help us share those blessings with others. We have received your gifts, so help us give to others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 1:27-31.

Look at all God has given to humankind! In this story of God’s creation, God has formed humankind to be blessed to be stewards of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky and every living creature that moves on the ground. And God has given every seed-bearing plant and every tree that has fruit in it for food for humankind and for everything that has the breath of life in it! Everything is a gift from God!

So how do we receive all these marvelous gifts? First, we keep an “attitude of gratitude”. We give God thanks for all of these marvelous gifts! In all four gospels, the scriptures tell us that Jesus gave thanks before he fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two fish.

Second, we are to be good stewards of all these gifts. Steward is a word which means to be responsible for and to take care of that which has been given. God’s covenant calls us to join with God in being good stewards of the earth and all of God’s creation.

Third, we can give God praise for all of creation! Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”. And Psalm 148 calls us to delight in and praise God for the abundance and diversity of creation!

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and Creating God, thank you for all of your gifts of creation! Help us to be good stewards of all you have given to us. Today, we especially thank you for all who work with the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living creature that moves on the ground. We thank you for all who work with the plants and the trees. We give you our thanksgiving and praise! Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 2:1-11.

Someone once remarked that weddings can be accidents waiting to happen. It seems that invariably, despite the best laid plans, something can go wrong.

In this passage, Jesus was at a wedding, and the host ran out of wine and was about to be embarrassed. After some discussion with his mother, Mary, Jesus arrived at a solution. He saw six stone waterpots and made use of them. These waterpots were used by the Jews to wash their hands before and after meals and for ceremonial washings. In verse 6 we read, “There were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.” Jesus instructs the servants to fill up what was lacking in the jars to the brim. Six stone jars with 20 to 30 gallons of wine in them total 120 to 180 gallons. Jesus made nearly 1,000 bottles of wine! By all accounts, this is a lot of wine for a wedding of this size. Jesus’ first miracle reflects the God who gives in abundance. We recall Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Abundance in life is what Jesus intends for us to have, but where do we find abundance in this life? The abundant life does not consist of an abundance of material things. True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The overflowing wine at Cana reminds us that God’s love, mercy, and grace is not limited. He wants us to not only receive it, but also to pass it on abundantly to others.

Personal Worship Option:

God, thank you for the stockpiles of love, grace, and mercy that you have in store for me. Help me to be faithful to you and reflect your abundant love in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 3:16.

We have seen “John 3:16” plastered all over, sometimes in ways that seem to cheapen it. Perhaps most notably was the man in the rainbow-colored wig holding up a sign with this reference on it and somehow always catching the TV cameras at football, world series, and pro basketball games. He was a Christian, a bit eccentric, and this was his way of witnessing. Most of us don’t need to look up this familiar verse because we know it by heart. But we should look it up and read it. Please read it again, slowly.

This week, we are focusing on the balance between receiving and giving. This beautiful verse sums up the Good News that God loved us, so God gave. It is in this verse that we see the beautiful hope and promise of eternal life through that gift of God’s one and only Son. God’s love is so great and so complete as to make it almost unthinkable. God sent God’s Son into this rebellious world that we might live. Thinking about that makes me very thankful. It also reminds me that real love makes us “hold onto our possessions loosely,” to paraphrase Corrie ten Boom. If we really love, then it naturally follows that we give, as God has shown us.

Personal Worship Option:

Think today about this awesome gift of a Son, sent into the world to live and die that we might live eternally. Reflect on how you might be more loving, especially beyond family and your circle of close friends. Pray for your love for others to grow and issue in your turning loose and giving. 

Daily Devotion, October 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 5:13-14.

Today in worship, we will continue our focus on seeking balance in our life and world. This week we have been looking at the challenge of finding the balance between boundaries and freedom. We all need boundaries, rules and discipline in our lives. A good parent helps their children learn about boundaries early in life. There are certain lines not to cross and if you do, there are consequences. Yes, there is much freedom that we enjoy, but it also has its limits.

The Bible story emphasizes two major events when God freed people. First is the Exodus, when God brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt. The second is Easter, when God freed all people for all time from our sin.

After both events, there was a need to share the limits of freedom, because when we are freed, we tend to want to do whatever we please. In the Old Testament the Law is given. In the New Testament, God continued to teach about the limits of freedom. Here in the letter to the Christians in Galatia, the focus is on not using our freedom selfishly, but to look for every opportunity to “serve one another humbly in love.”

Freedom and boundaries. We need both. How are you doing balancing those in your life?

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: Lord, I know you seek freedom and justice for everyone. Please make me aware of anytime I misuse my freedom for selfish purposes and help me love especially those who most need to be freed. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Amos 5:21-24.

I was in the fifth grade. I had been told to stop throwing rocks out on the playground at school. But I liked throwing rocks and I wanted to do whatever I wanted to do. Nobody was playing basketball on that end of the court and I probably thought I could take another kind of shot at hitting that backboard and nobody would notice. But somebody on the safety patrol saw me and soon I was headed to the principal’s office. She pointed out that I had been told not to do that anymore and asked me if I thought about the possibility that I could have hurt somebody else.

I had not. Sometimes we live our lives without giving much thought to what is going on to people around us. We make decisions and do things, both for ourselves and along with others, that can negatively impact the lives of other people.

Through the prophet Amos, God emphasizes that there are limits to our freedom, especially when it creates injustice for others. Throughout the Old Testament (and all the Bible), one of the primary things that upset God was the Children of Israel not treating the most vulnerable among them with justice. After all, they were the very people who had been called to represent God. The Lord had freed them from slavery in Egypt and now they were using their freedom selfishly. Amos made it clear that God would hold them accountable for such behavior. The lesson still applies for all who seek to represent this God: we are to use our freedom to seek freedom for everyone.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you see who is being treated unfairly? How might God be calling you to help set them free?

Daily Devotion, October 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12:9-21.

Paul gives specific, everyday things we can do and refrain from doing that will allow us to live life at its best. The first step is to love sincerely or to have real love. Most of us have become adept in pretending to love others: speaking kindly, avoiding hurting feelings, appearing to be interested in them. We may even be moved with compassion when hearing of needs or injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. This type of love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. Together with fellow believers, the community can experience the love of God.

The remainder of these verses sum up the core of the life of a believer. If we love someone the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive. If we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. By giving an enemy a drink, we are not excusing his misdeeds. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins - just like Christ did for us. Love and forgiveness represent our outstretched arms to those around us.

Personal Worship Option:

Look for people who need your love and look for ways you can love your community for Christ.

Daily Devotion, October 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

It is never easy to tell a person we care about that they are wrong. It is even harder to have a person tell us that our own behavior is out of bounds. Nathan knew that he had to give King David some difficult correction from God. He must have been nervous about how the king would respond. Nathan took a gentle approach to help David understand the situation by using a parallel story to get the point across.

Nathan mentored King David by helping him see where he had wandered from God’s law. He spoke the truth that needed to be spoken in a loving, caring way. When we confront someone, it needs to be done with great compassion. We don’t need to yell and scream as we point out questionable behavior, because that makes a person get defensive and not hear the reasoning. We should use a mature approach, confronting the issue and explaining the boundaries of appropriateness. Freedom does not mean there are no boundaries. King David did not try to defend his sinful behavior; instead, he responded with repentance. His heart was softened to hear what he needed to hear. We need to be receptive to correction.

Personal Worship Option:

You might want to read Psalm 51. God, help us to care enough for each other that we can lovingly confront wrong behavior. Help us hear your word and respond in love to Christian mentors who guide us when we stray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:38-48.

These scriptures from Matthew are known collectively as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is encouraging and teaching lessons for life in God’s kingdom. An important introductory verse to this section is Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Within these ten verses are ways to fulfill the laws of God. I have called these the “flying upside down” verses, because each verse calls us to live life counter-intuitively to the culture around us. These truths are timeless for every generation.

Look at each instruction. The underlying themes are love, kindness, grace, sacrifice and generosity, even when it isn’t deserved or earned. Isn’t this the way of Jesus? Which one of these is most difficult for you? Is it to not seek revenge, to be generous, to walk the second mile or to love and pray for your enemies?

Our theme for this week’s devotionals focuses on our need for both boundaries and freedom. How do we find both the healthy boundaries and freedom in these words from Jesus? I believe Jesus gives us clues in Matthew 5:46a and 48. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

In other words, follow God’s ways of love which are unconditional, forgiving, sacrificial and eternal. It’s easy to love those who love us, but it takes God’s power to love those who don’t love us. God, who offers love to you and to me, can empower us to offer this kind of love to others. It’s not about “perfectionism”, it’s about being made perfect (complete) in God’s ways of love.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear heavenly Father, it isn’t easy to pray for my enemies. Help me to learn how to pray for them. Today, I lift up to you the ones I consider to be my enemies whether they are near or far-away. Thank you for loving me. Help me to follow you in your ways of love. Amen.

Daily Devotion, October 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 20:1-17.

The Ten Commandments show us the actions that demonstrate our love to God and to others. They include instructions both on what not to do as well as what to do. The first four commandments refer to love we demonstrate toward God. The last four refer to the love we demonstrate to others. 

Only two of the Ten Commandments clearly tell us what to do: "keep the Sabbath holy" and "honor your father and mother." However, by telling us what not to do, the other eight imply what we are to do. For example, by telling us not to worship other gods, God means that we are to worship him alone. By not taking his name in vain, we show respect to our Creator. If we truly love our neighbors, we will not murder them, lie to them, commit adultery against them, or covet what is theirs. The Ten Commandments were given as the law and ethical rules for living in ancient Israel. The commandments still apply to us today.

When Jesus was asked which of God's laws was most important, he answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39). Then he says something else, "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." In other words, obeying the letter of the law is not as important as demonstrating love to God and to others. When we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the commandments.

Personal Worship Option:

What are the things you do that show you love God? What are the things you do that show you love others? Concentrate today on demonstrating your love to God and others.

Daily Devotion, October 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 2:15-17.

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden…” Can you imagine what it would have been like for Adam, living in the Garden of Eden with everything he needed provided for him? Water brought life to the garden, and beautiful trees with every kind of fruit grew in abundance. We think of fruit trees common to our general area -- apple, peach, pear, fig, orange, banana, plum, tangerine, and so on. The menu certainly included fruit from other countries, much of which we have never tasted. It would have taken Adam a lifetime to exercise his freedom and enjoy the variety as he ate from all the different species.

“But you must not eat from the tree…” With that warning, God gave Adam a boundary, a limit on his freedom. That is the way of love. Good parents give children freedom to make choices, knowing we learn and grow and mature by using our free will; but good parents also establish boundaries to protect and guide children. In God’s infinite wisdom and love for us, God gives human beings both freedom to choose and boundaries. We need boundaries, we don’t always like them, but they should remind us that we are loved.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the many freedoms we have to make choices, using our free will. What are some of the boundaries God places on us? Those few boundaries are a bit like the one forbidden tree among all the countless other trees in the garden. Remember the boundaries are for our collective good.

Daily Devotion, October 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 6:45-51.

This scene reminds us of our need to be alone, as well as our need to be with others. As usual, Jesus set a good example for all of us. He had just had an exhausting experience with the crowd, feeding them both spiritual and physical food. He sends them and the disciples on their way and he gets away to be by himself to pray. He needs to be replenished. And after taking that time for himself, he is ready to go serve the needs of others again. His disciples need him and he is there for them.  

I love the analogy of the oxygen mask on the airplane. Before take-off, the attendants give the safety speech. One part of that says if a need arises for the oxygen masks to be deployed, if you are caring for someone else, put your mask on first so that you can then assist them with their mask. That lesson is good for all of life. In order to best care for and attend to the needs of those around you, it is important to take time to care for yourself; to regularly take time to be renewed and replenished, so that you are then ready to serve.  

Following Jesus’ example, it is important for you to be part of a small group of followers of Christ who will both support you and hold you accountable in your Christian journey. And there may be times when you are called to relate to larger crowds of people.  

God has designed you to flourish by spending time with other people. God also built a need within you to be alone. Finding the balance of those two will allow you to live life at its best.

Personal Worship Option:

In which area are you out of balance right now - spending time alone or time with other people? What step(s) do you need to take this week to restore that balance? 

Daily Devotion, October 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 6:12-16.

We all know that Jesus could have conducted his ministry on his own. After all, he was and is God, a member of the Trinity. But even in that understanding, we see God as being in relationship. Jesus set that example in his ministry. While the usual custom of the day was that students would seek out a rabbi under whom to study, Jesus went about seeking his disciples, calling those who nobody would consider to be qualified. He spent much time with them, teaching by both words and actions. He answered their questions and guided them into new understandings. He commanded them to love each other, saying that is how other people would be able to identify them as belonging to him.

But he also set an example for them by intentionally taking time apart to be alone. He knew of his own need to spend time alone with his heavenly Father and clear his mind of the many distractions around him each day. He needed time to physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually be renewed and refreshed to continue his mission.

Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was not focused on being just between him and each of them as individuals. The focus was on them being a group, bonding together and caring for each other. All this is a reminder of God’s relationships in the Old Testament days. Much of the attention of the writers is on “the people of God” or “the Children of Israel,” yet there is also attention given to God’s relationship with individuals, like Moses, Samuel and David.

God relates to you personally, yet calls you into relationship with others. 

Personal Worship Option:

As you seek to represent God each day, how are you most fulfilled: alone or with others? To which one is God inviting you to go further or deeper?