Daily Devotion, November 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 10:23.

What do you hold tightly? Your child’s hand when crossing a street? A closet full of clothes? Your relationships, goals, dreams, the past, old hurts, fears, wrong ideas, or possessions? Do we hold as tightly to the hope we have in God as we do to the things of this world? The hope we have as Christians — the hope that things will get better, that this is not the end, that people can change and that heaven is waiting for us — is not based on wishful thinking, but confident expectation. We can expect God to keep his promises. Some of the spiritual promises God gives us are forgiveness for sins, strength for the weary, wisdom to those who ask, and eternal life. We would be wise to hold loosely the things of this world and cling tightly to him. No person can love us the way he does and no material thing can satisfy the deep longings of our heart. Choose today to hold onto God’s promises without wavering. Hold on to the promises in the Bible like your life depends on it. Hold onto what God says and know that God will always come through for us on his promises. God can be trusted to keep his promises, for our God is a promise maker and a promise keeper.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray this verse of hope today: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Daily Devotion, November 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah had preached without success to the people of Judah of the Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom had fallen away from God and had been taken in exile to Assyria. The Southern Kingdom turned from God, and Jeremiah had tried with every ounce of energy to turn them back. The Babylonians swept through, and the best and brightest were taken in exile to Babylon. There seemed to be no hope for them, as it seemed likely they would be lost forever as a people, serving their masters in Babylon. But God was not finished with them. He gave Jeremiah the words to say to them in a letter, and this verse is part of that letter. It promises them that God has plans of good things for them, not harm, but hope and a future.

Scripture is living and breathing, teaching us and relevant to our lives today. In this verse, we can see that God is loving and forgiving. We can also see that God wants us to dream and look forward with hope toward the future. Fear, dread, and pessimism can absolutely paralyze us, taking away our initiative and creativity. God has a future planned for us. Let’s lift up our heads and live into that future with faith and hope!

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray today, give thanks that God wants us to look forward with hope. That does not mean our future will be free of challenges, struggles, and problems. But it does mean that God will be with us, leading us through. Seek God’s guidance and embrace hope through Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion, November 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:9.

Yesterday, we focused on the gift of peace that our Lord invites us to receive. Today, we focus on sharing this same gift. Like the other gifts we will look at this month, it is not meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared with anyone and everyone we can.

 

This verse is part of the Beatitudes, the statements of blessing from Jesus that Matthew places at the beginning of what is often called “The Sermon On The Mount” (chapters 5-7). Yesterday, we noted that Jesus said his peace is not like that of the world. Peace in this world is often understood as simply the absence of conflict. But the peace that Jesus offers is tied to justice and right relationships for all people. Eugene Peterson, in The Message translation of the Bible, writes this verse this way: “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”

What would it look like for you to be a peacemaker? How might you be not just someone who hopes relationships between people get better, but one who is intentionally working to make that happen. Who have you known in life that you would call a peacemaker? What did they do and how did they live their life that caused you to give them that title? Why not follow their example? You will be blessed and you will certainly be a blessing.

Personal Worship Option:

What is one thing you will do each day this week to receive the peace of Christ and what is one thing you will do to share that gift?

Daily Devotion, November 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 14:27.

Our emphasis during Advent is going to be on four particular gifts we receive from God through Jesus Christ and the understanding that we are invited not only to receive these gifts for ourselves, but are invited to share them with others. In fact, I would suggest that we don’t really receive the full effect of the gifts until we share them with others.

The first of these gifts is peace. Our focus verse for today comes out of that section in “The Gospel According To John” that is from the night before Jesus died. He is with his disciples, offering some very important teaching. Tension and anxiety are all around them, yet Jesus assures them that they don’t have to be troubled about it. He offers them an inner peace that only comes from God. It is different from the world. The peace of this world comes and goes, depending on circumstances around us. But the peace Jesus offers is constant, no matter what is going on around us.

Be reminded today to stay in touch with the One who gives this peace. Stay connected to this God of peace. Be intentional each day to spend time with this Holy Spirit who offers an inner peace that will carry you through anything.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 26, 2021

 

Read Psalm 34:12-14.

What does it mean to “seek peace and pursue it”? How might we “pursue” peace? To pursue peace is to actively chase after it, to follow it, to seek it out. Peace is not something that will just show up in our lives, we need to actively seek peace out. When we have true peace in God, we’ll also discover that there are other areas where we can pursue peace on earth.

Pursue peace in our relationships. Sometimes pursuing peace means dealing with the difficult and uncomfortable. Acknowledging hurts and offenses is often very difficult but a necessary part of pursuing peace. These are some of the most important words of a peacemaker: I’m sorry...I was wrong...I forgive you...I love you...How can I help you believe that I am really sorry...and I understand.

Pursue peace in your work. Regardless of your work environment, pursuing peace is just as needed at work as it is at home. Pursuing peace doesn’t mean that things will always be easy, but it is the right thing to do. It might mean holding your tongue. It may mean letting someone else take the glory for your idea. It may mean showing grace even when others treat you badly.

Purse peace in your spirit. Peace in your spirit is possible when you commit your anxieties, fears, and worries to the Lord. Peace is possible when you take your praises and requests to God. Peace is possible when you remember to give thanks to God. Ultimately, true peace is not possible if you are not at peace with God. If we lead a life characterized by conflict with others, we won’t experience the peace of God like we can and should. As with most things in the Christian journey, true change starts with inner heart transformation, which leads to genuine and heartfelt external action.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: Dear Father, you are the Prince of Peace and the Great I AM. You are my helper and my Redeemer. I need your help today to pursue peace with my family, friends, co-workers and myself. I am so grateful that I can come to you and present my requests anytime. Thank you for giving me peace and rest even in hard times. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 14:19.

As believers we often have more in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ than we have with the natural family we were born into. When we accepted Jesus in our lives we became a part of God's family and share the eternal future together based on His promises. This is a result from faith in Jesus and is a bond that surpasses time and space. We will spend all eternity with these people so it makes sense for us to pursue harmony and mutual edification with each other.

Often we let minor divisions separate and cause dissension among us instead of realizing that we are called into one body. We should be pursuing peace among each other, encouraging and building up one another instead of tearing each other down by our actions and words. We can have our own thoughts and convictions, but keep peace by listening to others and having meaningful conversations. Paul said in the previous verses, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God..." ( Romans 14:17-18 ). There are more important things to consider than just demanding our own needs. We are a part of God’s eternal kingdom and what we do matters.

Personal Worship Option:

Today I pray that we can have civil and tolerant perspectives in life and that our actions reflect those of peace and harmony. May we live our lives in love toward others which leads to peace. Our modeling of listening and sharing Christian values may lead others to turn toward Jesus.

Daily Devotion, November 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Philippians 4:6-7.

 

Sometimes an infant or toddler will, as the saying goes, “fight sleep.” Sometimes the solution is for the child to be gently rocked while the Mom or Dad sings a peaceful lullaby.  This child can sleep securely in the peaceful presence of this loving parent.

The “peace that transcends all understanding” which Paul is describing is the nearness of Christ’s presence. The apostle Paul gives several instructions in verse 6 and then reminds the people of God’s gift of peace.

I wish it were as easy to ponder this kind of peace simply as a lullaby, but Paul and his fellow Christ followers were living during turbulent times. Paul was writing this letter from prison to people who were facing persecutions and rejections because of their faith.

Rev. Dr. Michael Brown, Pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church in NY, NY said, “Paul was not writing about a sense of peace that denied the painful realities of life, but instead a peace that existed in the midst of them. It was a sense of peace that was not based on logic, but rather on relationship...not based on the environment around you, but rather on the Friend beside you: a peace ‘that transcends understanding--guarding your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,’ who is with us in our times of bedlam.”

This “peace that transcends all understanding” is strong enough to speak into the winds and the waves, “Peace be still.”  In John 14, Jesus gives the promise of this kind of peace to his disciples prior to his death. And after His resurrection, Jesus greets his disciples with the words, “Peace be with you.”

I believe Paul is saying that this kind of peace is a gift from God through Christ and through Christ’s living presence with us. Christ’s living presence brings peace in the midst of conflicts, in the midst of fear, in the midst of the storms of life. Christ’s peace frees us and enables us to share this gift of peace with others.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to remember that in your presence, there is peace. Whatever I am facing today, I know you are with me and will carry me through with the gift of your peace. Lead me to others who need to know the peace of your presence. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 26:3.

Isaiah 26 is a psalm of trust, praise, and meditation. Isaiah is singing of how God will restore Israel after a very dark period in its history. He says God will provide perfect peace to those who trust him and keep their thoughts on him. In the original Hebrew text, the term “perfect peace” is actually shalom shalom. God promises a double dose of peace to the faithful. We’re all looking for peace in our lives. We want peace and quiet so that we can rest. We want peace in our family and our relationships. We want peace and harmony in the workplace, neighborhood, community, and the church.

And we want peace within. As Christians, we look for that perfect peace in Jesus. He will keep us in perfect peace when we keep our mind on him and trust him with everything in our lives. We cannot avoid troubles in this world, but when we fix our thoughts on God and his Word, we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. When we are faithful, God’s unchanging love and power will strengthen us, and even though surrounded by chaos, we can have shalom shalom.

Personal Worship Option:

Memorize this verse to say when you are experiencing your own dark period: Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Daily Devotion, November 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:1-2. 

OK, that was short, so please read it again! What a powerful promise is given to us in these two verses! The word “peace” stirs up so many good images for us...walking out of a noisy, busy, crowded room into the quiet outdoors. Or the end of a savage, devastating war when weapons are put aside and the opposing sides agree to stop fighting and to work together. Perhaps it is hearing good news after stressing about a medical test and realizing we are going to be fine. We long for peace in our lives.

There is always a mystery about God, whom we know in many ways including God’s being all-powerful, our creator, and our judge. Scripture often speaks of the fear (awe) of God being a good thing. Paul tells us in this passage that, because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid of God. We are indeed at peace with God. Paul wrote in Greek, but as a Jewish scholar, he likely thought in Hebrew; and the Hebrew word for peace is shalom, which also means completeness, wholeness, and being filled. Being at peace with God through Christ allows us to know God personally and to live into God’s love for us without fear.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on what it means to “have peace with God.” In the coming season of Advent, we will hear of “peace on earth, good will to all.“ Give thanks for the peace in our relationship with God through our faith in Christ and ask God to help us reflect that peace in our relationships with others.

Daily Devotion, November 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 18:33-37.

It is such an ironic scene. The Roman guy in charge thinks he has complete power over this “prisoner.” Later in this conversation, Pilate asks Jesus a question and gets no response. “‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…’” (John 19:10-11)

In the verses we have read for today, there is one statement from Jesus on which I am focused: “My kingdom is not of this world.” I am reminded here of the story about Jesus’ temptations. One of those was Satan tempting him with being able to rule all the kingdoms of this world. Jesus let the tempter know that he was not interested in ruling the kingdoms of this world.  

Sometimes Christians can get too focused on seeking the places and positions of power in this world, thinking God’s people need to be ruling in those positions. But the One we follow made it clear to both Satan and Pilate that his kingdom was not of this world. This kingdom does not rule by force, but by forces like faith, hope and love. This kingdom brings peace that is not just the absence of violence, but changes the hearts of minds of people so that they become peacemakers.  

Pilate asked Jesus if he was a king. Let’s make that personal for each of us. Is he your king? Does he rule your life? Are you continuing to learn about his kingdom? Do you do your part to help make this statement happen: “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”?

Personal Worship Option:

King of heaven and earth, help me every day to reject the kingdoms of this world and serve only your kingdom. Rule in my heart and mind and all I am. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 21:1-5.

It’s one of those scenes that perfectly illustrates the difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of our Christ. After a victory in war, kings of that time would come riding into town on a white stallion, reminding everyone of the power they had shown through their conquering army.  

Matthew gives us the contrast here, quoting from the prophet Zechariah: “...See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey…” The world would laugh at such a scene. Some would think it was some kind of joke. They might ask, “What kind of king comes riding into town on a donkey?” The answer: none other than the King of kings.

Tomorrow in our worship services, we will end the “Christian calendar year” with “Christ The King” Sunday. We tell the story of Jesus throughout the year and conclude by saying “In the end, Christ is King.” We all know there are various sources of power in this world, whether economically or politically or otherwise, but none of those have ultimate power. They are not sources of the kind of power that gives life. There is only one source of that power: Jesus Christ, our ultimate revelation of God. He is the King of kings.

Personal Worship Option:

Way back in 1887, Ernest Shurtleff wrote the words to a hymn that speaks to this contrast of kingdoms. Here’s the second verse:

Lead on, O King eternal, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,

and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.

For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums;

with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes. 

Daily Devotion, November 19, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 10:13-16.

Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God includes and blesses children. It was the custom for parents to bring their children to the rabbis for a blessing, so of course they wanted to bring their little ones to Jesus. However, the disciples thought the whole thing was just a nuisance. The disciples were trying to protect Jesus’ time and energy, but they had lost sight of His heart and exposed their own heart as well. To “rebuke” someone is a strong word. Under no circumstances were they letting these parents and children near Jesus. But when Jesus saw this, he became indignant (angry) that the disciples were standing in the way. Jesus scoops up the children, embraces them, and blesses them. Then He announced that the children were better kingdom examples than the adults. We often tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells adults to model themselves after the children!

So what are the qualities and character adults should model? Their humble dependence on others and their acceptance of themselves. A child enjoys much but can explain very little. Children live by faith: trusting others to care for them and see them through. When a child has a hurt or a problem they immediately take it to their Father or Mother. What an example for us to follow in our relationship with our heavenly Father. We are totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God and He wants to embrace and bless us as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on this song - it’s meaning is meant for children AND adults.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know, 

for the Bible tells me so. 

Little ones to him belong; 

they are weak, but he is strong. 

Refrain: 

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! 

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. 

Jesus loves me, this I know, 

as he loved so long ago, 

taking children on his knee, 

saying, "Let them come to me."

[Refrain]

Daily Devotion, November 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:1-12.

The Bible reading today includes a section of Jesus’ teaching that is often called “The Beati­tudes.” Beatitudes can be described as “ultimate blessings.” These blessings refer to the goodness of life with God in his kingdom and presence. And we can count on these blessings despite all the difficulties we may face in our lives. All who claim God’s promises in Christ can live in the hope of these promises. But the beatitude blessings are more than just promises for the future.

Christian joy includes a profoundly deep sense of peace and comfort that sustains believers even in the midst of persecution, trials, and suffering. The blessedness of this joy is the same as the ultimate blessedness of the beatitudes. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God offers us a joyful, blessed spirit, not only in anticipation of the life to come but also in this life.

A joyful spirit is not one that is happy all the time, no matter the circumstances. Rather, it has the firm foundation of peace and understanding that no matter what happens, God loves us, knows us, and will never leave us. This is the best blessing ever.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, you give us so many blessings, the most important one being your presence in our lives here on earth and in heaven. Thank you for giving our spirit the joy that we have in you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 9:1-6.

Young Simba, in Disney’s Lion King sings, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” The lyrics indicate that Simba wants to be the king so that no one can tell him what to do and he can tell everyone else what to do! Sometimes this is the world’s perspective of a kingly life.

In Luke 9, Jesus is sending his disciples out on a mission for his kingdom, one very different from kingdoms of the world. He is sending them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Jesus is sending them out into a walk of faith totally dependent on God’s care for them. He is sending them out without any of the “trappings” of the ways of a worldly kingdom. They are embarking on this journey to preach the kingdom and to heal the sick without…without a staff, a bag, bread, money or an extra tunic. Talk about traveling lightly!!!

What they are traveling with is the power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and with the message of good news that Jesus is the Messiah and the kingdom of God has come near to them.

Jesus is sending his disciples into the world with the same divine purpose he had declared in the temple when he read from the scroll of Isaiah. Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me, to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

  

Jesus’ way of leadership was identifying with people who often have to live “without”. When one has to live “without”, the testimony is more often that they “live by faith” and not by sight. Thus, Jesus is also sending the disciples out into the world to “live by faith.” They are sent without the trappings of royalty to enable them to understand the life experiences of others and to truly bring them the good news of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, send us out into the world with understanding hearts, totally relying on You. Let our message be the good news of Christ and the freedom he offers for all. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 13:44-52.

In these parables Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Parable of the Hidden Treasure Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else we have. He describes a man who discovered a valuable treasure hidden in a field. He paid nothing for it, but realized its great value and sold everything he had in order to keep it. Nothing is more precious than eternal life with God in the Kingdom of Heaven and he gives it to us as a gift, yet we must be willing to give up everything in order to obtain it. The Parable of the Net concerns fishermen using a dragnet, a weighted net dragged along the bottom of a body of water to collect an assortment of fish. This net is cast into the sea and pulled onto shore full of all kinds of fish. Then the fishermen go through the business of sorting the fish into the “good” and the “bad.” The fish worth keeping are gathered into containers, but the rest are tossed away. Jesus then interprets the parable for His disciples: “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verses 49-50).

Just as the net was cast into the sea drawing many fish, the gospel message is spread into the world, drawing many people to it. Our job as followers of Christ is to tell others about the saving grace of God and his goodness. But we cannot dictate who is actually part of the Kingdom of God and who is not. That sorting will be done at the last judgment by God. What a relief that we don’t have that responsibility! Let’s cast the net as widely as possible, inviting anyone who will listen, into God’s kingdom. It’s not for us to decide who is in and who is out but to faithfully issue invitations.

Personal Worship Option:

Meditate on the lyrics to the gospel song “Share His Love” –

Share His love by telling what the Lord has done for you

Share His love by sharing of your faith

and show the world that Jesus Christ is real to you

every moment, every day!

Daily Devotion, November 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 72:1-5, 12-14.

It is thought that this psalm was written as a prayer for Solomon, the son of David, as he ascended to his father’s throne. Other scholars say that it was likely also used as a prayer in the coronation services for other kings who came after Solomon in the line of David. In this prayer, we hear the psalmist asking God to grant the new king the ability to rule with justice, to care for the afflicted and the needy, to defend the weak, and to bring abundant life to the people. Solomon began his reign as a wise and good king, but he began to worship other gods and fell short of the hope and expectations in this prayer. Other kings who came after Solomon varied from good to bad, and none of them lived up to this prayer.

Jewish persons began to see this psalm as a prayer for a messiah, and early Christians saw in Jesus Christ the answer to this prayer. Jesus lived justly, cared for the marginalized, and blessed the weak. The kingdom of David and his descendants was of the world, measuring its success by might and power and by economic and political means. The kingdom that Jesus proclaimed and teaches us to seek is not of this world.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, we ask you to give wisdom and compassion to those who lead us in all levels of government. But help us also to trust in you, knowing that human beings, all of us, fall short. You and you alone are worthy of our worship. Help us to seek first your kingdom. In Christ’s name, Amen!

Daily Devotion, November 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 21:15-17.

Peter had become a leader among the disciples. He had pledged his allegiance to Jesus, even to the point of death. Then on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied even knowing him. Now it is after Jesus has been resurrected from the dead. This scene describes one of his appearances to his disciples. He has invited them to breakfast on the lakeshore. It is time for Jesus to restore Peter to his leadership role, but he must first challenge Peter to be clear about what is most important to him: “...do you love me more than these?” Those who study the Bible sometimes debate about what the word “these” refers to there.

The more important search is to determine what it refers to in your life. I believe we all have a “these.” We all have things and people in life we love. We all have priorities in our life. It might be a good practice to write (or type) those down somewhere. Make a list of them. Maybe even put them in order of priority for you. Jesus then puts the same question to each of us: “(your name), do you love me more than these?” 

Remember, if you are able to answer “Yes” to that question, he will help you with the rest of the list.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you with your list of priorities, including what might need to be deleted and what might need to be added.

Daily Devotion, November 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

On Sunday mornings, before the band and singers start their rehearsal, the sound and camera guys have me do a sound check with my microphone to make sure it is working properly. This time of year, I attempt to interject some humor into the situation by telling everyone in the room the score of the Chuckey-Doak football game that week. (As I write this, they have made the playoffs, although I suspect they won’t last long in them. But don’t tell them I said that!) For those of you who do not know, I graduated from Chuckey-Doak High School in Greene County, Tennessee. And I love telling others about that “holy” place!

On a much more serious note, Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth in the first century. He is reminding them about his time among them. In these verses, he is reminding them about his primary focus while he was there: “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” His life was totally committed to the person and way of Jesus Christ, and he let everyone around him know that whenever he had the opportunity.

When people are around you, what or who do they hear you talk about the most?

Personal Worship Option:

Practice what you want to say to other people about what Jesus Christ means to you. What part of his teaching do you think most needs to be shared? Try practicing talking about that by yourself for a week or two; then try sharing it with a Christian friend. Then pray about receiving an opportunity to share with someone who does not know Christ. Let this become your priority. 

Daily Devotion, November 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:25-33.

A few weeks ago, the kids on Wednesday evening were exploring this passage. We talked about what was important to them and all the good things that were in their lives. After each item was identified, we placed a ping pong ball in a jar. The jar quickly filled up. In the second jar, there was sand which represented God and all that is part of following God. Since both jars represented our lives, we tried to combine the ping pong balls with the sand, but it would not fit. Instead, we replaced all the ping pong balls in one jar and poured the sand into that jar. It was a success! Everything fits together. So, what did we learn? God must permeate everything in our lives. He is not just first on Sunday, but every day in every way. This is what Jesus’ teaching reminds us: keep our priorities in order. If our top priority is to seek God’s will and purposes, we won’t have to worry about basic needs.

Personal Worship Option:

What are you worried about today? Do you need to re-evaluate your schedule and priorities? Spend some time with God and trust Him with your needs.

Daily Devotion, November 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 4:1-8.

In this scripture, Satan came with temptations that challenged whether Jesus would truly fulfill the Father’s mission. What should we do when faced with a test? Note that Jesus used Scripture to resist the devil. With God’s Word in our hearts, we can have strength to fight temptation. We are encouraged to be positive, to pray, and to be patient. We must trust in God’s power and have faith.

It's tough to resist the devil's lies. Temptations are enough to trip us up. We can always come up with good reasons to justify what we do! In turning down the devil's offers, Jesus shows us how to maintain our ethical stamina. Jesus quotes God's truth in the face of the devil's lies. We need the truth of God's Word to keep us strong when we journey out into a wilderness. We need to be full of the Holy Spirit as it is the power of God. We must stay strong in our daily scripture reading and knowledge of God as Satan will twist the words and take advantage of our human weaknesses. We must remember that all the things in the world will just fade away. All the wealth, power, respect, status, and pleasures this world may offer are nothing compared to what we can obtain when we follow God’s commandments. We must only worship God. Our allegiance and loyalty should only be to God.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, keep our hearts and spirit near to you so that we have your power to fight temptation. Keep reminding us through your spirit, the path of truth. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 20:1-3.

Once upon a time, when there was a task on my list to be accomplished, the one waiting for this task to be done kindly asked, “But is it at the top of your list?” This question has remained with me, “What is at the top of my list?”

God is forming this new community of people who had been in bondage and slavery. God gives this “I AM” statement of self-disclosure to proclaim to the people who God is and how God is to be “practiced” by this community. God is the One who has brought them out of Egypt and out of the land of slavery. Now God is declaring God’s own claim upon these people. The people are being called to a single loyalty unto this one and only God who has delivered them out of bondage and into freedom.

Rev. Dr. Randall Lolley, preached a sermon on this passage which I have remembered for 30 years. The title of his sermon was, “The Difference Between ‘One’ and Any Other Number.” First he gave a mathematical explanation (from his Physics background) about the number “one” being a unique number. Then his point was that this God isn’t your God unless this God is your one and only focus, loyalty, devotion and worship. He quoted Jesus’ words, “No one can serve two masters.”

If we simply ask ourselves, “Is God at the top of our list?” We miss his point. Too often, we let our devotion to God be a checkmark on our list of “things to do”. It’s not about God being first on our list, it is about God being our focus, our one and only one that we worship, our purpose, our complete trust and our eternal promise.

God’s presence and claim upon our lives calls us to recognize God’s presence in our lives with every breath that we take, every word which we speak, and every action which we take. And in recognizing God’s presence, we follow God’s lead in all which we think, say and do. God calls for our worship for our sake. It is about growing in this relationship with this covenantal God who is forever faithful in keeping the covenant.

Personal Worship Option:

Pause and breathe in God’s presence with you now. God is worthy of our complete trust, worship, thanksgiving and praise. God is always faithful. Amen.

Daily Devotion, November 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 18:1-3.

It’s believed that this Psalm was written toward the end of David’s life when he was at peace. David praises God for his glorious works and blessings through the years. He writes of God’s strength and protection and characterizes God using military images that David would have been familiar with over the years. God is an immovable rock, a fortress and place of safety. He is a shield protecting David from harm. The horn of salvation symbolizes the strength God provided David in times of trouble. David praises God for saving him from his enemies. Just as David looked back over his life and used images to describe his love for God, what images of God come to your mind as you look back over your own life? Take time today to write words to and about God that reveal your devotion and need for God.

Personal Worship Option:

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. (Psalm 92:1)

Today I praise you for your glorious works and blessing through the years. Now call those words out loud or write them.

Daily Devotion, November 8, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 19:16-22.

So many of Jesus’ teachings trouble me, and this is one of those. This young man is focused incorrectly on what he must do in order to receive eternal life. Jesus gives him the expected answer by quoting five of the ten commandments and reminding him to love his neighbor as himself. While the young man’s response that he has kept all of those might sound arrogant, we have no reason to think he answered with that attitude. We can accept at face value that he has followed the rules and loves his neighbors, but he clearly senses that something is missing in his life. Jesus goes to the heart of the matter by challenging him to sell his many possessions, give to the poor, and come follow him. The young man’s wealth was his priority, so he made his choice and walked away sad.

This troubles me because, by the world’s standards, I have wealth. Many of us do. This passage teaches us to use our financial means as a way to love our neighbor, never letting love of money and the things money can buy us become our focus or priority in life. How would Jesus answer if we asked, “What must I do…?”

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, I want following you to be my first priority in life. Give me the wisdom to know what that means regarding how I am to use my money. Help me also to understand if there are other priorities I am putting first. Then give me the faith to go where you lead me. Amen.