Daily Devotion, January 31, 2022

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:1-2.

In the first century, Christians were referred to by different names. Later in the Book of Acts, in 11:26, we read of believers in the church in Antioch being the first to be called “Christ-ones,” or Christians. In today’s passage, we see believers referred to as people who belonged to “the Way,” which was a common name for those who followed Christ. In John 14, when Thomas had asked Jesus to tell the apostles the way to where he was going, Jesus replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

There are so many different ways to live our lives. We can focus on gaining wealth and material things, on seeking power and fame; and we can compromise our values in order to be popular and liked. But none of those ways lead to the abundant life God intends for us. Real life comes in learning to live the way of Christ, and it is no coincidence that we recently changed the wording of our church mission statement to “Learning to live the way of Jesus Christ and inviting all to follow him.” Learning to live the way of Christ is a lifelong process of study, prayer, serving others, and focusing our values on those things Christ loved and taught.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect today on how you are doing in living the way of Christ. Is there something that needs to change in order for that to be your personal mission in life? God does not want us to hang our heads in guilt but to lift our heads, follow the Way, and invite others to join us on our journey.

Daily Devotion, January 30, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 7:24-30.

This can be a very disturbing story for those who have come to know Jesus. His rebuke of the woman in the story does not sound like the Jesus we have come to know in the rest of the story about him. There is much to learn about what is actually going on in this verbal exchange and we will look at that in the sermon during worship this morning.

For now, I want to celebrate the love and courage of this woman! She is a mother who loves her daughter so much that she is willing to do whatever it takes to find healing for her. She has heard about Jesus’ power to heal and though she is a Gentile, she goes to him seeking help for her daughter. When he lets her know that he is focused elsewhere at this time, she offers an argument that is compelling. Jesus welcomes her courage and her quick-witted intelligence. Notice that he grants the healing because she “won the argument” (v. 29).

This exchange is another example of the Biblical teaching that God wants to be in relationship with us and is willing to listen and be in conversation with us. Let this woman inspire you to tell God what you think!

Personal Worship Option:

Is there anything that you “really think” that you are afraid to say to God? Why?

Daily Devotion, January 29, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 22:1-2.

The first question of this passage is what Jesus uttered from the cross. We can only imagine what he was going through at the time, not only physically but spiritually as well. He was obviously experiencing a sense of abandonment and isolation. However, just like he had done many times before in conversation with his heavenly Father, he shared exactly what he was feeling and thinking. In this instance, he asked that one-word question that is probably the most asked question of all time: “Why…?”

 

Jesus and the Psalmist remind us that it is okay to ask God questions and share with God all that we are experiencing. Jesus taught that God seeks to be in an intimate relationship with every person and wants us to be assured that we can let God know of our deepest hurts and fears as well as our highest joys and celebrations. You can ask God anything and tell God everything. That is the essence of what a personal prayer life is all about. The Psalmist gives many examples of that and when Jesus was in the greatest struggle of his life, his mind turned to that very familiar book to help him express what he was feeling. I encourage you to read through the Psalms at least once or twice each year. Let them continue to teach you what an intimate relationship with God looks and sounds like.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider writing a Psalm that expresses to God your experience of the last two years.

Daily Devotion, January 28, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 2:1-11.

Jesus’ mother wanted him to rescue a young couple from embarrassment at their wedding. Though initially reluctant to do so, he granted her desire. It’s another example of God’s willingness to engage us in dialogue and relationship. Jesus valued the wedding festivities because it involved people and Jesus came to be with people. Jesus is concerned about us because we are his children and his friends.

We tend to look everywhere but to God for excitement and meaning. For some reason we expect God to be dull but just the opposite is true. Why wait until everything else runs out before trusting God? Why save the best until last?

Our mission can often be accomplished in joyous times of celebration with others. Bring balance to your life by bringing Jesus into times of pleasure as well as times of work.

Personal Worship Option:

How long has it been since you had a good laugh? A hilarious time of fun with Christian friends? Jesus wants us to rejoice and enjoy life. Share that joy with others. Celebrate!

Daily Devotion, January 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 18:20-33.

​​Can we ever bargain with God? In this passage God tells Abraham about his plans for destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. Maybe Abraham is concerned about his nephew Lot, who had moved with his family into Sodom. Abraham's heart is aching as he thinks about God's possible judgment. What if there are righteous people there who get killed?

Abraham asks God if he will spare the city if there are fifty righteous people there. Then he lowers the number to forty-five and then to forty, thirty, twenty, and ten. It sounds a lot like bargaining that occurred in the local marketplace. God listens and answers patiently.

Why is Abraham so bold to talk this way to God? Probably because he trusts God. Abraham asks, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do the right thing?" Abraham's questions are based on his trust that God will do right. Do we ever try to bargain with God? If so, is it based on trust in Him, or on our own perception of what's right? Abraham makes his requests on behalf of others. Are there places today that are like Sodom's? All of us as sinners can still repent and become righteous through Jesus. Are we ready to help others find Jesus?

Personal Worship Option:

God of justice and love, may our world turn to you. Help us to see others with compassion and share the good news of Jesus.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Job 42:1-6.

Job is a person of great faith. Until the time of Job the basic belief was that spiritual piety would produce prosperity and a life full of sin would produce suffering. God was perceived to be distant. Job was faithful in every way and yet he still suffered. His friends offered misguided advice about God.

Job suffered with the loss of his wealth, his family and his own health. Job remained faithful. Job called out to God. And God answered. Chapters 38-41 of Job record some of the most beautiful, powerful and descriptive words about God. And in many of the verses of these chapters, it is God who is asking the questions. And for God’s questions, Job has no answers.

Job 42 is Job’s confession out of his encounter with the Living God. In verse 5, Job speaks to God. “My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job’s experience of the presence of the Living God put everything in perspective and far outweighed anything his friends had told him. It was all Job needed to continue in faithfulness unto God.

In its own way, the Old Testament Book of Job helps to give voice to some of our deepest questions. These questions and especially questions we might describe as “wrestling with God” come when we are going through seasons of suffering.

Dr. Ralph L. Smith writes, “Sufferers find in the book of Job a word of encouragement. Suffering may come upon one suddenly, mercilessly, and inexplicably. We, like Job, may never know why we are suffering. We may never receive the explanation we need, but we can be sure that God hears all of our prayers and will understand our heartaches. God can receive and be understanding with our questions and will be with us through it all.”

Personal Worship Option:

God’s question to Job in 38:11 which in essence asks “Can you hold the oceans back at its shorelines?” invites us to the higher ground of truly seeing that God is God and we are not. And yet, God is always gracious to work with us through our questions until we can see and experience God in new ways, which allows us to grow in our faith and trust God with our futures.

Daily Devotion, January 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 32:9-14.

Moses has been on Mt Sinai with God for forty days and nights receiving from God the terms of the Covenant and overview of the Tabernacle. God inscribes the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. But while Moses is there before God, the people at the foot of the mountain have become impatient. They demand that Aaron make visible gods like they're used to. From their gold earrings Aaron fashions a gold calf.

God is utterly disgusted and filled with anger at who he calls, “stiff-necked people,” a reference to a mule or ox which would resist the lead rope and refuse to let its master lead it. Instead it would stiffen its neck against the reins. God vows to destroy them.

Moses appeals to God, boldly interceding for the people of Israel, pleading for mercy rather than condemnation upon them. Notice the basis of Moses' appeals:

·    These are your people.

·    You have great power.

·    Don’t let the enemy, the Egyptians, call you evil.

·    You made a promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel.

And in the end God relents and responds positively to Moses' prayer. Because Moses was willing to wrestle with God in prayer, the Lord changes his mind. God spares his people because of his covenant faithfulness, because of his promises to his servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it is the same with us today. God spares us, forgives us, and looks on us with grace and mercy. With Moses we learn that there is power in prayer. As James wrote: “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16 NLT).

Personal Worship Option:

In your prayer time today remember to praise God for his faithfulness, recall his promises, and ask boldly for God to do great things for you in accordance with his will.

Daily Devotion, January 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 32:22-28.

This passage comes at a pivotal point in the life of Jacob. His name means “Grabber,” and he had earned his name even at birth, grabbing at the heel of his twin brother Esau in a futile attempt to hold Esau back and be born first. He deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing that was rightfully Esau’s and had to leave home to escape Esau’s wrath. In an almost comical back and forth with his father-in-law, Laban, Jacob had deceived and had been deceived. Now with wives, children, and huge herds of animals, Jacob is returning home to face his brother Esau. On the night before what may be a violent encounter with him, Jacob is alone as he lies down to sleep.

During the night, Jacob struggles with a man representing God. Jacob is tenacious, fights hard, and refuses to let the man go at daybreak. The man gives Jacob a new name…Israel, “one who struggles with God.” Jacob had gotten it right. Facing his guilt and fearing what his brother Esau might do to him, he turned to God and struggled. Our first reaction might be to recoil, thinking this is wrong. Struggling with God almost always leads to an intimate relationship. It is ignoring or disregarding God that leads to emptiness and loss.

Personal Worship Option:

In prayer, it is a good practice to have a dialogue with God, speaking and then listening. In our best prayers, we are honest and push back when we do not like what God is saying to us. God can handle our struggles and resistance, and I am guessing God loves our honesty. Try it today!

Daily Devotion, January 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Timothy 4:5-8.

The man formerly known as Saul was one who put his beliefs into action. He was willing to live what he believed, no matter the challenges he faced in doing so. He had grown up to become a zealous advocate for the Law of the Scriptures. He became equally convinced that the people who were teaching that Jesus was the Messiah were wrong and their mission had to be stopped. Then he had an encounter with Jesus and was forever changed. His zeal was now focused on sharing the good news of Christ with everyone he could. He wanted to help his Jewish brothers and sisters believe in Jesus, but saw his primary mission as sharing this news with the Gentiles, those outside the Jewish family.

 

His zeal and perseverance for that mission caused him to face many challenges, but he was faithful to it to the end. In these verses from one of his letters to his protege Timothy, he offers a statement that is often quoted on behalf of those who have also persevered in their faith: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

Remember that our fight is not against people, but against the forces of evil (hate, greed, fear, etc.), wherever we find them, including inside ourselves. We fight those forces with what we believe are superior forces (love, generosity, trust, etc.). With that in mind, may you and I be able to say at the end of our life, “I have fought the good fight…”

Personal Worship Option:

Consider praying this portion of the “Prayer of St. Francis” today:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.”

Daily Devotion, January 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.

To have faith in someone or something is to have trust. To maintain that trust through the good times and the struggles of life is to be faithful. The writer of “The Letter To The Hebrews” shares about both. Back in chapter eleven, he offers something of a roll call of those who trusted in God but who also persevered in that trust. They faced many challenges yet maintained their faith. And our focus verses for today remind us that Jesus is our ultimate example of one who persevered in faithfulness to his mission.

In my own lifetime, I have been inspired by many people who persevered in their faith to the very end of their life. Some dealt with physical challenges. Others had to work through troubles in their relationships. Some faced various kinds of injustice. Many did not get their prayers answered in the way they sought. But all of them kept trusting in God with their life until they took their last breath.

There are many of them throughout the Bible. Many more are in the pages of history since Bible days. Others have inspired us in our day and time. Who are those people for you? My prayer for you is that you will persevere with your trust in God throughout your life, no matter what you face, and that your example will inspire others to keep faithful to the very end.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: Faithful God, I give thanks today for the many people down through history who have persevered in their trust of you. Even now, I think of some I have known in my life. Help me have the courage and determination to be faithful to you for the rest of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus, who lived the perfect example of faithfulness to the end. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ruth 4:13-17.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of perseverance and faithfulness to God. It reminds us that God’s power redeems desperate situations. His grace unites. God forged an unlikely friendship between two very different women and brought about an unexpected marriage between a peasant girl and a prosperous guardian-redeemer.

God brought great blessing out of tragedy which is an encouragement to us to trust Him. God will be with us in the hard times. The love story between Boaz and Ruth foreshadows the coming of Jesus as the ultimate Guardian-Redeemer. It’s Jesus who gladly rescues broken and hurting, lost and hopeless people.

 

Ruth was unaware of her purpose in the larger story of redemption.  Because of Ruth’s faithful obedience her life and legacy were significant even though she couldn’t see all the results. The same is true for us today. Live in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of your life will extend beyond your lifetime.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the quality of your legacy. Does it reflect faithfulness, perseverance, love, and other God-honoring qualities? Spend some time thanking God for His faithfulness.

Daily Devotion, January 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:12-14.

The scripture for today talks about the disciples, the brothers of Jesus, Mary, the mother of Jesus and the other women who had been at the tomb, gathering in the upper room each day for prayer. This is after Jesus had ascended into heaven and the waiting for Jesus’ followers had begun. They were waiting for the gift that his Father, God, had promised. They knew this gift would give them the power of the Holy Spirit but they did not know when this would happen. The group were very perseverant in the wake of fear of the unknown.

Initially this group had scattered from the Mount of Olives when Jesus was arrested but their faith gathered them together back in Jerusalem. It states that they were constantly in prayer. There was an everyday consistency that demonstrated their life before God and one another. It is noteworthy that even the brothers of Jesus, who did not join in following him as disciples, now joined with this group of believers. They stayed steadfast.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us persevere in our faithfulness to you and live the life that you desire for us. Even in tough times, assist us in doing the right things for the right reasons, to glorify you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Deuteronomy 34:1-7.

We are focusing this week on those who persevered in living for God and telling others about God. To understand the word, “perseverance”, my fifth grade teacher told us the story of Glenn Cunningham, who overcame his severe leg injuries at age 7 to become the fastest mile runner in 1934 and held that record for three years.

Moses persevered throughout a long life of struggles and with the people of God, but he followed God’s guidance to the very end. God spared Moses’ life from the beginning and he was nurtured by his Israelite family, even though he grew up in the pharaoh’s palace.

After killing a brutal Egyptian taskmaster, Moses fled to Midian, where God called him to deliver the Israelite people from Egypt. With the help of his brother Aaron, Moses pleaded with the pharaoh for the Israelites’ release. After ten plagues, the pharaoh let them go. Moses led them across the Red Sea. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses to give to the Israelites so that they could understand the covenant God was making with them. Then Moses continued to lead his people through 40 years of wandering in the wilderness until they reached the edge of Canaan.

It was never easy leading the Israelite people. They disobeyed, grumbled and complained---a lot. Moses, too, had many obstacles to overcome. He had killed someone. He had to overcome his own speaking difficulties, and he had to deal with the Israelites’ worship of a golden calf.

The people continued to complain. Numbers 20 tells the story of the people demanding water in the wilderness. God asks Moses to speak to the rock and instead Moses strikes the rock. This prevents Moses and Aaron from ever arriving in the Promised Land. But here in Deuteronomy 34, God allows Moses to see the Promised Land. Moses was faithful unto God and God’s calling throughout his lifetime. With God’s strength, Moses truly persevered.

Personal Worship Option:

Mile runner Glenn Cunningham’s, favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” What verses help you persevere through life’s difficulties to remain faithful unto God? Thanks be to God who is forever faithful unto us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 49:29-33; 50:12-13.

Jacob, whose name meant “deceiver,” spent much of his life as a calculating, crafty, and even wicked man. He was driven by a passion to get what he wanted for himself, even deceiving his father to get the birthright. Afterward, he was forced to leave home and start a new life. After years of struggling with God and men, Jacob’s life was a mess. His struggle eventually led him to a wrestling match with a mysterious man in whom Jacob saw God face to face. Out of his weakness, Jacob called out in faith for God’s blessing and was transformed by grace. God renamed Jacob, calling him "Israel" meaning "one who has struggled with God." And an entire nation is named after this patriarch, the nation of Israel. By the end of his life, his relationship with God became a priority. As he lay dying, Jacob gave clear orders concerning his burial in Canaan. He was to be taken up to Canaan to the field of Machpelah, and buried in the cave along with his grandfather Abraham, and his father Isaac, as well as his mother Rebekah, and wife Leah. Jacob remembered that the burial ground was special, because it was the land that God promised. Knowing that he had fulfilled all of his obligations, our passage tells us Jacob drew up his feet into the bed and died. His twelve sons, perhaps for the only time in their lives, united in obedience to their father and followed his burial instructions. Through the example of Jacob we see how God can sometimes change families and impact entire cultures through those who live faithful to God.

Personal Worship Option:

God can use your strengths, your weaknesses, your quirks, your insecurities, your experience, and your past for a purpose. Ask God today to use you to encourage someone in their faith journey this week.

Daily Devotion, January 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 25:7-10.

This passage reads almost like an obituary for Abraham. It briefly lets us know that Abraham lived to a ripe old age and died…most of us would settle for 175 years! But like so many obituaries for great people, it is understated. Abraham was the patriarch, the father of the Children of Israel! When God had asked him to pull up roots and go to an unknown place God would show him, Abraham showed tremendous faith and went. When God tested his faith by sending him with a knife, fire, and wood seemingly to sacrifice his young and beloved son Isaac, Abraham had gone. Abraham extended grace, protection, and generous love to his nephew Lot. But Abraham was far from perfect. He selfishly pretended that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife on at least two occasions to save his own life. He became impatient when the son God promised him and Sarah did not come soon enough, and he fathered a son with Sarah’s servant.

Human and imperfect, Abraham never wavered or strayed from his faith in God. Abraham’s lifelong relationship with God sets a wonderful example for us. God calls real humans, imperfect as we are, to a lifelong journey of faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for characters in the Bible who clearly were not perfect but who lived faithfully in relationship with God. Think of persons you have known who served as examples to you of strong faith and perseverance and give thanks for them. Take the opportunity to tell others about them.

Daily Devotion, January 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 45:1-7, 14-15.

Yesterday, we looked at some of the “backstory” for the life of Joseph. His earlier treatment by his brothers could have caused him to have deep-seated anger and even hatred toward them. When he rose to power in Egypt and suddenly stood before those brothers one day, it had to be tempting to him to throw them into slavery (or worse). He certainly had the means to exact revenge on them had he so chose.

But he chose another path. As he looked over all that had happened in his life, he saw God at work in it. And that understanding allowed him to show forgiveness and love toward his brothers. He is an inspiration to all of us who may at times want to take out our feelings of frustration or anger on others. We can instead live into our belief that God can take anything that happens in life and bring something good out of it. Most people would have sympathized with Joseph had he chosen to treat his brothers another way, but he took the opportunity to show them and the people of Egypt the way of God. We have those opportunities as well in life. There are times when most everyone around us would understand if we chose to deal with a situation like the rest of the world does, but when we choose to follow the way of our Lord, we become a witness to the power of God to change hearts and minds. To put it simply, we get to help God continue to create a better world.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about other people in your lifetime who have inspired you because they handled a situation according to the teaching of the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than the ways of the world. Renew your commitment today to represent God in how you handle those challenging times and relationships, rather than dealing with them according to the ways and thinking of this world.

Daily Devotion, January 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 37:13-28.

Tomorrow in both our devotional reading and our worship services, we will be looking at a situation much later in the story of Joseph. Prior to that, we need to be reminded of this part of his life, because it is the key part of the “backstory” leading to the part for tomorrow.

Joseph was the eleventh in a line of twelve brothers, sons of Jacob (Israel). His dad had made it rather clear that he favored Joseph over the others. That fact, as well as Joseph’s behavior caused most of his brothers to not like him at all. The verses we read today tell of the time when they had tolerated him all they could and were ready to get rid of him. Some wanted to kill him, but then they saw an opportunity to sell him to slave traders and they did just that. So first, he is humiliated by being thrown into this hole in the ground, then sold and sent away to a foreign land, separated from his beloved father and family.

As you read further in the story, he is falsely accused of something and put in prison, where he spent over two years. All of that gave him plenty of time to develop a deep hatred of his brothers. Tomorrow, we will look at how his life changed and what he did when he later encountered his brothers.

Personal Worship Option:

What are those circumstances and who are those people that have caused you to feel mistreated in your lifetime? How have you dealt with that? How has it affected your relationship with God? Is there any deep-seated anger or hatred toward other people from which you need to be healed? Seek the guidance of a counselor or trusted colleague who can help you release whatever may be continuing to corrode your spirit. 

Daily Devotion, January 14, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 24:2-11.

Saul was hunting David to kill him. Though David had the opportunity to kill Saul, he spared his life. This not only demonstrated self-control, but love and forgiveness toward someone who had sworn to kill him. How can we love or forgive someone who is against us? This is perhaps one of the hardest things for us to do, to be kind to someone who treats us badly. We either know people we have a hard time loving, or we know people who have a hard time loving us, or both. Jesus assumed we would have enemies when he said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44). The question is not whether or not we have enemies. The issue is whether or not we will love and pursue them at great cost to ourselves. This is a wonderful story of what it means to pursue our enemies and live out the truth: It’s not about me!

We so quickly see the hurt others cause us and the pain they have inflicted on us, and we forget the truth about them. They too, are created in God’s image. God loves them and also has a plan and purpose for their life. So, as we negotiate this relationship it will require love, humility, and patience.

Personal Worship Option:

Who are you avoiding that you should pursue? Are you waiting for them to make the first move? Why not go to them with humility and love. How can you love that person today?

Daily Devotion, January 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 16:16-28.

Paul and Silas were bothered by a slave girl who predicted the future that made money for her owner. They cast out the spirit that was in her so she was no longer a moneymaker. As a result, the owner drug Paul and Silas into court for creating a disturbance. The magistrate ordered them to be stripped, beaten, and sent to jail.

Locked securely in an inner cell, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God around midnight. All of the prisoners could hear them. When an earthquake shook open all the prison doors and loosed everyone’s chains, no one escaped. Wait, would we be singing hymns and praising God if we had been beaten and jailed? Would we not have escaped and forgotten about the others after the earthquake had freed us? Paul and Silas did not waste this opportunity. The jailer, who was about to kill himself, rushed in and instead found new life in Christ as Paul and Silas shared the good news. When we face difficulties, do we reflect the awesome grace and trust of God?

Personal Worship Option:

God, when things go wrong in our lives, help us to turn to you and demonstrate to others your love and good news of abundant and eternal life. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:10-19.

Saul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus is very familiar. But perhaps we often overlook God’s transforming work in Ananias’ life! Ananias knew the facts about Saul. Ananias says unto the Lord, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

Ananias was no doubt afraid to meet Saul! But God had other plans for Ananias. God said, “Go!” And Ananias obeyed.

We know a little bit more about Ananias from Acts 22:12. Saul is telling his own conversion story. “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.”

Dr. Robert W. Wall writes, “Like Saul, Ananias was a devout Jew, however he is numbered among the believers Saul seeks to harm. Ironically, it is now Ananias who seeks out Saul to heal him and deliver the initial instructions of a new life.”

Ananias' transformational experience was to realize that with God, it is possible for a life to be changed! When Ananias sees Saul, his first words to him are “Brother Saul”. Ananias already recognizes the work God has begun in Saul’s life!

With God, it is possible for a life to be changed! Sometimes, we forget this. We give up praying for others! We are blind to see God’s work in their lives! We need God to change us, too! Our new prayer for this year is for God’s help to overcome holding grudges against one another and instead, seek God’s help in showing love and forgiveness.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Lord, give us humble hearts and the courage to follow where you are leading us. Help us to forgive others who have wronged us. Help us to remember that with you, it is possible for a life to be changed and transformed by your love and forgiveness. Open our eyes to see your life-changing power in our lives and in the lives of others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, January 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 7:54-60.

How can we learn to control our natural tendency to lash out against those who hurt us? We know our responsibility as Christians is to forgive, but we can easily be overwhelmed by feelings of hurt and anger. Our reading today highlights a powerful example of forgiveness. Stephen was facing a mob filled with hate and plans to kill him. Scripture tells us Stephen was a "man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." He was "full of God's grace and power who performed great wonders and signs among the people." When the people began to stone him, he fell to his knees and cried out a prayer of forgiveness, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

Similarly, Jesus, Son of the Most High God and full of the power of the Holy Spirit, was on the cross facing an angry mob who wanted him dead. With love and mercy, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Notice the similarities we see in both men. They were Spirit-filled men dying at the hands of hate-filled angry mobs. Both Stephen and Jesus forgave. Let's return to our earlier question, "How can we learn to control our natural tendency to lash out against those who hurt us?" We need to fight against our natural tendency and use God's supernatural power to forgive. If Stephen and Jesus can forgive, we certainly can.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank God today for the forgiveness he has extended to you. Is there someone you need to forgive?

Daily Devotion, January 10, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 23:32-34.

Jesus would have been roughly thrown down on his back onto the horizontal cross piece, and his arms would have been stretched out on each side. The pain would have been excruciating as the iron spikes were driven between the arm bones, the radius and the ulna, just above the wrist joint, first one and then the other. Lifted into the air with Jesus now attached, the cross piece dropped into its bracket on the vertical piece that was permanently set in the ground. Then his legs were bent up slightly at the knees, and his ankles were nailed to the upright. The agonized human response would be to despise those who had inflicted such horrific pain on him. But instead, he asked his Father to forgive them. Even in this horrific situation, Jesus knew they were ignorant and should not be punished for their actions.

Often today, when a suspect is convicted of murder, the family of the victim will be interviewed. They usually express relief, often mentioning closure, and are grateful that justice has been done. On a very few rare occasions, we see the family express sorrow for the convicted person’s family and even say they have forgiven the murderer. That is following the very difficult example of Jesus Christ!

Personal Worship Option:

All of us have been wronged or hurt by others. Sometimes we hold onto the hurt and have difficulty letting it go. Pray today for the ability to forgive, using this example of Christ as the ultimate witness of forgiveness.

Daily Devotion, January 9, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Esther 4:9-16.

In the new sermon series starting today, we are going to be looking at various people who have inspired us, some of whom are in the Bible. One of the first that comes to my mind is Esther. She was a young Jewish woman who lived in exile in the time of the Persians ruling the land. When the king of the land became disenchanted with his wife, he decided to seek a new queen from the women of the land. He ended up choosing Esther, who had not told anyone of her heritage. She had been raised by her cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents. When an official in the kingdom convinced the king that all the Jewish people should be destroyed, Mordecai let Esther know that she needed to speak to the king on behalf of her people. She knew that to approach the king without being summoned could bring about her death, but determined that was what she had to do.  

Chances are that most of us will not be asked to do something for the kingdom of our Lord that could endanger our life. However, there may be times when we sense the need to speak up or do something to try to right a wrong we see being done to someone or a whole group of people. Doing so might cost you a friendship, popularity or even your job. When you face those situations, may you be inspired by this young Jewish woman who knew what she had to do, no matter the risk or consequences.

Personal Worship Option:

What might the Holy Spirit be leading you to do that could be costly to you? Seek the wisdom of a trusted friend or small group. Let the Spirit also lead you through them to have the wisdom and courage you need to do the right thing.