Daily Devotion, February 28, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 3:4-8.

John’s addressing his audience as a “brood of vipers'' is a pretty clear indication that he is not an appointed, paid, pastor of a local church!! Pastors are taught in preaching classes the need to be both prophet and pastor in our sermons. The person who preaches as a prophet listens to God and delivers the message as if she or he is a herald, delivering a message from the king. The person who preaches as a pastor, on the other hand, also listens to the local congregation in order to determine what they need and are meant to hear. The best preachers are able to blend the two and deliver messages from God that are focused on the needs of their congregations. John may have missed class the day they talked about preaching as pastor. He is the ultimate prophetic preacher!

John was addressing Sadducees, the ruling party of the Jewish people, and Pharisees, who prided themselves on following all the Jewish laws to the absolute letter. Neither group was known for loving others. John called them to live out what God really expects of believers, which would have required them to repent, turning about completely. We too must be faithful in our lives and keep growing in the way of Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray today, think about what John the Baptist might say to you if he were preaching one-on-one to you. It is good to be humble and to realize that we have much to learn in our journeys of faith. Pick just one thing that will help you move closer to living the way of Christ.

Daily Devotion, February 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 4:16-19.

As Luke writes about the life and ministry of Jesus, this is early in that ministry. The Holy Spirit has led Jesus to be baptized, where he is assured of God’s love and affirmation. The Spirit has led him into a time of wrestling with the temptations he will face. Then verse 14 says “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit…” As he stands to read the Scriptures in the synagogue, he sees in the passage from the prophet Isaiah a vision of what his ministry is to be about. It will be focused on the least, last, lost and lonely of this world. He would bring good news to all those who mostly hear and experience bad news and struggle in life.

For those who seek to represent Jesus in this world today, one of the ways we can evaluate whether we are actually being his people is to determine whether we are ministering to those same people in our world today. What are we doing to make life better for those who struggle most in this world? How are we advocating for and making a difference in the lives of the poor? What are we doing to share the good news of God’s love and forgiveness with people who too often only get bad news?

It was a vision for Jesus’ ministry when he was here on earth. May his people everywhere still see it as their (our) ministry today.

Personal Worship Option:

What do you see as your ministry as a part of our shared ministry at Christ Church? If you do not have an answer for that question, please check out our list of service/ministry opportunities both in the church and out in the world, as well as the ministry section of our Strategic Plan.

Daily Devotion, February 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Revelation 21:1-4.

As a pastor, I have read these verses many times standing in a cemetery. I was helping a family and friends say goodbye to someone they love and reminding them that this was not the end of their relationship with this person. We will see them again.

I remind all of us that in the last book of the Bible we get a vision of what is to come. Much is packed just in these four verses. God is completing the new creation. I take note that “there was no longer any sea.” In the early Biblical stories, the sea was the place of chaos, so this note assures us that the chaos we so often experience in this world will be no more. And it is so reassuring and comforting to know that there is coming a time and place when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” But the verse that gives me the most anticipation and hope is verse three, where we are reminded that God will dwell with us, which is what God has been seeking to do since we messed up the first Creation.

All of this vision reminds us of what God’s kingdom is about in the present, not just the future. Yes, it will be completed in the future, but we are invited to be representatives of it and live it as best we can in the present. We can let people know that God seeks to be with them in their life right now. We can do all we can to wipe away the tears and mourning of those around us right now. You and I can live a line we often pray together: “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Amen.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you know who is going through a time of pain or grief that you can come alongside and represent God’s loving presence?

Daily Devotion, February 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 41:25-36.

For many years God enabled Joseph to accomplish some wonderful things in spite of circumstances out of his control. He brought blessings to Potipher’s house and the people in prison. He overcame temptation and he endured false accusations and great injustice. Still he was faithful to God and expected God to work, and he was ready and obedient when the call came.

 Joseph was gifted at dream interpretation which was the catalyst that provoked his brothers into selling him into slavery but ultimately saved all their lives as he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.

From the dreams God gave Pharaoh, Joseph reveals God’s plan to provide for and bless the people of Egypt and beyond.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on God’s faithfulness.  Where is God leading you?  Are you ready?  Will you be obedient to His call?

Daily Devotion, February 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12:9-21.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is loaded with theology. In the beginning part of the book, Paul explains who God is and what he has done for each of us. Then Paul struggles with the questions of what does this mean. Paul gives many commands as he describes how God’s love should govern our lives. He says be joyful, patient, faithful, generous, hospitable, bless others, mourn with others, and rejoice. We are to act this way even with our enemies.

Our God is a relational God, and he wants us to experience the blessing of being connected. We were never meant to be independent, self-sufficient, or isolated. Hospitality is about cultivating relationships and sharing the love that God has shown us. God wants us to be hospitable to all. Paul said that hospitality is an everyday practice and described it as vital to spiritual growth. Hospitality is about inviting people into our lives and sharing from what we have.

As Christians we must be at peace with God. Once we have experienced peace with God, we need to extend that peace to others. Genuine peace is experienced when someone begins working toward genuine reconciliation and resolution wherever there is hurt.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you God, for loving us even when we mess up. As Christians help us be committed to showing your love and patience to others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14.

This beloved passage has captured the imagination of readers for centuries. It is one of the visions God gave to Ezekiel to offer hope of God’s life-giving power. In the midst of the despair and hopelessness of the Hebrew people during their years of exile, this vision moves the people toward restoration.

This vision of God breathing life into dry bones gives the promise that the people will be returned to their homeland and “they will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.” This phrase is written often in the book of Ezekiel. It’s God’s reminder to the people and to us today that there is nothing that God can’t do! God has the power to give life and to give life again!

Reading this passage, an image from the movie, “Remember the Titans” came to my mind. It is the scene where Coach Boone has taken his football team to Gettysburg to receive a new vision.

Coach Boone asks the team, “Anybody know what this place is? This is Gettysburg. This is where they fought the Battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died on this field, fightin’ the same fight that we’re still fightin’ amongst ourselves today. You listen and you can take a lesson from the dead. If we don’t come together, right now, on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed----just like they were.”

Coach Boone offered a new vision from the Gettysburg’s graves that if the football team could overcome the racial issues that separated them, instead of on-going fighting and death, new life could be ahead for them!

Ezekiel, from the beginning of his book, was trying to get the people of Israel to understand that God was faithful to the covenant with them, but they had been unfaithful to their covenant with God. But God offers forgiveness, restoration and new life! In the process of God’s breathing new life into their dry bones, they would know it was God who had accomplished this and renew their own covenant of faithfulness unto God.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, from the pandemic and the divisions around us, we can understand the despair of Ezekiel’s day and we too, need your life-giving power again, around the world. Open our eyes to see your vision for healing, restoration, unity and hope, trusting you each step of the way. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-19.

In our passage today Paul offers a vision of the “new creation” we have been given in Christ, both for ourselves and others. When we give our life to Christ, we become new people on the inside. We are not just reformed or rehabilitated, we are re-created. We have a new life in Christ. God reconciles us, meaning he brings us back to himself and makes us right with him. As “new creatures” in Christ we look differently at people and all of creation. We stop evaluating others from our limited human point of view and look at them through God’s eyes of love, grace, and mercy. And then God gives us a task! We are to tell others the good he is doing. We become God’s representatives on earth as we learn to live the way of Jesus Christ and invite others to follow him. We are called to help make this vision a reality by offering the ministry and message of reconciliation.

Personal Worship Option:

How well are you fulfilling your responsibility as Christ’s representative? Look today for an opportunity to be his representative to someone by showing God’s goodness, patience, love, understanding, grace, and mercy.

Daily Devotion, February 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 11:2-6.

John had recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he baptized Jesus, but now he sends his own disciples to ask Jesus if he really is the promised one. Perhaps John wanted those disciples to hear the answer directly from Jesus. Jesus responded, not by recalling his birth to the Virgin Mary or by trying to explain being fully human and fully God, but simply by describing his actions. Giving sight to the blind, healing the lame, and curing the deaf were the exact things the prophet Isaiah had written centuries earlier that would mark the work of the Messiah. No doubt, John’s disciples would have heard in Jesus’ reply that he indeed was the promised Messiah, the Christ. 

  

We can take a clue from our Lord’s answer. Jesus taught that others will know we are his by our love. And they will see our love, not so much in our theology or Bible knowledge, but rather in our faith, lived out in love through service to others. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone say, “I see what you do and the way you love others and care for them. You must be a Christian!”

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Almighty God, you sent your son to save us. While he was living physically among us, he healed and lifted and loved the least of us. Help me today first of all, just see them, and then let me love them as Christ did then and still does today. Amen

Daily Devotion, February 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:26-38.

I often pray “Lord, help us to stay connected to you so that we can help others come to know you.” When I read this story about Philip, I am impressed with how connected he was to the Holy Spirit. Twice we read of the Spirit guiding him with specific directions of what to do: “Go south to the road….” and “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” I don’t know that I have ever received such specific directions from the Holy Spirit, but I have certainly sensed the leading of the Spirit to do various things over the years. I am confident that for any of us, the more we pray and meditate on the Scriptures, seeking God’s presence and guidance, we will be led to do and say various things on a regular basis.

Primarily, the Spirit will constantly lead you to witness to people around you. You will be led to begin new relationships with people such as neighbors and co-workers and will be given opportunities to share with them your experience of Jesus. For Philip, he was led to go down a certain road and stand near a certain chariot. And then the opening came: he heard this man reading the Bible and he had a question about what he was reading. Philip was in place and ready to answer.

We don’t always have the answers to questions people have, but we can assure them of our willingness to help them search for those answers. And we can let them know that we sometimes have questions too. Part of being a witness for Jesus Christ is letting others know that we are on a journey of learning as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Who is that person the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to stay near, so that you will be ready to meet a need or answer a question they may have?

Daily Devotion, February 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:42-47.

This is one of the earliest descriptions of how the first disciples of Jesus continued as his people after he returned to heaven. It gives us a glimpse into what was most important to them as they sought to be the people of Christ. The word “devoted” in verse 42 is especially telling to me. And notice what it was to which they were devoted: “...to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They studied together, ate together (probably relating to both regular meals and Communion) and prayed together. They simply spent a lot of time together. They shared their resources. And verse 47 lets us know that other people kept coming to join them. The love and care they were showing to each other made more and more people want to be a part of this movement.

Effectiveness as the people of Christ still depends on being together, supporting each other and staying connected to God. As we are faithful with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, God will bless that faithfulness with personal, spiritual growth, as well as more and more people being blessed and wanting to join us.

Personal Worship Option:

What is your next step of faithfulness in each of those five areas of living our discipleship of Jesus Christ?

Daily Devotion, February 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:8.

This verse describes a series of ever-widening circles. The Good News was to spread from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Judea, spread to the mixed race in Samaria, and finally, be offered to Gentiles all over the World. We are part of God’s plan to share Jesus with the world. God’s Good News has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community has not heard the Good News about Jesus Christ. Jesus instructs his disciples to witness to people of all nations about him through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives believers courage, boldness, confidence, and insight to share this Good News with others. Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the ever-widening circle of God’s loving message.

Personal Worship Option:

Are you nervous about sharing your faith? Be bold. Open your mouth to share and let the Holy Spirit direct your conversation.

Daily Devotion, February 17, 2022

Devotion:

Read Mark 10:45.

When Jesus was only a few days from dying on the cross, James and John were vying for prime seats in the Kingdom. The two of them wanted power and privilege. They seemed to have missed the point that the road to greatness involves service. So much of the book of Mark talks about why Jesus came to live among us. He didn’t come for greatness. He came to give his life. Serving others was his mission. Others’ needs always came first for Jesus including dying on the cross.

Ask yourself these questions. Do you find it hard to serve others? Is it hard for you to consider others’ needs before your own? How and whom is God calling you to serve? Is it someone in your family, at work, at school, or in your community? When we’re tempted to look for greatness and power, we need to focus on the way that Jesus lived. Through Christ Church there are so many ways to serve others and glorify God. From raking leaves, changing diapers, delivering meals to teaching the youth, we can serve Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

God, when we’re tempted to want to be important in the eyes of others, bring our eyes back to the Son of God serving us through his death. Help us to model our lives after Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 16, 2022

Devotion:

Read Luke 11:42.

It’s just one verse, but it is full of eye-opening and heart-opening possibilities! There is a similar verse in Matthew 23:23, and in both Jesus is teaching the Pharisees and his disciples who are listening that faith-life is a “both/and” way of life. The Pharisees were the highest and most excellent keepers of the law. They would even tithe (give 10%) from the smallest mint and herb! They probably had a great deal of pride about their excellence in keeping this detail of the law. But they had neglected the weightier matters of the law such as justice and the love of God. They had lost sight of how the tithe could help those who had nothing and was to be given to demonstrate God’s love for the world.

The words, actions and life of Christ help us to see that our words, actions and lives need to line up from a true love for God and others. When we profess our faith in Christ, we commit faithfulness to Christ and to his church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. All of these are inextricably linked together.

Yes, throughout scripture and Jesus is repeating here, that the tithe is still to be given AND to add to it the matters of justice and the love of God. Jesus’ message is just as relevant today! We too can sometimes take a lot of pride in our ability to give and lose sight of the needs around us.

Jesus is reaching into the heart of “giving” --- helping us to examine and see our true motives for giving. Sometimes giving can appear to be others-centered, but it is really self-centered. Some of the self-centered reasons are for pride, popularity or power. Jesus is calling us to let our giving truly be others-centered with a heart of humbleness, gratitude and sacrifice. Learning this way of Jesus helps us grow to a life of generosity.

Personal Worship Option:

Micah 6:8 from the Old Testament says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Thank you, God, for enabling us to give of our time, talents and offerings. Help us to see new ways to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 15, 2022

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 10:24-25.

Our passage begins with Paul asking believers to consider how to spur one another on. The original meaning of “spur” was to "stir up, arouse, to excite, to call into action," God is calling us to stir each other up to act for good. An illustration of this phrase “stir up” is a hornet’s nest. Have you ever stirred up a hornet’s nest? You hit the nest and they are quickly stirred up and excited (and usually you are too!) Those hornets leave the nest and quickly! Fortunately, we are not called to inflict painful stings upon one another (like the hornets are fond of doing), but we are called to stir each other up, spur one another on, and encourage each other “to love and good deeds.” Where does this stirring up to love and good works occur? It occurs primarily through the local church. We read that we should “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some.” Evidently, the members of the Early Church had been neglecting the habit of meeting together. He encourages them and us to be intentional about meeting together in order to support and encourage each other. We live in a culture where many voices and choices compete for our attention. On any given Sunday, we are faced with the choice to attend church or spend our time elsewhere. As a young married, I had a Sunday School teacher who gave the class a “call to action.” He said, “Instead of deciding each Sunday morning whether or not to attend church, make one decision.” He encouraged us to make a lifetime decision to be faithful in our Sunday worship. I’m thankful for how that teacher spurred me on. Paul is reminding us that Christians should regard it as a sacred duty to meet together for the worship of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Commit today to be intentional about meeting together for worship. Connect with others so that you can encourage them toward love and good deeds.

Daily Devotion, February 14, 2022

Devotion:

Read Daniel 6:10.

Daniel was one of the more gifted young men taken as an exile from Judah to Babylon. He had found favor with the king of Babylon, who was killed when the Medes defeated the Babylonians. The new king kept Daniel in his position of authority, much to the dislike of the other leaders of the Medes. They plotted to have this foreigner Daniel charged but could find no fault in him. So they resorted to having the king issue an order that no one was to pray to any god or human being, other than to the king, for thirty days. Anyone found breaking this order would be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel was undeterred…he prayed three times daily to God, just as he had always done.

Daniel is a wonderful example to us of faithfulness in our daily prayers. I like to read a passage of Scripture and some devotional material and then spend time praying each morning. I find that a wonderful way to start my day, centered on God and aware of God’s presence. But sometimes the press of a busy schedule crowds out my prayer time. If I am that casual about my morning prayers, what would I do if someone ordered me not to pray for thirty days? It is a real blessing to be able to pray whenever we wish, and we should make daily prayers one of our highest priorities in life!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: “Thank you, loving God, that you are always listening to our prayers and ready to speak to us when we are quiet and listen to you. Help me this day to commit to spending time in conversation with you each and every day. Speak to me now, and I will be open to your direction and guidance…”

Daily Devotion, February 13, 2022

Devotion:

Read Psalm 100.

I love to worship God at Christ Church! Our music ministries are excellent and I so appreciate all of the people connected to our music department who plan and prepare and practice in order to lead us in that vital aspect of our worship of God. Our tech teams and hospitality teams also play a vital role in helping us include as many people as we can and helping them feel welcomed. And the preaching is even good sometimes!

Psalm 100 lifts up this foundational piece of what it means to be the people of God. We worship God to show our gratitude and praise for all that God has done for us and for all the world. We worship God together to show that our relationship with God is not just on an individual basis, but that God has called us into community. I am not just an individual; I am part of a people.

In the values that Christ Church adopted many years ago, worship is included: “Worship is the purpose of the largest weekly gatherings of our congregation; and our worship must be engaging, relevant to real life, and centered upon God.” I encourage you to participate in worship every chance you have. And give thanks for all those who give of themselves to help make it happen!

Personal Worship Option:

In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi wrote a hymn inviting all of creation to worship God. Here are two verses of it:

All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing,

O praise ye! Alleluia!

O brother sun with golden beam, O sister moon with silver gleam!

O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness,

O praise ye! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Daily Devotion, February 12, 2022

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 49:5-6.

We can see it and hear it back at the beginning of Abraham’s journey with God: God has a desire to connect with every person. When God first called Abraham into a covenant relationship, God expressed this desire: “...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) In our text for today from the book of the prophet Isaiah, God again expresses this desire, saying about the people of Israel “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” We continue to hear it in the New Testament, when Jesus says to his disciples “Go make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

As we continue our review of the values of Christ Church, the first one echoes this desire: “While we love and take care of one another as a congregation and provide ministries for our members, our primary responsibility is for those who are not yet in the church.” We seek to be constantly focused outward, aware of the needs of people all around us, seeking to meet those needs and looking for every opportunity to help other people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. What are those needs and who are those people in your circle of relationships?

Personal Worship Option:

What are the ways in which you are being intentional to reach out to and connect with those who are not yet in the church?

Daily Devotion, February 11, 2022

Devotion:

Read Luke 9:46-48.

Jesus taught the disciples to welcome children.  This was a new approach in a society where children were usually treated as second class citizens.  It is important not only to treat children well but also to teach and learn from them.  Jesus used a little child to help the self-centered disciples get the point.  We are not to be childish (arguing, competing against each other, being petty) but childlike, with humble and sincere hearts. Servant leaders don’t approach life expecting high positions, honors, and special privileges.  Instead they look for ways to help others.

Jesus makes it clear that children are highly valued in the kingdom of God.  At Christ Church “children and youth are a vital part of the church, and we place high priority on our ministries for them.”

Personal Worship Option:

Our care for others is a measure of our greatness.  How much concern do you show for others, especially the helpless, needy, - those who cannot return your love or concern?  Do something to show love and care for someone today.

Daily Devotion, February 10, 2022

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:41-47.

The apostle Peter had just preached the greatest sermon of his life.  All who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were added to the church that day. What a celebration of the Holy Spirit that must have been!  Then we read that these people devoted themselves.  All definitions of devotion convey its sense of single focus.  Devotion is the giving of oneself to a particular person, cause, or activity. These first church members were not simply curious or interested, they were devoted. They were giving their lives, body and soul, to the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ.

This type of devotion goes beyond the initial excitement and passion, to a deeply rooted, long-term relationship with God. Devotion to Christ is a dynamic that can change the world, and that's what happened. A devoted church was born and the world was never again the same.  God was revealed in deeper ways. The devotion of a few thousand ordinary folks transformed the world. We can't understand it or explain it. God did it through his church. That was how the beginning of Christ UMC was.  People were excited to have a new place to worship in their community.  They worked together to create an inviting community and to share God’s love.  Let’s keep that energy going to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, may we experience the devotion that characterized the first Christians. May your Spirit be in us so that we become fully devoted to you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 9, 2022

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 17:22.

In my family and extended family there was a great deal of joy and laughter. My Dad had four brothers and family reunions were filled with humorous stories and laughter! We all enjoyed reading the “Laughter, the Best Medicine” pages in the “Reader’s Digest”. Church life provided many, many joyful times! And the King James Bible version, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine!” was often quoted to cheer us up when we were sad!

Even though laughter was in every part of our lives, my perception of Jesus was that he was very serious! My college religion professor had on his office wall a framed picture of Jesus’ laughing which helped to change that! He encouraged us to see Jesus’ smiling and laughing and to hear the humor in some of Jesus’ words.

Zoom ahead to Christmas 2021 and I was delighted to receive from a friend a little devotional book by Robert Strand titled, “Joy”! Joy is a gift from God. If it is a gift from God it is part of God’s nature, too!

Throughout the years, whether during Vacation Bible School, Mission trips, or any group experiences of service through the church, joy and laughter are present! It is a gift of God’s Spirit!

This week our devotionals focus on the values that are the foundation of our shared ministry at Christ Church. Proverbs 17:22 is one of the wise sayings of the Bible which values “a cheerful heart.” One of our church’s values is, “At Christ Church, while we take our ministries to serve God and our neighbors seriously, we do not take ourselves so seriously; so, we are playful and have lots of fun as a church.”



Not taking ourselves too seriously is a gift too, because we are trusting God to lead, guide, to be faithful and to take care of us, no matter what. It helps us to remember a line from a worship song we sing, “It’s not about us…it’s about Jesus!” Our mission is greater than ourselves!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord open my eyes and ears today to see and hear the gifts of joy all around us: in the birds’ songs, in the beauty of Your creation, in laughter of children, youth and people of all ages. Give our church visions of mission and ministry which bring Your joy into the lives of others. Amen.

Daily Devotion, February 8, 2022

Devotion:

Read Luke 6:12-16.

Jesus Christ is no doubt the greatest small group leader in history. He began his earthly ministry by establishing his “small group,” the disciples. In our passage today we read the names of the group members. Jesus was active in his small group ministry and modeled for them how to minister to others and how to grow in their relationship with him and others. His goal was to equip this small group of disciples to carry on the work of the gospel after he returned to the Father. The growth of the Early Church came through both large group worship time and through weekly small group gatherings in homes. This model still works today. At Christ Church we believe in order to grow spiritually, you must be connected relationally. The best way to get connected is through a small group where members gather each week in a home, workplace, or at church to learn about God, care for each other, fellowship, and serve together. If you’re looking for an opportunity for study, care, community and service or want to lead a small group, contact our Director of Education, Cathy Baker, at 423-892-9363 or education@christchurchchatt.org.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray about your next step in finding or leading a small group at Christ Church.

Daily Devotion, February 7, 2022

Devotion:

Read John 1:40-42.

Think about times you have sat watching an awesome movie, reading a great book, or enjoying a delicious meal at a new restaurant and thought to yourself, “I have to tell (insert the name of a friend or family member) about this. They will really enjoy it!” Two things happened here: 1) You realized how special this thing was, and 2) You immediately wanted to share it with someone else. Good for you!! 

Andrew 1) listened to Jesus and realized that he was the Christ, and 2) he immediately thought of his brother Simon Peter, whom he loved and wanted him to know Jesus as Lord also. John included this story to teach us to do the same thing, and the church provides a platform for us to do it. But first we have to realize that our church’s worship services, hospitality, small groups, service to others, and so on are very, very special. Each of these is part of our living in relationship with Christ. Once we realize how special these are, we should think of others with whom we can share these and our love of Christ. No movie, book, or meal is nearly as important to share! Being inviting and welcoming is a huge part of our DNA as a church and as followers of Jesus Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

What is your favorite part of Christ Church? Think of someone you know who is not in any church and who would probably find that exact same thing their favorite part as well. Tell them about it and why it means so much to you. Then invite them to come and enjoy it with you.

Daily Devotion, February 6, 2022

Devotion:

Read Matthew 28:16-20.

This passage is often quoted as the focus of the primary mission Jesus gave to his first disciples and all those since then. I have certainly seen it that way most of my life in the Church. As his people, we are called to lead and guide others to him. However, I would emphasize that he did not give that assignment to his first disciples until he had spent much time with them teaching them what it meant to be his disciple. So, a foundational piece of our mission is to first be committed to learning what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We are to be life-long students of this Teacher, constantly adjusting our ways to his way. We are to be constantly seeking the guidance of the same Spirit who was in and guided him.  

Even after the disciples received this assignment from Jesus, they still had lessons to learn. Reading through the book “The Acts Of The Apostles” makes that clear. The first situation that comes to my mind is in chapter ten where the Spirit teaches Peter a lesson about how God seeks and accepts outsiders (known as Gentiles at that time).  

Being the people of Christ means constantly learning to be a disciple (to live and speak and think more and more like Jesus) so that we can make disciples (accepting and loving and guiding every person we can to know and serve Christ in their own life). God bless you as you live into that mission!

Personal Worship Option:

With slight adjustments, here are the words to two verses of a hymn written by Leon Adkins in 1955, based on this Scripture:

“Go, make of all disciples.” We hear the call, O Lord,

that comes from you, our Father, in your eternal Word.

Inspire our ways of learning through earnest, fervent prayer,

and let our daily living reveal you everywhere.

“Go, make of all disciples.” We are your feet would stay

until each life’s vocation accents your holy way.

We cultivate the nature God plants in every heart,

revealing in our witness the master teacher’s art.