Daily Devotion, March 31, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 2:6; 13:10; 18:2; 19:8; 3:13.

All of these verses talk about wisdom from God and how precious it is for each of us. God is the author and source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Listening and praying for wisdom from God helps guide us in making right decisions for situations, dilemmas, and solutions. Godly wisdom can help us discern truth, good, and righteousness. Wisdom is not measured by IQ, degrees, or achievements.

God gives wisdom generously to all who seek the wisdom that comes from Him. We should obey the scriptures to strive for wisdom and earnestly desire it. We should never forget that wisdom is a gift from God.

Jesus is the supreme example of a man whose life exuded wisdom.  All who are saved by grace through faith can rejoice in Christ who showed his father’s wisdom.  Not only was He the Word of God made flesh, but He is incarnate wisdom and became for us wisdom from God. He became for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. How joyous we will be as we continue to seek God’s wisdom and try to live it out.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Help us to read your word and look and listen for your wisdom as we live our lives. We want to be faithful followers of Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion, March 30, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 3:5-12.

Wisdom. Before you head out the door quickly with many things on your mind or before you go to sleep reflecting over all you experienced in your day, thoughts of “the gift of wisdom” are probably not on your mind.

As you make your list of things to do for today or for tomorrow, acquiring wisdom is probably not at the top of your list. You can breathe now, because wisdom is not something we can achieve or acquire. Wisdom is a gift from God. Solomon knew this. Solomon showed wisdom when he asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people.

Having true wisdom has nothing to do with one’s level of education nor does it have much to do with how comfortably we live. True wisdom beckons us to be tuned to God’s heart; to truly listen to God’s heart and to be willing to follow in the ways in which God is leading.

I love the way The Message has translated I Kings 3:9, “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

In my family, this scripture was always paired with two other scriptures: Psalms 111:10a, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;” and James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In the scriptures for the church’s calendar year, I Kings 3:9 is paired with Romans 8:26,“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”

Yes, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf as we are praying for God’s gift of wisdom in so many of life’s situations.

Personal Worship Option:

Wisdom. Wait, pause, ask and allow God to give you this gift. What a great difference this gift from God can make in your day today or tomorrow. God’s gift of wisdom as you listen to the needs of others, make decisions that affect others, lead others, or make choices for yourself can truly make all the difference. Give God thanks for this gift in others, too.

Daily Devotion, March 29, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read James 3:13-18.

In our passage today James contrasts false wisdom and true wisdom. Just as we can identify a tree by the type of fruit it bears, so can we evaluate our wisdom by the way we act, the fruit we bear. Traits of false wisdom, called foolishness, are bitterness, envy, selfishness, and boastfulness. When we act foolishly, our lives are full of chaos and disorder. True wisdom comes from God and produces the good fruit of peace, consideration, submission, and mercy. God’s wisdom is characterized by getting along with others, by being gentle and reasonable. When we display God’s wisdom we overflow with mercy and grace and love. Do you want to build a reputation for wisdom? The Message version says to “live well, live wisely, and live humbly.” Let’s practice God’s wisdom and live a life “full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.”

Personal Worship Option:

Think today about whether you practice foolishness or God’s wisdom. 

• When did you extend mercy instead of giving someone what they deserved?
• When have you been judgmental instead of merciful?
• What are the fruit of good deeds you’ve shown to others?
• Learning to live the way of Jesus Christ is to learn wisdom that is not like the ways of this world.

Daily Devotion, March 28, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 55:6-9.

Many scholars say that Isaiah was writing to the exiles in Babylon at the time when Cyrus, king of the Persians, had defeated the Babylonians and was permitting the exiles to return home to Judah. The exiles’ attention was likely focused on the common realities of daily living instead of on spiritual things. Through Isaiah, God invites them and us to turn to God while God is “near,” accessible and open to us. Verse 7 calls out in an evangelistic way for sinners and the unrighteous to turn back to God and receive mercy. The exile’s human response would have been to think that only those who deserved pardon would be forgiven, but God counters this thinking by reminding us that God’s thoughts and ways are so different from ours and so much “higher” than ours.

This passage teaches us to search, study, and seek to know the ways of God. The theologian Karl Barth insisted that “God is not man writ large,” making the important point that we cannot understand God’s ways by thinking those are simply our ways magnified in an exaggerated, grand style. To learn God’s ways, we must be open to surprise, constantly learning, and willing to subject our ways to God’s.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, as I pray to you today, I seek to know you and your will for me. Help me to be open to your ways instead of simply lifting my thoughts and ways and asking you to bless them. Keep my heart and mind open to knowing you as you really are. Through your Son, Amen

Daily Devotion, March 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Earlier in this letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul has emphasized what he saw as the core image of the gospel - the cross, Jesus’ sacrifice for everyone. But he also knew that was not a popular message. At verse eighteen of the first chapter, he wrote “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I am reminded of the scene at Jesus’ crucifixion when the leaders scoffed at him and said he should be able to save himself if he really was the Messiah. (He was able, but chose not to do so.) Let’s give them some credit, because it does seem ridiculous to any of us who think about it from the ways of this world.  

That message had continued to be viewed as foolish as Paul preached about it years later. But he makes it clear in this passage that “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  

It is tempting for any of us to get caught up in various causes of this world and give our resolve to fighting for that cause. As a follower of Jesus Christ, be sure that cause is in line with him and his way. There are times and reasons to be resolved in what you are doing with your life. Use this time of the Season of Lent to make sure that your resolve is given most fully to our Lord.

Personal Worship Option:

When I read this passage, I think of one of my favorite hymns related to this Season, written by Isaac Watts in 1707. Here are three verses from it for you to reflect on today.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;

all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; 

love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

Daily Devotion, March 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 9:51.

I have heard this verse called the “hinge” of “The Gospel According To Luke.” It is a turning point in the story of the ministry and mission of Jesus. He knew the time had come for him to begin his journey to Jerusalem, even though he knew what awaited him there. It is interesting to note the words used in the various translations of the Scriptures for this verse. The NIV says “Jesus resolutely set out…” The NRSV reads “he set his face to go…” And The Message says “he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey…” That could not have been an easy decision. In fact, he was still struggling with it and praying about it in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his arrest.

Just twenty-eight verses earlier in this same chapter, Jesus had said to his disciples “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Those daily decisions are not easy either. Taking up a cross daily means getting involved in the struggles and difficulties of other people. It takes courage. It takes determination. It takes resolve. Most of all, this is a reminder that we cannot do this on our own. We must stay connected to the God who gives us the power to have that resolve. When you face those difficult journeys of your own, you can be resolved in taking the next step because you can be assured that God is with you every step of the way.

Personal Worship Option:

Is God calling you to go in a direction that you know will be a difficult journey? Pray and give thanks for the assurance that God will go with you.

Daily Devotion, March 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 11:19-23.

Here is a report of how the persecution that caused Jesus’ followers to scatter actually helped spread his good news. Our focus this week is emphasized at the end of verse 23, where it says that Barnabas “encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” That’s a good word for all of us!

Barnabus was a great example of how to help others grow in their faith. He led by example and taught others with kindness and encouragement. He was the first cheerleader of faith in the early church. Cheerleaders celebrate when success is achieved and help carry the burden when disappointments and roadblocks appear.  Everyone needs a cheerleader from time to time, but we can all be cheerleaders for others in our faith journey.

Personal Worship Option:

Think of one person in your life who could use a bit of encouragement today. Send a note, text, or call and encourage them in their faith today.

Daily Devotion, March 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 119:106-112.

There is intensity in this psalmist’s commitment that is obvious in these verses. The psalmist makes a vow that he will keep God’s recorded rules and judgments. The biggest danger to his life is to fall into the snare of sin or to walk down the path to destruction.  Therefore, his mind meditates on God’s Word day and night. This is his continual focus. He spends so much time examining the right path and trying not to be led astray.

Next we get a sense of the commitment in this man’s heart and will to keep God’s ways. Following God is more than an agreement of the mind with God’s Word. It is more than an emotional commitment of the heart. There must be a commitment of the will to keep the commandments of God. Loving God must involve this commitment of will and strength, to actually do what God has told us to do. This is absolutely critical to the life of true faith. We should all read, study, and try our best to live the life that God desires for us. It is not easy, but we need to be vigilant about obeying God’s guidelines.

Personal Worship Option:

The Psalmist committed to living out the Christian life to the end of his life. This is a forever and ever commitment. Are we up to the challenge that the Psalmist was? Do we take the commitment to try to live the way that God desires? Dear God, help us stay close to you through your Word. Amen.

Daily Devotion, March 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 50:4-7.

I almost missed it! “Flint” was the first word which captured my attention with plenty of good reasons! Growing up near the Flint River in Georgia, searching for ancient “flint” arrowheads in that same area was common. It was interesting learning about the kind of rock known as “flint”. Flint is a hard, tough sedimentary rock. Flint is a shining rock. And one commentary said, "’to set my face like flint’ meant that not only would the writer’s face be set with determination, but also his face would be shining. His would not be a face of dejection."

The New Testament’s verse about Jesus, from Luke 9:51, ”As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem,” mirrors Isaiah’s phrase, “to set my face like flint.”

I could envision Isaiah’s face and Christ’s face set for their journeys. I could also find stories of individuals who have been “resolute” in their pursuits of many good things. But that’s when I remembered the words of the Rev. Charles Lippse. “Read the scripture passage many times over and over, to allow God to speak clearly to you.”

After several readings, the words, “The Lord God helps me,” finally got my attention! And I re-read the prior verses and realized all that God is initiating and doing in this passage: “God is giving, God awakens, God opens.”

It dawned on me that often we set our faces “resolute” with good intentions, and good causes, and then ask God to help us! We have reversed the order. Sometimes, we ask God to follow us! But the writer of Isaiah was clear; God was leading, guiding, helping and sustaining him even through very difficult times of suffering. THEREFORE, he could continue on in his faithful journey of following God.

Jesus didn’t miss this! Jesus knew God was with him and helping him and God would be leading and guiding him with full assurance of peace as he faced the trials in Jerusalem. Jesus set the example of being loyal unto God no matter what happens.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for these words of assurance from Isaiah. You are our helper. Forgive us for setting our own course, before we listen to you. Help us always to pause before we “set our faces like flint”, to be sure we are listening for your direction and following in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.

Daily Devotion, March 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 5:25-34.

The bleeding woman had lived a hopeless existence for 12 years. The scripture tells us she suffered from a seemingly incurable condition that caused her to bleed constantly and was known as an unclean woman. She visited many doctors who treated her poorly and took her money. Imagine the isolation she must have felt. She was at her ropes end. Then she heard about Jesus. Think about the effort it must have taken for her to walk the great distance to see him. Finally, she reached him. In this moment, she faced her greatest hope and her greatest fear. If she touched him, she knew her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean under Jewish law. If she didn’t touch him, she might never be healed. Which was greater – her fear or her hope? She reached down to the hem of his garment and touched Jesus. Jesus, at once feeling the healing power leave his body, turned to find the one who touched him. I imagine this woman was very frightened at this point for she knew that she had been unclean when she touched him. Trembling and feeling as if she had done something wrong, she fell at his feet and told the truth. Then Jesus called out affectionately, “Daughter, your faith healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.” With fear and trembling, this woman took an action of faith. Her journey of faith showed great courage and determination. She continued to move forward toward Jesus in spite of all the obstacles in her way. Today each of us faces a different set of obstacles in our faith journey. This woman inspires us to set our intentions on Jesus and to be resolved to let nothing stop us from connecting with him and growing in our faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Think today about your greatest obstacle in your faith life. Is it lack of commitment? Apathy? Influence of others? Distractions? Whatever it is, pray today that God will show you a path forward and then resolve to take one small step of faith.

Daily Devotion, March 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Nehemiah 4:13-21.

Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem from the exile in Babylon to find that the Babylonians had not only destroyed the temple, but even the walls around the city of Jerusalem and its gates had been demolished. Without strong walls, a city was defenseless and not even a viable city. After surveying the huge amount of work to be done, Nehemiah organized the workers by families and clans and assigned sections of wall and gates to each. When enemies threatened to attack them, Nehemiah assigned some to stand guard while others did the construction. Some did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other. But most importantly, Nehemiah passed his resolve to rebuild the wall on to the workers, and because of their resolve and hard work, the work was completed.

Resolve in this context means the firm determination to do something. As followers of Jesus Christ, we too must have strong resolve in order to stay the course and to remain faithful. Like those who opposed Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls, obstacles and challenges will try to come between us and our desire to live the way of Christ. Without resolve, we may fall away and seek the easier path.

Personal Worship Option:

Think honestly today about the challenges you face individually in following Christ. Reflect on the challenges facing the church in the world we are to serve. Pray that God will strengthen your determination and resolve to stay the course and remain faithful.

Daily Devotion, March 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

When you are packing to go on a trip, what you pack depends on where you are going and what you are going to be doing. Is this a business trip? Is it a vacation? Are you going to the beach or to the mountains? Camping or golfing (or both)? What time of year is it and what is the expected temperature?

This passage from the letter to the Colossians is packed with what to pack for your journey of faith. Notice the expectation that you will be traveling with others on this journey. It is not intended to be done alone. As you relate to them, it is so important to wear these “spiritual clothes”: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, peace, gratitude and most of all, love. Study and know the Scriptures together; worship together.

 

The final verse of this passage is one of those that would fit well in the book from the Old Testament we looked at yesterday, Proverbs: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Amen.

Personal Worship Option:

Just like putting on different clothes each day, try having a verse of Scripture or Bible story that relates to each of these “spiritual clothes”, one of which you read each day. As you begin each day, put on both your physical and spiritual clothes. Then go be the people of Christ!

Daily Devotion, March 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 3:5-6.

The book of Proverbs is great for the world of social media. Whether you are texting, posting something to Facebook or a Tweet, most of the verses in this book are just the right size. I used to say they were good for bumper stickers and wall hangings, but that now seems outdated. Most of the Proverbs came from life experience and God inspired writers to record those experiences so that we all could learn from them.  

These verses are my two favorites. Trusting in the Lord is the essence of what we mean by having faith. There have been many times in my life when I have prayed “I do not understand why that happened, but I still trust in you.” And when we look to God for guidance in all aspects of our life, we can be assured that we will receive what we need. 

In the Bible translation known as The Message, Eugene Peterson stated these verses this way: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Personal Worship Option:

What is your favorite Proverb? If you don’t know, I invite you to read through the book and pick out your favorite. There are thirty-one chapters, so you can read one chapter a day and complete it in a month.

Daily Devotion, March 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 13.

In order to be the people of Christ, it is vital to receive and share his love. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts found in the church body. But none of the gifts will have an effect without love. Love makes our actions and gifts useful. Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone.

Love is the greatest of all human qualities. It is an attribute of God himself; it involves unselfish service to others. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message but love is the action. Does your faith fully express itself in loving others?

Personal Worship Option:

Read aloud the description of love in this chapter. Stop after each word that describes love and think about what it means. How would such love look if you were to share it with others in your daily life?

Daily Devotion, March 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Micah 6:6-8.

The scripture for today tells us how to live out God's way in our daily lives with the challenging words to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This is my theme scripture that I read every day to remind myself of how I am supposed to live. I have it printed out at my computer and visually look at it each day even though I have it memorized.

To act justly means that we should strive to provide others in society with equal opportunities and treat them uniformly in every area of life. It means not giving preferential treatment to the rich and powerful and not demeaning the weak and helpless. To love mercy is more than making an outward show of kindness. It means making mercy a part of our lives as we learn to truly imitate God, who is merciful, loving, forgiving, and kind to all of his children. To walk humbly with God is to be in step with God, recognizing that we are totally dependent on him. To obey such a response to God's Word, we need more than good intentions. We need to see that God controls our heart. A heart in love with God is fundamental to living a life of justice, mercy, and humility. We can do it with his gift of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Lord, may our love for you increase so that daily we may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you and with all of our neighbors as well. Amen.

Daily Devotion, March 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 119:105.

What a joy to be with our church’s third-graders and their families as they received their Bibles! How does one express in a few brief sentences the treasure this will be forever in their lives? Psalm 119:105 summarizes it well, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” 

There are two metaphors here. The first is that God's written word is described as a lamp and a light. And the second is that a life of faith is described as a journey of our feet on the path.

Have you ever tried to walk very far in the dark? It sure helps to have a light for each step. God’s written word gives light to who God is and God’s covenant story with humankind. God’s written word gives nourishment for our souls and guides the steps of our pathways today. And God’s written word enables us to follow God’s way and will.

Jesus understood and declared this in his response quoting from the Old Testament, to the devil’s temptation in Matthew 4:4, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Scriptures are the written revelation of God and Jesus is the living revelation of God. Both are referred to as “The Word of God.” John 1:1, 14 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Rev. Adam Hamilton in his book, The Walk, Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life writes, “The most definitive way in which God has revealed God’s own self to the world is in Jesus…Jesus is God’s Word, God’s message, wrapped in human flesh.”

The Word that is written is the Scriptures. The Word that is living is Jesus Christ. We need both on our journey of faith to light our path.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help me to treasure your written Word and Jesus, your living Word, with the exuberance of the third-graders receiving their new Bibles! Truly, let your written Word and your living Word be a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Amen.

Daily Devotion, March 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 25:8.

In Exodus 25 we read that God gave his people a blueprint to build "a sanctuary." It is most commonly called "the tent of meeting or tabernacle." It signifies the place where God met with Moses and his people and where lambs were sacrificed as an atonement for their sins. On one occasion it is called "the house of the Lord." (Exodus 23:19) This tent moved with the people as they traveled through the wilderness. The most important thing to remember about the sanctuary is this: it symbolized the dwelling place of the Lord. Almost five hundred years later this portable sanctuary was replaced by the beautiful temple, which was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Again, it represented the presence of God among his chosen people. The Tabernacle and the Temple were treated with great respect.

Why should Christians care about a temporary temple that existed during the Old Testament? This is where it gets personal! God sent his son Jesus to dwell among us. (John 1:14) In fact, the Greek word dwell is the same Hebrew word for tabernacle. Jesus came to earth and temporarily lived with us, dwelled with us. Gospel writer Matthew, quoting Isaiah, says Jesus is Immanuel meaning “God with us.” Jesus is literally God with his people! Just like the Tabernacle, his time on earth was temporary, but he will come again, in a more permanent fashion. In the meantime, for those of us who have chosen to give our lives to God and follow him, he resides in our hearts and not in a temporary dwelling space. We no longer have to offer up lambs for sacrifice, because Jesus was our sacrifice. God wants us to exhibit a life worthy of that sacrifice and to use our body as a sanctuary for him. We want to respect his Sanctuary.

Personal Worship Option:

For your time of meditation, click here to worship God through the song "Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary." https://youtu.be/4LiTy7ndOzw

Daily Devotion, March 14, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 6:11-17.

Paul refers to himself as “the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you Gentiles,” in Ephesians 3:1, and it is likely that Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. I can imagine Paul, sitting and looking at one of his guards, a Roman soldier, as he dictated the letter. Rome seemed undefeatable with its mighty army at that time in the 1st Century. Its soldiers were some of the best-equipped and most highly trained in their world. Looking at that soldier, with his wide belt, breastplate, shield, and sword, Paul painted a beautiful picture for us of what we need for the journey. 

For example, the Roman shield would have been made of wood, and a soldier would soak his shield in water before battle so that flaming darts or arrows shot at him could be impaled and extinguished in the shield. Paul uses that shield to illustrate our being armed with faith to protect us from the assaults and temptations of evil. Along with our faith, we must be armed and protected with truth, righteousness, salvation, and God’s word. If we neglect any of the pieces of our armor, we are vulnerable. Paul reminds us to put on the full armor of God, ready and prepared for our spiritual journey.

Personal Worship Option:

We do not often think of life as a battle, requiring us to wear armor. But this is a very helpful illustration of what we need in order to face life and live as Christians, resisting evil, injustice, and oppression. Pray today for the opportunity to do just that.

Daily Devotion, March 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is often called “the faith chapter.” Much of it offers a listing of those who were faithful to God through Old Testament days. Then we come to that opening line of chapter 12: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses….” We can expand that listing of the faithful to include those of New Testament times and ever since then. The writer gives us that image of a great spiritual cheering section, urging us on in our journey of faith. You have your own personal list of those who have “gone on to glory” and are part of your cheering section. 

So we have that great image to give us encouragement, but then the writer immediately turns to something we each need to do in order to best run this race: “...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” You have seen runners in track and field events; their clothing is as light as possible. They don’t want anything to weigh them down. They don’t carry anything with them. They’re just focused on running the race.  

It is no different in the spiritual race of faith. You don’t need to be trying to carry anything with you that weighs you down. The Season of Lent is that time of year when we focus on examining our life and assessing what needs to change. Use this time to take an honest inventory and determine what you need to remove from your life (a habit, a grudge, an attitude) that is weighing you down and preventing you from becoming the person God can create you to be.

Personal Worship Option:

When can you schedule that inventory?

Daily Devotion, March 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12:17-21.

This week, we are focusing on what we need to remove from our life in order to better be a disciple and representative of Jesus Christ. We all have habits, ways of thinking, attitudes and activities that prevent us from living the way of Jesus and helping others come to know him.  

Romans 12 has long been one of my favorite passages of the Bible that ground me in what it looks like to be God’s people. These verses at the end of that chapter emphasize one of the things we have to get rid of - our desire for revenge. While the focus here is not taking actions of vengeance, I am convinced the Holy Spirit seeks to guide and empower us to even get rid of the desire for it. Jesus teaching us to “love your enemies” in and of itself speaks to removing that from our spirit and mind. Paul reminds us that God is a God of justice and that God will deal with the sins of those who have done injustice to us or anybody else.  

Not only are we encouraged to remove the desire for revenge, but to take positive actions toward our enemies; to provide for their needs; to surprise them with the grace of God, that gives what we don’t deserve. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Personal Worship Option:

Who is that person or group God is calling you to surprise with an action of grace?

Daily Devotion, March 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

The last phrase in verse six connects to our focus this week: “...a time to throw away.” What is it in your life that you need to throw away? “Throwing away” is a difficult task, at least for me. When it comes to closets and stuff it's hard to know what to throw away or keep, because you never know when you might need it. At least that is what I tell myself. Anybody else a recovering pack rat? But I think Solomon had something deeper in mind.

Timing is a key component. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept and appropriate God’s perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without God’s blessing. So, is God cleaning out your heart and life? Are there attitudes, actions that need to be thrown away?

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time with God pondering if there are things that are hindering your relationship with God. Make a clean start in your relationship with God today.

Daily Devotion, March 10, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Philippians 3:12-14.

​​We can look at the past, learn from the past, but we shouldn’t live in the past. We have to give our past to Jesus. There are two things we should forget from our past: our failures and our successes. When it comes to our failures, we have to forget injuries and wounds we might have caused. We also have to ask God for forgiveness and forgive ourselves. Think who wrote these words in Philippians. Paul imprisoned and killed Christians. If he could move forward, so can we. We can’t live on yesterday’s success either. We can acknowledge it, but we must look forward. 

 

We are to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us. Activity is not the same as productivity. There is a difference between what you may do, you might do, and you must do or between what you would do, could do, and should do. We are told that we cannot serve two masters. God must be first. We need to narrow our focus and figure out what matters most. Every day let’s first seek the kingdom of God.

Personal Worship Option:

The prize is to do the will of God right now, tomorrow, and forever. Whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God.  What is the one thing you do that you need to stop doing? What is the one thing that you are not doing that you should be doing? What is the one thing if you did it, would help you grow personally and spiritually?

Daily Devotion, March 9, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 4:25, 31-32.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 begins, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

From prison to the church at Ephesus we can hear Paul’s urgency for the people to live in the ways of Christ. In chapter 3, he reminds the people that God’s grace through Christ includes all people. Paul is helping the Hebrew and Gentile followers of Christ to get along with each other and to be in unity as a witness of Christ’s love. At the same time, he is saying that this new life in Christ calls them to remove their old ways.

In the verses for today, Paul specifically declares that they must (in verse 25) “put off all falsehood”, and (in verse 31), “31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

In regards to the reason for telling the truth, Rev. William Barclay writes, “It is because we are all members of the same body.” He continues, “We can live in safety only because the senses and the nerves pass true messages to the brain. If they passed false messages, if, for instance, the nerves told the brain something was cold, when it was hot, life would soon come to an end.”

Bitterness (long-term resentment), rage and anger, brawling and slander, and malice, are long-term, harmful, heavy and consuming emotions for self and for others. These definitely hurt the witness of Christ’s love which is at work transforming our lives.

Paul offers the alternative to this way of life, “32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  

Chapter 5 begins with, “Be imitators of God.” I recently saw a picture of a grandmother hiking with her two year old grandson. She had a hiking stick and he wanted to have a hiking stick just like she had. They were hiking on the trail in step, right beside each other both with their walking sticks.

Personal Worship Option:

Walk beside and in step with Christ today, letting go of the old ways and embracing Christ’s ways with each new step.