Daily Devotion, May 31, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:26-27.

Have you ever been through times in your life that seem so big, so challenging that you don’t even know how to pray about them? Do you ever struggle to find the words to pray? Or do you cry out with utterances in your prayers? Be comforted that God’s Spirit is right alongside you, helping you. The Holy Spirit helps us communicate with God when we don’t know what to say. He joins with us to help us in our weakness, interceding for us in accordance with the will of God.

Prayer is not a matter of saying the right words. Prayer is opening up your heart to God’s Spirit and letting God guide you. My youngest grandson is a high energy blue-eyed darling with a big engaging smile. Sometimes he wants to tell me something but struggles to get the words out. Oh, he utters something, but I just can’t understand him. Do I say, “Come on, spit it out!” Do I become impatient and walk away? Of course not! I stoop down to get eye to eye with this little guy. I lovingly try to help him find the words. And sometimes I say, “Show me.” And off we go hand in hand to meet his toddler-sized need.

I believe God does this for you and me. When our words don’t come, yet our need is great, our loving Father shows he cares for us through the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. And there’s more good news! When we choose to trust God with his plan for our lives and rely on his Holy Spirit to work on our behalf, he will work out all that happens to us for our good and his glory. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you through your greatest need today.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, when I don’t know how to pray or what to say, I trust your Holy Spirit to help me communicate with you. Help me to grow in my faith and take me beyond what I can think or imagine as I do your will on earth. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Daily Devotion, May 30, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 13:9-11.

Jesus knew that his followers would face persecution and trials, and he encouraged them to lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance when they are brought to trial. It would be practically impossible to know in advance how to respond to false accusations, and Jesus wanted them and us to know that we are not alone in facing opposition. The Holy Spirit still guides us if we are open.

Let me hasten to say that Jesus is not telling those of us who teach, preach, and speak publicly in faith settings to skip the preparation, neglect our study, and simply go to our classes and worship services, hoping the Holy Spirit will give us the words. I like to come to the classes I teach well prepared with a good study plan and notes. But I have also learned that the Spirit often moves in our class discussions in ways I did not anticipate; and when I relax and allow the discussion to move in those directions, I often experience a lesson that was much better than the one I had prepared. My best-prepared plans are sometimes simply a starting or jumping off point for the Holy Spirit to use in guiding us.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, send your Spirit to be with us when we study and prepare to speak. Help us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance at all times. And when we find ourselves in situations in which we do not know what to say, give us the right words through your Spirit. Amen!

Daily Devotion, May 29, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 2:4-10.

Through the events of Easter, God gave us all the amazing gift of grace, opening the door to a personal relationship with God and never-ending life. These verses from the letter to the Ephesians are my favorite for describing this gift. They are packed with the essence of the gospel message. It is because of God’s love that we have been given this gift. There are reminders of Easter in the phrases “made us alive with Christ” and “God raised us up with Christ.” And he emphasizes that we are “saved by grace” by stating it twice in these few verses. He also drives the point home by emphasizing that none of us have done anything to merit or earn this gift (it wouldn’t be a gift if that were the case).  

Verse ten then reminds us that we were created to “do good works” because that is what God does and it is God who created us. I often say that we still seek to do good things and help others and worship God, but no longer do we do any of that to earn God’s favor or love, we do them to say, “Thank you for the gift!” Praise be to God forever and ever for the amazing gift of grace!

Personal Worship Option:

Sing (or listen to) your favorite song about grace today and offer God a prayer of gratitude for this divine gift.

Daily Devotion, May 28, 2022

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-14.

I have heard (and used) this “Trinitarian blessing” found in verse 14 for many years as a closing, “sending forth” blessing at the end of worship services. It is both a blessing for individuals and for the congregation/group of people as a whole. We can each celebrate the grace, love and fellowship we have with God but also know those same blessings are available to us as we seek to serve and grow as part of our shared ministry as God’s people.  

Our focus this week is on God’s gift of grace. J. Paul Sampley, in The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, shares these statements about this verse: “Grace opens and closes every undisputed Pauline letter, just as grace encompasses every moment of the life of faith for all believers. The life of faith is totally dependent from beginning to end on God’s unmerited, freely bestowed gift.” Celebrate this gift today and live on the basis of it.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you” now and forevermore.

Personal Worship Option:

Take some time to reflect on how you experience the grace, love and fellowship of God. How might you help others have similar experiences?

Daily Devotion, May 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 1:14-17.

In the Old Testament days (and since then), many of God’s people misunderstood the purpose of the law, thinking we had to fully follow it in order to be right with God. But Jesus made it clear that we are saved by the free gift of grace. Grace is precious because Jesus himself is the treasure. To discover grace is to discover God’s utter devotion to you.

Many years ago, a friend accepted Christ as her savior but could not understand grace. She kept trying to be “good enough” for God and continued to fail. Grace was the issue - she couldn’t understand how God could love her without earning it. After many conversations, she finally understood and it transformed her life.

This is the gift that God gives. A grace that grants us first the power to receive love and then the power to give it. A grace that changes us, shapes us, and leads us to a life that is externally altered. All God wants from us is faith and to do that, is to grow in grace.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: “God, you are abounding in forgiveness and mercy and goodness I cannot understand. I worship you with my heart and soul. Please let me feel your mercy and grace so I can give it to others I encounter today. I give you thanks for the grace I do not deserve and your mercies, which are new every morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Daily Devotion, May 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Timothy 1:8-10.

Earlier this month the Metropolitan Handbells had their spring concerts. Part of the program had selections from Broadway including Les Miserables. In the story, Jean Valjean was arrested for stealing a loaf of bread. Finally released after 19 years in prison, he couldn’t find a place to stay until a bishop graciously offered him lodging. But then Valjean stole some silver from the bishop’s home and fled. Captured the next day, he was brought back to the bishop. But instead of accusing him, the bishop said he had given Valjean the silver, and then he also gave Valjean two silver candlesticks. Overwhelmed with the extravagance of grace, Valjean’s priorities changed. He surrendered his life to God and worked to help others. The transforming power of grace was astounding.

E. Stanley Jones once remarked, “Grace binds you with far stronger cords than the cords of duty or obligation.” God’s extravagant grace was present before the beginning of time, has been revealed in Jesus, and continues for eternity. Let God’s grace overwhelm you today.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, help us focus on your extravagant grace. May we become saturated with the mercy of Jesus Christ so that we offer ourselves totally to your service. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

Rich with opportunities for much more research, these verses help us understand more of God’s grace. Verse 14 begins with this chapter’s fourth “Therefore”. The writer builds a most valid argument for why we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. It is because we have been given Jesus, the great High Priest, who has ascended into heaven, who is able to empathize with our weakness and was tempted in every way as we are, yet he did not sin. This all has to do with the covenantal relationship of God with humankind.

From the Old Testament (Old Covenant) writings, God chose Aaron, brother of Moses to be the first High Priest to oversee the tabernacle in the wilderness. When Aaron made sacrifices in the tabernacle, he acted as the representative of the people of Israel. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make amends for the people's sins. The offerings made were sufficient to cover sin, but their effect was only temporary.

In contrast, in the new covenant, Christ's death and resurrection brought completion for the sacrifices for sin. Christ's role as high priest is further explained in Hebrews 4:14 to 10:18. As the sinless Son of God, he is uniquely qualified to be mediator yet has compassion with human sin. Jesus became one of us and understands what we go through during life’s experiences. Because of his perfection, Jesus was the final, complete and victorious sacrifice for sin and the ideal, eternal high priest for all of humanity. Therefore, at God’s throne of grace, “we receive God’s mercy and can find grace to help us in our time of need.”

All of this is God’s gift, out of God’s love.

Personal Worship Option:

These verses quickly reminded me of the great hymn “And Can It Be?” by Charles Wesley. Written to celebrate his conversion during Pentecost which took place on May 21, 1738, the last stanza proclaims Charles Wesley’s experience of God’s grace.  Let this be our prayer and expression of deepest gratitude today. Amen.

“Bold I approach the eternal throne

And claim the crown, through Christ my own

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou my God, should die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou my God, should die for me?”

Daily Devotion, May 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 20:17-24.

In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey. In this farewell address to the elders of the church, he recalls both the times of struggle he faced, as well as his faithfulness to preach the Gospel. During his times of struggle, his message was rejected, he was abused, people rioted against him, and he was chased, stripped, and beaten. In spite of these challenges, Paul continued to minister. In verse 24 Paul says, “But none of these things move me.” (KJV) The apostle Paul was like an unmovable rock. Regardless of how the storms might blow, he remained a steadfast man of God. He is now compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem where he knows he will be put in prison and will face greater hardships. Paul remains steadfast with only one aim: “...to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” (NRSV)

 

Paul was “unmoved” by his sufferings. They did not cause him to change his course, to change his direction. He remained faithful to his calling and trusted God through the power of the Holy Spirit to guide him and protect him so that he could continue the good work of the Gospel. Paul chose to let nothing move him away from God’s will, from finishing the course, and from the tasks given to him by the Holy Spirit.

For those of us who have received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we too have been called to do his will, to serve others, and to be a light in the world in spite of all the challenges we face. Are you easily moved from this course God has laid out for you? Or are you unmoved and faithful to the cause of Christ?

Personal Worship Option:

Paul’s aim was to finish his work for God with joy. He writes in 2 Timothy, his last book, these words:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Considering the direction of your life today, how might your faith life be described?

Daily Devotion, May 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:12-17.

Adam had it all -– created in God’s image, enjoying life in the lush Garden of Eden, and even ruling over all of God’s creation. Given free will, Adam could make his own choices, and it appears that at first he lived in the image in which he was created. Then his human nature to rebel against authority and to push back on boundaries got the best of him, and he disobeyed God. We refer to this sinful nature as “original sin,” and we human beings all have that nature and that tendency to sin. Adam did not cause our sinful nature, but rather he was simply the first to act on it. We need to be saved from our nature, and we cannot be good enough to save ourselves.

In this passage, Paul is comparing the separation from God that started with Adam and the forgiveness and reconciliation with God that comes through the life and death of Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is “imputed,” meaning that we have done nothing to earn or deserve being counted as righteous, but Christ paid our debt and then credited his righteousness to us. When we accept this gift of God’s grace through Christ, God pardons us; and this imputed righteousness is available to all humanity.

Personal Worship Option:

In your prayer time today, reflect on a time when your human nature got the best of you, and you made a sinful mistake or failed to do the right thing. Lift that to God and ask for forgiveness. Give thanks to God for the gift of grace through Christ that saves each of us through faith.

Daily Devotion, May 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 10:34-37, 44-48.

If at all possible, I encourage you to read this whole chapter so that you will better understand the message in these assigned verses. The Apostle Peter had been given a dream by God that went against what he had understood was the teaching of the Bible: there were certain things he was not supposed to eat because they were considered unclean. The Holy Spirit had also been working on a Gentile man named Cornelius, a leader in the Roman army. The Spirit brought them together and continued to teach Peter what Jesus had been trying to teach him and the other disciples all along: as Peter puts it in this encounter, “...that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”  

This is one of the stories in Acts and other New Testament books that makes it clear that the Holy Spirit continued to be a guide and teacher for the apostles and other followers of Jesus when the Lord ascended back to heaven. Jesus had told the disciples that the Spirit would be sent for this very purpose. It is a reminder to all of us that we still have much to learn and that we have been gifted with a guide for all of life. As I wrestle with the issues and challenges that we face in our world, I sometimes find myself thinking that nobody has faced such matters before. Then I read of God’s people in the first century and every century since then and remember that all generations have had to face tough times and perplexing situations. And the Holy Spirit has been there to guide throughout. That same Spirit is still available to guide us today. What a gift!

Personal Worship Option:

Consider offering this prayer: “Holy Spirit, we celebrate your presence among us, especially for your guidance in all of life. Remind us this day to stay in touch with you and seek your teaching and direction as we seek to be your people.”

Daily Devotion, May 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.

You have heard or seen the question in various settings: “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” The prophet Jeremiah got to share both during his years of serving God. He first had to announce doom and gloom that was coming because of the disobedience of the people. They would be defeated and carried into exile. But then he got to announce the good news. God was not finished with them yet. These verses tell of a new covenant that God will establish with the people, in which God will offer a personal relationship with everyone. In the Old Testament days, most of the people knew God only through the king or a prophet or other representative of God. But this new covenant would offer the opportunity for each person to know God.  

It’s one thing to know about God. It’s one thing to read about God, hear about God, have some beliefs about God. It is another thing entirely to know God, to have a personal relationship with the God who gave you life. Be assured of God’s desire to have that relationship with you. Know that God longs to guide you in all of your life and to deepen your relationship every day. As I often say on Sunday morning, I invite you to begin or deepen that relationship and know that you will have a guide for life.

Personal Worship Option:

What one thing do you need to do this week to begin or deepen your relationship with God?

Daily Devotion, May 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 13:21-22.

As the Children of Israel left their time of bondage in Egypt, the presence of the Lord guided them in a very visual way. God chose to lead them through a longer route - a route that protected, trained, and tested them. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night was God’s way of assuring the Israelites that He was with them on their journey.

However, God’s guidance is often not as tangible or visual, but it is still just as real. What has God given us so that we can have the same assurance? The Bible - something the Israelites did not have. He also has given us the Holy Spirit to remind and guide us each day. Sometimes the message can get lost in translation.

Have you ever taken your dog with you to the car wash? I have and don’t recommend it. The minute the car started through the wash and the brushes and noise began - so did the barking and howling. No matter how I tried to reassure and promise treats, the noise in the car didn’t stop until we were in the sunshine. Kind of reminds me of me and God. I enter a “dark tunnel” and start my “barking and howling”. God tries to reassure me but I’m not listening or can’t understand. But God is there, right with me reassuring me of His plan, purpose, and presence through His Word and Spirit. God can see the needs and hazards we can’t. He works to meet our needs and protect us. We must trust that His way is best.

Personal Worship Option:

Do you get impatient with God? Accept the path He has placed you on. Be content with God’s purpose in your life. Encourage others who are struggling in their own circumstances.

Daily Devotion, May 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 5:16-25.

In this scripture, Paul compares what it is to live by the Spirit with what it means to live by pleasures of the flesh. First, he sites some examples of the works of the flesh. These are prevalent when someone is separated from God. Then Paul lists the attributes of someone who is living with the Holy Spirit. 

We call this list “The Fruit of the Spirit.” Notice the contrast of works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are what we do. But the Christian life we live is to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Paul talks about the difference between the works of the flesh with the principle of fruit-bearing. The fruit, which are traits of Jesus, is produced by being guided by the Holy Spirit which lives in us. The fruit of the Spirit is love. This indicates that love is the fruit, and from it stems all other fruits. Love is the primary trait. Love is the prevailing attribute of God and lived out by Jesus. When we are guided by the Spirit, we will be living in accordance with the two great commandments: love God and love others. When we are loving God and loving others, all of the fruits will surface and be developed.

Personal Worship Option:

Are you living by the Spirit of God or more influenced by the desires of the flesh? Is the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 evident in your life? Dear God, help us be guided by you in our living. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 25:4-10.

As ten year old campers, we carefully followed our camp counselor to the top of a tall mountain in northeast GA.

During college I was trained to lead and guide the campers. We had to know the trail very well, with all its twists, turns, crossable creeks, rest stops, and historical markers; the differences between the non-poisonous and poisonous plants, how to step on a fallen tree to avoid a hidden snake underneath, and where the boundary markers were at the top of the mountain. And of course we carried a first-aid kit.

For the 48 campers on the hike, there were four counselors: a counselor leading, two counselors in the middle and another counselor at the very end of the line. The camp counselors took their responsibilities very seriously. The campers knew they would be safe if they simply followed the counselors very closely. Neither counselors nor campers were to lose sight of each other. The goals were to keep everyone safe and to truly create an experience to see God’s creation of the beautiful mountains.

When I read this Psalmist’s prayer, my mind’s eye returns to these hiking experiences as both camper and counselor. The Psalmist writes in this chapter that his whole trust is in God. He asks God to teach him the pathways, to guide him in God’s truth, salvation, and hope. He knows that God will guide in what is right.

Verses 4-10 are beautiful metaphors for God’s pathways. God’s pathways are mercy, love and forgiveness. God’s pathways are good and upright. God guides us away from anything which will bring us harm, including our nature to follow the pathways of sin. God’s pathways are faithful and again, loving. God knows these pathways best and knows best how to lead us.

In both familiar and unfamiliar territory, I would want to follow only the One who knows the pathway best and leads safely. The Psalmist knows God is the One who knows the path and will lead safely. The Psalmist confidently trusts God with his whole being and safely follows. Verse 15 says, “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and Merciful God, help us keep our eyes on you and place our complete trust in you to lead us in your pathways and to guide us into your truth. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 14:26; 16:12-15.

Here is Jesus, nearing his own death, and he is pouring out the depth of his love for his followers. He spoke these words at the Last Supper, as he gathered with his disciples, sharing life with them. Jesus had already told his disciples his Father would send another Advocate or Comforter who will never leave them. Jesus referred to this Comforter as “the Spirit of Truth.”

Now, again, Jesus repeats this promise but continues with a further explanation of the purpose for which he was sending the Spirit of truth. According to Jesus, the Spirit (the Holy Spirit as he is commonly called) would come to guide the followers of Jesus in the truth. Worded in a different way, it would be the job of the Holy Spirit to lead people to understand and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. It would further be the ministry of the Spirit to guide people in the truth so that we can be obedient to God.

Our mission at Christ Church is learning to live the way of Jesus Christ and inviting all to follow him. Jesus promises disciples then and now that the Holy Spirit is available to us for guidance in “learning to live the way of Jesus Christ.” The Holy Spirit offers faithful guidance in all areas of our lives. It is our responsibility to be open to that guidance so that we can discern truth in our world today, live according to the Spirit inspired Word of God, and become more like Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider today to what degree you are allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth. Do you ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding of Scripture? Are you letting the Holy Spirit prompt you in your daily decisions? Is your life increasingly reflecting Christ? Let us all do our best this week to listen to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and try to live as he asks us to.

Daily Devotion, May 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 58:6-11.

In the first verses of this chapter, Isaiah describes how the people of Israel had not followed God in their hearts. They fast, but even during their times of fasting, they exploit their workers, they quarrel, and they are even violent with one another. Their fasting is a formality, a show, and it is not acceptable to God. Our verses for today describe what does please God in fasting – freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and providing shelter and clothing for the poor. God blesses this kind of fasting and the one who fasts in these ways.

We can read this “fasting” also as worship, and in this we see the contrast between shallow worship and authentic, God-seeking, life-changing worship. This has nothing to do with which songs or hymns we sing or the style of worship, and it really goes beyond what we even think of as corporate worship. It is worship that includes our daily lives, every day, and how we treat others. When we live out God’s call to love others and extend God’s love to them, we are blessed. Much more than being blessed by earthly riches and prosperity, we are blessed by really knowing God and receiving God’s guidance.

Personal Worship Option:

Please pray with me, “Almighty God, help me to live in worship of you every day of my life, seeking to know and do your will. Help me to love and serve others, not for attention or even out of a sense of duty. Correct me when I slip and bring me closer and closer to you. Amen!”

Daily Devotion, May 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.

There is a difference between living life to the fullest and just existing from day to day. It is possible to live life just “going through the motions,” going through routines each day that fill up the hours of each one: sleep, eat, work, recycle. The key to living life to the fullest is to have a purpose which drives you.  

Paul states in this passage that it is the love of Christ that compels his followers. We know that he died for each of us, to give us new life and a reason to live each day. Our purpose is to live for him, “to learn and live his way and invite all to follow him.” Just as he gave his life, we give our life by living for him and for others.  

Yesterday, I invited you to reflect on the many ways that you have experienced that life that God has given you. Today, I invite you to think about the various ways you can be a life-giver to those around you. How can you be a resource for learning and living the way of Christ to the children and teenagers around you? How can you be a resource for life to those in need around you? How can you help give life to those around you who have suffered some kind of injustice?

Jesus Christ gave his life so that others could have life. He invites you and me and everybody else to live our life in such a way that we help give life to everybody we can. Receive and give the life of Christ!

Personal Worship Option:

One of the primary ways we experience life at its best is to worship God together. Join us in worship today at either 9:30 or 11:15. And bring somebody with you! Maybe even a carload!

Daily Devotion, May 14, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 10:10b.

The ultimate gift that God gives us at Easter is life. Jesus’ statement here in John’s Gospel is one of the ways he described his mission in coming to earth. He desires for every person to experience life at its best.  

From the beginning, God has given us life. God is the Creator. It is because of God that you exist, that you get to live in this world. I invite you to take some time today to reflect on the many ways you have experienced this gift from God. Think about the many people who have blessed you over the years, who have been sources of life for you. Think about the many experiences you have had that were life-giving, those times when you had a really good day. Think about the many resources you have been given that have enhanced your life in some way.

Now, reflect on the eternal life you have been given through Jesus Christ. This is life with him as your Lord and Guide for life, revealing how to live life at its best and giving you an assurance of life with God for eternity. The God who gave you life in the first place has also given you new life through Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Personal Worship Option:

Consider offering this prayer: Creator God, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for the many ways I have been able to experience the beauty and wonder of your Creation and the many people who have been part of my life. Thank you most of all for the eternal life you have graciously given me through your Son Jesus Christ. I pray in his name. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 14:7-9.

All of us have a “belonging”. We belong to a family or a team or a civic organization or any number of other groups. A lot of them have certain requirements to belong and expectations. There is one civic organization that is absolutely free to belong: the Library. It is available to everyone. It doesn't matter if you are young or old.  It doesn’t matter where you were born or who your parents are. Everyone is welcome.

Another great thing about the library is that once you become a member, you are entitled to all the benefits and services the library provides. You can check out books, videos, and music. You can read magazines and newspapers and use the computer. And it all is free. 

 

That's a pretty good picture of what it is like to be a member of God’s family. It doesn’t matter who you are because when you belong to the family through Jesus Christ, you are entitled to all the benefits of being a child of God. All of the promises that God has made in His Word belong to you! 

We can live life to the fullest because of what God provided us through Jesus Christ. No matter what happens to us, we can be assured that we “belong to the Lord.”

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your relationship with God and thank Him for providing this family and a place to belong.

Daily Devotion, May 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 8:12.

Are you ever afraid of the dark? You see shadows and can’t make out what it is before you. Many people are afraid. Our grandchildren need a night light to go to sleep at night. Physical darkness is one thing, but there is also spiritual darkness. How can people who want to walk with God find their way in a dark world?

Jesus tells us the answer. “Follow me!” he said to each of his disciples. “Follow me!” is what he says to every believer. Amid the troubled world and hateful confusion and the gray gloom of guilt, Jesus is the light of the world. When we follow him and trust him, we will never walk in darkness. We might not be able to see too far ahead of us, but Jesus shows us the next step forward. That is all we should need. We can have confidence that Jesus will brighten our way and help guide us through dark times.

For us as believers, Jesus is our source of light. We do not have to be afraid of the dark. We will never have to experience darkness, because we “have the light of life.” John writes a lot about Jesus providing our light. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The darkness of evil will never overcome the light of Jesus. Hallelujah!

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Thank you for providing Jesus to light our way. Help us to trust each day that the light is there for us to follow. Amen.

Daily Devotion, May 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:6-11, 23.

How do we live as Easter people?

This rich and powerful chapter of Romans 8 begins with “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.” And it concludes with “…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

These bookends give, from God to those who are in Christ Jesus: hope, life, freedom from the guilt and the bondage of sin, freedom from the fear of death, confidence and security of belonging to God forever! By the power of the Holy Spirit, our minds are re-set to live new lives as Easter people!

Verses 6-11 and 23 give us the assurance that God’s gift to us in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, can re-set our minds to not follow in the ways of our sinful nature, but to follow in the ways of Christ, who leads us in God’s ways. This is completely God’s gift offered to all of creation. We cannot earn, achieve or merit it! It is God’s gift with the same power which raised Jesus to resurrected life!

As Easter people we are free to discover this new life! Our new granddaughter is discovering her hands and fingers with a look of awe and wonder! New life brings us new discoveries each day of all of God’s gifts! Each new day of life, we can pause in awe and wonder to give God thanks and to remain open for new discoveries!

Discovering this new life, we must remain steadfast that it is not for self-centered gain. The Holy Spirit is constantly moving us beyond ourselves to love and serve others. God is able to work with us as individuals, and God also has a vision for all of creation to know the glory of being the children of God.

Personal Worship Option:

With open hands, we thank you, God, for this magnificent gift of our hands. We thank you, God for life, new life and life eternal! Lead us to new discoveries as Easter people! “In His freedom I am free, For the love of Jesus Christ, Who has resurrected me.” Amen. Words and Music by Ingram, Ligertwood & Ligertwood. Hillsong, 2019.

Daily Devotion, May 10, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:10-14.

If you have trusted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then you are a Christian and the Holy Spirit lives within you. Since we have the power of the Holy Spirit working within us in our new life, we no longer need to live our “old do-it-yourself life” as the Message version says. With new life in Christ we want to live and act as Christ directs us to. We have a powerful source of help with our daily problems and guidance to live a life that God calls us to live. Paul reminds us in verse 11, God raised Jesus from the dead, so God's Spirit will also raise our mortal bodies at the final resurrection. As Jesus said to Martha about her dead brother Lazarus:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)

So how do we let go of the old life and stay faithful to our new life in Christ? We stay connected to the power source by reading God’s Word, being in fellowship with other believers, spending time in prayer and meditation, participating in worship services, and intentionally keeping our minds and actions focused on whatever is true, right, honorable, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Personal Worship Option:

Paul tells us in this passage that we are not slaves of Christ but are his children. Think today on that very important distinction and how that affects how you view your relationship with him. What is the best part of being in the family of God?