Daily Devotion, August 31, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 22:1-12.

This story reminds me of my childhood fears when I would read this story in a children’s Bible story book while I was waiting in the doctor’s office! Remembering the artist’s rendering of this story can still evoke fear!

In many ways I had to “un-learn” this story and with the help of the Holy Spirit, hear it with new ears and see it with new eyes to understand it in such a way as to not evoke the fear it once had created for me.

Over the years I learned that this story became one of the turning points in Abraham’s understanding of God. The other “gods” for other people during Abraham’s day did require child sacrifices. But here in this story, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob became set apart as the God who provides the sacrifice and does NOT ask for child sacrifices.

This story is part of the thread of atonement and God’s forgiveness of our sins, which is woven throughout the Bible. Atonement is one of the big words and concepts from scripture. God is the one who provides and makes the way to repair the breach of relationship that sin has brought. God offers the way to restore us to a right relationship.  The word itself, “at-one-ment” helps us begin to understand it.

Abraham and God had a relationship of trust. Abraham knew God would provide and God knew that Abraham would be faithful. This relationship was strengthened in this experience. It marks the beginning of God’s providing the way for restoration.

This thread is woven throughout the Old Testament and picked up in the New Testament. John 1:29 quotes John the Baptist. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 

Romans 12:1 continues this thread of thought, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” 

Personal Worship Option:

This thread is picked up again throughout all of I John 4 and particularly with the words, “God is love”, and “perfect love casts out all fear.” Has your fear of God kept you from living, and living sacrificially, to love and serve God and others?

Daily Devotion, August 30, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 15:5-12.

Acts 15 opens with the news that “certain individuals” from Judea arrived in Antioch. These teachers say that Gentile members of the church must be circumcised. They were teaching that faith in Christ alone was not sufficient to please God. The leaders in the early church understood that the way of salvation must be a clear and correct teaching.

 Modern teachers might insist upon the following additions to faith:

• "Unless you are baptized, you cannot be saved."
• "Unless you keep the Ten Commandments, you cannot be saved."
• "Unless you belong to a particular church, you cannot be saved."

You may not encounter a false teacher, but you can encounter a false teaching in your thinking. The Christian who feels they must earn God's approval or do something extraordinary to gain God's forgiveness has fallen into the same error. We are saved through faith alone. 

Peter, having learned his lesson about God's plans for both Jews and Gentiles, stood before the group saying, “God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.” Peter seems to be saying something like this: “Haven’t we already dealt with this issue and made our decision? Didn’t we agree that God is saving Gentiles as well as Jews?” There was dead silence. No one said a word.

The false teachers had been arguing that the Gentiles must find salvation through Jewish tradition and practice. Peter turned their argument on its head and declared the Jewish people must be saved just as the Gentiles are -- by faith alone.

Now that Peter had spoken, Barnabas and Paul spoke to a hushed group as they reported to them concerning the many miraculous signs and wonders that God performed through them as they proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles. 

The apostles stood firm on their belief that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith alone. This message is a good reminder to us that God welcomes all to the kingdom. He sees the heart of people. He does not discriminate based on color, economic status, nationality, or ethnic group. He welcomes all by faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Remind yourself today of this truth: God’s Word says that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace alone. Faith alone.

Grace alone means that God loves, forgives, and saves us not because of who we are or what we do, but because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We receive that grace through faith alone.

Daily Devotion, August 29, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 16:15-23.

Jesus had taken his apostles away to Caesarea Philippi, a beautiful spot in the northern part of Galilee at the scenic headwaters of the Jordan River. When he asked them who they think he is, Simon answered perfectly, “You are the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded with a glowing affirmation of Simon, saying that God had revealed this truth to him and giving him the new name of Petros, Peter, which means “the Rock.” Jesus stated that he will build his church on the rock of faith like that of Peter’s.  

Just when Peter must have thought he had arrived, he stumbled! When Jesus shared with them how he would be crucified and resurrected, Peter took him aside to argue that this shall never happen. Jesus humbled Peter by telling him that Satan is now speaking through him in order to tempt Jesus. Peter was human, and he loved Jesus as a fellow human being. Jesus was teaching a tough lesson to Peter to think beyond human relationships and to seek spiritual truths. We too get the right answers at times, and we discover deep and wonderful truths in the faith; but we also get it wrong at times and always have more to learn with God’s help and guidance.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray today for an open heart and a searching mind. Give thanks for the truths we know and can hold onto and ask for enlightenment to keep right on learning new and deeper things through the Holy Spirit.

Daily Devotion, August 28, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:42-47.

There is so much in these few verses that paint a beautiful picture of how the early followers of Jesus put into practice what he had taught them. The word “devoted” tells you a lot by itself. And to what were they devoted? Learning from the apostles about this way of Christ, fellowship with each other, to receiving the Lord’s meal and to prayer. That one verse is a great snapshot by itself!

They saw God at work in the “wonders and signs” God did through the apostles. They didn’t “explain them away” or ignore them but were in awe of them. There was a sense of unity, hospitality and sharing. They spent a lot of time together. They opened up their homes to each other. And through it all, they were praising God because they knew all of this was a result of what God was doing.

Then we hear the outcome of all of it: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” That was to be expected! People want to be part of a group that welcomes them, shares with them and helps them connect with the God who gives and sustains life.

Can you imagine what it would be like to live like that today? Oh, we can do more than imagine it. We can go beyond imagining it. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can paint that same picture!

Personal Worship Option:

One of the most beautiful hymns in our United Methodist Hymnal was written by Fred Kaan in 1974. Here are the words to the first and last verses. Let this be your prayer today.

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us; teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.

Be present, Lord, among us, and bring us to believe we are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.

Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need, who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,

we need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on; renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!

Daily Devotion, August 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 12.

Our focus this week is on living the way that Jesus taught us. This passage from the letter to the Romans is one of my favorite descriptions of that way. The Apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome. He has used the first part of his letter to delve into deep theological teachings about our relationship with God and what God did through Jesus Christ. At chapter twelve, he pivots to a focus on how we are to live our life based on those beliefs and understandings. So, this is an early Church view of what it looks like to be the people of Christ.

How would you describe the way of Christ? I invite you to take some time to write that down somewhere (or type it on some device). Focus particularly on verses nine through twenty-one. How would you state similar thoughts in your own words? Would you include any of this in your personal description of the way of Christ? 

You know what comes next. After stating what you believe the way of Christ looks like, reflect on how much of that you are putting into practice in your daily living.

Personal Worship Option:

Always remember a key to learning the way of Christ: be in constant prayer and open to the Holy Spirit leading and guiding you in that way.

Daily Devotion, August 26, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 19:1-9.

The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that money can be used as a resource for repentance and salvation, as well as service in the kingdom of God. Zacchaeus turned to Jesus when he realized that money and power could not fill the hole in his soul. But that is only part of the story.

Jesus went out of his way to speak to a man who was a social outsider. Jesus called him by name and invited himself to this “crook’s” estate. Jesus did something miraculous in the heart of this man. When Christ offers grace, joy comes bubbling up. Generosity washes away greed.

Jesus is our example of how to love others, even the unlovely. Jesus offers grace, mercy, and forgiveness and our relationship should be a reflection of Jesus' gifts to us.

Personal Worship Option:

Look for the “discarded” people as you go through your day. Ask God’s guidance in how to demonstrate God’s love to them.

Daily Devotion, August 25, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Colossians 3:7-17.

This scripture has so much in it about being Christlike and living the way Jesus lived. It tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peacefulness. I love the idea of taking off the old and putting on new clothes. Growing up with my siblings we only got new clothes once a year for school and then a new dress or pants for Easter. That dress was symbolic for me as we learned in Sunday School that Jesus died for us but became new and eternal in the resurrection. With new clothes came the reminder that we were to try to live a life pleasing to God. That is where the peace in our heart comes in as we strive to live out the qualities that Jesus taught and showed by example.

The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi comes to mind. It starts with “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”. It goes on to say, “Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness joy.” This prayer reminds us of the role we have as Christians. If we practice this lifestyle, we will be trying to live the way of Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, the only peace and love we can share with others is the peace and love that you have first given us. Increase our desire to see your peace and love flow out of us to bless a hurting country and world. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 24, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 13:1-11.

Our theme this week is focusing on living the way Jesus taught us to live. So it might surprise us for our reading to be from the Old Testament! But Jesus was a student of the Old Testament from the heritage of his family and from the times he spent in the Temple being taught by the rabbis.

We believe Jesus knew this story. Jesus understood that though Abram had the right to make the choice of the best land, he allowed his nephew Lot to choose which area he wanted. Abram gave his nephew Lot the first choice. And Lot chose what he perceived to be the best land.

Through this story and others throughout the Old Testament, Jesus came to understand and to live by example the ways of selflessness and sacrifice.

Selflessness and sacrifice are the ways of Jesus which are difficult for us to live by. Setting aside our own wants for the sake of the other person calls us to rely on God to help us and transform us throughout our lives.

Jesus taught and lived by example: to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, to put others first (as Abram gave to Lot the first choice) and to deny self and to take up our cross and follow him.

This is not to be a competition of “who can be nicer” or a striving after works-righteousness. It comes from a deep and abiding trust in God, following in Jesus’ footsteps and relying on the Holy Spirit’s transforming power to lead us to be people who would also have given Lot the first choice of the land.

Personal Worship Option:

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul echoes Christ’s way of living: Philippians 2:1-4, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Transform us loving God, by your Spirit, to live in the ways of Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 3:7-14.

Many people were coming to John to be baptized, but they had not repented of anything. They were coming because this was the religious experience of the day. It was the thing to do if you wanted to appear holy. John scolds them and then gives some very Christ-like guidance on how to live their everyday life.

John says to them, “You religious rulers haven’t repented. You just want to appear holy. He calls them a brood of vipers or a nest of vipers, wilderness snakes that John would have been familiar with. That was about the worst insult you could give in the ancient world. And probably in the present world, in my opinion!

John goes on to tell them what true repentance looks like. First he says that true repentance requires results. True repentance has fruit. Next he tells them the main sin to repent of is greed.

They ask, “What shall we do then?” John tells them to be generous and to share food and clothing with those in need. To the tax collectors, he tells them to be honest. And to the soldiers who were intimidating others with their power, he tells them to be content.

In other words, John says repentance needs to reflect change. He is saying, “Do not stay in your sin. Repent. And show you have truly changed by the fruit of your lives.” John’s message is true for us today. Repenting is the removing of obstacles that keep us from living a Christ-filled life and turning our lives to God. Then we need to live lives that reflect that change in our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

How has repentance looked in your life? Have you removed obstacles that prevent you from living a life that pleases God? If so, are you more generous and honest? Do you deal justly with people? What other changes have you made after repenting? Focus today on doing things that show you have turned from sin and to God.

Daily Devotion, August 22, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 35:20-29; 36:2-7.

I love this story! The people understood that their building the tabernacle to provide a place for worship was God’s will. They caught the vision that it was a communal or group project, yet they each saw it as an individual call to give what they could. We see how each of them realized they had something of value that could be part of the tabernacle, and they brought it eagerly and happily. Some had skills for building, and they came together and went to work, using the articles brought by the people. My favorite part comes at the end when the people just kept right on bringing things until the skilled workers realized they had more than enough materials for building the tabernacle. So, the people were ordered to stop bringing their offerings of materials and were “restrained from bringing more.”

Our congregation is a generous one, always giving in special offerings but also generous in regular, committed giving to the church and its ministries. Giving to our building fund has reminded me of this story, and I have longed for the time when, like Moses, we say, “Stop! We have enough!”

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the things we have that can be our offerings to God… time, skills, money, and so on. Ask how those things might be used by the church to do God’s work and give thanks as our ministries grow and we reach more people for Christ.

Daily Devotion, August 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 15:29-38.

This is the second time in “The Gospel According To Matthew” that Jesus fed a large crowd with just a small amount of available food. Back in chapter 14 is the story of him feeding over 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. In this scene a chapter later, we’re told he fed over 4,000 with seven loaves of bread “and a few small fish.”  

Initially, he proposes that they feed the people, but the disciples are skeptical of being able to provide enough food. (You can’t help but ask “Did they completely forget what he did before?!) Jesus specifically asks them how much bread they have available, but I would suggest we make that a more general question that he asks all of his followers for all time: “How much do you have?”  

How much of anything do you have? We usually think first of money when that question is asked. That is certainly one option for where the question can be directed. But there are others. How much of other physical resources do you have (clothes, or just “stuff” that fills your drawers and cabinets, attic or basement)? How much time do you have? How much knowledge and experience do you have?  

In both of the stories where Jesus fed thousands of people, when what was available was given to Jesus, he used it to do something miraculous. It can still happen today. Give whatever you have to God and be assured more good than you can imagine will come from it.

Personal Worship Option:

What might you have that you think is insignificant that you could give to God for God’s mission and ministry?

Daily Devotion, August 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 6:1-7.

Earlier on in this book, as we read of the life of the early church, we are told of their number increasing (2:47; 5:14), including at the beginning of this passage. As in any group that grows, issues arise. New situations come up with problems and difficulties that have to be dealt with. Such is the case here. There was injustice in the daily distribution of food.  

Note that the disciples take this physical need/issue very seriously, but also realize they must stay focused on using their gifts and experience to provide for the spiritual needs of the people. I also note that those to be chosen to lead this ministry should be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.”

These men were selected to serve this need, but they also had to be willing to do so. They apparently had a gift for organization and used that to serve this need in their community. It is another good example of people using whatever God has given them to serve the needs of others. No matter who you are, God has given you something you can use to help the church serve the mission of our Lord.

Personal Worship Option:

What would you list as resources God has given you? Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for each item on the list. How might you use each one to serve God’s mission and meet the needs of others?

Daily Devotion, August 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:26-38.

Philip had knowledge of the Scriptures and of Jesus, which he was willing to share with this man from Ethiopia and lead him to a commitment to Christ. Philip was a servant-leader in the early church. After preaching cross-culturally with great success (Acts 8:4-8), Philip was confronted with this opportunity to share with a man who was very different from himself.

As Max Lucado said, “you couldn’t have met two more different men. The man in the chariot from distant Africa. Dark-skinned. Not Jewish. The secretary of the treasury in Ethiopia. Unmarried with no kids.

Philip, a local Jew, surely lighter-skinned. He was a simple evangelist, the father of four girls.

In spite of all these differences, Philip didn’t hesitate. He shared the good news of Jesus”.  No walls, no boundaries. One body through Jesus. 

Is there anyone you are not willing to tell about Jesus? Ask God to give you the willingness and the courage. Let him direct you where he wants, not where you want.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: Father, thank you that you have no problem walking through the walls that I sometimes hide behind. I welcome you to come with your forgiveness and shed your light and joy into my life and help me to share that with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Devotion, August 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 18:13-24.

Jethro cared about his daughter’s family and others. His son-in-law, Moses, had a big job giving out advice and judging situations so he was burning his candle at both ends. Trying to help, Jethro offered Moses advice to help him work in a smarter and healthier way. Jethro said “What you are doing is not good. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

Jethro offered this wisdom to Moses in love. He wanted to help Moses avoid the burnout of trying to do all of the leadership himself. Moses was receptive to the advice. He could have ­ignored his father-in-law’s wisdom and continued down the path toward exhaustion, but Moses chose instead to follow Jethro’s advice. He could have taken this as criticism of his work, but instead Moses was willing to be coached. 

Do we get defensive when people offer unsolicited suggestions?  Do we think “who are they to tell me what to do?” But God calls us to assist and work with the people around us. It can mean shar­ing our wisdom or it can mean being willing to be taught. The church should use everyone’s gifts working together for each others’ benefit and for God’s glory. If we can listen, share, and be receptive, we can benefit from the godly wisdom of others that God puts in our path.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, open our hearts so that we can receive the advice of others who try to help us. Encourage us to use our gifts to assist others. Guide us to do your will. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 40:1-8.

This week’s theme is using whatever gifts God has given us to serve the needs of others. Joseph had a gift for interpreting dreams. He was willing to use that gift to help others, even while in prison.

Imagine from Joseph’s perspective that he probably felt as if he had nothing to give to others. But he had a unique gift which God had given to him to interpret dreams. 

Dreams were a big part of Joseph’s life’s story. As a youth, Joseph dreamed about eleven bundles of grain, each representing one of his brothers, which bowed down to his bundle of grain. In another dream, which Joseph shared with his family, the sun (representing his father) and the moon, (representing his mother) and eleven stars, (representing his brothers) all bowed down to him. These dreams, of course, made his whole family upset and his brothers extremely jealous! 

In today’s scripture passage, Joseph is sharing his gift of interpreting the dreams of his fellow prisoners. In two years, this gift would open the door for him to be released from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. This would lead to Joseph becoming second in authority to Pharaoh. 

Notice in verse 8 that Joseph gives credit to God for the gift to interpret dreams. The gifts we have been given to share with and serve others have come from God, too. Sometimes we might be like Joseph’s older brothers and be jealous of the gifts God has given to others. Our jealousy causes us to lose sight of the unique gifts we have been given which can truly help others. 

It’s wonderful to be a part of a church and to observe the various gifts, talents and experiences among the people! Pondering the multitude of ways our church helps others, we can give God thanks for the amazing variety of gifts God has given to share Christ’s love with the world!

Personal Worship Option:

Perhaps someone shared with you their unique gift at the right time to help you through a difficult time. Pause and give God thanks. Is there someone God is leading you to help with the unique gifts God has given to you?

Daily Devotion, August 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 17:8-16.

Long before the Great Depression, there was the “Great Famine” brought about by King Ahab’s idolatry. The drought was so great the land dried up and there was no rain. Elijah is hungry and thirsty. God gives Elijah commands to “go and stay” in Zarephath. Then he promises Elijah there will be help from a widow. This command and promise is interesting. Elijah is an Israelite; the woman is a Gentile. He is a refugee; she is a resident. And she is a woman, vulnerable, poor, and powerless.

She tells Elijah she has heard the voice of “your God”—a crazy God who doesn’t seem to understand that she is starving and has only enough for one last meal for herself and her son before she dies. And yet, she feeds him. She feeds him. Out of her extreme poverty, she shares what she has – with a man, a refugee, a stranger. As a result, there was plenty of food for Elijah and her family. God blessed her for her blessing.

In her example, may we see the promise that—even when we think we don’t have enough—we still have more than enough to be generous to others. 

 

We are often told to fear those who are different from us. Yet God tells us to love and serve others. The lesson from this account is to listen to God whether he tells us to “go” or “serve.”

Personal Worship Option:

Father, help me to trust and obey you in all things. Help me to use the resources you have given me to bless others. Show me a way to be a blessing to someone today. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 3:1-8.

Interestingly, this man was routinely placed by one of the gates leading to the temple to beg for money. This was likely a choice spot, since persons going to the temple to pray would likely be in a charitable frame of mind. Peter and John did not ignore the man, as some of us might tend to do. Instead, they looked intently at him and instructed the man to look at them. This humble beggar probably avoided making eye contact with those from whom he begged. Peter and John did not have money, but they had something much better, much more powerful – the power to heal in the name of Jesus Christ. Once healed, the man praised God and became a witness to others.

I have spoken recently to two different dentists who are beginning to think about retiring. As I have spoken to them about ministries they might take on, they each recognized something they already have that is extremely valuable and is needed by many – the knowledge and expertise to do dental work. In essence, they are saying, “I am not sure how to be a prison mentor or whatever, but I know how to be a dentist, and I will give my time and talents to those who cannot afford to pay.” They get it!

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the things you have and think about experience and skills you have that others may need. Is there a ministry in which you could serve others, using those skills? Ask God to help you put whatever you have to work for others.

Daily Devotion, August 14, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Joshua 3:9-17.

For over forty years, they had been waiting for this moment. They had made it to the border of this land God had promised their ancestors many years before but had backed away from the challenge of dealing with the people who lived there. Their elders had not trusted God to meet that challenge, so God waited until that generation was dead before allowing them to enter. I am sure they had imagined what it would be like to enter that land and establish themselves in it. This passage from Joshua tells of the day when it finally happened - they crossed the Jordan River and entered the promised land.  

There comes those times in our life when we cross over into some new aspect of it. As youngsters, we imagine what it will be like to move into that next level of school, get our driver’s license or move out of our parents' home and be on our own. Then the time comes and we no longer have to imagine it - we’re living it.  

As followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have to imagine what it would be like to lead someone into a relationship with Jesus Christ - we can live it. We don’t have to imagine what it would be like to serve in a ministry or mission that meets real needs of individuals and families - we can live it. We don’t have to imagine what it would be like to contribute to the vitality of Christ Church by serving in a ministry that meets the needs of people in this congregation and community - we can live it.

Personal Worship Option:

We encourage every person connected to Christ Church to participate in worship today and the next two weeks, as together we celebrate that we are approaching a time of shared ministry we’re calling “Beyond Imagine.”

Daily Devotion, August 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 6:9-13.

Our focus today is on the lines of this prayer that say “...your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Though not yet in heaven, we are expected to live as God’s “kingdom people” here on earth. We do not know exactly what heaven will be like. We can only imagine the details. However, we do not have to wait until we leave this life to experience what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus showed us with his life, teaching and ministry what it looks like to do God’s will here on earth. He showed us what God’s kingdom looks like in everyday life. He showed us that we can participate in God’s kingdom here on earth.

When our focus in life is to love God and love people, we participate in God’s kingdom here on earth. When we serve the needs of others (especially the least, last and lost), we participate in God’s kingdom here on earth. When we break down walls that divide people; when we embrace diversity rather than only being with “our kind”; when we are peacemakers; when we lead others to their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we participate in God’s kingdom here on earth.  

This prayer that Jesus taught his disciples of all times and places lets us know that when we do God’s will, we are participating in God’s kingdom here on earth. May you experience a little “taste of heaven” as you seek to live the way of Jesus Christ today.

Personal Worship Option:

What specific thing will you do today to help God’s kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven”?

Daily Devotion, August 12, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5.

After many years in the promised land, the Children of Israel finally unite as a kingdom. This was the third time that David was anointed king. First he was anointed by Samuel as a young boy. (1 Samuel 16:13). Then he was made king over the tribe of Judah (2:4). Finally, he was crowned king over all of Israel seven and a half years later. It took many years for the promise of a kingdom to finally happen for David. During those years, David had to wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. David’s waiting was not passive. He was leading troops and learning how to depend on God and growing in his understanding of leading a nation.

If you experience impatience concerning life circumstances, remember David’s patience. This time of waiting prepared David for his important task of unifying the kingdom and placing God in the center of the nation. So, the same can be true for you. A waiting period may help prepare you by strengthening your character and providing time to learn important truths and skills.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your times of waiting. Can you identify how God used those times in your life? Spend some time in thanksgiving for God's work in your life.

Daily Devotion, August 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Judges 13:1-5.

Starting verse 1 with the word “again” reminds us that turning from God was nothing new.  Israel had been through this cycle of disobedience, discipline, despair and deliverance many times before. Israel is in such bad shape; they are not even crying out for deliverance anymore. Yet God will always forgive and deliver them. God is faithful even when we are not. Israel got comfortable in their slavery, just as we can get comfortable in our sin and distancing ourselves from God.  Samson’s story begins with a promise to his parents that they will give birth to a son who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son.”

God had a specific purpose for this child as the directions were given in verses 4 and 5 for the parents. “Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth. He will begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.” You might wonder, why didn’t God help them earlier? God had great plans for their son, but it had to take place in God’s time, not theirs. This helps us understand why God does not always answer our prayers right away. When we are waiting, know that God loves you and cares for you, but he is also working out his greater purposes.

Personal Worship Option:

God, thank you for giving us the grace that allows us to come back to you again and again when we pull away and sin. Thank you for forgiving us and being patient with us. We are so grateful that your love for us is unending. Help us stay connected to you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 10, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Judges 6:1-10.

The first word “again” in 6:1 catches our attention. “Again, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” How quickly the people have forgotten God’s faithfulness in delivering them which was their “Song of Victory” in Judges 5!

The Israelite people have turned away from God “again”. They have forgotten all that God has done for them and they have not listened to God’s instructions which were, “do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.” They have begun to worship other gods. Here, even in the Promised Land, they feel abandoned by God, but God hears their cries. In verse 11, God sends an angel to call forth Gideon to be a prophet, deliverer and judge to lead the people.

The commentaries refer to Gideon as “timid”, at first. “Gideon’s story begins as faithful and dependent on God’s guidance, while at the same time timid, weak and afraid. Later, Gideon will become much bolder and stronger as a leader. But he will rely less on God.” Dr. Dennis T. Olson, The New Interpreter’s Bible.

The people of Israel returned to God. Through Gideon, God rescued them from the oppression of the Midianites, Amalelkites, and the other eastern peoples. God’s instruction is always to not worship other gods. God hears the cries of the people and delivers them and calls them to repentance.

This is not a message of “be good enough and I will reward you.” Dr. Larry Crabb writes, “You’ll notice a weary cycle is repeated (in this book of Judges) with no visible progress. Things actually get worse. People forget God because they focus on the good life more than on the ONE who provides it for them.” This is the message of grace that even in the midst of our forgetting God, God remembers us. God hears our cries. God calls us to repentance to deliver us and to bring us to life again!

Personal Worship Option:

God is gracious and God is faithful to keep the covenant. We too often forget all that God has done for us. Today, let us return to God with thanksgiving and lives of repentance. With God’s help, let us turn from our old ways. Let us allow our will to be transformed by God’s will into ways which lead to life and life everlasting.