Daily Devotion, July 31, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 46:10.

If you have a few moments, read all of Psalm 46 (for extra credit, of course). See how it emphasizes the awesome power of God? Things that seem so huge to us are simply nothing in comparison to the might and wonder of God. With that context and background, God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.”

To be still means to stop our anxious and frantic actions, to settle down, and to be quiet. Once in that new and sometimes rare posture and attitude, we are to remember that God is God. All of us can think of times when we need to remember this. When we are worried about something and are imagining all the possible bad outcomes, peace will flood over us when we pause, become still, and know that God is God. When we are about to go “ready, fire, aim;” it would be so good to slow down and reflect. I am guilty at times of putting together my plan, asking God to bless my plan, and then jumping right to implementation. A better approach is to spend some “still” time, letting God speak into the plan and helping shape it. We have become a culture of busyness and activity, and being still may take some practice.

Personal Worship Option:

For our time of prayer today, let’s practice being still. Try to clear your mind of all that wants to crowd in. Simply be still. Reflect on what it means when God says to us, “know that I am God.” Think about how that promise can change your whole day.

Daily Devotion, July 30, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 19:1-10.

It is one of the best stories in the whole Bible: a story of a person totally transformed.

Nobody wanted to be around Zacchaeus. Nobody wanted to be seen with him. I am guessing that most any relationship he had was maintained only by his wealth. He had wronged a lot of people. He had sold his soul to the god of money.

One wonders why he wanted to see Jesus. Was it only to get a quick glance at someone who had become a “celebrity” around the area? Was there a longing in him to somehow connect to this rabbi who he had heard forgave sins? He probably figured he would never have that chance.

But then, Jesus stopped and looked right at him; even spoke to him! And because he had gotten so used to nobody wanting to be around him, it had to have been more than surprising that Jesus offered to come to his house. The impact of that visit changed his life forever.

Who is that person or family you know that nobody wants to be around? Who do you need to notice? Who do you need to go visit?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one like it in your own words: Holy Spirit, please open my eyes and ears to see and hear those around me who need someone to notice them. Thank you for the difference you have made in my life. Help me make a difference in them, through you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 29, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read John 3:17, 8:1-11.

John 3:16 may be the most well-known verse in all of the Bible. It would be good if the verse after it was just as well-known. It emphasizes that Jesus’ mission was not about condemning people, but about guiding them to a relationship with God.

In most Bibles, there is a note accompanying the story at the beginning of chapter eight, letting us know that some early manuscripts of this Gospel did not include that story. Still, it is included in most Bibles. It certainly fits with what is declared in 3:17. According to the Law (the Scriptures), this woman was supposed to be stoned to death (as well as the man involved). But Jesus grants her mercy, inviting her into a new and different way of living.

Too often, we Christians are known more for what we are against and who we condemn. We do not take time to get to know any of the people we are condemning, choosing instead to focus on “what the Bible says about that.” Certainly, there are times when we need to speak of what the Bible says, but more often, we need to be focused on how we can guide others from where they are into their own personal relationship with God.

To be a follower of Jesus means that first, we know we are loved and forgiven, rather than condemned. To be a messenger of Jesus means we help others know that same assurance.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you know who most needs to hear that they are not condemned?

Daily Devotion, July 28, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 3:1-10.

It made a huge difference in this man’s behavior when Jesus healed him. What difference does it make in your life that you are a follower of Jesus? This question requires an honest look inward. Just as Peter and John said “Look at us” - Jesus also sees us and asks us to look at Him.

On this day, an honest look led to a helping hand that led to a conversation about eternity. Works done in Jesus’ name long outlive our earthly lives. Will you be the person who stops at the gate? Will you be the person who looks at the hurting until you hurt with them? No hurrying past, turning away, or shifting of eyes. No pretending or glossing over. Let’s look at the face until we see the person. To love as Jesus’ loves makes a difference in our life and in the lives of others.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend this day with open hands - ready to see with Jesus’ eyes the opportunities to bless another person.

Daily Devotion, July 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 1:15-17, 20-26.

The scripture for today is an unusual time for the disciples. The disciples’ way of choosing someone to replace Judas may seem strange to us. There were 120 followers of Jesus that were gathered and praying. They prayed very intentionally and then they cast lots. Even as they waited for the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised, they trusted themselves to God. The people in Jerusalem had no idea of what the future held. With Jesus gone, they were still reflecting on all that had happened and what it meant now that they faced a crisis. The disciples believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he had picked the man who had betrayed him. Who was supposed to replace Judas?

They were so faithful as they waited for the Holy Spirit to give them the next move. They so trusted and gave themselves to God. That is a valuable lesson for us to seek direction in prayer and allow God to work in ways that may surprise us. God has a purpose for all of us to work for his Kingdom and share the good news.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us be patient to carry out your will like Matthias did. Give us the gifts to spread your word throughout the world. Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 26, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read John 4:39-42.

This is at the end of the story of Jesus talking to the woman at the well. (If you have time, read the first thirty verses.) Because of his willingness to cross a religious/cultural/gender barrier, he made a profound difference in her life. Before this encounter with Jesus, she was a person who had very little hope and very little sense of connection with God or other people. When Jesus offered her the “living water” of a relationship with God, she was more than ready and willing to receive it. Her life changed forever.

She then immediately began to make a difference in the lives of others. She couldn’t wait to tell people all around town who she had met and what a change he had made in her. Her excitement convinced them to go and check Jesus out for themselves. And when they did, they also believed. Their lives were also changed.  

Does being a follower of Jesus Christ make a difference in your life? And just as importantly, how are you making a difference in the lives of other people because you are a follower of Christ?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one similar to it in your own words: Lord Jesus, thank you so much for the difference you have made and continue to make in my life. Guide me every day to make a difference in the lives of people around me, that I might help them come to know you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 25, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 17:11-19.

What keeps us from expressing gratitude?

1. Sometimes we don’t recognize the gifts we have received. We don’t perceive grace when it happens. We think that the daily blessings of our lives are normal. Nothing to write home about. Nothing to give particular thanks for.
2. Sometimes we think we deserve what we have. We worked hard for it. We put in the hours and sweat equity. We studied and practiced and developed our talents. The only one to thank would be ourselves.
3. Sometimes we forget. Life keeps happening. We do what is required or pragmatic. We keep following the instructions on the to-do list. We are grateful, but we rarely stop to express it.

Personal Worship Option:

Let us give thanks. Thanks for the world, for each other, for grace in Jesus Christ, for daily gifts, large and small. Let’s respond to God’s love with a gratitude so deep that it makes us whole. Amen

Daily Devotion, July 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 8:5-13.

Centurions are almost always treated favorably in the New Testament. A centurion was the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the Roman army, commanding a unit of up to 100 soldiers. To become a centurion, one must have been skilled in the use of sword and shield, reached at least 30 years of age, and must have shown vigilance in carrying out orders. The centurion in today’s passage understood and respected the Jewish custom of never entering the home of a Gentile. He made it easy for Jesus to honor this custom by saying he is not worthy to have Jesus enter his home.

The centurion was accustomed to giving orders and having his orders carried out without question or even hesitation. He had seen Jesus at work and knew that Jesus’ authority over evil spirits and his ability to heal were in some ways like his own power, and he was completely confident that Jesus could and would heal his servant. Jesus remarked that he had not seen such faith in all of Israel! Think how Jesus’ disciples and apostles must have felt at hearing this. The centurion believed without any doubt or reservation, and this is what Jesus called “faith.” That is the kind of faith we too strive to have.

Personal Worship Option:

When you pray today, do so with absolute confidence that God can do what you ask. Be open to God responding in ways that are not exactly what you ask for, knowing that God is all-knowing. As you pray, express confidence (faith) that God will hear you and will answer your prayer.

Daily Devotion, July 23, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 1:26-31.

Over the years, I have heard a lot of preaching and teaching in the Church emphasizing that our initial relationship with God is one of a sinner. That is the identity we are given. We have sinned much and need to repent. I certainly agree that, as Romans 3:23 puts it “...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” 

However, that state of sin is not our initial identity in our relationship with God. According to this creation story in Genesis, the initial human relationship with God was good. In fact, it was more than good. As you read through the whole story, several times God pronounces the completed portion “good.” But after the humans have been created on the sixth day, God says that it was “very good.”

So, our initial relationship with God is “very good.” And it wasn’t just Adam and Eve that broke that relationship; we all do. We all do our part, both individually and collectively, to separate ourselves from God. But because God created us in a good relationship and wants to restore that relationship, God takes the initiative to provide a way through Jesus Christ for us to be connected to our Creator.

Don’t ever forget that God gave you life and God loves you. That is your beginning/core identity. What you do with it is up to you. And if you ever get separated, know that God is always ready and willing to restore the relationship to “very good.”

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you know who needs to hear this message? Pray and ask God to guide you in how to best share it.

Daily Devotion, July 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

Every once in a while, it is good to be reminded of what I believe is one of our best (if not the best) “elevator speeches” we can offer when somebody asks us “How would you sum up what it means to be a Christian?” The quick answer that they will be able to easily remember is “Love God and love people.” 

Where do I get that? Why do I believe that is the best way to sum it all up? Because that is how Jesus did it. That’s what he said. That’s what I hear him being asked in this scene: “Jesus, how would you sum it all up? What is the key to it all? What is at the core of what it means to be the people of God?” And Jesus offers parts of the Old Testament Scriptures that his questioners would have been very familiar with: “Love the Lord your God (with everything you are)” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Then comes his follow-up statement that verifies what I am emphasizing here: “All the Law and the Prophets (the phrase used at that time to describe all the Scriptures of that time) hang on these two commandments.” 

 

So, be ready to offer that summary when you are asked for it. More importantly, do your best to live it every day.

Personal Worship Option:

During the past week, what is one thing you did each day to love God and one thing you did to love people? How will you be intentional to do both of those each day this next week?

Daily Devotion, July 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 15:1-7, 13.

At the beginning of each year - the LORD brings to mind either a word or scripture that continues to make itself known in my life. Sometimes that scripture simmers for a few years and others, a few months. This year my scripture is Romans 15:13 - “I pray that God, the source of all hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)

God wants us to be joyful and peaceful. Our part is trusting. His part is empowering us to overflow with hope. It’s a mindset, one that we can choose or not. We can choose hope instead of pessimism. We can notice and soak in God’s goodness and let his love and words of promise fill our hearts.

 

Choosing this mindset provides us with a fresh start each day. Every day is full of possibilities and potential good surprises. Consider what Henri Nouwen wrote: “Our spiritual life is a life in which we wait, actively present to the moment, expecting that new things will happen to us, new things that are far beyond our own imagination or prediction. This, indeed, is a very radical stance toward life in a world preoccupied with control.”

What will you choose today? God is preparing amazing things. His abundant goodness sparks anticipation and joy.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: Dearest Father, give me the courage and faith to make hope my default mindset. Holy Spirit, make my heart overflow with hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Micah 6:8.

God has expectations for his people. In the scripture for today, the prophet Micah tells Israel about God's requirements for everyday living. God provides a wonderful pattern for us to follow: Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

To act justly means that we should strive to provide others in society with equal opportunities and treat them impartially 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 daily lives as we learn to truly become Christ-like, who was merciful and kind to all God’s children. To walk humbly with God is to be in step with God, recognizing that we are totally dependent on him.

The life of discipleship has been described as walking with God. We have the opportunity to walk with a never giving up, unwilling to let go, incredibly generous God. I read this scripture every day to remind myself of how God desires us to act and be. He helps me every day to remember what is important. Let’s walk with the King and be a blessing to others.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank you for these guidelines that are not burdens but are wonderful ways for us to practice love for you and our neighbors. May our love for you increase so that daily we may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God and with all our neighbors as well. Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 4:16-20.

This scene was at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. According to Luke, it was just after his baptism and time of testing in the wilderness. It is easy to see how these verses from the prophet Isaiah was something of a theme passage for Jesus and his ministry. It well describes his mission. Time and time and again, he connected with the least, the last and the lost people he encountered every day. They were the ones most in need. They were the ones who wondered if there was any hope. They were the ones who wondered if anybody cared about them, including God. Jesus went about meeting their needs and teaching them about a God who loved them and cared for them.

As followers of Jesus, his mission is to be our mission. Our daily life and relationships are to mirror his. We are to connect with the poor and the prisoners. With both our words and actions, we are to let them know that God still loves them and cares for them. As you continue to read and study and learn about what Jesus did, ask yourself how much of it is becoming what you do.

Personal Worship Option:

How would you complete the opening to that Isaiah passage for yourself? “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to………..”

Daily Devotion, July 18, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 4:1-6.

What unites us? Families are united by blood relationships. Friends are often united by common interests and shared experiences. Coworkers are united by a common goal.

The Church is united by a shared hope. Ephesians 4 tells us “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4–6). We were called to one hope; the hope that is only found in trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.

All over the world, Christians are united by faith in Jesus and the hope of His return. Jesus instructed His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19), and for the last 2,000 years, the hope that is found in Jesus has spread around the world. The world has been forever changed. From Africa to Australia to Europe, and from Asia to the Americas, followers of Jesus gather under the banner of hope.

As we join in community and draw hope from one another, we grow stronger in Christ as individuals and as a global Church. Jesus is the hope for the world, and through the Church, He wants us to share that hope with everyone.

We were not created to do life alone. We find our purpose and our mission through the local church. Hope binds us all together as followers of Christ. Let’s be united today as one Church across the world, celebrating the hope that is only found in Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus, thank you that I don’t have to go through life alone. I pray that whenever I feel lonely or forgotten I would remember the hope that I have in the community of people around me. Amen

Daily Devotion, July 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Revelation 21:1-8.

I enjoy the Book of Revelation…well, parts of it. I find the letters to the seven churches particularly interesting and can often see messages in those letters for our church today. I led an online study of The Revelation a year or so ago, and all those series of sevens seemed a bit laborious. Revelation is an apocryphal writing, which means it has lots of numerology, cosmic imagery, and symbolism. It does not seem to me that we are to take every image and character and try to apply them to our current events, as some like to do. Frankly, in that online study, I found myself looking forward to today’s passage.

Faithful Christians have nothing to fear in anything in this entire book! And we can look forward with confidence to being part of the beautiful new heaven and new earth the writer describes. The key message in this passage is that God wins. The first readers were Christians who were being persecuted by the Romans for their faith, and they needed assurance that eternal life in God’s presence awaited them. We need and appreciate that assurance as well.

Personal Worship Option:

For your prayer today, close your eyes and imagine what it will be like in this new heaven and earth. What do you trust will be there? What do you know will not? Heaven is unimaginable, but we can dream and anticipate it.

Daily Devotion, July 16, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 10:17-21.

Scholars tell us that this is one of the happiest, most joy-filled times for Jesus that is recorded in any of the gospels. Why was this such a joyous time for Christ? It seems he was seeing his ministry among us taking root and bearing fruit. He knew that his time on earth was limited, and he needed to find followers who would learn from him, go out, and do the work he had been doing. The twelve apostles had done exactly that, and now the 72 had taken on his work as well.

When I was a child, l beamed when my mother or dad affirmed my work. As time went on, I learned the things that made them happy, and I tried my best to do those. As adults, we love to please those to whom we look up to and respect as teachers, mentors, and models for us. This passage reminds us that, when we go and do the work of Christ and do it well, we bring joy to Christ’s heart. That amazes me and makes me want to do that even more. We serve as students and apprentices to the ultimate master and Lord of all! And as we learn and grow, there are apprentices waiting for us to pass along the lessons we have learned; and the master will guide them just as he guides us.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the lessons you have learned from Christ through others. Commit to continuing to learn from him as you grow and mature as a follower. Ask God if there is someone you are being called to teach or mentor in the ways of Christ.

Daily Devotion, July 15, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 10:1-11 and 16.

Jesus had sent the twelve apostles out to teach, preach, and perform miracles in his name. Now, in a very similar way, he sends out 72 disciples to do the work that he has done before them. Scholars have discussed whom these 72 followers may have been, but their identities are not given. I like to think of the initial twelve as being what we think of today as clergy and the 72 as laity. That helps me to better apply it and learn what it means for us.

This passage helps us to understand that there are many who do not yet know Christ; and all of us, clergy and laypersons, are needed as workers. It lets us know there may be difficulties in our work, and we must go on faith. The line “do not greet anyone on the road” is an admonition that we are to stay focused on our mission and not be distracted. There is a subtle point in the first verse that is really easy to miss…Jesus will come behind the 72. In all our preaching, teaching, and serving, we must expect that Jesus will come after us, filling the hearts of those to whom we are reaching out. We do not go alone, but rather we serve in order to introduce and open the door for Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

How do you see yourself among the 72? Is there a primary area of ministry in which you serve? If not, please pray that God will lead you to a ministry area inside the church or out in the community. The harvest indeed is plentiful, and the workers are always a bit too few!

Daily Devotion, July 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 John 4:7-12.

The writer, likely the Apostle John, had listened and learned from Jesus Christ while he was on earth. Now John is passing Christ’s central teaching about love on to us. It is simple yet, at times, so hard to grasp. Do you love me? We ask God. We ask because today we have been crabby or maybe angry, or just out of sorts.

 

We are good at list keeping. It’s easy to keep our own score. Yesterday I lost my temper, or today I managed to put up with the boss with a good attitude, or later I snapped at a co-worker. Or forgot to read my Bible.

We are good at keeping tabs on ourselves. But that kind of list-keeping isn’t love. God’s love burns our lists. His love looks at everything we are and everything we’ve done and chooses to purposefully love us through it all. Because nothing can disqualify us from how Jesus loves us - He loves us no matter what!

Personal Worship Option:

Whatever list of things you’ve done that make you think you’re unworthy of being loved - throw the list away. All of it. Receive the grace that God gives.

Daily Devotion, July 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 8:26-38.

This passage is about Philip. He had been teaching about Jesus in Samaria when an angel of the Lord told him to leave there and go into the desert. Philip did as he was told, and because he listened to the Spirit's prompting, he was able to explain the suffering and death of Jesus predicted by the prophet Isaiah. Because of that encounter a government official from Ethiopia went home rejoicing, able to share the good news with others.

If we think about it, almost every day there's someone, somewhere, who may need us to share the good news. It could be someone who's struggling with an addiction or who suffers from depression. It could be someone who's trying to make sense of life or a person who's trying to find their way to Christ. It could be someone who doesn't understand the teachings of the Bible. Let us listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to tune in to the needs of the people around us.

Maybe today you'll meet some­one who needs you, someone who needs to meet Jesus. It may be someone you have never met or someone you have known for a long time. Listen closely to the Spirit's prompting and follow his direction. He is eager and delighted to work through you!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us listen to the prompting of your Spirit, and open our eyes to the needs of others around us. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Daily Devotion, July 12, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 11:1-4.

This week’s focus is to remind us to be continual learners of the ways of Christ and to pass along what we have learned to others. Vacation Bible School last month was great for this!

But this life of learning and passing along what we have learned isn’t reserved for one week out of the year! It’s the way we live every day.

Jesus truly understood this, and his disciples were eager to learn from him. They had observed and heard him praying. Luke’s gospel gives a great deal of emphasis to Jesus’ practice of prayer: times when he withdrew to desolate places to pray and prayer times before significant turning points in his ministry. So, the disciples simply asked him, "Lord, teach us to pray…”

Jesus gave them a simple yet profound prayer which we have come to know as “The Lord’s Prayer.” In Matthew 6:9-13, we find a very similar prayer. Some of the ancient manuscripts have additional phrases, such as we pray in our worship services, “For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen.”

I learn and understand something new about the way of Christ each time I pray this prayer. Jesus understood the depths of love of the relationship of God with humankind which he experienced in his life of prayer as he called God, “Father.” Jesus understands that God’s way of kingdom life is better than our way of kingdom life. Jesus offers a request for the simple daily necessities of life. Jesus understands our deepest need to be forgiven and gives the teaching moment that we also need to forgive others. And Jesus asks for God’s protection to lead us away from temptation.

Within this prayer and teaching moment of Jesus there are some deep understandings. God loves all of humankind deeply and listens to our prayers. We can trust God to provide and to lead and guide us through each step of life. God does forgive and calls us to forgive others. Jesus is following God’s way of kingdom life and Jesus calls us to follow in the same way.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, As I pray this prayer today, teach me new understandings about who you are and how to follow in your ways. “‘Father,’ hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us, and lead us not into temptation. Amen.”-Luke 11:1-4

Daily Devotion, July 11, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Exodus 18:13-26.

Do you remember group projects in school? Nothing is harder than learning to work with a team of your peers. It was hard when I was a teenager, and it’s hard now that I’m past middle age.

A good team shares the load. Each member of the team is trustworthy, motivated, and highly competent.

Delegating and sharing the load with a team is an important step toward sustainable work. This was the first part of Jethro’s advice to Moses, his son-in-law, but it wouldn’t have been good advice without the next part.

The team Moses built would determine his success. And the same is true for any of us.

So, what makes a good team?

1. People must be capable—highly competent, highly skilled for the task at hand.
2. People must fear God—humbly understanding their own limitations.
3. People must be trustworthy—motivated to serve others rather than themselves.

In a sense, we burn out because we aren’t training good people, empowering them and motivating them to do good work. If we remember the wisdom of Jethro and if God so commands, we will be able to endure the pressures of our daily work as Moses endured his.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Father, thank you for creating us to do life together. Help us to learn to work together to accomplish all that you put before us to do. Teach me to depend on the church family you have given me. Amen.