Daily Devotion for November 30, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God assures each one of us that he does far more than forgive. God even forgets our sins. God declares that he will remember their sins no more. Through the covenant God made with his people, he vowed to forget their sins. He will not allow our sins to separate us from him. That is the good news throughout the Bible. We do not have to look over our shoulders, afraid that our past will catch up with us. We can be sure God will accept us.

In Luke, Jesus declares that his sacrifice will seal a new covenant, and he asks the disciples to eat and drink in remembrance of him. This new covenant will replace the animal sacrifices that were necessary in the Old Testament, and his death is a sacrifice so strong that anyone who believes that Jesus has given his body and blood for them can depend on him for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. God loves us that much.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness and the promise that you will not hold our sins against us. Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life to set us free. In your name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for November 29, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 12:1-3.

This week we are focusing on gifts God gave us in the Old Testament part of the Biblical story. Today we are celebrating God’s giving the gift of initiating a covenant relationship with Abraham. And through God’s covenant with Abraham, God wants to bless all the families of the earth!

The word, “covenant” isn’t common in our everyday conversations. God’s covenant with humankind is different from a contract or even a promise. It is God’s deep and abiding commitment out of God’s love, to be faithful and trustworthy to God’s own creation of humankind. We human beings are not always faithful or trustworthy, but God continues to pursue us and to be faithful to the covenant from the beginning. Our role is to respond with trust and relinquish our will to follow in God’s ways.

Writers Richard and Julia Wilke in the “Disciple I Bible Study” add that the hinge verse is Genesis 12:4, “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.” Abraham left everything that was familiar to him and followed where God was leading to a new land.

J. Ellsworth Kalas writes, “The purpose of the biblical covenant is to create a people. In the Biblical story, God makes covenants with individuals, but they are never for their exclusive benefit.” Kalas reminds us that throughout history we struggle to remember we are also called to bring God’s blessing of covenant relationship to others.

Personal Worship Option:

The Hebrew word, “Hesed” is used 245 times in the Old Testament. It speaks to the character of God as loving kindness, mercy, goodness, love, steadfast love, and faithful love. This is the character of God who initiates giving the gift of a covenant relationship with each and all of us. How will we respond?

Daily Devotion for November 28, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 1:11-12, 20-25.

“The heavens and the earth” is an all-encompassing phrase meant to signify the totality of creation. “The heavens” refer to everything above us. The sky, the universe, even the far reaches of space that would have been unknown to Adam, Isaac, Jacob, Abraham, and Moses, and that we are only just beginning to explore today. God created every star and planet. Every particle of gas, every black hole, and every piece of dust is the work of His hand, created for a purpose and for His glory.

Of course, “the earth” refers to this planet, the ground beneath our feet, the soil, rocks, plates, and lava under our feet, and all the grass, flowers, trees, vines, fields, mountains, hills, valleys, and deserts across the entire globe. They are all the creation of God, made for a purpose and for His glory.

Genesis 1 goes on to describe how all these things came into being, starting with an empty planet (that God created), and God speaking light into existence.

The important point to see here is that God is the origin of all things. All things depend upon Him and exist for Him. The Bible is all about God because the entirety of creation is all about God. If we read the Bible without seeing God at the center of it, we are missing the point. If we live our lives and enjoy creation without seeing God at the center of it, we are missing the point.

Personal Worship Option:

I pray we would take time out every day, even if just for a minute, to stop and contemplate the fact that this world, this universe, is God’s creation, and to give Him thanks for allowing us the privilege of enjoying it for as long as He permits.

Daily Devotion for November 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 2:4b-7.

This second creation story is prose, where the first story in Genesis 1 is poetry. The first one emphasizes pattern and repetition, while this one emphasizes the earth, even telling us that man was created from the dust of the earth. As different as these stories are, there is one huge similarity – each of them shows God creating what human beings needed for life before creating us. This shows God’s love and care for us. Don’t you love the way the writer says God, “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being?” What a beautiful image of God taking this lifeless human form, holding it in His arms, and gently breathing breath and life into the human.

The gift of life is the most precious of our gifts. When things are going great for us, we would do well to remember that this wonderful life is a gift from God; and we should rejoice and be thankful for this gift. But when things are not going so well, and we begin to wonder if life is worth the pain, it is good to recall that life is given to us by God, who loves us and is always with us. Most of our lives are spent at different points along this wide spectrum; and we are meant, in all times, to make the most of this gift of life.

Personal Worship Option:

Pause to think about your breath being breathed first into your lungs by God, symbolizing that God has given you the gift of life. Give thanks to God for this awesome gift and pray for the sustaining faith that makes it the abundant life in Christ.

Daily Devotion for November 26, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:5-11.

This is one of my favorite passages in all of the Bible (along with the first four verses of this chapter). As the writer offers this poetic refrain of what Jesus did, I take particular note of why “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…” It was because he was willing to humble himself and even sacrifice himself. That is what God’s kingdom is all about - sacrificial love. And with that kind of love comes a humility that “values others above (self) and does not look to one’s self interest but to the interests of others.” (v. 3b-4) To acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life is to pledge to learn to live by this kingdom way; to follow his example of sacrificial love.

I also note in verse 10 the word “should”: “...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Three major versions of the Bible (King James, NIV and NRSV) all have the world “should.” I think it is the word most fitting (rather than “will” or “shall”) to what this passage is teaching. God is not one to force. God invites. God offers. But God gives each person the free will to choose for themselves which kingdom(s) they will serve and who will be the ruler of their life.

In the end, God will make it clear to everyone that because of what Jesus did, he is the “King of kings and the Lord of lords.” But whether he rules your life or not, well, you have to decide.

Personal Worship Option:

One of the Spanish songs in our UMC hymnal is titled “O Jesus, My King and My Sovereign.” The words were written by Vicente Mendoza in 1920. The last verse is a prayer to Jesus. May it be your prayer as well.

O Lord, tell me what could I give you for all your great goodness to me?

Could this be enough: serve and love you, committing my whole to thee?

If so, then accept my devotion, to you only now I surrender.

I’m happy today, life’s joy came to stay through you.

Daily Devotion for November 25, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 18:33-36.

This is probably not a passage you expected to be reading on Thanksgiving Day weekend! Tomorrow is “Christ The King” Sunday on the “Christian/Church calendar” so our readings this week have been selected with that in mind.

My focus from this scene comes from what Jesus says in verse 36: “My kingdom is not of this world.” I am reminded here of the temptations Satan presented to Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. One of those temptations was an offer of all the kingdoms of this world. Jesus rejected that temptation at the beginning of his ministry and was therefore prepared to reject it throughout his ministry, including in this moment as he stood before Pilate. He certainly had the power to take over the Roman empire and all the world. But that was not his mission. He is not about ruling the kingdoms of this world by force. He seeks to be invited inside each person, to rule their life in a much different way.

Since Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, how would you describe it? When we pray “thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth….”, what do you picture that to be in daily living? How do you seek to be an agent of this kingdom in your life each day?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer a prayer to Jesus, letting him know that he is the ruler of your life and asking for wisdom and courage on how to better represent his kingdom each day.

Daily Devotion for November 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 3:15.

Focus on the first part of this verse today. What does it mean to let Jesus Christ rule your “heart” (your mind or whole life)? In other words, we are to make God the No. 1 priority and influence in our life. The purpose of living a God-focused life is to show others that there is another way to live. A life that loves God and loves others is filled with purpose, joy, light, and love. Not to say there are not difficult days, but when those come, God provides guidance, comfort, and peace. He is always with us, so we strive to choose awareness of His presence and to follow his leadership in our life.

Personal Worship Option:

Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom as I seek to bring the following friends to Christ... May my words and actions lead them closer to you and show them my respect and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for November 23, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 28:16-18.

Jesus came to live among us as the promised Messiah of God’s people. Many of the people thought the Messiah would be a political king who would free them from the grip of the Roman Empire. But Jesus’ mission was not political. He came to free sinners from the tyranny of sin and to give them new life with God forever.

People who are devoted Christians are people who obey Jesus. They recognize and submit to his authority. In these verses of Jesus' final words before his ascension to heaven, Jesus reminds his followers that he has been given all authority. He is Lord. As Lord, he expects that his followers will obey what he has commanded. But we have a problem with the idea of submission. Most cultures today value individual freedom and reject the idea of submitting to a higher authority. However, in our relationship with God we are called to obey Christ's commands. This opens us to a deepening relationship with the loving Father and Creator. His plan and commandments are intended to give us a way of living that is far better than anything else.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, you have all authority. Help us to serve you faithfully in making disciples. Amen.

Daily Devotion for November 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 9:6-7.

“Isaiah writes at a time when things were about as bad as they could get for the kingdom of Judah. Assyria was threatening Judah with the same fate as their take-over of Israel and Samaria. There was no peace. Into the midst of this darkness, Isaiah proclaims God’s light of hope,” according to Dr. Stephen B. Boyd, Professor of Religion at Wake Forest University. And with the current news, these verses give us hope today, too!

When I read these verses, I hear them from the musical creation of Handel’s Messiah. George F. Handel wrote this magnificent 260-page musical oratorio, from August 22, 1741, until September 14, 1741---in only 24 days!

In the oratorio, the song, “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” is written from these verses from the King James Version of Handel’s times. Handel wrote the music in such a way which punctuates each word-description of the promised hope given through God’s gift for all people in Jesus Christ: Wonderful! ... Counselor! ...The Mighty God! ...The Ever-lasting Father! ...The Prince of Peace.

Handel’s music helps us to see God’s gift of salvation, in the birth of God’s own son, who will bring justice and righteousness and all authority will rest upon His shoulders.

The most well-known song of Handel’s Messiah, “The Hallelujah Chorus” makes the resounding declaration from the scriptures! “Hallelujah! And He shall reign for ever and ever, for ever and ever. King of kings! and Lord of lords! King of kings! Hallelujah!”

Personal Worship Option:

This is God’s promise of hope for the world today! Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is the King of kings and the Lord of lords! Lord may your light of hope shine through us in many ways to give your hope to a hurting world. Amen.

Daily Devotion for November 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 2:6-10.

“So then,” Paul wrote, or in other words, “given all this,” keep growing (v. 6)! The Colossians had received Jesus as Savior, and their rescue into the kingdom of light was indeed a marvelous miracle. Since they had also received Him as Lord, they needed to “continue to live [their] lives in him” on a daily basis. The title “Lord” means that Christ has all authority, and we owe Him our obedience. He has all authority because He’s fully God and fully man, the Creator and sustainer of all things, the Head of the church, the One who rescued us and reconciled us to God and to one another, and the central mystery and treasure in God’s epic plan of redemption.

Paul used three phrases to describe following Christ in this way. The first was an agricultural picture, “rooted and built up in him” (v. 7). Plants without roots wither and die. In the same way, Christ must be our source of life. The second was being “strengthened in the faith” and avoiding “hollow and deceptive philosophy” by means of sound teaching (v. 8). False teaching is human-centered rather than Christ-centered, and results in captivity rather than freedom. The final phrase was “overflowing with thankfulness,” a mirror of Paul’s opening prayer (1:11–12).

Scripture uses tree and plant imagery to describe us as followers and worshipers of God. The righteous are “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (Ps. 1:3). Or they are branches, abiding in the vine, Jesus Christ: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). When we are rooted in Christ, we will see His fruit in our lives as a testimony to His sustaining work to transform us to be more like Him.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, I pray that you will give me the faith and strength to let you be “Lord” of my life today and every day. It is so easy to try to live my life my way, but I want to be rooted, growing and bearing fruit in you.

Daily Devotion for November 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Revelation 19:11-16.

This scene is very dramatic and perhaps a bit scary – a rider in a white robe dipped in blood, riding on a white horse. He is followed by riders, all in pure white and also riding on white horses. The leader presents a fearsome image, with a sword coming from his mouth. Reminiscent of some of the language in the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the rider treads the winepress of the wrath of God. Then we see the name of the rider, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” …this is Jesus Christ! When we hear this name sung in Handel’s “Messiah,” we think of royalty, power, and might. In this image in today’s passage, we see it in the context of punishment and destruction. Should we fear him?

No, not at all! The Emperor of Rome and all those who forced people to worship him seemed to Christians at that time to be all-powerful, but Jesus is about to destroy those who insisted on worshiping the emperor. This is a symbolic way of showing the beginning of the end. God wins and evil is destroyed! We have nothing to fear, so long as we indeed see Christ as our king and the lord of our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

If Christ is our king and our lord, we subject our will to His. Think about what part of your life you may be holding back, insisting on your will. Pray for the faith to submit all you have and are to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Daily Devotion for November 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 17:11-18.

It is one of the Bible stories I remember hearing and learning about as a child; one that really stuck with me. Ten lepers are healed, but only one of them comes back to offer gratitude. (The significance of that one being a Samaritan would come much later for me.) Why didn’t those other nine guys come back to say thanks? When I became an adult, I still fell into the trap of asking that same question. I was using the Bible as a “window,” just looking in on those guys and questioning their lives. Then I learned to use the Bible as a “mirror,” realizing that what is included in its pages are for me to see myself and to learn about myself. The better question is “Why do I fail to show gratitude all too often?”

One of the constant choices we have about living our life is whether we will live it with gratitude or taking everything for granted. It is so easy to take so much of what we have for granted: food, clothing, shelter, family and friends, health, life itself. No matter where you find yourself on that scale between “granted and gratitude” you can choose to move further toward being more thankful. Pray and make some specific changes that will show you have made that move.

Personal Worship Option:

Join us for worship this morning as we focus on being thankful to God and each other. I hope to see you at either 9:30 or 11:15!

Daily Devotion for November 18, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 4:2.

There is much good guidance in this letter for how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ, especially in chapter three. It is interesting to note that three times within three verses of that chapter, the writer mentions being thankful or having gratitude. Verse 15 ends with “And be thankful.” Verse 16 ends with “...singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” And verse 17 ends with “...giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Then, ten verses later come our focus verse for today: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” That one verse is good guidance for daily living by itself! Once again, being thankful is included. It is obvious that was a subject that was primary in the mind of this writer.

Tomorrow in our worship services, I will invite you to assess where you are on a “thanksgiving scale” from one to ten. Go ahead and be thinking about that and praying about that until then. As you go about your daily life, relating to God and to other people, how much of your interactions are filled with gratitude? What might you do to increase that?

Personal Worship Option:

On most days, most of us thank God for our food. What else do you thank God for and how often do you do so? Offer a prayer right now that is focused on gratitude.

Daily Devotion for November 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 100.

A Psalm often read at Thanksgiving; it encourages us to live a life of gratitude. However, I learned this Psalm in Vacation Bible School when I was either in the fourth or fifth grade. It was our opening passage and set the tone for the day. We began each day in a rambunctious joy and worshiped God with thanksgiving. I cannot read this passage without those thoughts and emotions surfacing to my remembrance. It “stuck” in my heart as I hope it will yours.

It is good to remember that God is our creator and gives us all we have. He is good and dependable. Of course, we will worship Him with thanksgiving and praise each and every day.

Gratitude is not a season - it is a daily response to a loving and generous Father God.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time entering joyfully into God’s presence. Reflect on His faithfulness. How will you encourage the next generation to live a life of gratitude?

Daily Devotion for November 16, 2023

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 4:6.

It was thought that Paul was a prisoner at the time that he wrote a cheerful, positive letter to the church in Philippi. Joy and hope just oozes out and overflows throughout this entire letter. He includes sound practical advice for daily Christian living, including suggestions for prayer. As in some of his other letters to other places, Paul urges his friends to pray in all situations. He encourages us to not be anxious about anything but bring everything before God. Sometimes we forget those steps of always going to God in prayer.

Paul also mentions a vitally important ingredient: praying with a thankful heart. “Thanksgiving” is one of the basic characteristics of the Christian life. With a thankful heart we can acknowledge that we are utterly dependent on our loving and faithful Father. It is easy to be thankful when things are going well, but often a bit of a struggle when we are going through a challenge. Paul is such an example of the joyful heart that we should have. Paul assures us that when we bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, we will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding and keeps us secure in Jesus’ love.

Personal Worship Option:

God, fill our hearts with thanksgiving for your many, many blessings, and help us to turn to you in all of our days. Amen.

Daily Devotion for November 15, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 106:1 (NRSVUE).

Our devotionals this week are inviting us to assess with what level of gratitude we live our lives. About a year ago I heard a radio interview with A.J. Jacobs, the author of, “Thanks A Thousand; A Gratitude Journey.”

In his book and interview he shares his story of thanking every single person involved who helped to create his morning cup of coffee. He describes the journey as the “gratitude chain” which takes him around the globe! After thanking the barista, his journey took him to South America to the farmers where the coffee beans are grown, then to the truck drivers who transported the coffee beans. He also traveled to thank the logo designers for the business and to thank the engineers who designed the cups and the cup lids and many individuals in-between!

The Psalmist helps us focus our gratitude on these two core reasons to “give thanks to the Lord”: “for he is good” and “his steadfast love endures forever.” (NRSVUE)

Dr. J. Clinton McCann, Jr. in “The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary” writes, “The Psalmist invites gratitude, faithfulness, and obedience in the present as the prelude to a transformed future. This future is not in the people’s willingness or ability to be faithful and obedient but in God’s abundant, compassionate, faithful and forgiving love.”

Personal Worship Option:

Gratitude can be expressed in both words and actions. In these moments ponder God’s goodness and steadfast love to you. How might God be leading you to live with deep gratitude in actions today?

Daily Devotion for November 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 2:6-7.

Bringing our requests to God through prayer is just one aspect of our communication with Him. Another part of prayer—which is frequently overlooked—is thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).

 

The Father wants His children’s lives to be characterized by gratefulness. His Word tells us that an appreciative attitude should be evident in our worship (Psalm 95:2-7; Colossians 3:16), giving (2 Corinthians 9:12), relationships (Phil. 1:1-3), and the way we approach spiritual battles (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). In other words, thankfulness should permeate everything we do (Romans 14:6). 

In the Scriptures, the Lord actually mandates our gratitude because He knows how being grateful affects the heart. Expressing thanks to God helps us . . . 

Be aware of His presence. 

Focus on Jesus Christ and diminish our pride.

Look for His purpose in challenging situations. 

Remember His goodness. 

Depend on Him continually. 

Replace anxiety with peace and joy.

Personal Worship Option:

When we maintain an attitude of thanksgiving in both happy and difficult seasons, our life will feel purposeful and fulfilling. But more importantly, God will be glorified. Ask Him to bring blessings to mind so you can say “Thank You.”

Daily Devotion for November 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

This is a tall order! One of the things that makes it seem at least barely possible is knowing that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter. From the Book of Acts and the collection of Paul’s many letters, we know that he suffered beatings, imprisonments, shipwreck, hunger, and so many other hardships. Yet his faith never seemed to waiver, and he maintained a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude through it all. We can look to him for inspiration as we consider this verse.

There are many good circumstances in life in which we can and should give thanks to God for allowing us to enjoy them. But there are things that happen to us in life that are bad, and it would be strange indeed to give thanks for them. Perhaps, when we are going through a difficult time, we can thank God for what we are learning and how we are growing during this time. But in any circumstance, we can and should be thankful that God is faithful and is there with us, providing for us even in the difficulty of the moment. We can be thankful for our family and friends who support and encourage us. And we can give thanks for the church in all circumstances.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the many blessings God has given to you. If you are going through a difficult time, thank God for being so available to you and pray for faith to keep a spirit of gratitude even in this time.

Daily Devotion for November 12, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 19:45-46.

According to Matthew, Mark and Luke, this scene took place near the end of Jesus’ ministry, shortly after he rode into Jerusalem on what we commonly call “Palm Sunday.” (John places it near the beginning of his ministry.) Jesus is angry that those who were supposed to be helping people were actually taking advantage of them. (I know one preacher who fittingly called it a “temple tantrum.”) When people traveled from distant lands to offer their sacrifice at the temple, rather than having to bring their sheep or other animal, merchants were there to sell them a sheep or a dove or some grain. And as is often the case, when someone has something to sell to somebody who they know desperately needs it, they often overcharge them. This was another case in a long human history of injustice. And the Bible is consistently clear that God gets angry when humans do injustice to each other.

Jesus emphasized that the temple was to be a place of prayer. It was a place to connect with God. These robbers were allowing a different spirit to be present as the people came to the temple.

 

Jesus wants not only God’s house to be a place of prayer, but for his people to be a people of prayer; a people who are constantly in conversation with God and helping others connect with God. Part of our commitment to Jesus Christ as we share in ministry through His Church is to be a people of prayer. What might you do to increase your commitment to be a person of prayer?

Personal Worship Option:

Join us for worship this morning, either at 9:30 or 11:15. If at all possible, be there in person. If not possible, join in online at some point. And pray for all who lead and participate in our worship services, that we all may be drawn closer to God and each other.

Daily Devotion for November 11, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 1:6-8.

At the end of “The Gospel According to Matthew” we read that Jesus said to his disciples “Go make disciples of all (people)...” Here in this passage, Luke writes that Jesus says, “Go be my witnesses.” To me, these are two ways of saying the same thing. When we share (witness) with others about our experience and understanding of Jesus, both with what we say and do, we will have opportunities to lead them into their own relationship with him.

It is instructive to note the pattern of location that Jesus used in this statement to his followers: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the world. When we think about what those places meant to them and apply them to our own situations, Jesus is telling us to start where we are and with whom we are most familiar, to move out to others like us, to cross boundaries to share with those not like us (even our enemies) and to continually broaden our connections to as many people as we can.

Included in our commitment to Jesus Christ through His Church is to be his witnesses, to tell his good news and lead others to him. God bless you for the ways you are seeking to be faithful to him through that part of our shared ministry!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray and ask God to make you aware of at least one person this week with whom you can share about your relationship with Christ.