Daily Devotion for January 31, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 8.

I was first introduced to the timeless truth of this Psalm in high school choir. The lines of the anthem echoed (in a very formal style) the words from verses 4-5 from the King James Version. “What is man that Thou art mindful of him and the son of man that Thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

In later years, Linda Lee Johnson wrote the words and Tom Fettke composed the music for a similar choir anthem, “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.” The first line begins, “When I gaze into the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, suspended in space, but what is man that you are mindful of him?”

This Psalm is a foundational and centering scripture passage. It continues to offer new understandings each time we read it. The Psalmist writes from his own perspective and from an understanding that he is a part of God’s greater creation and community. He gives his readers then and now, perspective on who God is, who we are and on the incredible grace of the relationship God extends toward all of humankind!

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place….” This is the Psalmist’s incredible description of God! And within this perspective he then asks “....what is man…?”

Thankfully, the Psalmist offers the surprise response to his own question! God is mindful of humankind and is not only mindful, but cares for humankind! God not only cares but has given humankind the responsibility to join God in caring for all God has created!

The last verse repeats the first verse of praise, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” The Psalmist weaves in with one simple word the sense of community, “Our Lord…” We hear Jesus echo this understanding in the prayer he taught his disciples. “Our Father….give us our daily bread….forgive us, as we forgive….lead us….deliver us….” There is more of a community mindset. The Psalmist keeps in mind that he is a part of a greater community who belongs to God.

Personal Worship Option:

How would the words of our prayers change if we keep the greater community in mind when we pray? How might God open our eyes and ears to see and hear the cries of others as we pray?

Daily Devotion for January 30, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 6:14-15.

This is a comment Jesus made right after he gave us The Lord’s Prayer. When Jesus comments on his own teaching, we should pay close attention. God is perfectly willing to forgive us of all our sin, and this forgiveness is offered without any cost to us; it is a gift of God’s grace. But God expects that having received his grace, we would extend the same grace toward others.

 

Therefore, each of us should take some time each day to cleanse our hearts of any bitterness or resentment. We must forgive others the same way that God has forgiven us. The grace we show to others will be a blessing to them and also to us. It is a joyful thing to have a heart that is free of hatred and resentment. In showing love even to our enemies, we grow into the likeness of Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace you have shown me, forgiving me of all my sin. Help me extend this same grace to others. Let me do this for their benefit and also for my own, that my heart might be cleansed of all bitterness and become a beautiful place for your Spirit to dwell. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 29, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 26:36-44.

Most of us can remember being away from home and on our own for the first time, perhaps in our first real job or in college. As moral choices came to us, we realized that we could decide what to do now without anyone stopping us. For many of us, a person would come to mind, someone who had guided us and who had reminded us of right and wrong during our formative years…our mom or dad, another relative, a Sunday School teacher, youth director, or pastor. As we thought about what choice to make, we would think about what that mentor would say to us in this situation. And more often than not, we let that influence and guide our choice.

God’s will is so much more important than the teaching of any person, no matter how wise and moral that person is or was. Jesus taught us to pray that God’s will would be done. For many of us, we must pray in order to understand just what God’s will is. In today’s passage, we see Jesus expressing his own will and then seeking to know his Father’s will. And even in the anguish of this time, Jesus submitted to the will of his Heavenly Father, giving us the ultimate lived-out example of this lesson.

Personal Worship Option:

Let’s pray today that we will know and understand God’s will. Perhaps it is in a decision or choice we are in the process of making. Then pray for the wisdom, strength, and humility to follow God’s will… "not my will, but yours be done.” Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 27:18-25.

Often it is easy to talk about what we believe and be very confident in what we are saying…. until we actually find ourselves in the middle of some crisis (storm) that puts those beliefs to the test. I say that I trust God, no matter what happens. I say that God is my source of hope, no matter what storm comes my way. But when they come, will I still trust? Will I still have a sense of hope?

Paul had been doing a lot of preaching and teaching about God to many people. He had written letters to the house churches he had organized in several cities. He was strong in his beliefs and his understanding about what it meant to be the people of Jesus Christ. Now he was literally in the middle of a raging storm that threatened to sink the ship. The writer says “...we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”

But God sent an angel to let Paul know he and the others would survive this storm. So, he had an encouraging message of hope to give everyone on board: “Hold on; we’re going to get through this.”

Every once in a while, you and I are called on to encourage others who are going through a storm in their life. We may not have the same message Paul was able to share but can at least let them know that they are not alone in this crisis. Is there anyone God is nudging you to contact with a message of hope?

Personal Worship Option:

Join us today in worship at Christ Church as we conclude this sermon series on “Hope During The Storms” even if you can’t bring a carload with you!

Daily Devotion for January 27, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Romans 15:13.

The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Christians in Rome. I even wonder if this wasn’t an intended ending, before he thought of some other things he wanted to add. What a great blessing to offer to anyone, filled with encouragement and inspiration. Paul has been talking about this God we worship throughout the letter and now gives the description “the God of hope.” It is this God in which we are invited to place our ultimate hope.

Don’t miss the piece of this blessing that invites those who receive it to share this hope with others. We are invited to let this hope of God overflow out of us into the lives of other people. It would be good for all of us who follow Jesus Christ to ask ourselves if people experience a sense of hope when they are around us. If hope is not flowing out of you, why not?

I can’t read this verse anymore without thinking of how Eugene Peterson states it in his The Message translation, so I offer it here to close: “Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”

Personal Worship option:

Offer this prayer or put it in your own words: God of hope, thank you so much for that life-giving force! Help me be wide-open to receiving it from you, so that it overflows from me to people I meet every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 26, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 John 3:1-3.

Our hope is in what Jesus did for us, because it is in our relationship with him that we are made right with God. God looks at us through Christ. So, our confidence, our hope, is not in ourselves, but in our relationship with Christ. The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. This process of becoming will not be complete until we see Jesus face to face. However, it is in this relationship that we have hope. The first verse of this passage tells us that we are members of God’s family. The second verse tells us who we are becoming - the reflection of God. As children of God our self-worth is based on the fact the God loves us and calls us his children. We are his children now, not just sometime in the future. Knowing that we are his children should encourage us in the life that we are called to live.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on what it means to be God’s child. Thank the Father for his love and care. Embrace the hope of Christ for this day.

Daily Devotion for January 25, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 40:28-31.

As we look up into the skies, our eyes may catch sight of a majestic bird, the eagle, soaring through the air making life seem so effortless and graceful. Our verse for today says we will soar like eagles because our hope is in the Lord. The reference to eagles in Isaiah 40 is a comfort for God’s people in a time of weariness and struggle. The people of God were in exile. They were despondent and feeling hopeless. Worst of all, it seemed that God had abandoned or forgotten them.

Perhaps we have felt the same way. We can be victims of crime, disease, abuse, divorce, and devastating loss. We may feel weak and powerless in our current circumstances, but because of who we are in Christ, we can hold on to the promise that in his strength we will soar on wings like eagles. Our God gives us his strength and glory, filling us with the capacity to do far more than we think is possible. God means for us all to soar with hope. With God life is never hopeless. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we may be filled with the hope of God’s Spirit that his promises are true.

Personal Worship Option:

God, renew our strength each day so that we may reflect your glory. Thank you for always watching over us. Help us to place our faith and hope in you, that we may soar like eagles, lifted up by your Spirit. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 24, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 147:1-11.

Psalms 146-150 are the final set of Psalms and each one begins and ends with “Hallelujah!” and/or “Praise the Lord!” The Psalms reflect an honest, post-exiled and suffering community who can still sing praises unto God because they have found their hope in the “unfailing/steadfast love” of God. (Dr. Larry Crabb, author of “From God to You, 66 Love Letters).

I like the reflections Dr. J. Clinton McCann, Jr. has written in The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary. “At the heart of our biblical faith is the deep conviction that the power that has created and strewn the stars into their courses is the same power that - or better, who -"heals the broken-hearted”, “lifts up the downtrodden” and declares a personal life-giving word to Israel. In short, our trust–indeed, our only hope - is that the power behind the universe has a personal face that is turned toward us in “steadfast love.” 

Dr. McCann continues, “Psalm 147 articulates the Incarnation of God’s word as we read in John 1:1, 14. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (14) And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.’ God is personally, intimately, inextricably involved in the lives and futures of human beings.” 

Our hope, too, is found in the “unfailing/steadfast love” of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Read Psalm 147:1-11 again. Remember when God has healed your broken heart, bound up your wounds and encouraged you when you were discouraged. Let the last stanza of Isaac Watts words from 1719 be your prayer today. “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.” Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 23, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Romans 5:1-5.

When facing painful trials, we may be tempted to doubt God’s love for us—especially if we think peace and happiness are proof His love and trouble is not. In today’s passage, Paul helps us see God’s purpose for difficulties in the believer’s life. Tribulations are meant to produce perseverance, proven character, and hope because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.

Instead of yielding to doubts, let the following truths about God’s trustworthy love give you hope. His love is ...

Perfect. He always does what is best for us in order to accomplish His goal of transforming us into the image of His Son.

Dependable. First John 4:8 tells us that love is an integral part of God’s nature. It would go against His character not to love His people, and He never contradicts His own being.  

Consistent. God works all events in His children’s lives—even the hardest circumstances—for their good. Scripture teaches us to regard hardships as the act of a good heavenly Father who loves us (Hebrews 12:6).

 

Personal Worship Option:

If you’re ever in doubt, remember that God orchestrated the greatest demonstration of love possible—His Son’s death on the cross.

Daily Devotion for January 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 29:10-13.

Can you imagine what it would have been like for the exiles from Judah to now be prisoners in Babylon? Prophet after prophet had warned them to turn back to God, to worship God alone, and to live according to God’s teachings. The people had become arrogant, trusting in themselves and turning away from God. The Babylonians had been selective, taking the best and brightest as exiles. Now, the exiles must have felt ashamed and chastened by their arrogance and bad behavior. They must have been wondering what to do…should they attempt a revolt and try to fight for their freedom? The early part of this letter from God through the prophet Jeremiah dispels that entirely, telling them to settle down in Babylon, to build and plant and have families.

Then come these verses, promising the exiles that their bondage would not last forever. After a period of seventy years, God would bring them back to their beautiful homeland. God promised them a future and hope; God had not deserted them. We too can read these words today, in whatever context we find ourselves and know that God loves us and that when we trust God, we have hope and a future.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that God loves us and wants the best for us. Even when we suffer consequences for bad decisions and choices, God has not given up on us. God has nothing but the best in store for us if only we trust God. Pray for more faith to have that kind of trust.

Daily Devotion for January 21, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Mark 4:35-41.

I must say, I am with the disciples in this scene. I would have been panicking too. When it says “...the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped” I would be thinking “If there is any time to be panicking, now is the time! Somebody wake Jesus up!” First of all, I am amazed that Jesus could sleep through such a stormy scene. Then I share the “terrified” reaction of the disciples when he speaks to the wind and waves and they obey him. When somebody has that kind of power, we all tend to be scared of them.

Sometimes storms can so suddenly appear in our life that we immediately have a sense of panic. (“I don’t know how to handle this situation!”) Even if we are connected to Jesus, we can still have that experience. The key is the disciples knew where to turn. They knew who to seek. I am guessing they didn’t know exactly what he would do about it, but they had seen him heal people and cast demons out of them.

Even when you do your “storm prep” work, there can still be times when you do not know what to do. Just remember the One you have been “prepping” with.

Personal Worship Option:

Join us in worship today as we continue this series on “Hope During The Storms.” And stay connected each day to the One who provides that hope.

Daily Devotion for January 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Mark 15:1-5.

If you have ever worked with children, you have probably heard statements like this at some point: “She’s telling lies about me; I never did what she said!” “That’s not fair; they’re making up stuff about me just to get me in trouble.” Okay, so if you’ve worked with adults, you may have heard similar statements.

Tomorrow we will look at a scene from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when he was calm during a storm. Today, we are reminded of such a scene near the end of his ministry. I don’t know about you, but I am like Pilate. I am amazed that Jesus chooses not to defend himself here. He was being falsely accused, but he remained calm in the midst of this stormy scene and said nothing. I don’t know about you, but when I see or experience something that is unfair, that is when it is hardest for me to keep my mouth shut. That’s when I struggle most with being calm.  

And yet, there is a peace and calmness that God offers to us in the midst of the storms of life, even in those times when life isn’t fair. However, as we talked about it a couple of weeks ago, it’s important that we do our “storm prep” work ahead of time in order to receive these gifts. As you and I deepen our connection with the Spirit of peace, we will experience this peace, even during the storms.

Personal Worship Option:

If you don’t know the story of when and why Horatio Spafford wrote the words to this hymn, go look it up. In the midst of the storm he was experiencing, he obviously had a deep connection with God to be able to write these words:

When peace, like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Daily Devotion for January 19, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 14:9-14.

The Israelites were scared by the approaching “storm” of Pharaoh’s army, but Moses remained calm and assured them they need not be afraid. The Israelites had not even had time to bask in their freedom when they faced immediate obstacles and doubt. They were confronted by the Red Sea with Pharaoh's army close behind them. The people cried out in fear and despair.

  

We often focus on the army behind us instead of the path ahead that God has planned for us. God is always on time, and He sends help at the hour we need it. You don’t have wisdom for tomorrow’s problems. But you will tomorrow. You don’t have resources for tomorrow’s needs. But you will tomorrow. You don’t have courage for tomorrow’s challenges. But you will when tomorrow comes.

God meets daily needs daily and miraculously. He did for the Israelites, and he does today for you. Take hope and comfort that God is working and is with you.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank God for all the times He has provided what was needed. Trust God’s timing and wait patiently for God to work out his loving plan. Bring God your needs and dreams and trust him with the details and the outcomes.

Daily Devotion for January 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 7:54-60.

Acts 6 and 7 tell the story of Stephen, one of the early church leaders chosen to help provide food and necessities to others in need. The Bible says he was faithful, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of God’s grace and power. But he was persecuted for his faith. The religious leaders hated him so much that they had him arrested and put on trial. Stephen gave a long speech telling about God’s work through the centuries. He then was stoned to death, becoming the first recorded Christian martyr. As he was dying, Stephen said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Stephen suffered and died for his faith in Jesus. His example inspired many others to speak out and live for Christ. By the power of the Spirit, God has built his church to reach out and serve people so that it brings the same saving message of God’s love to the world today.

Stephen was able to focus on Jesus even at this very difficult time. Can we maintain our focus on Jesus Christ at times when our own lives are in a storm? Let’s pray that we can, remembering that God is with us.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, may we at all times keep our focus on you so that, like Stephen, we can be inspired and have the power to stand faithfully to share the good news. We pray in your name. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 17, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 26:24-31.

This scene of Paul’s trial is as stressful and fearful as any storm which we could ever imagine. Paul, a prisoner in chains, for the sake of being a witness of Jesus, goes before King Agrippa, Agrippa’s sister Queen Bernice and Governor Festus to make his defense. Paul’s very life is in peril.

There is a word picture here beginning in Acts 26:1 and concluding in Acts 26:29. This picture is of Paul stretching out his hands in chains as he begins and concludes his defense. Paul is well-aware of the lowliness of his status as he speaks to these powerful leaders.

But Paul is confident of what he experienced and more than that he says in verse 22a, “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.” 

Paul knows God has called him for this witness and God is helping him through this storm, giving him peace. On such an imposing “stage” he is able to remain calm. I realized Paul’s defense was not for the sake of his own life, but for the sake of the message of Christ to “reach the people in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

 

Paul could have simply accepted that he was a prisoner and that no one would hear what he had to say. But he was courageous and bold enough, trusting God’s help each step of the way to give his witness to these powerful three people, King Agrippa, Queen Bernice and Governor Festus.

Not only did they hear Paul, but they also were “almost persuaded” to become Christians themselves! The three agreed that Paul had done nothing to deserve death or imprisonment. This opened the door for Paul’s continuation of his missionary journeys.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, God, for the calm and peace you give to us throughout the difficult storms of life. Let us learn from Paul’s unselfish defense to be courageous and brave to share the message of Christ’s grace, forgiveness and love with others. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 16, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Daniel 3:13-18.

How do we respond when faced with the “fiery furnaces" of life? Seldom do we find ourselves standing before a blast furnace being ordered to worship a false god or be burned to a human potato chip. We do, however, face our own kind of furnaces and must choose whether to bow to the demands of the godless or trust in the Lord.

I know very little about the process of generating steel, but I do know that raw ore must be heated beyond the melting point in order for it to be molded and hardened into a usable form. If the ore could speak it might beg to be left alone because the heat of the fire would cause pain and agony.

As we face the furnaces that appear before us, we also must make a choice of trusting in the Lord to be with us or yield to the peer pressure around us. I am here to tell you that yielding never produces strength. It only leads to further yielding and becoming a useless pile of dirt.

When we choose to become steadfast in our faith, we will certainly face the heat like never before. The fact is that we will also encounter the strength and presence of the Lord beside us in the furnace. I choose to remain steadfast in the Lord!

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, as we face the heat of the furnaces of life give us the faith and assurance that you will be with us every step of the way.

Daily Devotion for January 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 41:8-16.

When we first met Joseph, he was an arrogant seventeen-year-old, his father’s favorite and despised by his brothers. Joseph went about telling his brothers about his dreams that he explained to mean that he was superior to them. Even his father Jacob, who doted on him, was not amused when he heard Joseph tell of his dream that meant the entire family would bow to him in the future.

Contrast that to the scene in today’s passage when Joseph is brought from his prison dungeon to hear and interpret Pharaoh’s dream. This would have been a scary encounter, knowing that Pharaoh had the power of life and death and sometimes had people killed who did not please him. We get some real insight into Joseph when he corrects Pharaoh for saying he has heard that Joseph can interpret dreams. Joseph calmly informs this powerful leader that he (Joseph) cannot do it, but that God will interpret the dream and give Pharaoh the answer. Joseph had seen God at work many times, and Joseph had come to understand that it was not his own ability to interpret dreams but rather God working through him. This faith in God enabled Joseph to remain calm in the storm.

Personal Worship Option:

Life is full of storms. Are you facing at least one storm? We will see a number of Biblical characters this week who were able to remain calm in their storms. Pray for the strength and calm that comes with faith, knowing that God will be with you in your storm.

Daily Devotion for January 14, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 8:15-19.

As I was developing this sermon series on “Hope During The Storm” I kept being drawn to this story of the great flood, the greatest storm that humanity and the whole Creation ever faced. The humans had become so evil in all of their thoughts and actions that God had to put a stop to it. Thankfully, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8) and obeyed God’s instructions for saving all of Creation. Though the flood was extremely destructive, it also provided an opportunity for God and humans to start over in our relationship.

I do not know how much God guides the storms of life, if at all. I just know that they are part of life in the midst of a fallen Creation. They come as literal weather events, but also in many other ways. Some of them are very destructive. But no matter what they have left in their wake, the Bible reminds us in many places that God can give us a new start in life. God can help us to pick up any pieces that are left from the storm and move forward with new life and new opportunities. Let this scene of Noah, his family and all the creatures coming out of the Ark remind you today of God’s guiding presence with you in the midst of, and after, the storm.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer or one in your own words: God of Noah, I thank you that you have carried me through the storms of my life. Help me to always remember that you are with me and will see me through and beyond in other storms that may come my way. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 13, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 46.

This is in my “top five” of favorite Psalms. The Psalmist acknowledges that there are storms in life, times when the “waters roar and foam” and we can feel overwhelmed. Verse 10 takes me back to what we emphasized last week - the need to prepare ahead of time for the storms. But it also speaks to what is best to do in the midst of the storm. I love what Eugene Peterson did with that verse in The Message translation: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

To trust that “God is our fortress” is to believe that God will give us new life on the other side of the storms. Yes, sometimes we wonder “How am I ever going to get through this?” But faith/trust means those are the very times when we reveal that we really do believe that God will see us through. Think back on storms that God has brought you through in the past and let those memories be a reminder that God will continue to carry you through whatever happens in the future. And look for those opportunities to share that good news with people all around you, reminding them of God’s willingness, desire and ability to see them through as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Give God thanks today for bringing you through past storms and pray for those around you who are presently going through a storm.