Daily Devotion for February 29, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 19:23-31.

Paul was on his third missionary journey. The numbers of followers and believers were greatly increasing due to the teachings of Paul, Timothy, and other disciples and the miracles that they performed. This was creating a stir in places such as Ephesus but when the real opposition took place was when the reality set in that it was going to greatly decline the income of people. The belief in the Gospel to live the way of Jesus began to have a significant economic impact on the silversmiths of Ephesus. They made their living selling silver shrines of Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus. A riot occurred, forcing Paul to flee from the city. This story shows how people who are not true God believers center their lives around material and monetary things. As the Gospel changed the thoughts of people and even changed some of their habits, it did not cause a movement of opposition, but when these changed habits affected the wealth of the craftsmen, resistance resulted. Riots and persecution started to hinder the spreading of the Good News. Do we do this today?

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Help us to stay focused on telling others the Good News of Jesus and how you love all of your children. Keep us from hoarding our money and material possessions, but rather give us joy in sharing all that we have. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 25:31-33.

There was a television program in recent years called, “Undercover Boss.” The head of the business would go well-disguised to work as a regular employee. He or she would observe both the difficulty of the tasks as well as how the supervisors treated their employees and customers. At the conclusion of the time, the head of the company would bring in each supervisor and either reward them or ask for improvements.

After six parables about living responsibly as to be ready for the coming of the Son, Matthew brings these parables into this final dramatic scene. For Jesus, the present and the future aspects of kingdom life were not antithetical. With Jesus’ presence, the future had already broken into the present.

The identity Jesus calls his disciples and followers to is to a life of service to others, not for the reward, but out of love for God and others. Jesus identifies these acts of service unto others who are hungry, thirsty, hospitality to the stranger, clothing for those in need, and visits with the sick and imprisoned. The ones who serve others with hearts of compassion Jesus calls “sheep,” and the ones who don’t serve are called “goats”.

There is a story that at a distance, if sheep have been sheared of their wool, they can look very much like goats. But up close, it is easy to tell the difference. Likewise, God is present in our lives up close. We can’t fool God. God stays close enough to us to understand the honesty of our hearts as lived out in our service. This isn’t a “gotcha” kind of God’s presence but a grace-filled call from God to live a life of sincerely seeking good for others.

This call to serve others is life-giving. Self-care is healthy, but “self-centered-ness” can be life-consuming. Rev. Edward P. Markquart tells the story of one of his church members who wanted it to be said at the conclusion of his life, “You tell them folks that I am a sheep and not a goat.” Rev. Markquart said, “And he truly was an “old sheep.”

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, through Jesus, your Son, we hear your call to serve others. Sometimes, this moves us beyond our comfort zones. Give us sincere and compassionate hearts and help us by your Holy Spirit to serve, remembering in serving others, we are serving You. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 27, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 10:14-21.

The primary characteristic of the good shepherd is that he loves unto death; he is willing to die for the sheep. The disciples never could get over the fact that Jesus loved them so much he was willing to die for them. Many of the epistles of Paul, of John and James and Peter contain awestruck references to this. John writes in Revelation, Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5). Paul says in Romans, While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8). Peter said, He bore our sins in his own body on the tree, (1 Peter 2:24). The writer of the Hebrews declares, Who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot unto God, (Hebrews 9:14). They are amazed that this Blessed One, this Sinless Lord, this Matchless Christ would consent to die for his own. But that is the mark of the Good Shepherd.

What a contrast with the hireling! What do all these other religious voices that we hear want from us? They want something for themselves. They regard the sheep as something to be exploited, to be used to advance and to build themselves up. When the sheep get into trouble, when the enemy comes, when the wolf (the devil) strikes, they flee, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves.

Jesus declares that the end of his laying down his life is to share his life with the sheep. Notice how he puts it, I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father.

What Jesus speaks of here is that intimacy of fellowship, that beauty of life which was evident in Jesus as he loved the Father and the Father loved him. This, he promises, is what comes to us as a result of laying down his life for us—richness of fellowship—that beauty of life which is imparted by this One who was willing to lay down his life that we may have life.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord help us not be so preoccupied and self-conscious about being sheep that we are failing to wonder and to worship the Great Shepherd who has given His own life in infinite Love for His sheep. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 26, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 6:8-10.

God’s instructions here to Isaiah are hard for us to hear and even harder to believe! We often read verse 8 with God’s call for a prophet and Isaiah’s beautiful response, “Here I am. Send me!” and stop. Verses 9 and 10 have God telling Isaiah to go to the people with words they will not understand, because they are not to repent. What? That seems totally out of character for the God we love and worship. The sad truth is that it was too late for repentance for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. God had reached out to the people, sending other prophets in an attempt to lead the people to repentance. They had not listened, and now God was preparing to punish them.

We think of the writings of Isaiah as words of hope, and indeed they are. But the hope will come with restoration after the punishment, the exile to Babylon. If we continue reading in Chapter 6, we see God saying to Isaiah that, like great felled trees whose seeds are in the stumps, the hope for the people will be in the aftermath of their punishment. God is pointing out a great divide here between the rebellious people to whom Isaiah will speak and the faithful remnant whom God will later restore.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray today that we will listen, as the church, for God’s will for us and the way we are to live and serve in our world. Pray also that each of us will be among those who obey God and live according to the way of Christ.

Daily Devotion for February 25, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 6:53-69.

At the beginning of this chapter, John writes about Jesus feeding well over five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The next day, the people find him over on the other side of the lake and engage him in conversation. Jesus knew of their real interest and began to offer teaching to them and his disciples that turns out to prompt this question (in verse 60): “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” It is so challenging that a few verses later we find out that “many” of his disciples turned away and no longer followed him. He even inquires of his closest followers to see if they will stick with him. Peter assures him that they still believe in him and will continue to follow him.

I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my journey with the Lord that I have struggled with something that happened or some interpretation of Jesus’ teaching that I heard. I remember one situation in particular many years ago when a tragedy happened to a young family in the church I was serving. After wrestling with God several days about it, I finally prayed “Lord, I really do not understand why you let this happen. But I still believe in you and your way. Help me to stay faithful to you and to serve your mission, no matter what.” I hope that prayer, or one similar to it, is your prayer; even in those times of life and faith when you struggle.

Personal Worship Option:

Join us in worship this morning as we explore this issue further. Ideally, come and be with us in person. It makes a difference for you and others when you are there. If you cannot be there in person, be sure to connect through our livestream or later on our website.

Daily Devotion for February 24, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 25:46.

There are times and situations in which I join with Job of the Old Testament and ask “Why?”. There are scenes in the Bible that I do not understand. There are teachings and situations in the Old Testament that do not seem to fit with what Jesus did and taught.

One of the concepts I struggle with the most is that of “eternal punishment.” I can understand punishment, even for an extended period of time. But forever? But that is a particular emphasis in “The Gospel According to Matthew.” He includes “gnashing teeth and outer darkness” more than any of the other writers. Our verse for today comes at the end of a judgment scene Jesus told about and is also the end of Jesus’ public ministry. The rest of the story focuses on his private time with his disciples and the events surrounding his death and resurrection. So according to Matthew, a word of judgment is the last thing Jesus said to the public.

However, the overall message of this Gospel is that Jesus came to redeem and restore fallen humanity. He offers forgiveness from the cross, not only for the soldiers who literally and physically put him there, but for every human who helped put him there by our sins. And the final word is one of reassurance that he is always with us.

Even though there is much I struggle with, I still believe in God and the way of being and living that Jesus Christ taught us. I believe his kingdom is one of both righteousness and justice. I believe God is going to make everything right in the end. Until then, the invitation and calling for all of us is to keep loving and living his way, so that other may come to know him, love him and serve him.

Personal Worship Option:

I remember hearing an old song as a child that is in our United Methodist Hymnal. Its title is “We’ll Understand It Better By and By.” Written by Charles Tindley, its message is to remain faithful to our Lord, even when we don’t understand everything about our journey. Here is one verse of that song:

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand

all the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land;

but he guides us with his eye, and we’ll follow till we die,

for we’ll understand it better by and by.

Daily Devotion for February 23, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Jonah 3:6 - 4:4.

When Jonah reluctantly did what God called him to do, he was still angry with God for having mercy on the people of Nineveh. Can you still follow God, even when you disagree with some of God’s ways? Jonah could not understand why God wanted him to go to Nineveh. Jonah didn’t want the Ninevites forgiven, he wanted them destroyed. He did not understand that the God of Israel was also the God of the whole world.

Jonah was surprised that the Ninevites repented and that God had compassion for them. He had forgotten God’s mercy for him and was happy when God saved him. But he was angry when Nineveh was saved. Jonah was learning a valuable lesson about God’s mercy and forgiveness. God’s forgiveness was not only for Jonah or for Israel alone, but for anyone who repents and believes.

Jonah was reluctantly obedient even though he did not understand the plan. In the end, God extended grace to Jonah and to the Ninevites.

Personal Worship Option:

God’s mercy is amazing. He offers second chances, pardons, and grace to everyone. Sit with that for a few minutes: everyone. Are there people in your life who are so far from God and made so many wrong choices that you wish judgment and destruction would come to them. Do you want them destroyed? Or do you wish that they could experience God’s mercy and forgiveness? What will your prayer be for them?

Daily Devotion for February 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 20:1-16.

I can remember thinking that my brother got a bigger cookie with more chocolate chips in it than I did. I would yell out “that isn’t fair!” Well, the scripture today is a parable (a story that Jesus told using familiar things) telling about an unfair wage in the fields. Why on earth would he give workers the same wage when some worked hard all day and some worked only an hour? The laborers who worked all day protested. It surely was not fair, but that is not the point.

The kingdom of God is not fair. Thank goodness it is much more than fair. The kingdom of God is extravagantly generous. Jesus taught of generosity and the Bible gives many examples of promises of grace. We all get more than we deserve. At the end of the day, Jesus says that each one gets treated the same. The lesson we need to learn is the meaning of grace--we all become members of God's family simply by his love and undeserved favor. None of us is more deserving than another. We should try to look at each other as God looks at us.

Personal Worship Option:

Generous God, thank you for who you are and for what you do for us. Help us to be grateful for your generosity to us and help us to show the same generosity to others. We need to see each other as equal recipients of your grace. Help us serve together. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 21, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 13.

Psalm 13 is a Psalm of lament, petition and an expression of trust and praise unto God. Through the years, I’ve grown to appreciate the honesty of the Psalms. This honesty from the Psalmist’s perspective gives the gift for the Psalms to be current for every generation. And this honesty has helped me to understand that God is great enough and compassionate enough to hear our own honest questions.

Sometimes the Psalmist asks, “Where are you God?” as in Psalm 42, but in Psalm 13, the question is “How long, O Lord, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” The Psalm-writer feels as if he has been forgotten and not only forgotten but is wondering if God has become angry towards him.

Then the Psalm-writer makes his appeal for God to look at him and to give an answer. God’s face turning towards him would be the face of light. Numbers 6:24-26 helps us to understand the gracious blessing of God’s face looking upon him. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

The Psalm-writer is going through a season of sorrow, and he is feeling that God is taking too long to hear his cries for help.

Yet, even in the midst of this season, the Psalm-writer makes his declaration. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” The Psalm-writer is holding the space and tension of an honest soul’s conversation with God. He brings before God his honest questions and maintains faith in God’s unfailing and steadfast love. God has carried him through his years with the goodness which only God can give and now he trusts God to carry him into the future.

Personal Worship Option:

Let me invite you to a time of an honest “soul conversation” with God. Do you have questions you would like to ask God? You can trust that God understands your honest questions and you can trust in God’s unfailing love and care for you.

Daily Devotion for February 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 19:16-26.

For me obeying the law is important, but I can choose to drive within the speed limit and be late for my appointment or I can drive at a faster speed and arrive to my appointment on time. There is no one forcing me to make a choice. I must choose myself what is most important. The law says one thing and I respect the law, but I have my own reason for choosing to disobey the law. My obedience and disobedience is a choice.

The young ruler came to Jesus. He said, “‘Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?’” (Matt. 19:16, NASB) Jesus told the young ruler to keep the commandments. Now this would not be a hard thing for the young man to do. “‘All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?’” (v.20) There has to be more. I can sense it, but I do not know what it is. “‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me’” (v. 21).The young man made a choice. “He went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property” (v. 22). 

Jesus gave the young man an opportunity to be complete; to have eternal life. Jesus did not demand that the young man do what He said that he ought to do. Jesus allowed the young man to walk away. It was his choice. He could choose to obey Jesus’ words or he could choose to disobey His words. You and I must make choices about many things in life. Our most important choice is whether or not we will choose to obey Jesus or disobey Him. Obedience is a choice.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer: Lord Jesus we choose to obey your commands and have eternal life. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 19, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Job 2:7-10.

This passage sets the stage for what is to come. Job, a righteous man, had lost his herds and flocks, his property, and even his children. Now, Job has been afflicted with painful sores all over his body. In this passage, Job’s wife encourages him to curse God and die in order to be free of his pain. Later Job’s friends would come, as so many of us do, to offer less than helpful advice and counsel. At times, Job’s friends would even be accusatory, as they were convinced that Job had sinned and brought his troubles upon himself. Job maintained his faith, but he questioned God really hard. 

I smile when I hear people say that someone has the “patience of Job.” If we read Job’s conversations with his friends and his exchanges with God, we see that he was not at all patient! He was faithful, he was long-suffering, and he was forbearing; but he was not patient! He knew that he had not sinned to bring on these troubles, he did not understand how such bad things could happen to a good person, and he demanded answers from God. Not once, however, did he question God’s existence or show any weakness in his faith. Through it all, he maintained his relationship with God.

Personal Worship Option:

If you are going through a difficult time, resist the feeling that God is punishing you. God will be with you in this, and you may need your relationship with God now more than ever. Take a lesson from Job and keep the faith!

Daily Devotion for February 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 9:51-55.

Every once in a while, there come those moments in life when you know what you have to do, even if it is a hard path to take. Luke 9:51 is that moment for Jesus. Here is how Eugene Peterson translated that verse in The Message: “When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem.” He knew what awaited him in that city. He had already sensed the growing animosity of his adversaries. To go to Jerusalem was to go to a cross.

The verses right after that one give just one example of the many times he taught his disciples and others about the difference of his way and the ways of this world. Those two ways are in conflict, and they always will be. One of the primary ways of this world is to focus on what is best for ourselves (and our family, our people, our country, etc.). However, Jesus taught that his way was about denying our self and considering only what is best for us. And not only would he go to a literal cross, but he called his followers to take up daily crosses, daily opportunities to get involved in the pain and suffering of people around us.

Following Jesus is a challenging endeavor. But he still invites you to follow. Will you go to Jerusalem with him?

Personal Worship Option:

Join us in worship today as I begin a new sermon series titled “Following Jesus To Jerusalem.” I remind you that it is best to participate in worship in person, but if circumstances prevent you from doing so, be sure to connect to our livestream or watch later online.

Daily Devotion for February 17, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 4:18-20.

Moses had lived a conflicted life in his early years. Born a Hebrew slave, he had been raised in the palace of Pharaoh. He had been told the stories of his people, going back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He had also been given the best education in the land and enjoyed a life of plenty. But one day, that conflict within probably led to him killing one of the Egyptian guards who was beating one of his people and he had to leave Egypt. He ended up in Midian, got married and settled into everyday life as a shepherd.

But then God came calling. (The phone was in the form of a burning bush.) God had an assignment for him: Go back to Egypt and confront Pharaoh with a demand to let God’s people go. Moses felt inadequate and tried his best to talk God out of it. But God persisted. The verses in our reading for today let us know that Moses had decided to follow God’s calling. He gave up the life he had established in Midian to travel a very hard path. There would be many trials and tribulations ahead and Moses had to know that. (Hence the attempt to talk God out of it.) But he chose to go.

Serving the mission of God will inevitably put you conflict with the ways of this world, in some form or fashion. Some of that conflict will be obvious and you will know it is coming before you get there. At other times, you will not realize it until you are in the middle of it. Are you still willing to go?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one like it in your own words: Lord, I admit that sometimes I am like Moses, wanting to avoid the paths of service and ministry to which you call me. Give me wisdom and courage to follow where you lead me, knowing that you always go with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 16, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 11:1-16.

This disciple is most commonly known as “doubting Thomas,” but in this scene he is “courageous Thomas” or “trusting Thomas.” He has obviously understood Jesus’ teaching about sacrifice and carrying crosses.

The gospel says that, in Christ, God expunged our failures. Grace, not sin, gets the last word. That’s good news! So why do we continue to speak of Doubting Thomas? According to Max Lucado, Thomas was one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. The Gospels portray him as reflective, not talkative. On three occasions where his words were recorded it’s clear Thomas thought long and hard before speaking. The first was the declaration in this passage (John 11:16). The second, when Jesus talked about going away, Thomas let it be known he wasn't keen on the idea of being separated from Jesus (John 14:5) and then following the time of doubt Thomas confessed Jesus as Lord. (John 20:28).

One week of weakness doesn’t tell the whole story of Thomas' life - or anyone else’s life. Jesus trusted Thomas with the ability to share the Good News with many. Thomas had an intimate relationship with Jesus. They walked together long enough to know each other’s heart. Thomas trusted Jesus with his life.

Have you walked long enough with Jesus to know his heart? When you spend time with him in study you see his passion. Welcome him to enter your heart and soul so you can understand his will for you.

Personal Worship Option:

What is something you can do today to help yourself get to know God better?

Daily Devotion for February 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Esther 4:12-16.

Have you ever wondered why you are in a particular job or in a situation at a particular time? Sometimes have you found yourself caught in the middle of a heated issue or conflict? Or have you been assigned to lead a highly dysfunctional group or committee? Sometimes God places us in situations that seem beyond our capacity to handle and above our skill level.

It’s hard to imagine a more stressful position than Esther’s. She rose from being a nobody into a position of power and prestige. Yet whatever glamor she may have enjoyed turned to terror when she learned of a plot to kill her people. Esther faced a dilemma, should she risk her life in order to save her people or should she save her life while her people perished? Her cousin Mordecai said that God may have placed her in a posi­tion of authority for such a time as this.

Have you thought that God has placed you where you are for a purpose? It may not be as dramatic as Esther’s place, but God’s purposes for us are no less significant. You might be in a position to speak the very words someone needs to hear or make a difference in other people’s lives. God has chosen us to do his work!

Personal Worship Option:

God, thank you for placing us where we are today. Reveal to us how we might be an instrument of purpose for you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 14, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 5:17-21a.

Today is Ash Wednesday and we will observe this day with a time of worship and reflection in preparation for the 40-days’ journey with Jesus towards Jerusalem and the cross. The way of the cross was Jesus’ way to demonstrate God’s sacrificial love, forgiveness and healing for all the world.

For today’s reading, we can look back to Acts 4:18-20, and read that Peter and John had been ordered to stop teaching about Jesus and threatened if they did so. Now here again in chapter 5, they have been arrested (along with other apostles) and when rescued by the angel of the Lord, chose to go to the temple courts and continue teaching. It was at this point that they chose the sacrificial path that Jesus had taught them.

We can remember that Peter was the one who denied Jesus three times prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. But this time, Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit, has been courageous enough to be willing to sacrifice his life. He boldly shares the message of God’s love for all people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus! Peter and John had also been healing people in the name of Jesus and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

God protected them in 5:33-39 through the words of Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. Gamaliel said to the Council, “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Then chapter 5:41 says, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Chapter 5 concludes with, “they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” They followed the way of the cross even though it meant suffering and sacrifice.

Personal Worship Option:

God forgives Peter’s denial and gives him a second chance. The Holy Spirit gives the grace of a courageous spirit to even endure suffering to give witness of who Jesus is and who he came to be. These gifts are offered to us, too. Will we receive these gifts and follow in Jesus’ footsteps wherever Jesus’ steps might lead us?

Daily Devotion for February 13, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 13:5-11.

When Lot goes east, he’s doing what we all do naturally. He’s searching for the thing that will make his life matter. Abram, however, gave that up. Abram saw the same land. He could have taken it. Instead, he gave Lot first choice. He must have known what Lot would choose. In giving Lot first dibs, Abram was taking the land of Canaan. Why did he do that? Because Abram knew the land of Canaan was the Promised Land, even if it looked less than promising. Lot was trying to get back into the Garden. Abram knew he was already there. Derek Kidner says, “Lot, choosing the things that are seen, found them corrupt and insecure; choosing selfishly, he was to grow ever more isolated and unloved. Abram, on the other hand, found liberation.”

We live in a world filled with the tension of choosing what is seen for what is not. What will we choose? The contrast between Abram and Lot instructs us on the nature of trusting God. Lot chose by sight, Abram by faith. Lot moved to the edges, Abram to the center. Lot found corruption and temptation; Abram found assurance and peace. Lot was spiritually compromised; Abram was spiritually alive. Lot moved in with sinners; Abram moved in with God. Lot built no altars; Abram built them all. Lot chose by sight alone, and that is always a mistake.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Lord, as I make decisions in my life today and in days to come please help me not to make the decisions by sight alone but help me to seek your will for the best in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 12, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 9:18-25.

This passage marks a huge turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Peter’s answer that he is the Christ lets Jesus see that his apostles, who have been slow to learn his message, are finally getting it. Soon Jesus would begin his final journey to Jerusalem and the cross. After telling his apostles that he must suffer and die, he uttered a challenge that each and every one of us who desire to be Jesus’ disciple should cringe to hear. We are to take up our cross daily and follow him!

Over the years, we have misunderstood and incorrectly applied this command. We have referred to living with physical ailments, dealing with a difficult spouse, and all kinds of inconveniences or difficulties as “taking up our cross.” What Jesus meant by this phrase is that we are to literally take on the kinds of things that could cost us our very lives if we are to follow him. We are to deny ourselves so many of the interests that could consume our time and attention and would keep us from complete commitment to Christ. Jesus is saying that being his disciple is not a part-time commitment or an easy endeavor but is rather a life lived on the edge.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: “Gracious and loving God, I want to be a mature disciple of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to commit to making this my first priority. Equip me for the journey and renew my spirit when I grow tired and distracted. I can only do this with your guidance. Amen.”

Daily Devotion for February 11, 2024

 

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Read Revelation 7:9.

Yesterday, we looked at the call to Abram, in which God made clear a desire to “bless all the people of the earth” through this covenant people God was seeking. Here at the end of the Biblical story, as part of the vision given to John, is this image of a huge group standing before God “from every nation, tribe, people and language…” It is what God’s people looks like. It is what the Church is to look like.

When I have had the opportunity to attend the United Methodist Church’s quadrennial assembly called General Conference, one of the parts of that I have loved the most is seeing people from nations around the world worshiping God together. Many are in their native dress, and we sometimes hear the songs in different languages. It was a good reminder to me that my way of worshiping God and relating to God is not the only way.

As I did yesterday, I again invite you to reflect on (and pray about) how you can be more intentional to connect with people who are different than you. I sometimes pray “Lord, help us stay so connected to you that we can help other people come to know you.” Obviously, a key piece of that effort will be to connect with them.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to connect with people all around me, including those who are different from me. And help me stay so connected to you that I can help them come to know, love and serve you. Through Christ, Amen.