Daily Devotion for June 30, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 40:34-38.

I don’t think I have ever really paid attention to how the book of Exodus ends. So, I was intentional to invite us to read this passage today. Here is my primary “take-away” from these verses: only move when God says move. They experienced the presence of God in the cloud that, at times, covered the meeting tent and at other times lifted and led them to move on. If the cloud stayed in place, they stayed in place. If the cloud moved, they moved.

If you and I are staying connected with the Holy Spirit (the very presence of God) through prayer and Bible meditation and connection with other Christians, then the Spirit will guide us when we need to rest, to stay where we are in some sense or when to move into an assignment the Spirit is giving us or move in a new direction in ministry. There is a time to wait and there is a time to move. Too often, we let other events or forces guide us in when and where to go with our life. Be reminded today that, as the people of Christ, our guide for waiting or moving is to be the Holy Spirit who is God.

Personal Worship Option:

There is an African-American spiritual chorus in our hymnal that you are invited to let be your song today. Here’s a couple of verses.

I’m gonna sing when the Spirit says sing; I’m gonna sing when the Spirit says sing;

I’m gonna sing when the Spirit says sing, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray; I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray;

I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

Daily Devotion for June 29, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 32:1-14.

My initial reaction when I read this passage is something like “How in the world could they do this? God had worked through Moses to perform many miracles, freeing them from bondage in Egypt and, rescuing them at the Red Sea and bringing them to this point. Why would they so quickly abandon God?” But then I look in the mirror and wonder how many times we all turn to other “gods” of security when God doesn’t do what we want done.

I am also fascinated with the patience and humility of God in this passage. God enters this dialogue with Moses and really listens to what Moses has to say, being swayed by his argument. It reminds us of just how much God loves us and seeks to be in relationship with us. We all mess up at times. We all have given God reasons to give up on us. And yet God keeps reaching out to us, doing so most fully by sending Jesus Christ to save the whole world.

Who do you know who has “messed up”? Who do you know that needs to hear of this God who loves them and seeks them? Pray for God to guide you in how you can best help them understand and connect with this God who is always ready to connect with them.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious and patient God, thank you so much for the many times you have been patient with me. Continue to forgive me for any way I hinder your kingdom from coming on earth and help me share your message of love and grace with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 20:1-17.

Firmly connected to the freedom brought about through the Exodus is the order and guidance God provided through the Ten Commandments and all the Law. God gave these clear guidelines for his people to follow so that their relationship with him and with others would be healthy and strong. These commands are for our protection and for our good.

Heeding God’s Word is critical. Kingdom living happens as the covenant is honored. Of course, choose the wrong choice and the consequences will follow. At the same time, obedience leads to an abundance of God’s goodness not just for you but for all those who follow you. God promises to show “love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (vs 6). As we obey God’s commands we open the door for God’s favor.

Personal Worship Option:

In which areas of your life can you obey God more fully? Ask God to reveal what commandments you should work on and ask his Spirit to empower you to obey.

Daily Devotion for June 27, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 14:10-18.

Fear can be an overwhelming emotion that cripples us, causing us to doubt God’s presence and power. This scripture is a prime example of how people lost their trust in God and could not see the way forward to safety. They turned on Moses who was guiding them with God’s direction, because they had lost sight of God being with them and being in control. They wandered about in confusion, hemmed in by the desert and facing the Red Sea. But God always provides a way through what looks impossible.

As Christians, we sometimes feel in a confused daze too. Financial pressures press in, health problems arise, our world is in a constant battle, and relationship problems come our way. Which way do we turn? A sense of panic and fear grips us. There is an alternative to our terror. Our Lord will hear our prayers and see us through. It can be rough and tough, but we are not alone. What a challenge it is to keep our focus on God and trust that God will rescue us. God’s own Son triumphed by giving his life for us. Stand strong in the knowledge that God is with us in the battles.

Personal Worship Option:

God, please be with us and remind us that you are always there for us through the thick and thin. Help us to continue to grow in our faith and trust in you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 26, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 6:1-8.

Exodus 6:1-8 continues to tell us the story of who the only true God is. This passage reflects some of the words from our devotional yesterday from Exodus 3. Exodus 3:7 tells us, “God sees their afflictions, hears their cry under the Egyptian taskmasters, knows their sufferings, and comes down to deliver them.”

Exodus 6:5 adds, “I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians are holding as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.”

The only true God sees, hears, knows and comes to deliver.” Any other “god” would not be able to see, hear, know or deliver. The difference in the only true God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Moses and any other “god” is that God is the Living God who creates and initiates and keeps the covenant with humanity and is ever-present to redeem and bless.

For the Hebrew people, God’s deliverance of them from the bondage of their slavery in Egypt was as vital to their abiding and covenantal faith in the only true God as the resurrection of Christ is for us.

Personal Worship Option:

We can place our complete trust in our Living God who sees, hears, knows and comes to deliver. Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37-38. God is faithful in the covenant with us. Are we faithful in our covenant unto God?

The Exodus event proved to both the Israelites and the Egyptians who the only true God is. When we put our trust in any other gods, they (and we) will be defeated.

Daily Devotion for June 25, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 3:7-14.

Moses was in essence asking God, “What is Your name compared to Pharaoh’s name?” Based on this question, it seems Moses was struggling with a comparison between the power of Pharaoh and the power of God. God answered Moses’ question with a statement about His attributes and character that gave Moses, and us, a critical insight into just who God wants to be to His people. God’s answer, “I AM WHO I AM,” is thought by devout Jews to be the unspeakable name of God. And while honor, respect, and fear of God’s name are certainly absent in much of the world today, we believe God’s unprecedented response implies much more.

God was promising Moses that He was adequate, or sufficient, for each and every need. By the word “adequate,” we do not mean barely sufficient but completely sufficient. God meant He was utterly sufficient in quality and quantity to meet any challenge that would arise while bringing Israel out of Egypt. Thank God this is still true today. God is still adequate to meet any need we might have in our lives.

This thought is echoed in many New Testament verses that speak of God’s ability. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). The Apostle Paul also said something similar: “for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

Personal Worship Option:

“LORD, we trust that You are adequate, sufficient and able, for anything that comes our way this day. Please take Your rightful place over our lives today.”

Daily Devotion for June 24, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 1:6-14.

Joseph was a national hero in Egypt, and because of that, Pharaoh and the people of Egypt held the Children of Israel in high regard. They were given some of the best land and were treated well. Then, as they multiplied and as time passed, things changed. A generation came and went, and a new Pharaoh came to power. Intimidated by the number of Israelites and their questionable loyalty, he began to oppress them. The Israelites quickly went from welcome guests in Egypt to being cruelly treated slaves.

Changes happen to all of us, and they can happen suddenly. One day we are happy and carefree, and the next day, we are out of a job or facing a serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one. Those of us who have faith may find ourselves in a spiritually dry place, and we must dig deeply and open our hearts to know that God is with us. Perhaps the things we do to grow our faith in the good times — worshiping, studying the Bible, praying, and so on — are in some ways, our preparation for the difficult times that will test and perhaps even strengthen our faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, you are my rock, the one on whom I lean. Help me to love you in such a way that when bad things happen to me, I will simply turn to you in hope and trust. Help me to tell others who do not yet know you about how much you mean to me every single day. Amen!

Daily Devotion for June 23, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 45:3-8.

I can only imagine the depth of emotions in the room during this scene! Recent circumstances in this situation had been building to this moment. Suddenly, Joseph can stand it no longer, so he reveals himself to his brothers. They were shocked, speechless and afraid. But he reassures them that they are not in danger - he is not going to seek revenge for what they had done to him. The primary reason for that is he is looking at all that has happened from God’s perspective. God has been at work in everything that happened all along. As we see throughout the Bible, God took their sinful action and brought something so good out of it that it looked like God planned all of it!

That is the power and glory of God. No matter what happens in our world and in our life, if we will keep trusting in God and continue to serve the mission of our Lord, God will bring something good out of it. Moreover, it will be so good that it will look like God even planned our sinful actions. But no, God doesn’t cause us or anyone else to sin, but God can take anything that someone or some group does and bring good from it. What an awesome God we serve!

Personal Worship Option:

As always, you are invited to join us in person in worship today, ideally on campus. But if not there, join us online. If you are going to participate online, invite one or more people to join you. And if you are joining us in person, bring a carload (or even one) with you!

Daily Devotion for June 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 39:19-23.

Like any of us, Joseph had experiences of life as good, but also those times when things did not go his way. When his brothers sold him into slavery, God gave him a good situation in Potiphar’s house, being entrusted with running the place. Then came this scene when Potiphar’s wife did him wrong and got him thrown in prison. But once again we read of God’s provision: “...while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” Later in the story, we read how the cupbearer forgot Joseph and he had to stay in prison longer than he might otherwise have been there. But ultimately, God made him a ruler for the whole country.

No matter in what circumstances we find ourselves, we can know that God is available to see us through. We tend to feel God’s presence rather easily when we are on a “mountaintop”, when life is good, and things are going our way. But even when we are in the valley, even when we are dealing with some injustice, injury or disease, we can be assured that God is with us in the midst of that experience. Stay faithful, keep praying and keep seeking God’s presence, no matter where you find yourself. Know that God is with you there and will bring you through that experience.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, thank you for this reminder that you are with me, no matter my circumstances. Help me sense your presence and help others come to know you, wherever I am. Through Christ, Amen. 

Daily Devotion for June 21, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 32:22-31.

God engages Jacob in a wrestling match, changes his name, blesses him and gives him a limp. Jacob’s name means “heel-grabber” and did he ever embody his name. He was always looking for a way to better himself at the expense of others. He was forever sneaking up behind people - his twin brother, his father, his father-in-law, whoever had something he wanted. This had been going on for years and finally, Jacob was ready to stop - he was tired of running. It was time to face his brother, face himself, and face the God who had been so gracious and good to him.

Jacob wrestles with the “Stranger” all night. He is tossed about and at some point realizes he is wrestling with God and could not possibly win. It may have occurred to him that he’d never find the life he wanted by exerting his will but rather by surrendering it. He quit resisting the Stranger and started hanging on to him for dear life. The wrestling became clinging. Jacob realized he no longer wanted stuff. He wanted the blessing of God.

Jacob began the next day with a permanent limp to remind him of his “wrestling match” and a new name: Israel, which means God prevails.

Personal Worship Option:

Ponder these questions: Jacob’s name change reflected a change in character. How is God wanting to change your character? Would you embrace God’s blessing if it came with a limp?

Daily Devotion for June 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 27:15-24.

In this passage, Jacob pretends to be his brother, Esau, in order to receive his father Isaac’s blessing, which included special promises from God. He blatantly lied to his father about his identity. He also lied about God helping him on a hunt that never happened. We can imagine Jacob nervously waiting while his father eats, knowing that in just a short time Esau will return and these lies will be revealed. Jacob was clearly a deceiver, adding one lie to another to trick his aged father. Jacob even faked the way he smelled.

We are capable of deception, at all levels, in order to get what we want. It has the capability of affecting many people. Are we that much different from Jacob? We often lie about our identity thinking that we can even impress God by being good people. We lie about our sins and the harm we do to others. Only in Christ can we reveal our true identity: a deceiver, a sinner in need of grace. Be honest with God today and receive his grace and forgiveness.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, forgive us for trying to deceive you and to cover our true identity as sinners. You know who we are. Forgive us, that we may receive your blessing. Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 19, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 12:1-3.

As we are focusing on the life lessons for the people of God from the book of Genesis, this scripture is a core passage for us to remember. God begins to create a people who will represent God to all the world and join God in blessing all the people of the earth.

This was a huge step of faith for Abram and his family! The first three words in verse 4 in the NRSV are “So Abram went,”. The second part of verse 4 tells us that Abram was 75 years old when he departed from Haran to Canaan. And this was a 550-600 mile journey on foot, depending on the route that they traveled! But the important lesson here is that God called Abram to leave his familiar surroundings to go a great distance to very unfamiliar surroundings and Abram was faithful and obedient to go where God was sending him.

God’s blessing becomes a key theme in the scriptures which follow. In fact, the word bless or blessing is used 88 times in Genesis! Along with God’s blessing, it is accompanied with the faithfulness of God’s promise. Blessing and promise are gifts from God.

Dr. Terence E. Fretheim writes in The New Interpreter’s Bible, “The blessing that God promises to Abram has deep levels of continuity with the blessing he has experienced in his life to this point. But his new promise is something more, something beyond what the creation in and of itself can provide. Within creation, blessing is powerful, life-enabling, and life sustaining, but finally insufficient for the fullest possible life. The promises bring blessing into the sphere of redemption.”

God will work and give blessing and promise through creation and redemption. This will continue on through Abram unto all the peoples of the earth.

We receive God’s blessing to also be a blessing and hear God’s call to share God’s blessing with all the peoples on earth. How often do we keep God’s blessing to ourselves or with others in our own familiar circles? Would we be willing to travel over 600 miles by foot to an unfamiliar place and people to share that blessing with others?

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes we are called to join God in blessing our next door neighbors and sometimes we are called to join God in blessing others on the opposite side of the world from us. The key is listening to the still small voice of God and being willing to go wherever God is leading us, remembering God’s faithfulness always.

Daily Devotion for June 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 3:8-13.

It is so easy to let the Bible be a window, rather than a mirror. We look into the story of Adam and Eve and talk about what they did or didn’t do, rather than allow the story to reflect who we are. There are some powerful life-guiding lessons for us in these verses. Let’s focus on two of them today.

First, sin separates. Adam and Eve had a close, intimate relationship with the God who created them, but when they chose to disobey God’s guidance, they immediately felt a sense of separation from God. So, they hid. Scholars say that the word “naked” means much more than just being without clothes. It means to be vulnerable. Their relationship with God now felt different and they didn’t know what to do with that. But notice that God came looking for them. Remember that anytime you feel like you are separated from God. God is looking for you. God wants to restore the relationship (and provided the path for that reconciliation through Jesus Christ).

Secondly, we are notorious “buck-passers.” Adam blames Eve for what happened, and Eve blames the snake. We all have our moments at times when we want to blame someone or something else for circumstances in which we find ourselves or something we have done. Sure, there are those people or situations in our past that contributed to who we are in negative ways, but at some point, it becomes our responsibility to decide whether we will continue to be that way.

Be reminded today that God is always seeking an intimate relationship with you and is willing to forgive you and restore you. Take ownership of who you are and let God guide you to life at its fullest and best.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for the lessons you teach us, even in the story of Creation. Thank you for providing all that we need to sustain our lives. And thank you for the gift of the Sabbath. Help us to keep it holy, separate from other days, and a time for being refreshed in you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 17, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 1:31 - 2:3.

This ends the first story of Creation, and it is told as poetry. We think of poetry as writing with rhyming last words in sentences or verses. Hebrew poetry was marked by repetition of important words or phrases, establishing a pattern or rhythm. For example, each “day” of God’s creating work begins with “And God said, Let…” God thus speaks light, sky and land, plants, heavenly bodies, animals, and finally human beings into being. Each day ends with God’s repeated observation that it is good. When it was all done, God expressed that it was “very good.” There is a lesson here for us that God’s creation must remain intact, in harmony, and cared for by us.

When I was a child and I would hear the verses of God resting on the seventh day, I would have this mental picture of a tired being, sitting with hat off, enjoying the breeze, and recovering. God does not grow tired and weary! But God’s resting on the seventh day made it a Sabbath, a holy day for us to rest and worship…a wonderful gift that we should never, ever let slip away in our busy lives.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for the lessons you teach us, even in the story of Creation. Thank you for providing all that we need to sustain our lives. And thank you for the gift of the Sabbath. Help us to keep it holy, separate from other days, and a time for being refreshed in you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 16, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 1:6-11.

This passage gives us the scene where Luke shares his version of the mission Jesus gave to his disciples. Once again, we are reminded that this is such a big mission, reaching “to the ends of the earth.” Each and every one of us as Christians are called to do our part to serve that mission.

My focus for this day is on the last two verses of this passage. We can easily picture in our minds the scene of the apostles standing there with their mouths open, looking up into the sky. They had just witnessed an awe-inspiring sight. Who wouldn’t be amazed, as well as stunned!

I experience a little humor in what happens next. The angels say to them (in essence) “Why are you guys standing around looking up at the sky. You’ve been given your mission. So get to it!”

Sometimes we can get focused on Jesus’ return, studying prophecies and analyzing current events and listening to those who claim to know much about the “end times.” It’s like we’re looking up into the sky, waiting for Jesus to come back. But I hear those angels continue to tell us to stay focused on our mission: keep sharing your witness (your experience and relationship with Jesus Christ) so that people around you will come to know him. It’s a big mission, so we better stay after it!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Jesus, I confess that I often get distracted, both by my life in the world and even by “busyness” with the church, so that I lose focus on the mission you have given me. Thank you for this reminder to continuously help others come to know you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for June 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 28:18-20.

Throughout this current sermon series, our focus has been on the word “big.” This week, we turn our focus to a reminder that the mission our Lord has given us is big. “Go make disciples of all…” means that our work is never done as long as there is someone else that needs to be told and shown the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We have a “good news” message to share with everyone we can.

It is so easy for any of us as Christians to lose our focus on that mission. We live busy lives and have much that begs for our attention. We can also succumb to the thinking that making disciples is the work of the pastors and other leaders in the church. But this mission is for all who follow Jesus. Why? Because it takes all of us. There are people that only you are connected to. The pastors and other leaders don’t know them. You do. God has you in place in their life. You are the one who has the opportunity and the challenge to guide them to a relationship with Christ.

Be reminded today of how we state this mission at Christ Church: “Learning to live the way of Jesus Christ and inviting all to follow him.” Lifelong learning and lifelong inviting. It’s a big mission.

Yes, we read this passage often. For this week’s focus, we are reminded that the mission Jesus gave us is big.

Personal Worship Option:

Leon Adkins wrote the words to the hymn “Go, Make of All Disciples.” The last verse fits with our focus this week:

“Go, make of all disciples.” We welcome thy command. “Lo, I am with you always.” We take thy guiding hand. The task looms large before us; we follow without fear; in heaven and earth thy power shall bring God’s kingdom here.

Daily Devotion for June 14, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37.

David knew that the task of defeating Goliath was big, but he also knew from experience that God was bigger. The Israelites forgot who God was: The God who had brought them into the promised land and provided for them. They had seen God fight for them in many previous battles, but they neglected to trust him in this one. David’s focus was not on the size of the enemy, but on God.

In trusting God, our vision may need to be enlarged. God’s size doesn’t change but our perception of him does. As we draw nearer, he seems larger. Isn’t that what we need? A big view of God? Don’t we have big problems, big worries, big questions? Of course we do. So we need a big view of God. What battle are you facing today? Even if it’s bigger than you can handle, it’s not bigger than God can handle. Trust Him.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your journey with God. Praise Him for the victories. Draw near to him and embrace His majesty. Trust Him with today’s troubles and look for the action He wants you to take.

Daily Devotion for June 13, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 is about Christian unity and the divisions that can threaten it. In this passage, the Apostle Paul urges the Corinthians to stop dividing themselves into factions based on which Christian teacher they follow to instead be unified around Christ. Our individual human thoughts can be the biggest danger to church unity, and that it can lead to a formation of dividing groups.

 

Church unity is a very important matter. Paul puts it first in the list of problems he had to deal with here at Corinth. Many problems were coming out of this division within the congregation. Here in Verse 10 he briefly shows us the ground of unity, and that is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. There is no other name big enough, great enough, and powerful enough to gather everybody together, despite the diversity of viewpoint and the differences of background or status in life, than the name of Jesus. It is interesting that we have the same issues in our churches today.

Personal Worship Option:

Here is a question to ponder. Are we confusing equality with authentic unity in Christ? Do we need to rethink our personal responsibility for building walls of disunity, rather than being peacemakers?

Daily Devotion for June 12, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 9:1-6.

When our Lord sends us on a mission, it’s usually big in some way. Have you ever heard of Albert McMakin? I hadn’t either until researching the question of who led Billy Graham to know Christ. According to Graham’s autobiography, Albert McMakin, a young 24-year-old, was working on the Graham’s family farm when he persuaded 16-year-old Billy to go see and hear evangelist Mordecai Ham. Albert McMakin probably had never thought that the mission Christ had given him was big in some way, but look what a difference in the world, his one invitation to a 16-year-old named Billy, made in this world.

Whether we make a difference in the life of one person or many people, Christ’s mission for this world, through us, reaches way beyond us.

In today’s scripture, Jesus sends the twelve with power and authority to drive out demons, heal and preach the gospel everywhere. No doubt, they were overwhelmed. Later, the disciples and apostles would not only cast out demons in Jesus’ name, but in Acts they baptize, heal, teach and do signs and wonders in the name of Jesus as well. Dr. Frank Stagg has noted that the last word in the book of Acts is “unhindered”—interpreting that when sent on Christ’s mission, we are able to surmount the geographical, racial, and political barriers that we think might hinder Christ’s mission.

Christ’s mission is both words and actions. It is sharing the gospel and bringing relief to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the oppressed everywhere. As each of us are sent, we are also called to remain faithful to Christ through prayer, study and worship. It is the relationship with Christ which will sustain us for the mission we have been given.

Personal Worship Option:

Just for a moment, ponder who invited you to meet Christ and give God thanks for that person. Now ponder who you might meet today that needs to know in word or in action that Christ cares for them. “Dear Lord, may we remain faithful to your mission always.  Amen.”