Daily Devotion for July 31, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Titus 2:11-14.

This week we are focusing on John Wesley’s teaching about grace, emphasizing that this activity of God in our life continues throughout our life. He described this progression of grace as first prevenient, God working to bring us to a knowledge of God and our need for God in our life. Then comes justifying grace, the free gift of God’s acceptance and forgiveness as we repent of our sin. Finally comes sanctifying grace, whereby God continues to guide us and create us into individuals and a people who more fully represent God in the world.

These verses from the letter to Titus speak to this sanctifying grace. I especially take note of verse twelve: “It (the grace of God) teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” Then these words in verse fourteen further describe what God is doing with this grace: “...to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

May each of us be intentional about opening ourselves more and more to this sanctifying grace of God, so that we are always “eager to do what is good.”

Personal Worship Option:

One of my favorite prayer hymns was written by Adelaide Pollard way back in 1902. It ends with this “sanctifying grace” verse:

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway.

Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me!

Daily Devotion for July 30, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Romans 3:22-24.

It is common knowledge that humans are imperfect. Even if one doesn’t hold to the Christian doctrine of man’s sinfulness, a popular cultural saying is “We’re only human.” It is both an admission and understanding that people fail often and are imperfect. As believers we should understand that this sentiment springs from the reality of sin in every human’s life. Without “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” we can do nothing but sin (Romans 14:23), relegating us to a life consistently “short of the glory of God.”

Here’s the good news: Paul didn’t stop at verse twenty three! We are raised from a place of condemnation to a place of adoption. It is as if we were on the stand in trial and everyone knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were guilty. But a marvelous thing occurred, and rather than send us to pay the penalty for our crime, the Judge’s son took our place, and we were declared justified. That is the beauty of the cross, that the just would take the place of the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). Understand your redemption through Jesus today and let his kindness and grace lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Personal Worship Option:

Never forget about verse twenty-four because therein lies our hope.

Daily Devotion for July 29, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 2 Timothy 1:9-10.

Reverend Paul Smith was our first Minister of Evangelism. When someone attending Christ Church would ask him, “Paul, what is the difference between the Methodist church and the (fill in the blank with Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, and so on, church)?” Paul’s answer was always “Not much!” He wanted to begin the conversation by emphasizing that all Christian churches share a lot of basic beliefs. When I use Paul’s answer, I am always prepared to point out a few things that set the Methodist church apart. One of the greatest is our emphasis and teaching on grace.

John Wesley was a master at putting difficult theological concepts into words we can understand. Grace is God’s love, given to us as a gift that we do not earn or deserve. Wesley taught that it seeks us out even before we realize the need. This is called prevenient grace. That same grace justifies or saves us. And that same grace also helps us grow in faith throughout our life in what he called sanctifying grace. Please reread today’s passage and notice the three stages or kinds of grace in just these two verses.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for your love of me. Thank you for reaching out to me, for saving me, and now for helping me grow in faith to be more like Christ. Help me to see others who do not know of your love and equip me to share this gift of grace with them. Amen!

Daily Devotion for July 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 21:1-14.

As Luke tells the story in this book of Jesus’ continuing ministry through his apostles, there are so many parallels to what happened to Jesus while he was among them. This scene is another example of that. Jesus had known what awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he was still willing to go there and endure all he faced. Here, Paul is told by a prophet what was awaiting him if he went to Jerusalem, yet he is clear in his response: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” He was committed to his mission, no matter what.

His commitment invites us to assess our own commitment to the mission of Jesus. How easily are we deterred from needs to be said or done? What or who is it that we let block us from doing our part and giving our all to serve our Lord? Yes, we are all going to mess up and not get it right at times. But never let it be said that we did not try and never let it be said that we ever gave up. God bless each of you for all you do to serve the mission of Christ!

Personal Worship Option:

Join together with other followers of Jesus this morning as we worship God together. Services are at 9:30 and 11:15 and we would love to see you in person. And bring somebody (or even a carload) with you! 

Daily Devotion for July 27, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 19:23-31.

Just as Jesus faced situations of being falsely accused and using what he taught against him, his followers continued to receive that treatment. The book of Acts tells us about specific circumstances in which both Peter and Paul dealt with those issues. In this scene, Paul had been teaching about false gods and people were listening to what he had to say. In Ephesus, that was going to cut into the profits of the business people who sold trinkets and statues of the goddess Artemis. And hey, we humans can tolerate a lot, but don’t start messing with our income! So one of the silversmiths got the people riled up and soon they were rioting. I find one statement particularly intriguing: “Most of the people did not even know why they were there.” (v. 32)

I wonder how often we (I) become a part of simply following the crowd, letting the fear and anger of others guide us in how we live our life and decisions we make each day. May this scene be a reminder to each of us today to always be sure it is the Holy Spirit guiding our life and not some other force.

Personal Worship Option:

Every so often, I need to sing this prayer, written by Clara Scott in 1895. Maybe it could be your prayer today as well. Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.

Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear; and while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear.

Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere; open my heart and let me prepare love with they children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for thee; ready, my God thy will to see. Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Daily Devotion for July 26, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 18:18-23.

These verses tell of Paul being at several places and offer brief glimpses of his activities there. He was willing to radically change his appearance to honor a vow he had made. Most likely this was a Nazarite vow that ended with shaving of the head and offering the hair as a sacrifice. Most of all, he focused on “strengthening all the disciples” wherever he went.

Not only did Paul strengthen the disciples in the young churches, he also mentored leaders. We first meet Priscilla and Aquila in the first of chapter 18. They were also tentmakers by trade which resonated with Paul, since he was also a tentmaker. Priscilla and Aquila opened their home to Paul for at least a year. When Paul leaves Corinth and heads east to do more ministry, Priscila and Aquila go with him. As noted in Paul’s letters, Priscilla and Aquila continue to minister to others in Ephesus and Rome. Each time they are mentioned they are mentoring another leader: Apollos & Timothy. Paul increased his ministry by investing in the lives of other leaders who in turn invest in others. What about you?

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on God’s work in your life.  Do you need to search out a mentor?  Do you need to mentor someone?  How can you contribute to God’s kingdom?

Daily Devotion for July 25, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 18:7-11.

People who are not believers of our faith are not the only ones who challenge us. It can be folks that do not think the same doctrine. The Jews who persecuted Paul in Corinth had grown up believing in the God of Abraham, just the same as Paul. But they were upset with Paul because he was now proclaiming that this same God had sent Jesus as their Messiah. Paul must have been overwhelmed by the violence of the people's arguments. In his sleep, Paul heard the Lord speak to him in a vision. The Lord encouraged Paul, assuring to be with him and assuring him that no one would harm him in that city. God wanted Paul to keep preaching the good news in Corinth, because He had many people He wanted to hear the news of Jesus Christ.

We might not be persecuted as Paul was, but often we are faced with opposition because of our faith in Christ. Christians in many parts of the world do still fear prison or death. In North America Christians can be ridiculed and intimidated to keep their faith to themselves in public places. Many of us are tempted to keep quiet and not witness about our faith. But Jesus encourages us to keep living and talking about our faith in him because there are many unbelievers who need the love of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us not to keep quiet today, but to quietly be your faithful witnesses everywhere. Assure us that you are with us and that we need not be afraid. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 24, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 17:16-23.

Paul and Silas had been traveling around the Mediterranean coastal cities proclaiming the Gospel. Many people had heard the good news and were converted to Christ. This angered the religious authorities, so Paul and Silas didn’t rest. They kept moving. At one point they separated and Paul was taken to Athens where he continued to preach about Christ to anyone who would listen. His testimony caught the attention of philosophers and intellectuals in the community who asked him to explain himself. As he did so, Paul praised their religious fervor around the idols that they had created. He called their attention to an altar with no statue, only an inscription “to an unknown god.” Paul declared this “unknown god” was indeed the God of all creation, the true Lord of heaven and earth. His passionate testimony convinced many of the truth of his belief.

Even today, we are surrounded by altars to idols that seek to divert our attention and devotion away from the one true God, “creator of heaven and earth.” Our challenge is to focus on Jesus, seek to draw closer to Him, and then live our lives as a testimony to Christ’s work in us.

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious and loving God, help us to live our lives as a testimony of your love and concern for us. May all that we do be a reflection of your love and your desire for all to come to know you through Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 23, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 16:22-34.

Imagine this, praising God! That is the meaning of the word praying used here. They were not asking for anything; they were praising God and singing hymns. They were not faking either. Their backs were raw and bloody, they were covered with wounds, they had suffered a great injustice, but they exhibited no self-pity or resentment. They were facing agonizing uncertainty. They did not know this delivering earthquake was coming. But at midnight they began praising God and singing hymns. I do not know what they sang. I know what I'd be singing: “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying.” But I think they were singing “How great thou art.” Evidently they sang because they could see things that we, in our poor, blinded condition seldom see. These men were men of faith. When you see what they saw, your question will no longer be “Why did they sing?” but, “What else could they do but sing?”

They saw, first, that the enemy had panicked. They were conscious that they were in a spiritual battle. But they were delighted when they saw that the enemy had panicked and had resorted to violence. That always means that he has emptied his bag of tricks already. He is down to the bottom of the barrel, there is nothing left. They knew they had won. The second thing they saw was that God, in his resurrection power, was at work in the situation. Resurrection power cannot be stopped. All attempts to oppose it, or to throw an obstacle in its path, are turned around and used as opportunities for advancement. Paul and Silas knew that, and so they were assured that they had won. The third thing they understood was that suffering is absolutely necessary to Christian maturity. You will never grow up, you will never be what God wants you to be, without some form of suffering. When you learn that, you will stop griping and complaining about your situation. When you run into some suffering you will start rejoicing. They saw that the foe had been defeated, that the work was established, and that they personally had benefited. So they began to rejoice and sing and to thank God for what they saw. And God was so excited by this that he said, I just can't hold still. I'm going to shake the place up a little bit! It blesses the heart of God to see people act this way. And so the prison was opened.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, teach me the perspective that Paul and his friends had so that I might rejoice in my sufferings, knowing that you will use it to grow and mature me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 14:8-18.

The miraculous healing of a man who had been lame since birth would have been a dramatic and impressive act. It was the kind of thing that a human being could not do alone. The crowds immediately thought that their pagan Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes, had come to earth in the form of Barnabas and Paul and had done this healing. Paul and Barnabas used this as an opportunity to give their witness of the one true God, the One whose healing power they had depended upon in order to heal the lame man.

There is a lesson in this for all of us. We are not God! Sometimes when we do good things in ministry, people are impressed and they want to give us the credit for any impressive results. Our human tendency is to accept the praise and enjoy the compliments. But if we do that, we miss the opportunity to give the credit and glory to God, as Paul and Barnabas did so faithfully in this healing. No one is likely to think we are God, but when they compliment our lesson or sermon or act of kindness, it would be good to remember that we do these things only through the gifts given to us by our Heavenly Father.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that sometimes we are moved to help others and to do the right thing. When someone notices this and asks us why we did it, remember to say it is simply because we follow Jesus Christ. That combination is the most powerful witness possible!

Daily Devotion for July 21, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Luke 9:23-26.

This passage, which calls us to take up our cross daily, challenges us to live in ways of faith that could threaten even our very lives. This is NOT an easy challenge or call but rather a chilling one. It appears to contrast sharply with Jesus’ statement in yesterday’s passage that his yoke is “easy,” and you will hear more about that apparent contradiction in today’s sermon.

When I taught about this passage in a Bible study in Cuba, a young evangelist stood and asked me if I had ever faced death (taken up my cross) for my faith. I admitted that I had not. In a very quiet voice, he told about going to preach in a village that had no church. A few Christians from that town came to warn him that men would be waiting to attack him with machetes if he came that evening to preach about Jesus Christ. He thought about leaving and going home, but he prayed instead and was reminded of this passage. He preached, people accepted the Good News, and no harm came to him. Less dramatic but more likely in our community, we are called to stand up for our faith and speak out for Christ when it is not the popular or cool thing to do.

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, I find it difficult to read this passage. In our country, we have freedom to live as Christians, to worship openly, and to share the Good News. Yet, there are times when I should take a stand and I do not. Give me the boldness to really, really follow Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 11:28-30.

Imagine being a Jewish person in Jesus’ time. The Pharisees and teachers of the law urged you to obey every detail of every one of the laws and rules in order to gain God’s favor. As an example, they taught that it was not enough to simply obey the commandment that one was to honor the Sabbath and do no work on that day. People had asked how far one could walk on the Sabbath before it became work and constituted breaking the Sabbath. Scholars had studied this and had decided that one could walk no more than six tenths of a mile without breaking the Sabbath. There were rules about how to wash one’s hands before and during eating, about what to do with a plate if it became ceremonially unclean, and on and on. Just knowing the rules was hard enough, but following all of them was nearly impossible. Trying to earn God’s love had become a heavy burden for the Jews.

Jesus came, asking people to simply believe in and follow him. This is why he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…find rest for your souls…and my burden is light.” That invitation calls out to us today, burdened by life, to accept the good news of Christ, to have faith, and to follow him.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that God’s love is given to us as grace – unearned and not deserved. Accept that grace and pray for deeper, more committed faith in Jesus Christ. Look today for ways to walk more closely with him.

Daily Devotion for July 19, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 10:23b-29a.

Peter had grown up as a Jew, being taught that to enter the house of a Gentile made one unclean. Yet, when God sent a dramatic vision to counter these teachings, he went to the home of a centurion, and shared the Good News with them. One of the most basic and practical lessons from this encounter is that when God speaks, we must not challenge what he says. Doubting God is the rebellion of Eden. When God says something is so, we must not debate with him. The right response is humble submission to his revealed truth. God was making it clear - the Good News of Christ is for everyone! We should not allow any barrier - language, culture, race, geography, economic level, or educational level to keep us from telling others about Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Look for ways to share the Good News of Christ with someone today.

Daily Devotion for July 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 9:10-19.

God can and does select people for special assignments. God spoke through a vision which included the street address, the house of Judas, the man named Saul, the fact that he was praying and that he would be expecting a man named Ananias. These details were intended only for Ananias because God was sending him on a special mission. Ananias wrestled with God because his mission scared him because of the horrible reputation of Saul. Saul was the source of suffering and persecution of God’s people. Saul was to be avoided at all costs. Word about his arrival in Damascus had spread quickly. Ananias had every reason to seek confirmation from God. Ananias obeyed God and became part of a story that changed the course of human history. He went straight to the house of a man named Judas and met with Saul. He shared the story of Jesus appearing to Saul on the road. He laid hands on Saul for healing and for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias immediately baptized Saul.

Unfortunately, this is all we know about Ananias. He was an ordinary believer sent by God on a specific mission. What God accomplished through him was amazing. Ananias had no clue what God was about to set in motion through his small act of obedience.

Personal Worship Option:

What about you? Are you available to be used by God? Every believer is called to walk in the Spirit and have an impact for the glory of God. Never underestimate what God might set in motion through you for His Glory!

Daily Devotion for July 17, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 11:1-16.

This scripture is usually read during the Season of Lent just before Palm Sunday. The emphasis for the reading during Lent is on Jesus’ courageous return to Jerusalem and Jesus’ power over life and death. But for this week’s emphasis which is “sometimes following God’s will can be difficult,” we will focus on Thomas’ courageous role in speaking out for their return to Jerusalem. (vs.16).

Jesus and the apostles had escaped to safety across the Jordan River. When Mary and Martha send for Jesus to return to Judea, going would place them again in harm’s way. Thomas is ready to go, even if it means dying with Christ. We usually remember Thomas for his doubting, but here we see his devotion and courage.

William Barclay titles his devotion on John 11:11-16, “The Man Who Would Not Quit.” Barclay writes, “They (the apostles) were all feeling that to go to Jerusalem was to go to their deaths, and they were hanging back. Then came the voice of Thomas: ‘Let us, too, go that we may die with him.’”

Barclay continues, “Real courage does not mean not being afraid. Courage is being aware of the worst which can happen and yet doing the right thing.” Thomas led the others with this kind of courage.

Many Christian book titles have the words “Joy and Happiness” about living a life of faith in Christ. This is true. In John 15:11, Jesus tells his disciples, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” And also, a life of faith following in the footsteps of Christ sometimes requires courage, sacrifice and suffering for the sake of others to know God’s love through Christ.

To me, Christ’s joy being present even during times of suffering for the sake of others is part of the holy mystery which Christ speaks of in John 12:25, Matthew 10:39 and Luke 9:24. Eugene Peterson in The Message says it this way in Matthew’s gospel. “If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me [Jesus], you’ll find both yourself and me.”

Personal Worship Option:

You may know of some with this kind of faithful courage. Let us let Thomas and their lives inspire us and lead us to be more courageous in our witness and faithfulness unto Christ. Let us be willing to walk both the difficult paths as well as the joyful paths in the footsteps of Jesus.

Daily Devotion for July 16, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

"I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin." - Psalm 32:5

All sin carries a price tag. Its consequences may range from minor to major, but the bill always comes due. Somebody always pays.

There's a story about a boy whose father pounded a nail in the barn door every time the boy did something wrong. Soon there were many nails. Then one day the boy accepted Christ as Savior and began living for Him. To impress upon his son the wonder of being forgiven, the father took him to the barn and pulled out every nail from the door. "That is what it means to have all your sins forgiven," he said. "They are gone forever."

The boy was deeply impressed. Then looking at the door he asked, "But Father, how can I get rid of the holes?"

"I'm sorry," said the father, "but they will remain."

The psalmist David paid dearly for committing adultery with Bathsheba and engineering her husband's death to cover up his sin. Guilt sapped his strength (Ps. 32:3-4). Even though he confessed his sin, and God "removed the nail," David carried with him a deep sorrow (2 Samuel 12:15-17). But this did not rob him of the blessedness or forgiveness.

Even though we may have to live with the consequences of sin, we who have trusted in Christ as the sacrifice for our sins can rejoice in His complete forgiveness.

Personal Worship Option:

How blest is he whose trespass

Has freely been forgiven,

Whose sin is wholly covered

Before the sight of heaven.-- Psalter

Although God heals the wounds of sin, scars may remain.

Daily Devotion for July 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Esther 4:9-16.

It is one of the most dramatic and powerful stories in all of the Bible. Esther was among the Jewish exiles and had been raised by her cousin Mordecai. When the king of the land sought a new queen, he ended up choosing Esther, but nobody in the palace knew she was one of the Hebrew people. An enemy of Mordecai’s had successfully plotted to get the king to order that all the Jews in the land be killed. So, Mordecai told Esther that she had to go to the king and inform him of what was happening and get him to change that decree. However, the rules of the palace meant that she would be placing her life in danger to go to the king. But Mordecai convinced her that she had been placed in her position “for such a time as this.” (It is noteworthy that God is never mentioned in this book, but there is a strong sense throughout that God is at work “behind the scenes.” With the fasting and prayer support of her people, Esther makes the courageous decision to do what must be done. And God uses her actions to save her people.

Our focus this week is acknowledging that following God’s will and way can often be difficult. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made. Sacrifices are often required. What to do is not always clear. But by staying connected to the Holy Spirit and other followers of Jesus, we can be assured that God is guiding us. Step out in faith; take the risk when necessary. Know that it often won’t be easy, but that God will guide you and be with you.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Almighty God, on those occasions when I need to step out in faith, help me take that step. Thank you for the assurance that I will never take it alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 14, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 22:21-30.

Beginning at chapter 13, almost all of the remainder of the Book of Acts is the Spirit-led adventures of the Apostle Paul. We read of the many of the cities he visited, how he led so many to faith in Jesus Christ and organized them into the house churches to which he later wrote. He also faced many persecutions, ironically from the same kind of people he had once been part of in trying to destroy this growing movement of the followers of Jesus. Some of what happened to him sounds very much like what happened to Jesus. He was falsely accused, faced beatings and imprisonment and threats of death.

The way of Jesus Christ continues to be opposed to the ways of this world. So, the more we learn to live the way of Jesus, the more we will find ourselves in opposition to the world around us. The sacrificial love he taught us will be opposed by hate. The giving he taught us will be opposed by greed. The forgiveness he taught us will be opposed by vengeance.

Throughout all of his ordeals, Paul knew the presence of God was with him. We can also have that “blessed assurance” no matter what challenges we face as individuals or as a people united in the mission of our Lord.

Personal Worship Option:

Every so often in my prayer time, I sing a hymn written by Harry Emerson Fosdick in 1930 (94 years ago). Here are two verses for you to consider praying today:

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 13, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 15:1-35.

While Jesus was with the apostles, he taught them through both words and deeds to include outsiders, the Gentiles. He visited the Samaritan territory and led a woman there to faith in him, who then led many others to him. He healed a Roman officer’s servant. He made it clear that he came to seek and to save anyone and everyone he could.

When he returned to heaven, his followers continued to learn that lesson. The most prominent of his apostles, both Peter and Paul, had experiences which showed them that the Holy Spirit was continuing to teach and guide that lesson. That came to a climactic moment here at the Jerusalem Council. Some of those who had come to believe in Jesus still maintained and taught that a Gentile had to first become a Jew, with all of the rituals and practices related to that, in order for faith in Jesus to make them right with God. Some were there at the Council meeting to make that very point. However, after hearing witnesses of what the Spirit was doing in and through the Gentiles, the early Church leaders changed their old understanding and followed what they could see the Spirit was doing.

One of the most challenging aspects of being the people of Christ is stating what we think and believe with conviction while at the same time being open to what the Spirit of God seeks to teach us, which may be in conflict with what we used to think and believe. May God give each of us the wisdom and courage we need to find and live that balance.

Personal Worship Option:

One of the prayers I pray almost every day is this portion of the Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Through Christ, Amen.