Daily Devotion for October 31, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Nehemiah 3:1-12.

An ancient city without a wall was vulnerable to be plundered by thieves or enemies. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was a major project. Nehemiah knew that the moment he asked King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah knew that he wouldn’t be able to rebuild the walls alone. So when he arrived in Jerusalem, he recruited all the people who would be doing the work. We see young, old, male and female. We see different groups of people putting their efforts into building the wall plus other support groups that provided food and water. Nehemiah knew that to rebuild the walls, he would need to bring together the entire community of Jerusalem. Everyone would need to pitch in to help, everyone needed a role. Otherwise, the work would never get done.

Today is no different. As we go about building God’s kingdom, we need to come together as a body of believers. We need to work together, regardless of age, gender, race, or job. We are all part of God’s church; we all have the same goal. If we allow our differences to separate us, the work will never get done. So, let’s work together as the united body of Christ in growing God’s kingdom.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, guide us to do your work here on earth united for you. You gave each of us gifts and skills that can be used to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Help us work together for good. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 30, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 8:1-3.

In this passage we are introduced to the first female disciples. The scripture introduces us to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, “and many (women) who provided for them out of their resources.” It also tells us that these women had been healed of “evil spirits and sicknesses.” What the scriptures don’t tell us is that these women were probably eyed with suspicion by outsiders. While it would be normal for itinerant Rabbis like Jesus to be followed by men, the women would be a different story. But they followed anyway and provided for them in their travels and work. As they learned at the feet of the master, they contributed their time, talent, and resources to supporting Jesus’ ministry.

From the beginning of Jesus’ story, we see that he has no problem stretching the boundaries of societal expectation. He ministered to the people who were the outsiders: the sick, the lame, the tax collectors, the prostitutes, all of them welcomed by Jesus and told how much God loved them and valued them. Jesus’ message has always been that the table of grace is open to all and that all are welcome, not because of who you are or what you have done, but because of who God is.

Personal Worship Option:

Ask yourself how you, through your actions, can demonstrate God’s message of love, grace and welcome to all people. Pray: O God, help me to see the value in others who may be different than me. Help me to welcome all people to your table and to work beside them in sharing the Good News. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 29, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 35:30 - 36:1.

The Holy Spirit supplies natural talents, the learning of skills, and many kinds of spiritual gifts for the benefit of all.

At the time of Moses, the Lord filled Bezalel with the Spirit, wisdom, knowledge, and many skills to work with metal, stone, and wood in all kinds of artistic crafts. God also filled Bezalel and others with the ability to teach so that many more could become skilled workers and designers. All of these gifts can be used to give glory to God.

God also gifts some people to be administrators, in order to guide and lead others in the church and in the surrounding community, to build ministries and structures and systems that can benefit everyone. All of these things can be developed and used to bring glory to God.

To some people the Lord also gives gifts of healing and miracles. And more often he gives gifts of learning and discovery so that people can learn how to make medicine and discover cures for diseases. The benefits of medical science and technology have been able to help billions of people around the world, and for all of these good things we can give glory to God.

In addition, God gives gifts of encouragement and mercy for serving others in many ways (see Romans 12:6-8). In the church and in society, mentors, counselors, and service workers of all kinds provide help and meet the needs of other people in countless ways. To God be the glory!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, you have given all of us gifts. May we use them to honor you and to bless others. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Romans 12:3-8.

Paul liked to use the human body to illustrate the key point that the church is one body with many parts (persons) with different gifts, and it indeed makes for a powerful analogy. It is easy to understand that our eyes enable us to see, our ears to hear, our tongues to speak, and so on. Our hands enable us to grasp objects, write, and care for ourselves, while our feet enable us to stand, walk, and run. We need all the parts of the body working well and in unison in order for us to function at our best, and a church needs persons with different gifts in order to do its ministries. In fact, churches are at their best when they have all the gifts spread around to different people in their congregations. We are meant to enjoy using our gifts and seeing the fruit that comes from that.

One gift should not be seen as having more value or being more important than other gifts. All of the gifts are needed and are equally important. When someone decides to join the church, they have often been blessed by different people with different gifts, all working together to make the church one body in Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

You have at least two or three gifts! Do you know what they are? If you do not, ask for help in discovering them. Then put your gifts to work in ministries inside and outside the church. You will be blessed, and so will the church!

Daily Devotion for October 27, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-7.

Yesterday, we looked at a couple of ways the Bible states the mission God has given us as the people of Christ. God seeks to bless everybody. God wants every person to experience life at its best. Our passage today from this letter to the Corinthians reminds us that the Holy Spirit has gifted people in various ways in the Church in order to accomplish that mission. My focus is on verse 7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” The reason the Spirit distributes these gifts is not just for the good of the individual person. It is so that person can do their part for the good of everybody.

This lesson is another opportunity for the Church to shine a light into the culture around us. In so many ways, we have lost a sense of working together to benefit everybody; not just a selected few. Even in team sports, there is often too much focus on individual players. May it be that each of us as followers of Christ will constantly be seeking to do our part in the life of the Church “for the common good.”

Personal Worship Option:

Join us for worship this morning, either at 9:30 or 11:15. Ideally, come and be with us in person. But if you cannot gather with us, be sure to worship online sometime today or tomorrow. We hope to see you at Christ Church!

Daily Devotion for October 26, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 12:1-3.

For those of you who have received these devotions for more than a year or two, you have probably noticed that we come back to these verses on a fairly regular basis. The main reason for that is we seek to stay focused on the mission God has given us. As I read through the Bible, that mission is stated in various ways. And for me, the foundation of all of them is found in this passage. God seeks to “bless all of the people of the earth.” Furthermore, down through history, God has chosen to work through people to accomplish that mission.

Even when Jesus tells his disciples to “go make disciples of all nations” I hear that as another way to state the mission given in today’s passage from Genesis. Think about it: what better way to bless someone than to lead them to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? God wants you and me and everybody else to experience life at its best and fullest. So, we thank God for our blessings, and we seek to use all we have and are to be a blessing to others.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious God, thank you so much for the many blessings you have given me. Help me be a blessing to those around me each day, using all I am and all I have. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 25, 2024

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 6:32-44.

The feeding of the five thousand (plus many more) by Jesus is just one example of his desire to bless everyone around him. Jesus could have sent the crowd away - instead he asked the disciples to feed the crowd knowing that it was beyond their capabilities. However, they brought to Jesus what they did have, even though in their eyes, it wasn’t enough. Jesus decided to work through this offering and turn it into something great. Not only was it enough - it was given in abundance!

The lesson of the leftovers is Jesus takes whatever we can offer him in time, ability or resources and multiples its effectiveness beyond our wildest expectations. If you take the first step in making yourself available to God, he will show you how greatly you can be used to advance the work of his kingdom.

Personal Worship Option:

What is in your hands today? Give that to God and look for his blessings of joy, peace and abundance.

Daily Devotion for October 24, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 11:28-29.

You know that life can get busy. How do you deal with all the pressures of life, and still come out with a good attitude? Hopefully, today’s verses will encourage you that Jesus is the answer.

In these verses, we see that no matter how busy life gets we can find rest in Jesus. This means that even in the middle of all the stress of life, going to Jesus will help you find rest, peace and comfort. Yes, life can be tough and exhausting. There will be seasons when you feel overwhelmed, but if you can keep your eyes focused on Jesus, you’ll make it through. In Jesus, you can find strength and renewal.

Jesus offers a rest that supersedes anything the world has to offer. This rest is filled with His love and peace. His rest gives encouragement and guidance. The important thing to remember is to be determined to spend some time in His presence every day reading the word, praying for your needs as well as for others, and listening to God’s guidance. Our spirits will be lifted by God’s presence.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us rest in Jesus and help us to let go of our burdens by giving them to you. God, we ask you to give us the ability to trust you with our lives. Thank you for the hope that you give us in all circumstances. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 23, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 6:1-6.

In today’s scripture, there is a conflict between the Hellenists (Greek speaking) and the Aramaic Jews. They were essentially the same except for linguistic (language) differences. The Hellenists felt that their widows were being ignored during the daily meals and that the Aramaic widows were being favored. This conflict was a source of major concern for the apostles since caring for widows is a primary focus of the scriptures and the culture of the faith community. It was a distraction from what they felt was their primary emphasis which was sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and it threatened to tear the community apart if not addressed. Their solution was to divide the work. The apostles would focus on their primary mission of prayer, preaching and teaching while they asked the community to choose seven well respected men from among them with the spiritual gifts to tend to the temporal needs of the community. This was a satisfactory solution to the problem at hand.

Each one of us is given gifts of the Spirit that can be used to help within the community of faith. Some of us have the gift of preaching, some the gift of teaching, some the gift of caring for others, etc. (see 1 Corinthians 12 for a broad listing of gifts) and all of these gifts are essential for the body of Christ to function properly. If you don’t know your spiritual gifts, there are resources available to help you discover what they are. Just ask one of the pastors or a member of the leadership team.

Personal Worship Option:

Take a few minutes to think about how you can serve God using the gifts and talents that you have been given. Pray, “O God, help me to discover my spiritual gifts and then guide me to use them to serve you. Amen.”

Daily Devotion for October 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 10:7-10.

Believing in Jesus as “Our Good Shepherd” brings a significant life change! Today we talk about the sheep. The Lord Jesus said that “I am a Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep.” Is there anyone willing to lay down His life for you? Do you know that the Lord Jesus once did? He died for you. If He really gave up His life for you, what good things would He withhold from you?

The devil cannot take away our eternal life, but he clouds us from enjoying this abundant life! An abundant life is to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, who is no stranger to us! He calls us, and we recognize him, follow him, and go in and out for pasture and life supplies. He is also our door, and in Him, we find peace. Feel His presence in your life and enjoy the intimacy with Him! He is our Good Shepherd! Don’t just live to survive but live the abundant life in Christ!

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Jesus, thank you that you are my Good Shepherd. Help me not get so distracted by the things of the world that I miss out on the abundant life that you want for me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 21, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Amos 5:21-24.

Amos is one of the most interesting of the minor prophets. When scolded by one of the northern priests and told to go home to Judah, Amos made it clear that he was not a “professional” prophet. He did not come from a family of prophets, but he was a shepherd and a caretaker of sycamore fig trees. His point was that God had given him the message he preached.

God had seen the actions of people who were wealthy and who were taking advantage of the poor. These same people conducted great religious festivals, played music, and sang to worship God. God, through Amos, made it clear that God found their worship despicable! God was teaching them that people do not receive righteousness through worship when they live in ways that are contrary to God’s teachings. When we worship, it is good to reflect on how we treat others. Do we seek justice for all people and treat others with love and care? Are we different people on Sunday morning in worship than we are on Monday at work or school or with our families? Amos’ message rings true even now!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: I love to worship you, Almighty God, and I receive hope and strength in worship. Help me to live in ways that bring justice and righteousness to others, never pretending to be something that I am not. Help me to live such that my worship pleases you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Jonah 3:6 - 4:2.

Apparently, Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. He wanted nothing to do with them. So, when God called him to go and preach to them, he took off in the opposite direction. It wasn’t enough to simply stay where he was and not go there; he wanted to get even further away from them. But God stayed after him. God was not going to “let him off the hook” as we sometimes say. And when the storm came up while he was on the ship, Jonah knew what was happening. He told those on board what he was doing and what they needed to do to make the storm go away. Reluctantly, they complied. (I admire them for at least being reluctant at first.) And when Jonah gets swallowed by the fish and “expelled” onto the beach, he is more than ready to go do what he was called to do. And when he does, the people repent, and God spares them, which is exactly why Jonah didn’t want to do this in the first place! Jonah hated them and knew God would forgive them!

First, I wonder how many people who “know the Bible at least a little bit” would know who said this if you just gave them the quote from Jonah without telling who said it. But more importantly, I wonder how many of us hate someone or some group so much that we really don’t want God to forgive them. May that never be the case for any of us who claim to be the people of Christ!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: God of grace, forgive me of any hatred that is in my spirit and help me release it. Help me to always be willing to share your message of repentance and grace so that others know that you forgive them too. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 19, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Ruth 1:8-18.

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” These statements (and sometimes a few others close to them) have often been read at weddings over the years, such that many people assume that is the setting in which they were first offered. They are surprised to find out they were said by a woman to her mother-in-law!

This scene is a great testament to the influence Naomi had on her daughter-in-law, such that Ruth would be willing to leave behind her own people and country in order to stay with her mother-in-law. This foreign woman was willing to be devoted to this God who she had most likely not known until she spent time in Naomi’s family. Ruth would go on to once again marry someone in that family. I wonder if she repeated those statements at the wedding!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: God of all people, help me to live my life so that other people come to know you and are willing to devote their life to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 10:34-43.

“...God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” If a “Christian on the street” was asked “Who said that?” I wonder how many of us would know. Of course, the bigger question is “Are we who claim to be God’s people as accepting of other people as God is?” God has only one flock. Anyone who calls God, “Father” and Jesus, “Savior” - regardless of their church or denomination is a brother or sister.

Max Lucado says it best, “The Book of Life does not list your denomination next to your name. Why? Because it is not the denomination that saves us. What would happen if all the churches agreed, on a given Sunday, to change their names to simply “church”? What if any reference to any denomination were removed and we were all just Christians? And then when people chose which church to attend, they wouldn’t do so by the sign outside. They’d do so by the hearts of the people inside. And then when people were asked what church they attended, their answer wouldn’t be a label but just a location.

And then we Christians wouldn’t be known for what divides us, instead we’d be known for what unites us - our common Father.

Crazy idea? Perhaps. But I think God would like it, it was his to begin with.

Personal Worship Option:

Make a list of ways you can be involved to build up the body of Christ. Decide what you will incorporate into your life this week.

Daily Devotion for October 17, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read John 11:5-16.

The focus this week is on popular stories or scriptures in the Bible that we are familiar with but not who made the known statement. Most of us are familiar with today’s reading about Lazarus. Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, and Lazarus himself were very close friends with Jesus. They were true believers. This story is unique because it is the first time that Jesus had performed the miracle of bringing back someone from the dead. He had done many healings and miracles, but this was a first with Lazarus.

I knew this story well and have read the account many times. I was shocked that I did not remember the famous verse in this passage stated by the apostle Thomas, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” How many of you remember that Thomas spoke up? We remember Thomas more for doubting that Jesus had really risen from the dead.  When Thomas said let’s go, he thought that they would be stoned to death if they went back to Bethany. The amazing part of this statement is that he was willing to die with Jesus. Thomas deserves notoriety.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us be bold in our faith and be willing to speak up about our beliefs in you. Let us continue to study your word with fresh eyes so that we get your full meaning for the way that you want us to live. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 16, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Job 19:25-27.

“I know that my redeemer liveth” sung by a Soprano soloist serves as an opening to the 45th movement of Handel’s Messiah. It is the first music heard immediately following the Hallelujah Chorus. In this setting, Handel pairs these words with words of Paul to address the subject of the second coming of Christ. However, these words were first uttered by Job in the midst of his suffering.

Job had been an extremely wealthy and prosperous man. One might say that Job was exceedingly blessed by God. In a series of tragedies, Job’s family was destroyed, his wealth was wiped out and he was afflicted with boils covering his body. As if this wasn’t enough, his friends came to be with him, but all they succeeded in doing was blaming Job for his suffering; telling him that it was the result of something that he had done that caused God to punish him. With friends like these, who needs enemies? Job’s response to an accusation from his friend Bildad are these words for today, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26, NRSV). Job was faithful to God even at his lowest point. (It is important to note that Rabbi Joseph Telushkin in his book, Biblical Literacy, informs us that Talmudic teaching as far back as the third-century is that the entire Book of Job is a parable (pp 348-9) which is useful in trying to understand the nature of suffering.)

Personal Worship Option:

Pray, “O God, I struggle to understand why there is suffering in the world. However, I know that you are with me throughout my life in good times and in bad. Through whatever I may face this day, help me to lean on your strength and guidance and let me reflect your love and grace to others. Amen.”

Daily Devotion for October 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

Samuel was confused. He heard a voice and thought it was his mentor, Eli, calling for him. He kept going to Eli’s room until Eli realized that the voice was God trying to get Samuel’s attention.

Listening for God is an important life skill, and God is not silent. We live in a noisy culture that often speaks in ways that are contrary to God’s voice. It can be difficult to hear God if we are more in tune with the voice of this world.

As we listen for God, we will be more in tune with his leading in our lives. Eli mentored Samuel by teaching him how to respond to God’s voice: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”—in other words, “I am ready to hear what you have to say, and I am ready to obey!”

God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through creation, giving testimony to his faithfulness and creativity. He speaks through his Word, where we come to understand his salvation and purpose for us. He speaks through wise mentors in our lives. He speaks through life situations, opening and closing doors. God speaks by his Holy Spirit, equipping us with gifts and passions to use for service in his kingdom.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, make us people who are in tune with your voice. Let us seek your leading throughout our life. Equip us to follow your direction, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How are you experiencing God’s leading in your life? Are you listening attentively for God’s voice?

Daily Devotion for October 14, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 7:54-60.

If I were asked, who said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” I would most likely say that Jesus uttered these words on the cross. In fact, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uttered words very similar to this in those agonizing moments. But this story is about Stephen, and these words are his.

Imagine with me for a moment…Stephen was chosen to ensure that the Greek widows in the church received their fair share of food. He apparently did that ministry faithfully, but he did not stop there. He did signs and wonders among the people, and Jews who had not accepted Christ made up false charges against him. He spoke beautifully before the Sanhedrin, recounting God’s covenant with the Children of Israel, brought to fruition with the covenant in Jesus Christ, whom Stephen said he could see in heaven. The members of the Sanhedrin dragged him into the street and began slamming heavy stones upon him. Imagine having, in that horribly painful situation, the love to pray for the forgiveness of those killing you. Stephen used the words of Christ, and you and I can do no better than that!

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, giving us examples of unfailing commitment to Christ. Help me to have just some of the love for others that Stephen showed in this passage. Help me to use and live out the words of Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 13, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 1:27-31.

The first Creation story has a beautiful flow to it. There are phrases that are repeated for each day, such as “And God said” and “...there was evening and there was morning…” Here is another phrase that is repeated several times: “And God saw that it was good.” Until we get to the sixth day. That was the time in which the humans were created. The phrase changes at the end of that day, to this: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

Over my years in the Church, I have often heard an emphasis on the belief that we as humans are born into sin; that from the beginning of our life we are in this state of being disconnected from God. However, the first story of the Bible lets us know that our beginning relationship with God was “very good.” You and me and everybody else was created by God. We are God’s treasure. That’s the foundation of our relationship.

I have often said to parents that the greatest gift they can give to their children is to assure each of them that they love them and that will never change. Build that foundation of never-ending love and all the challenges of life can be met.

That’s what God did with us at the very beginning.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: God, I am so thankful for the foundation of love you have given me and everybody else. Help me help others know of your love for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 12, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Verses 14-20 of this chapter is one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible. It is a great summary of the gospel message. And this verse is arguably the high point of it. We are reminded that by giving ourselves to Jesus Christ, we are created new! There is a sense in which this new creation had a starting point, but also that God continues this work of creation in us for the rest of our life. Each day has opportunities to learn something new, to grow in our understanding of Christ and what it means to be his people. Each day we have opportunities to bless other people and thereby participate in God’s mission from the early days of the Bible (Genesis 12:3).

Yes, I know there are days, or even seasons of life, when we do not feel like a new creation. However, even those times of struggle or pain can be situations that God can use to bring something new and good into our life and the lives of others.

Be reminded and celebrate today that God is working to make you a new creation. Take a few minutes to reflect on the old ways and thinking in your life that are now in the past. Give thanks to God that you have already become a new person! And God is not done with you yet!

Personal Worship Option:

Brian Wren wrote a beautiful hymn back in 1978 that became one of my favorites in our hymnbook. Reflect on these verses today.

This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on; time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone.

For by the life and death of Jesus, God’s mighty Spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again.

Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.