Daily Devotion, April 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Kings 3:5-9.

A treasured gift from friends, is a daily devotional book, A Leader’s Heart, by John Maxwell. When visiting these friends, I had noticed this book on their back porch and quickly learned how early they awaken for their morning devotions! They are active in service in their community and in their church. “Their joy in serving God and others,” they said, “comes from these times of devotion listening for God to lead them.”

We cannot lead without God leading us first. Solomon was young, and was not the oldest among his brothers. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with what was before him as the new King of Israel. God recognized that young Solomon was overwhelmed and as the scriptures said, “appeared to him in a dream.”

God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” If God appeared to us and asked us the very same question, there are many answers we might give! Asking for “a discerning heart” or as the NRSV translates it, “an understanding mind” might not be the first thing on our list!

God was pleased with Solomon’s answer and said, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” And Solomon led for many years with the wisdom which came as a gift from God. His leadership was successful in every way as he governed his people. And he is attributed with writing the Old Testament books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon.

In the end though, Solomon forgot this first principle of wisdom. He forgot, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 11:10) The words, “fear of the Lord,” call us to not to be “afraid” but to respect and remember that all the gifts we have, have truly come from God.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes leaders are called to be trailblazers. There is no prior path to follow. But when God calls, God leads and equips us for service. We are called first to listen and to follow God. True wisdom is always a gift from God. These verses are on the back of the book, A Leader’s Heart. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path." Proverbs 2:6, 8-9.

Daily Devotion, April 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Esther 4:9-17.

The Jews had only months to live. Queen Esther was challenged by her cousin, Mordecai, to go before the King and make an appeal for the lives of the Jews. Esther struggled with this challenge. Simply going before the king without being invited could result in her own death. After three days and nights of fasting, Esther figured out what she would do. She had a banquet worthy of the king prepared before she ever left her chamber. Dressing in her royal garments, she went before the king. Certainly, all those who watched the beautiful queen approach the king held their breath in anticipation. As she walked into the courts of the king, the most dramatic scene in the Book of Esther unfolded. King Xerxes extended his scepter to Esther, as a symbol that he would allow her into his presence. Esther found favor in his eyes.

We see that Esther had faced a difficult decision. Her decision making process included fasting, deliberating, and gathering a group of people to support her. Even though she was given guidance, the decision was hers alone.

What steps do you take to make the hard decisions of life? Consider this method for making decisions.

•    Get direction from God.

•    Deliberate alone and with others.

•    Determine your options.

•    Decide what you should do.

•    Do the right thing.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer: God of Wisdom, guide me in all my decisions, great and small. Sharpen my understanding of the truths in your Word and give me discernment and wisdom to follow in the paths of righteousness. Help me to know your will and always do the things that please you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, April 12, 2021

Devotion:

Read Exodus 3:1-10.

This is familiar Scripture, isn’t it? In the burning bush story, we learn the “I Am Who I Am” name for God, and we laugh and sometimes identify with Moses as he gives feeble excuses to God for not jumping at his call. There is something else this passage brings to mind. On the surface, Moses was not a likely candidate to take on the greatest leadership challenge ever facing one of the Children of Israel. He was a lowly shepherd, working for his father-in-law in a foreign land. He was an escaped murderer, and the job was back in Egypt where he committed the murder. Yet when we reflect on Moses’ qualifications, he was perfectly suited for the job. Born to a Hebrew woman, he was taught their stories and traditions, and he had a heart for his people. Adopted and raised by the daughter of Pharaoh, he knew the Egyptian culture and language well. Moses reluctantly accepted and the rest is history!

We often and correctly say that God calls unlikely people to serve as leaders in the Bible, and that is true. But in God’s awesome wisdom, God is able to see our possibilities. God did not stop calling leaders when the Bible was finished. God continues today to call some unlikely people as leaders; but God equips, sends, and sustains obedient leaders.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for leaders in our church -- pastors and staff leaders, ministry team leaders, small group leaders, teachers, and our Church Council. Most of these persons likely felt unqualified when they were asked to take on their roles, and some may still feel that way. Pray for God’s guidance for them.

Daily Devotion, April 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 21:1-14.

I don’t know why they were fishing. Maybe they just needed a break; needed to get away and think about all that had happened. Or maybe they had decided to go back to their old business. Whatever the reason, they were together. They were still supporting each other.

 

Once again, Jesus met them where they were. He had one more lesson to teach; one more reminder of what he had called them to do. He specifically wanted to talk to Peter. The others were going to need him to lead them into the future of this mission. It was not just for him; it was for all of them. But Jesus wanted to encourage and challenge Peter to lead them.

Still today, as we seek to serve the mission of our Lord, he calls us to do so together. In different situations, different ones will lead. But all are needed to most fully carry out the mission. That includes you. Do not ever think that you are not needed. The fulfillment of the mission is never as complete if you are not part of it. Be assured of that yourself and look for opportunities to help others know that as well.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about the many people of Christ Church who do their part to help us all serve the mission of our Lord. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them! And when you have a chance, let them know how thankful you are to be in this together with them!

Daily Devotion, April 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 20:24-28.

Some of the disciples had experienced their risen Lord. They had seen him standing right there in the room with them. They had heard his voice. He was alive. So they did what was only natural - they told the one who wasn’t with them that night: “Thomas, we’ve seen the Lord!” But he just could not believe them. He would have to see Jesus for himself. The next verse says “A week later…” I wonder what that week was like! Were there other conversations about this among them? Did he wrestle with whether to believe or not? We don’t know.

I love the simple detail that is mentioned in verse 26: when they were together again, “Thomas was with them.” They had not kicked him out of the group. They kept including him, until he could have his own experience of the resurrected Jesus.

As we seek to serve the mission of Christ in the world, there will be those among us who may not share a particular belief you have about God or the Bible or something else. Following the example of his apostles, we are to continue to welcome them among us. We are to love them and set an example for them. We are to listen and learn from each other, constantly seeking the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we do, we never know when our risen Lord will show up among us!

Personal Worship Option:

Do you know anyone who has become disconnected from the church? How might the Holy Spirit be calling you to help them reconnect? Pray for eyes to notice those people and discernment on connecting with them.

Daily Devotion, April 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 10:19-25.

We have many privileges in our new life with Christ. Some of those include personal access to God through Christ, growing in faith, overcoming doubts and questions, deepening our relationship with God, persevering in our faith by encouraging one another to continue in good works and meeting together. One of the keys of a vibrant life of faith is the support and encouragement of fellow believers. If we neglect to meet together we give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the LORD. As we get closer to the “Day” when Christ returns, we will face many spiritual challenges and possible persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance. Hopefully the safety precautions we have put in place during the pandemic have also reminded each of us how blessed we are to get to worship together. As we are able to do away with those precautions later this year, let’s all make a renewed commitment to worship together every chance we get.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your faith journey. Where do you need support and encouragement? How will you encourage someone today?

Daily Devotion, April 8, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 2:42-47.

I love the scripture for today as it should inspire us as Christians. We learn a lot about what community was like in the early church. The early Christians daily did things like sharing meals, caring for one another, worshiping together, and praying together. The early church took community seriously, getting to know one another and supporting each other. They valued spending quality time together, and they did it often. It was regular and ongoing.

The early church focused on what matters: the Word of God, fellowship, the sharing of resources, worship, and prayer. The early Christians lived out being the body of Christ together. It wasn’t about a church building or a certain place to gather. The early church grew so fast, but there was always room for more.

In our culture, there is so much focus on individual desires, that a church community can seem a bit strange and too personal to us. But relationships are key, and that is something we can grasp even in the “it’s all about me” world. Relationships always involve sharing of time, events, material goods, and more. Sharing requires ongoing personal participation. Doing life together is one of the strengths of church community. The gifts we bring to the community are always needed and new ones are welcome.

Personal Worship Option:

In what ways can you invest more in your relationships with God and others today? 

God, we want to live fully together as your people, wherever you have placed us. Amen