Daily Devotion, September 21, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read James 1:22-25.

The United Methodist college where I served as Chaplain had a strong tradition of service to the community. It was truly a campus which valued being “doers of the word and not hearers only.” There were many days and scheduled events of service throughout the year! One day a beloved and distinguished History professor who was of the Lutheran denomination said to me with a smile and twinkle in his eye, “You Methodists are always ‘doing’ something, we Lutherans just believe in ‘being’ something.”

Through the years, I have come to realize that faithful discipleship involves both “being” and “doing”. And James sums it up so beautifully in these verses. If we are followers of Christ, then our actions need to give evidence of that proclamation of who we are.

Bible commentaries remind us that James is writing to encourage the whole community of faith to be “doers of the word.” When we make our commitment into the life of our church, we pledge to “faithfully participate in its ministries by our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.”

In his book, “A Disciple’s Path”, James A. Harnish writes, “Every follower of Christ becomes a co-worker with God in God’s transformation of this world when we discover and use our gifts.” Harnish continues, “The people of God---ordinary people like every one of us---must convince the world of the reality of the gospel and be faithful as a witnessing and serving community.”

The Book of James has strong words throughout, to always be mindful and serve the most vulnerable in the community.

In our prayer of confession and pardon during our Service of Word and Table, we pray for God’s forgiveness because “we have not heard the cry of the needy.” And we ask God to “free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Joyful obedience is “hearing and doing acts of service for the most vulnerable among us, in Christ’s name.”

Personal Worship Option:

Let the last stanza from the hymn, “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” by Albert F. Bayly be our prayer today, “Called by worship to your service, forth in your dear name we go to the child, the youth, the aged, love in living deeds to show; hope and health, good will and comfort, counsel, aid, and peace we give, that your servant, Lord, in freedom, may your mercy know, and live.” Amen.

Daily Devotion, September 20, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 25:31-45.

Jesus had been talking with his disciples about his return and the end of this age. He tells them, “Therefore you also must be ready…” (Matthew 24:44) Then he provides three parables about being ready for his return. Our reading today is one of the parables, often called The Sheep and the Goats. Jesus used sheep and goats to show the division between believers and unbelievers. He likens himself to the shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats who are gazing in the same pasture. Representing believers, the sheep receive the place of honor and inherit God’s kingdom.

He goes on to describe the sheep as the ones who fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, showed hospitality, and took care of the sick. Jesus is saying the real evidence of our belief is in the way we act. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus and his words to us.

The parable describes acts of love and mercy we can do every day. Needs of the disadvantaged are all around us. Jesus wants us to be personally involved in caring for others’ needs. Each month Christ Church and our small groups offer opportunities to meet needs of the “the least of these” including donating pantry items, Ramen noodles, canned goods, and shoes for orphan soles. We offer opportunities to prepare meals, bake cookies, and deliver food to those in need. These are all opportunities for us to personally be involved in caring for others.

How can we be prepared for the return of Jesus? We can demonstrate actions of love toward others.

Personal Worship Option:

Are you a “sheep” or a “goat?” Goats saw lots of people in need but did nothing for them. However, the sheep saw people the way Jesus did and met their needs through acts of love. When you accept the love that Jesus offers and grow your relationship with him, then you will see people the way he does and demonstrate that love through acts of kindness.

Daily Devotion, September 19, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 7:24-27.

Jesus had just finished what we call his sermon on the mount, a collection of his teachings that span three chapters in Matthew’s gospel. It is important for us to hear Jesus’ admonition to us in today’s passage. He does not tell us to memorize all the verses in his sermon on the mount. He does not tell us to debate these teachings or dissect them, although he would likely have no problem with us discussing his teachings in order to better understand them. But his point in this passage is that we are to put his teachings into practice. It is not enough to know what he taught or even to share with others what he taught. We are to make his teachings part of our lives, guiding our decisions and shaping the way we treat others. 

There is both a promise and a warning in this passage. If we indeed put Jesus’ countercultural teachings into practice, we will be able to withstand the trials of this life. But if we do not and place our trust in other things, those things will fail us when the floods of life come. You may want to do what I did after reading this passage…I went back and read through Matthew 5-7 to get refreshed on Jesus’ teachings that we are to put into practice. He never said it would be easy, did he?

Personal Worship Option:

Pray today for the courage and discipline to honor Jesus’ teachings, putting them into practice in your daily life. These are not laws but rather principles for faithful living. Open your heart for Christ’s leading you to boldly follow his teachings.

Daily Devotion, September 18, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 15:11-32.

I have often wondered why this parable is usually titled “The Prodigal Son.” Maybe it’s because most everyone has their “prodigal” moments in life, when we spend our resources recklessly and run away from our responsibilities. But the real focus of the parable is on this father who loved both of his sons and did all he could to help them both understand that. It is such a great image of our heavenly Father who loves each and every person.

In our worship services today, we will be taking a closer look at this parable, but for now, I invite you to imagine yourself in the shoes of each character in the story. What would it be like to be the son who went away or the one who stayed? What would it be like to be the father of both of them? You might even imagine yourself to be a servant in this household and what it would be like to watch all of this take place in this family you are close to.

There are actually three parables in this one chapter. Take note of the first two verses, which explain why Jesus told all three of them. How does that explanation impact your understanding of the parable?

How reassuring it is to know this God we worship is pictured in this parable of “the father who loved both sons.”

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your own prayer of thanksgiving to this God who loves you, no matter what. And join today at Christ Church as we worship this God together! 

Daily Devotion, September 17, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 136.

The Psalmist is obviously looking back over the history of God’s relationship to the Children of Israel. There are lines of praise for who God is. There are lines related to God as the Creator. Then there is a focus on some of the key moments attributed to God that delivered the Israelites. All of it is bathed in that beautiful refrain “His love endures forever.” 

I invite you to write your own Psalm patterned after this one. Write a line praising God in some way, then write your own wording of “His love endures forever” (repeating this one throughout). Write some lines of what most fascinates you in nature. Write some lines about times that God has carried you through key moments in your life.

As individuals, as families, as a church, we can sing this song. We can write this story. In fact, we could write several Psalms like this one because we have so much for which to praise God and give thanks. So, get to writing.  (You may even want to share it with others, possibly inspiring them to write their own Psalm.) And don’t ever forget “God’s love endures forever!” 

Personal Worship Option:

Tomorrow we will be looking at the parable usually titled “The Prodigal Son” from Luke 15:11-32. If you get a chance today, read that parable in at least two versions of the Bible.

Daily Devotion, September 16, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read John 3:16-17.

It is good to remember and meditate on these verses every so often. God’s love for the whole world was shown most fully through the gift of Jesus Christ. As a father, the gift of his one and only son, was a sacrifice of all that He is. It was given out of love and grace. No hoops to jump through or list to check off - just accept the love that is offered. This was a mind-blowing concept for Nicodemus and for us as well. Nicodemus thought the person did the work - Jesus says God does the work.

These two views reflect all views of all religions. Is salvation achieved through what we do or by what God has done? The power and provision of salvation is God’s part. Our part is faith. The work of everyday faith is drawing near to the presence of God, with complete certainty that He will accept you. Not because you have ever been good enough. Not because you ever will. But because of Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Open your hands and turn your palms upward. Simply receive God’s grace through faith. Tell God how grateful you are for His gift of grace.

Daily Devotion, September 15, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:38-39.

We are all children of God. This scripture is so assuring and affirming in telling us that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God. The fact that we have unconditional love through Jesus should create joy in our hearts and confidence for our future.

Let’s be honest. At times there are family members that we get frustrated with and for a time don’t even like them. But we always love them, no matter what. That is the way I think God feels. God knows our sins, our thoughts, and what we hide from others. He also knows our tendency to disobey and stray from him again and again. Still, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God always welcomes us back into his presence. God the Father has lavished his love and grace on us. He wants us to have the security of love for a full life forever. God made us, saves us, and instructs us. He will guide our paths daily if we will allow him and promises to lead us to his eternal home.

Do you ever wonder if you are good enough for God? Well, we’re not. But that’s the point. We are simply invited to love Him who first loved us, and to look forward to the time when he will call us to him! What an incredible future.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us lean into your infinite love and have the faith that we cannot be separated from you. Thank you for this unbelievable gift. Amen.