Daily Devotion, August 31, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Psalm 44:23-26.

When I read a passage of Scripture, I like to know some things about the context -- what was happening, what prompted the writer to speak these words, and so on -- as this helps me to understand what God might be saying to us now in the passage. We do not know what series of great defeats the Israelites have suffered, but they are desperately in need of God’s help. In preceding verses, the psalmist recalls the stories of God’s leading and providing for Israel; but now, in their present situation, God seems to be asleep. Many of Israel’s problems, like ours, were brought on by their disobedience or by their turning from God. Not so this time, and the psalmist is frustrated, feeling as if things are not fair. When will God awake and come to their aid?

I long for the honest frankness in my prayers with God that the psalmist clearly demonstrates. It is the kind of honesty that is usually shared only between parties who love the other deeply and know that the other loves them the same. The psalmist ends with a plea for God to rise up and help them, not because they are deserving or faithful or even because they love God. He asks God to rescue them because of God’s unfailing love. Even in frustration, the psalmist does not forget that God’s love never fails. Personal Worship Option: Is there something that makes you angry or frustrated with God, perhaps because God does not seem to be helping you? If so, I would encourage you to make your case to God and speak honestly as you do so. God can handle our hurt and anger, and God’s love for us never fails.

Daily Devotion, August 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3.

  I have included Luke on my “Mount Rushmore of The New Testament” because he gifted the Church and the whole world with two books that tell of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with his teachings to his apostles and other followers, but goes on to tell of the early days of those apostles and other followers after Jesus had ascended back to heaven. His contribution to the New Testament (and the Bible as a whole) is invaluable. As with the other Gospel writers, he offers many segments that are unique to the story of Jesus. He has a heart for the marginalized: for women and children of that day, for the poor, the Samaritans and any others on the edges or even outside. Without this writer, we would not know of the angel visiting Mary, of what happened on the road to a village called Emmaus the day of Easter or parables about a “Prodigal Son” and a “Good Samaritan.”

  He goes much further to give us “The Acts Of The Apostles,” letting us see how the Holy Spirit continued the work of Jesus through those same apostles and other followers of the Christ. Not only do we get to read how Peter continued to be a leader among the apostles, but we also hear of the conversion of an initial enemy named Saul, who is converted by Jesus himself, becomes known as Paul and goes on to help spread the good news of Jesus to many people and places. Without this writer, we would be unaware of any of this.

  You are also unique. God created you and there is no one else like you. Nobody has had all the same experiences you have had. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is and will be unique as well. Share your story and your experiences, especially as they relate to Jesus. You never know when something you share is just what someone else will need to hear in order to help them begin a relationship with Christ or deepen their relationship with him. Personal Worship Option: Practice telling about your relationship with Jesus with family and friends, so that you will be better prepared when you have the opportunity to share with others. 

Daily Devotion, August 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 15:22-41.

  This writer tells us about a historic scene in the life of the early Church. In those first years, the followers of Jesus were simply seen as another sect of the Jews. Therefore, some Jewish leaders were teaching that to become a Christian, one had to first become a Jew and commit to all the rituals and laws of that religion. They believed that God’s Spirit would not connect with a person unless she or he had first committed to God’s Law. But both Peter and Paul had witnessed the Holy Spirit being active in the lives of Gentile believers in Jesus. So different understandings about this were being taught and it was causing confusion among the people.

  So that is why this meeting was called for in Jerusalem. Paul, Barnabas and some other believers met with “the apostles and elders” to debate the issue. Peter told of his experience at the home of Cornelius (Acts 10). Paul and Barnabas told of what they had witnessed God doing among the Gentiles. James gave his recommendation. Our text for today shares the decision that was made and the letter sent to the Gentiles to share that decision. It was a major breakthrough in understanding what God had done through Jesus Christ and wanted to continue to do through those who believed in him. We would not know about this decision and how it came about were it not for this writer.

  However, like much of the rest of the Bible, this writer does not just record the times of agreement and peace. He also shares the times of disagreement and separation. The last few verses tell of one such occasion: “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” 

 

  In our day and time, it often seems to be the thinking that if there is disagreement among Christians, something is terribly wrong. While there are times when that is true, there are many times when a disagreement is only that and nothing more. I am so thankful for this writer reminding us that God works through those who disagree. Personal Worship Option: Is there a Christian with whom you had a disagreement in the past that caused you to separate from them? If possible, contact them to see how they are doing and offer God’s blessing.

Daily Devotion, August 28, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 12:1-17.

This is one of the many stories this writer shared about what happened to the disciples of Jesus in the early years of the Church. There was a hostile political and religious environment toward the followers of Jesus but this seemed to ignite the hearts of the faithful as God’s Spirit moved in powerful and varied ways. Peter’s release from prison was miraculous, to say the least!! The power of prayer was on display for all to see. I’m sure the story of Peter’s release was told multiple times to many people. It was a great example of the power of prayer.  Not all prayers are answered in the manner that we are expecting but it doesn’t negate the working of God in the situation. That same power and Spirit are moving in our midst today. It is up to us to open our hearts and minds in expectation as we pray. Personal Worship Option: What are you talking to God about today? Do you pray with anticipation of the answer?

Daily Devotion, August 27, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-35.

I believe the Bible transcends time and culture so today the same applies to the original church. It is interesting to ask if Luke is describing an ideal Christian community. I imagine that the original church was on a significant emotional high. Everything was new and nothing had yet been established beyond the teachings of Jesus. There are four activities that appeared important to the church at its core. Teaching new converts, fellowship of any sort, communion, and prayer seem like good building blocks for the church from any perspective.

First, they devoted themselves to the teaching from the apostles. This instruction was for new converts who may not have heard Jesus teach. The apostles were witnesses passing along the things which they had seen and heard. Second, they devoted themselves to fellowship. Since this word has the connotation of sharing resources, this is likely an allusion to the communal life described.. At the very least this included care for the poor. Third, they devoted themselves to breaking of bread. While this phrase can be used for sharing a meal together, it is likely that Luke is describing celebrating some form of communion. Fourth, they devoted themselves to prayers. It would not be unusual for Jewish men to go to the Temple several times a day to pray, so the community continues to worship at the Temple regularly. Personal Worship Option: I feel like, along with the four basic principles, we need to make an effort to live in a closer community with fellow believers, so that we will not become complacent with just the Sunday morning stuff, but that we will push each other, keep each other more accountable in the deeper things that are happening in our everyday lives and with this community will become stronger in doing all of these things. Let’s strive to encourage one another.

Daily Devotion, August 26, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 8:1-3.

Eugene Peterson writes in The Message, in his introduction to the gospel of Luke, “Luke is a most vigorous champion of the outsider. An outsider himself, the only Gentile in an all-Jewish cast of New Testament writers, he shows how Jesus includes those who typically were treated as outsiders by the religious establishment of the day: women, common laborers (sheepherders), the racially different (Samaritans), and the poor.”

Here in Luke 8, I’m so thankful Luke takes the time to include the details of the story and add the names of these three women, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who are accompanying Jesus in his ministry. Luke is the only Gospel writer to note and name these women who followed Jesus. We meet two of these women again in Luke 24 as they are the first to Jesus’ tomb. In 24:5-6, the angel said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen!” When the women relayed this message to the disciples, “their words seemed to them like nonsense.”

By the gospel writer’s attention to detail, we realize the faithfulness of these women who followed Jesus throughout his ministry. It’s interesting to note that in Luke 7-8, Jesus is teaching about what faithful discipleship is. Jesus’ parable about the farmer scattering the seeds on the path, the rock, the thorns and the good soil is explained in verses 9-15. “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop.”

That the names of two of these women are listed again in Luke 24 demonstrates they truly heard Jesus’ words and persevered in faithfulness, even when other disciples had run away and hidden in fear of losing their own lives. Their witness bears much good fruit!

Eugene Peterson concludes his introduction, “All of us who have found ourselves on the outside looking in on life with no hope of gaining entrance now find the doors wide open, found and welcomed by God in Jesus.” Jesus invites us to not only “hear” his words but to follow in faithfulness. Personal Worship Option: Dear Jesus, thank you for including all of us. Help us to not only hear your words, but to seek to follow you faithfully forever. Thank you for never giving up on us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 25, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Luke 2:22-38.

At Jesus’ temple presentation forty days after his birth, God speaks through two faithful followers of God. Joseph and Mary were obedient Jews. The offering they made, two doves or pigeons, was typical of the poor or middle class. The prophet Simeon was righteous and devout in His relationship with God. The Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go to the temple courts at just the right time on just the right day that Joseph and Mary were bringing their infant to the Temple. When Simeon looked at the baby Jesus, now about six weeks old, he knew that God's promise had been kept. Here was Immanuel, "God with Us," to make everything right, to provide significance by His presence, and to eliminate rejection, fear, and loneliness.

 

After her husband had died, Anna had dedicated herself to fasting and praying in the temple. In fact, the Bible says that she never left the temple but worshipped day and night. We read that she had been a widow for 84 years and was very old. In her old age she remained faithful to God. This faithful widow had a regular ministry at the temple. Her teaching would have been heard by those who frequented the temple.

At the temple the day Simeon blessed the baby Jesus, Anna was full of thanksgiving and became the first witness to tell others about the child. When Anna saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were waiting for redemption. She knew that the one who would save his people had arrived. Anna reminds us that no matter our age we are a witness to the work and wonder of God. Personal Worship Option: Anna was full of thanksgiving and couldn't wait to tell others about the birth of Jesus. What are you thankful for today? Think of a way to share your gratitude with others.