Daily Devotion, November 2, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 4:18-22.

This is familiar Scripture, isn’t it? For Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and for James and John, the sons of Zebedee, this is a career-ending, life-changing decision! I am guessing they had heard of Jesus and had likely even listened to him teaching and preaching in the area around the Sea of Galilee before this pivotal day. Matthew tells us that James and John left their “boat and their father” to follow Jesus, underscoring that they were not only leaving their familiar livelihood, but they were also leaving their family business.

Jesus’ call to these blue collar workers is to come and fish for people. This call was rooted in who they already were, what they likely enjoyed and were gifted in doing. In the next three brief years, Jesus would transform their gifts and equip them to reach people for God’s Kingdom. Following Jesus’ death, Peter would be the leader, not only of the apostles, but of the early church and would die for his faith in Rome, 1,400 miles from the Sea of Galilee. Each of us is called just as we are to come and follow Jesus. Through the church, Christ trains and equips us to reach others for the Kingdom of God. And most of us will not even have to leave careers or families behind in order to follow Christ. Personal Worship Option: As you begin your prayer time, reflect on the gifts God has given you and the people you encounter. Are you using your gifts and opportunities to answer the call to “fish for people?” Pray for renewed energy in reaching out to people in love in order to share the Good News with them.

Daily Devotion, November 1, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Romans 13:1-7.

  It’s been a long year. Last year, on November 3rd, I acknowledged that we were exactly one year away from voting for our president and other elected officials of our government. We knew it would be a heated political year and it certainly has been that. And much more has developed in our land that have only added to the expected divisiveness. Hopefully, the Bible verses we handed out a year ago have been helpful in guiding you through these days. (It would be a good idea to keep referring to those regularly.)

  It is interesting to me personally that this passage comes right after one of my core Bible passages: Romans 12. These verses are a continuation of what Paul was writing there. With these verses, it is important to note that he is writing to a people who hate their government because it is imposing its will on them through military force. Yet, he emphasizes that part of what it means to be the people of Jesus Christ is to respect the government and be good citizens.

  In our nation, we have a much different situation. We have the privilege of voting to elect the people who will serve in our government. We have processes in place to address injustice (though they sometimes take far too long). And the message is the same for us: respect the government (even while expressing your disagreements) and be good citizens.

  Most of all, do what Paul comes back to in the next verse: “...for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Personal Worship Option: Pray for those now serving at all levels of our government and for all those seeking to be elected this week. Most of all, pray that the people of Christ will set a good example of how to treat others, no matter who is elected.

Daily Devotion, October 31, 2020

 

Devotion: Read 1 Coninthians 13.

  This is one of those Bible passages that every Christian should read regularly (at least once a month). It is a core, guiding passage for who we are and how we are to conduct ourselves as the people of Jesus Christ.

  It is in the middle of three chapters where Paul is dealing with divisions among the Christians at Corinth in the first century. The stated issue is “spiritual gifts” but it is how the people of the house churches there had allowed that issue to become one of division that is his focus. He emphasizes there is only one thing that will repair those relationships: the love that Jesus Christ taught and lived. Emphasizing that same message has often been needed for Christians in many places every since then. Certainly, it is needed for us in our nation today.

  Maybe his opening would be different today. (If I speak up for the values of my political party, but do not have love…. Whether I wear a mask or not, if I do not show love toward those who do the opposite…) However, the definitions for this love are still the same. (I am especially drawn to the NRSV translation of part of verse 5: “It does not insist on its own way.”) And his conclusion is still the same: even though faith and hope are powerful forces in our life with Christ, it is his love living in us and through us that most reveals we belong to him. (John 13:35) Personal Worship Option: Of the definitions for love offered in verses 4-8a, which one is most difficult for you? Pray and ask our Lord to help you grow in that part of his love, so that you can better show that part of his love to others.

Daily Devotion, October 30, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 7:12-23.

The “Golden Rule” begins this section of teaching from Jesus that includes images of a narrow gate and a fruit-bearing tree and the need to do more than just call Jesus “Lord.” In fact, the “Golden Rule”: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” is a proactive foundation of goodness and mercy. It is much more of a challenge to take the initiative to do something good for someone else. Each section in this passage examines the measure of belief. Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to DO right, not just say the right words. Your life will withstand the storms that come your way only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. What you DO cannot be separated from what you believe. Many people think that if they are “good” people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. In reality, faith in Christ is what will count. Personal Worship Option: Does your “walk” match your “talk”? Reflect on the discrepancies and ask God for direction in your life.

Daily Devotion, October 29, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2.

Some of you might remember the "just say no" 80’s phrase that discouraged drug use and the "just do it" 90’s phrase encouraging us to challenge ourselves beyond our normal limits. Growing up during this time, it was easy to get stuck: to do or not to do.

Paul was quite clear about the "to-dos" and "not to-dos." His don't-do list discouraged acts, anger, and words of falsehoods that harms ourselves, others, and the world. His do list encouraged actions of lifting up others, speaking the truth, and giving grace that benefits ourselves, others, and the world. It should be simple, but we make it so complicated. We comb through and pick apart every word of the Bible searching for specific phrases and verses that support our point of view on all kinds of ideologies. Then we use them to bash and hurt other people. Paul tells us to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

There is a Muslim saying that could work for all religions: Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates. At the first gate, ask yourself ‘Is it true?’ At the second gate ask, ‘Is it necessary?’ At the third gate ask, ‘Is it kind?’ Evangelist Alan Redpath formulated an acronym for us to weigh our words using the word “think.”

T—Is it true?

H—Is it helpful?

I—Is it inspiring?

N—Is it necessary?

K—Is it kind? Personal Worship Option: Take a step back. Do your actions show love or hate? Do your actions benefit the few or the many? Do your actions accept or exclude? Do your conversations take a side, or are they open to all? We will serve God best when we show kindness and love to each other as one body.

Daily Devotion, October 28, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Colossians 3:1-17.

This is one of my favorite scripture passages. It is great in every translation, but I particularly like The Message version. Verse 1, and verses 12-17 are often selected to be read at wedding ceremonies.

Today, as I’m reading all of these verses, I hear it through the voice of a wonderful coach, choir director, or band director each encouraging their team, choir or band. “So, if you’re serious about living this new life in Christ, act like it…look up and be alert to what is going on around Christ…”

This letter to the church at Colossae is giving the call for the qualities necessary for living in the new community of Christ. “The lists of vices and virtues (which follow the first set of verses) are those that will either disrupt or enhance the life of the new Christian community,” according to Dr. Andrew T. Lincoln.

It is easy to read these verses and to turn it into a list for our own “self-improvement”, but the ways of Christ are not just ways of self-improvement. Christ’s ways are about how we relate to each other. Christ’s ways answer the question of “How are we to live in the ways of Christ with each other?”

It calls for higher and deeper ways of relating than the ways of this world. It calls for forgiveness and love, for peace and for being thankful, for letting the Word of Christ have the run of the house!

I particularly like the words, “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.”  Again, it’s the spirit of “teamwork” of how we relate to each other which will make a difference in this world.

And perhaps my favorite words in this version are: “And sing, sing your hearts out to God!” Even if we can’t sing a note, we can’t help but give praise and thanksgiving to God every step of the way! The writer of these verses moves us from serious following to joy overflowing! Personal Worship Option: Loving and Gracious God, unite us together as a community of Christ in such ways that we are in tune with each other and in step with each other. Help us as a community to be forgiving, thankful, loving and peacemakers in our homes and in this world. Amen

Daily Devotion, October 27, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Philippians 4:6-9.

Worry and/or anxiety is mentioned 25 times in the New Testament. The Greek word for worry is meridzoe, which means "to be divided, to be pulled in opposite directions, to choke." The Old English word for worry meant "to gnaw." Like a dog gnaws on a bone, we gnaw on our problems. But Paul tells us to pray about everything instead of worrying about anything. He says this is the key to peace. And then Paul tells us how to stop worrying and get the peace that God gives. He gives us a “to think” list. How do your thoughts line up against Paul’s list of fine thoughts?

1. True

2. Noble or honest

3. Right or just

4. Pure

5. Lovely

6. Admirable

7. Excellent

8. Praiseworthy

Proverbs 23: 7 tells us, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." Today if you are gnawing on a problem, switch your thinking. God will provide peace of mind in times of turbulence when we give our thoughts to him. Personal Worship Option:

Use Philippians 4:8 as a biblical guide for thinking. Write it down and post it as a reminder of how to think. Learn to identify your thoughts and switch those that aren’t in line with Philippians 4:8. And then thank God for providing you with peace of mind in times of turbulence.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8