February 6, 2015
Bible in a year: Judges 1-6
Devotional passage:
Judges 6:10
"I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not pay reverence to the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not given heed to my voice.”
The Book of Judges contains a repeating pattern of the Israelites turning away from God toward other gods. Each time, at their pleading, God would take pity on them and send a judge, a leader or commander, to bring them back to the Lord.
Here in the priveleged West we live in a land of many gods. There are, of course, the gods of other faith traditions. Some of these traditions also worship the God of Abraham and some do not. But beyond the obvious gods, we face the gods of materialsm, acquisition, recognition, and self-indulgence. Can we turn away from these gods of modern society as we do the gods of other faiths?
As I prepare for the lenten season I am called to recognize areas in my life that need to be strengthened. Simplicity, generosity, hospitality, humility, and self-sacrifice are welcome opponents to the modern gods.
In Deuteronomy 5:7, the very first of the Ten Commandments, God tells us, "you shall have no other gods before me." Now, instead of recognizing a judge or leader of some kind who can get us back on the righteous track of worshiping God alone, we recognize our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate leader, sent to lead us eternally on the right path.
So, ask yourself, what are the personal "gods" in your life and are you willing to turn away from them as God commands? This is not a change we mus make alone since we know that Jesus is the way past this modern idolatry.
Prayer: Precious Lord, we come before you knowing we have put gods of this world before you. Help us recognize what they are and turn away from them forever for You are our saving grace, amen.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Trust in God's Provision
February 5, 2015
Bible in a year: Genesis 20-23
Devotional passage: Genesis 22:8
Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. NRSV
This verse is part of the passage where Abraham is called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to the Lord. He hasn't yet told Isaac of his fate and the child wants to know where the lamb for the sacrifice is. There is a deeper meaning to Abraham's response to his son. After all, God gave Isaac to Abraham through his wife Sarah, late in their life. At the time, Abraham never expected that Isaac would be taken from him at such a young age, and yet he showed complete trust in the Lord.
It is not always easy to trust in God so completely. In our everyday lives we often hold ourselves back from unrestrained obedience, tending to be reasonable in our choice of actions. Recently, I was compelled to take just such a leap of faith in my life and, in spite of my complete belief in God's provision, I still faced incredible anxiety.
As a seminary student, mother of two primary school-aged children, and full-time Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, I faced the prodding of the Holy Spirit to make a change in order to better follow my call to ordained ministry. In response I quit a full-time church position and moved away from my family for three and a half months in order to serve as a part-time intern for a new congregation. I am in a position of trusting that my family will be cared for sufficiently and that when they join me after my internship I will find a new job that can help support them.
While Abraham's thoughts may have echoed those of Job (1:21) which said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away," we must remember that, ultimately, God spared Isaac and provided the ram for sacrifice. Let us instead remember Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."
God of abundance, help us trust in you completely. Let us know that your provision will sustain us so that we may follow you always, amen.
Bible in a year: Genesis 20-23
Devotional passage: Genesis 22:8
Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. NRSV
This verse is part of the passage where Abraham is called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to the Lord. He hasn't yet told Isaac of his fate and the child wants to know where the lamb for the sacrifice is. There is a deeper meaning to Abraham's response to his son. After all, God gave Isaac to Abraham through his wife Sarah, late in their life. At the time, Abraham never expected that Isaac would be taken from him at such a young age, and yet he showed complete trust in the Lord.
It is not always easy to trust in God so completely. In our everyday lives we often hold ourselves back from unrestrained obedience, tending to be reasonable in our choice of actions. Recently, I was compelled to take just such a leap of faith in my life and, in spite of my complete belief in God's provision, I still faced incredible anxiety.
As a seminary student, mother of two primary school-aged children, and full-time Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, I faced the prodding of the Holy Spirit to make a change in order to better follow my call to ordained ministry. In response I quit a full-time church position and moved away from my family for three and a half months in order to serve as a part-time intern for a new congregation. I am in a position of trusting that my family will be cared for sufficiently and that when they join me after my internship I will find a new job that can help support them.
While Abraham's thoughts may have echoed those of Job (1:21) which said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away," we must remember that, ultimately, God spared Isaac and provided the ram for sacrifice. Let us instead remember Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."
God of abundance, help us trust in you completely. Let us know that your provision will sustain us so that we may follow you always, amen.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
In God We CAN Trust
January 29, 2015
Bible in a year: Genesis 16-19
Devotional passage: Genesis 18:14b
"Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" CEB
Today's verse is God's response to Sarah's laughter when she learns she is to conceive a child at the age of 90. Sarah'a mirth is not so much an indication of limited faith in God, but rather one of worldy realism in her expectations. She is at an age where most women would have great-great grandchildren let alone the child she has ached for throughout her life. Now she is being told by a messenger of the Lord that her deepest desire will be fulfilled...dare she hope?
As we go about our lives we often set dreams aside for reality. Choices and circumstances derail hopes of a simple life of perpetual health, financial comfort, or prosperous relationships. Instead we face illness or disability, unemployment or deflated investments, and divorce or discord with family. Wouldn't we react with disbelief if we were told out of the blue that there is a total cure, an unexpected windfall, or some previously unknown way to find loving bliss with another...especially if it our deepest desire? I expect Sarah's laughter might have been the slightly hysterical kind; not a response to a joke, but anxious and afraid to believe such good news. And the messenger merely questions Abraham, Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"
We must ask ourselves the same when our hope runs thin. In Matthew 19:26b Jesus said to his disciples, "But all things are possible for God.”
This does not mean that God will grant all of our wishes and desires, we know. But through prayer and a strong trust in the Lord we can know that our hopes and dreams are not futile. And through prayer God will respond not just to the hopes and dreams, but also to our pain and struggles with grace, mercy, and love.
Prayer: Merciful God, you know our deepest desires as well as our greatest struggles. Help us to turn to you often that we may trust in your generous provision for each of us to your glory so that we may see hope as your promise of salvation through your Son, Christ Jesus, amen.
Bible in a year: Genesis 16-19
Devotional passage: Genesis 18:14b
"Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" CEB
Today's verse is God's response to Sarah's laughter when she learns she is to conceive a child at the age of 90. Sarah'a mirth is not so much an indication of limited faith in God, but rather one of worldy realism in her expectations. She is at an age where most women would have great-great grandchildren let alone the child she has ached for throughout her life. Now she is being told by a messenger of the Lord that her deepest desire will be fulfilled...dare she hope?
As we go about our lives we often set dreams aside for reality. Choices and circumstances derail hopes of a simple life of perpetual health, financial comfort, or prosperous relationships. Instead we face illness or disability, unemployment or deflated investments, and divorce or discord with family. Wouldn't we react with disbelief if we were told out of the blue that there is a total cure, an unexpected windfall, or some previously unknown way to find loving bliss with another...especially if it our deepest desire? I expect Sarah's laughter might have been the slightly hysterical kind; not a response to a joke, but anxious and afraid to believe such good news. And the messenger merely questions Abraham, Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"
We must ask ourselves the same when our hope runs thin. In Matthew 19:26b Jesus said to his disciples, "But all things are possible for God.”
This does not mean that God will grant all of our wishes and desires, we know. But through prayer and a strong trust in the Lord we can know that our hopes and dreams are not futile. And through prayer God will respond not just to the hopes and dreams, but also to our pain and struggles with grace, mercy, and love.
Prayer: Merciful God, you know our deepest desires as well as our greatest struggles. Help us to turn to you often that we may trust in your generous provision for each of us to your glory so that we may see hope as your promise of salvation through your Son, Christ Jesus, amen.
Monday, January 12, 2015
True Joy in the Lord
January 10, 2015
Bible in a year: Psalm 3-5
Devotional passage: Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5 is a glorious song of David's joy and devotion to God for his deliverance from battle.
Often Christians forget to simply rejoice in the Lord.We are busy with the business of life and often our prayers lean toward requesting help for the sick and those in need or even aid for our own troubles. We trust in the Lord and are thankful and grateful, as is right. But, how often do we just stand and rejoice, sing for joy and exult in the Lord our God?
I find the most distilled joy comes through in music and many traditional hymns are exalting. Turn to song, dance, creating art or poetry, or prayer each day in joy and glory to God.
"'Cause I can't let a day go by without thanking you for the joy that you bring to my life." (Jamie Grace, Beautiful Day)
Prayer: Everlasting God, we praise you for all that is good and beautiful in our lives. We glorify you with every breath we take an all of creation with us. May your name always be present on our tongues and in our hearts for ever and ever, amen.
Bible in a year: Psalm 3-5
Devotional passage: Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5 is a glorious song of David's joy and devotion to God for his deliverance from battle.
Often Christians forget to simply rejoice in the Lord.We are busy with the business of life and often our prayers lean toward requesting help for the sick and those in need or even aid for our own troubles. We trust in the Lord and are thankful and grateful, as is right. But, how often do we just stand and rejoice, sing for joy and exult in the Lord our God?
I find the most distilled joy comes through in music and many traditional hymns are exalting. Turn to song, dance, creating art or poetry, or prayer each day in joy and glory to God.
"'Cause I can't let a day go by without thanking you for the joy that you bring to my life." (Jamie Grace, Beautiful Day)
Prayer: Everlasting God, we praise you for all that is good and beautiful in our lives. We glorify you with every breath we take an all of creation with us. May your name always be present on our tongues and in our hearts for ever and ever, amen.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Interference
January 9, 2015
Bible in a year: Joshua 6-10
Devotional passage: Joshua 7:11-12 NRSV
"Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I imposed on them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have acted deceitfully, and they have put them among their own belongings. Therefore the Israelites are unable to stand before their enemies; they turn their backs to their enemies, because they have become a thing devoted for destruction themselves. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."
This passage follows Joshua's lament after losing the battle at Ai. He was directed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, but some had disobeyed the God by taking items belonging in the treasury of the Lord.
There are inevitably times in our lives when the Lord's voice seems to disappear. It may be because we get busy and distracted with what is happening day to day and simply fail to listen for God within the noise. But, sometimes we listen in the silence, praying and pleading for direction and comfort from God and only the silence rings in our ears.
Joshua faced this silence in the face of a battle he expected to win. He thought God was on the side of the Israelites as he attacked Ai, but warriors were lost and they were forced to retreat in fear and shame. Joshua didn't understand.
The Lord tells Joshua that they will be alone until they right their wrong. Some among them had stolen loot from one of the battles that was only to go into the treasury of the Lord. This act of greed and thievery was interfering with God's relationship with Israel.
When God seems silent in spite of our seeking we must consider what might be interfering with our relationship with God. I'm not suggesting that the Lord no longer hear us and our prayers, but perhaps like the ill-gotten goods of the Israelites, we are harboring things around us that prevent us from hearing God; things like resentment, greed, or indifference to those in need. Maybe we are ignoring God's directive to us and must find a way to reestablish our connection if we want a rich relationship with God that is full of communication.
If God seems silent in your life, listen first through prayer. Then, reflect on what in your life might be separating you from your Lord and make the changes that need to be made.
Sustaining God, we hunger for a deep relationship with you and want to hear your voice. Please help us to see those things in our lives which separate us from you and guide us to do your will. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Bible in a year: Joshua 6-10
Devotional passage: Joshua 7:11-12 NRSV
"Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I imposed on them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have acted deceitfully, and they have put them among their own belongings. Therefore the Israelites are unable to stand before their enemies; they turn their backs to their enemies, because they have become a thing devoted for destruction themselves. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you."
This passage follows Joshua's lament after losing the battle at Ai. He was directed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, but some had disobeyed the God by taking items belonging in the treasury of the Lord.
There are inevitably times in our lives when the Lord's voice seems to disappear. It may be because we get busy and distracted with what is happening day to day and simply fail to listen for God within the noise. But, sometimes we listen in the silence, praying and pleading for direction and comfort from God and only the silence rings in our ears.
Joshua faced this silence in the face of a battle he expected to win. He thought God was on the side of the Israelites as he attacked Ai, but warriors were lost and they were forced to retreat in fear and shame. Joshua didn't understand.
The Lord tells Joshua that they will be alone until they right their wrong. Some among them had stolen loot from one of the battles that was only to go into the treasury of the Lord. This act of greed and thievery was interfering with God's relationship with Israel.
When God seems silent in spite of our seeking we must consider what might be interfering with our relationship with God. I'm not suggesting that the Lord no longer hear us and our prayers, but perhaps like the ill-gotten goods of the Israelites, we are harboring things around us that prevent us from hearing God; things like resentment, greed, or indifference to those in need. Maybe we are ignoring God's directive to us and must find a way to reestablish our connection if we want a rich relationship with God that is full of communication.
If God seems silent in your life, listen first through prayer. Then, reflect on what in your life might be separating you from your Lord and make the changes that need to be made.
Sustaining God, we hunger for a deep relationship with you and want to hear your voice. Please help us to see those things in our lives which separate us from you and guide us to do your will. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Let Anger Go
January 8, 2015
Bible in a year: Genesis 4-7
Devotional passage: Genesis 4:7 NRSV
"...If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
This verse comes as a warning to Cain for his anger when God favors Abel's offering of the fat from the first lambs of his flock to Cain's fruit of the ground.
There are times in each of our lives when our efforts go unrecognized or our good intentions are misunderstood; when you've done what you think is right, noble, or helpful and someone else gets the credit for your work or their own better work. Or, something goes wrong and, in spite of your attempt at helpfulness, others are upset by your interference. This might be where we got the saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." When this happens to us do we respond with indignant anger toward others?
God knows that Cain is angry. And, there's no doubt God knows Cain's plan to escape his brother's shadow. And yet, God warns Cain to manage his anger. God is not saying "Don't be angry," but rather, "Don't hold on to your anger." The Lord's words are, "...you must master it."
When we let anger get the best of us and predominate emotions like forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and even humility, we open that door where "sin is lurking." That is when we act rashly and hurt others, burn our metaphorical bridges, or make poor choices that go against God.
Therefore, let us pray for relief from hurt feelings and anger toward those who hurt us.
In Matthew 5:39, Jesus instructs, "But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also..."
Loving God, we ask that you help us to recognize our moments of anger toward others and lead us to a place of forgiveness and understanding. May we treat each other with the grace and loving mercy you show us at all times. In your Son's name we pray, amen.
Bible in a year: Genesis 4-7
Devotional passage: Genesis 4:7 NRSV
"...If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
This verse comes as a warning to Cain for his anger when God favors Abel's offering of the fat from the first lambs of his flock to Cain's fruit of the ground.
There are times in each of our lives when our efforts go unrecognized or our good intentions are misunderstood; when you've done what you think is right, noble, or helpful and someone else gets the credit for your work or their own better work. Or, something goes wrong and, in spite of your attempt at helpfulness, others are upset by your interference. This might be where we got the saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." When this happens to us do we respond with indignant anger toward others?
God knows that Cain is angry. And, there's no doubt God knows Cain's plan to escape his brother's shadow. And yet, God warns Cain to manage his anger. God is not saying "Don't be angry," but rather, "Don't hold on to your anger." The Lord's words are, "...you must master it."
When we let anger get the best of us and predominate emotions like forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and even humility, we open that door where "sin is lurking." That is when we act rashly and hurt others, burn our metaphorical bridges, or make poor choices that go against God.
Therefore, let us pray for relief from hurt feelings and anger toward those who hurt us.
In Matthew 5:39, Jesus instructs, "But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also..."
Loving God, we ask that you help us to recognize our moments of anger toward others and lead us to a place of forgiveness and understanding. May we treat each other with the grace and loving mercy you show us at all times. In your Son's name we pray, amen.
Everywhere at Every Time
January 7, 2015
Bible in a year: Romans 1-2
Devotional passage: Romans 1:16 NRSV
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
This text appears at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Romans following his greeting and desire to join them to share spiritual gifts and support. Paul is clarifying his willingness to spread the gospel everywhere and at all times.
When have you known someone in the everyday world beyond church to live the gospel in a visible way in his or her daily life? It is perhaps easier for pastors to project that image since much of their daily lives actually focus on ministry. But, think about the teachers, engineers, farmers, and laborers you know.
I knew an obstetrician whose daughter went to school with me years ago. I often return to my perception of him as a youth and young adult because he seemed to represent so much of God’s good news. As a doctor, he made a good living and lived with his family in a large home in an affluent neighborhood. However, he often opened his home for meetings and church gatherings. His home was well lived in and worn with use rather than the staged showcase of many of his neighbors. For decades, he was the music director at our church and instead of accepting the budgeted pay he asked for it to be donated to church missions. He would also leave for a month at a time to volunteer with “Doctors Without Borders.”
Curt is who I envision when I think of living the gospel fearlessly. With all of his personal wealth and position, he used all of his gifts to serve the church and others without pridefulness or constraint.
How do you live out the gospel each day, what more can you do to be even more fearless about sharing? I challenge you to prayerfully consider the possibilities and then implement them. Let us pray.
Lord, in our hearts and minds we embrace your
good news of salvation through Christ. Help us find ways to show the gospel in
all that we do and empower us to share it with everyone in our lives to your
glory. In Christ’s holy name we pray, amen.
Bible in a year: Romans 1-2
Devotional passage: Romans 1:16 NRSV
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
This text appears at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Romans following his greeting and desire to join them to share spiritual gifts and support. Paul is clarifying his willingness to spread the gospel everywhere and at all times.
When have you known someone in the everyday world beyond church to live the gospel in a visible way in his or her daily life? It is perhaps easier for pastors to project that image since much of their daily lives actually focus on ministry. But, think about the teachers, engineers, farmers, and laborers you know.
I knew an obstetrician whose daughter went to school with me years ago. I often return to my perception of him as a youth and young adult because he seemed to represent so much of God’s good news. As a doctor, he made a good living and lived with his family in a large home in an affluent neighborhood. However, he often opened his home for meetings and church gatherings. His home was well lived in and worn with use rather than the staged showcase of many of his neighbors. For decades, he was the music director at our church and instead of accepting the budgeted pay he asked for it to be donated to church missions. He would also leave for a month at a time to volunteer with “Doctors Without Borders.”
Curt is who I envision when I think of living the gospel fearlessly. With all of his personal wealth and position, he used all of his gifts to serve the church and others without pridefulness or constraint.
How do you live out the gospel each day, what more can you do to be even more fearless about sharing? I challenge you to prayerfully consider the possibilities and then implement them. Let us pray.
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