Devotion for Monday, February 29

Readings for the Day

   Psalm 77, 80

   Genesis 44: 18-34

   I Corinthians 7: 25-31

   Mark 5: 21-43

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds (Psalm 77:11-12)

One of the great gifts we have in life is the ability to remember.  When this escapes us, as perhaps you  have experienced with a loved one, it can be disheartening.  I remember visiting my grandmother who was suffering with dementia.  She had no idea who I was.  Fortunately, she was "pleasantly confused" as our family would say.  She enjoyed seeing me, and her love for me was evident.  She just couldn't remember me.  And it was sad.  

The psalmist speaks to the powerful gift that remembering can be for our lives of faith.  In the midst of struggles and pains, we are encouraged to remember that God has come through before and God will come through again. In fact, God comes through for us, for our world, and amidst the events that shape our lives as a matter of course.  It is was God does, even though it may not seem like it at times, primarily because God is not coming through how we want God to do so.  Still, we have many millennium of evidence that God does and will work hope and promise into our lives.

The psalmist reminds us to meditate and muse on how God meets us, redeems us, and restores us in our lives.  As we do this, we come to find that we can trust God yet again to encourage hope and offer grace to us.  I believe that one of the great gifts of worship is having a weekly reminder of this activity of God.  Worship invites us to remember again the mighty acts and wonders of God in Christ.

God who remembers us, help us to be faithful in remembering who you are and whose we are. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, February 26

Readings for the Day
   Psalm 69:1-38, 73, 95
   Genesis 43: 1-15
   I Corinthians 7: 1-9
   Mark 4: 35-41

But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 

"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38)

In the midst of anxiety and the storms of life, how often do we wonder if Jesus is asleep on us too? I remember a particularly difficult time in my life, a time of anxiety, uncertainty, and stress that continually led me to a place of wondering if God was anywhere to be found.  It is a very real human reaction in the midst of fear and struggle.

However, Jesus is there, even if we don't believe that we have his full attention.  I love that in this account he is asleep, resting amidst our storms.  When he wakes he stills the storm and eases their anxiety.  Yet he questions this anxiety of theirs by asking, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 

I don't hear this as condemnation as much as I hear it as surprise.  Jesus is genuinely surprised that his teaching and leading still has not taken root with the disciples.  Yet, do we not have similar experiences in our families, with our children, in our professions, with co-workers, etc.?  

During my difficult time, I remember Heidi listening to me as I spoke out of fear and frustration one afternoon.  After I was finished she simply looked at me and asked, "David, don't you believe in God?"  When I said that of course I do, she said, "Then trust that God's got this! It's going to be fine!"

It was her "Have you no faith?"  moment to me.  And it worked. It reminded me that the storms and stresses and struggles of our lives can not drown the power of Jesus to bring healing, wholeness, and new life.  

As my friend Tom says, "Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how big your God is!"

Loving Jesus, help us embrace the storms of life with the confidence of your saving grace. Amen.  

   

Devotion for Thursday, February 25

Readings for the Day
   Psalm 71, 74
   Genesis 42: 29-38
   I Corinthians 6: 12-20
   Mark 4: 21-34

Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, 

for you are my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 71:3)

Enjoy as the devotion for today!

Devotion for Wednesday, February 24

Readings for the Day
   Psalm 72, 119: 73-96
   Genesis 42: 18-28
   I Corinthians 5:9-6:8
   Mark 4: 1-20

Listen! A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold (Mark 4:3-9)

Jesus tells this parable and then explains it verses 13-20.  You have probably heard the explanations that each of the four soils show how the Word of God can be experienced, dependent on the reception and circumstances of those who hear it.  The path indicates that for some the word never takes any root and is blown away.  The rocky ground indicates those who receive the word immediately and joyously, but because it is not rooted, it does not endure.  The thorny ground indicates those who respond to the Word, but the cares, desires, and struggles of the world (thorns) choke it out of them. The good soil indicates those who hear the Word, accept it, root it in community and scripture, and bear fruit.

I interpret this parable as not exclusively talking about different people, but instead addressing the different kinds of soil that we can be at different times in our lives.  At times I have been a stone path and not responded to the Word in midst.  At others times I been rocky ground, responding immediately but doing little to preserve and root my faith.  Still, at other times, I've allowed the cares of the world and my selfish desires to choke away my faith.  Yet, graciously, at times I've also been good soil, where the Word has comforted me, inspired me, and transformed me.

The best news of this parable, however, is seen in that the sower, God, keeps on sowing seeds in our lives, giving us continuous opportunities to respond as good soil.

Lord, make my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your Word. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, February 23

Readings for the Day
   Psalm 61, 62, 68:1-36
   Genesis 42: 1-17
   I Corinthians 5: 1-8
   Mark 3: 19b-35

And [Jesus] replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3: 33-35)

At first glance, these words from Jesus seem harsh, if not at least ungrateful.  Isn't his mother Mary, the Virgin mother, the one who was visited by the angel Gabriel, given the incredible news of her pregnancy, and who shows an incredible trust and witness to faith in the aftermath of such news? Are not his brothers the ones who will lead his ministry in Jerusalem in the future?

I interpret Jesus' words here as carrying a hyperbole that offers a significant insight into life in the kingdom of God.  Less dismissive than prescriptive, Jesus is showing those around him that the ultimate familial relationships in our lives are found within the kingdom of God.  While our families at home and our families of faith often comprise the same people, Jesus wants to make it clear which holds priority.  And this is how it should be.

Our relationship with Jesus shapes all other relationships we hold dear.  As the words of the familiar hymn share, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness."  As we do, we come to find that all of our relationships can become more blessed and more a fulfillment of the abundant life God desires for us all.

Jesus, help us to live in harmony with those around us, finding strength and wisdom in our relationship with you. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, February 22

Readings for the Day
   Psalm 56, 57, 64, 65
   Genesis 41: 46-57
   I Corinthians 4: 8-21
   Mark 3: 7-19a

During the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. [Joseph] gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty, and stored up food in the cities ... The seven years of plenty came to an end: and the seven years of famine began to come.  And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians ... Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 41: 46-57)

It is this act of Joseph, being prepared and divinely inspired, that leads to his greatest triumph.  His foresight and his willingness to trust God's guidance is what saves the day, literally for the Egyptians and the many nations around them.

I have always seen this story of Joseph as one that hints at the power of the Jesus narrative.  Like Jesus, Joseph goes through significant struggle - from being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery to being wrongly imprisoned in Egypt.  Throughout it all, Joseph remains committed to his relationship with God and trusts God to see him through.  Joseph then becomes the one who "saves" the lives of countless people during a pervasive drought.

The key for me in this whole saga is Joseph's faith.  And it is this kind of faith that can indeed serve our lives as well.  As we remain steadfast to the God who is steadfast toward us, we find our way through struggles and doubt, and become instruments whom God uses to bring blessing to the world. How beautiful it is when we come to realize that our lives, regardless of their particular circumstance, are ripe for God's renewal, redemption, and reclamation.

Steadfast Lord, inspire our faithfulness and trust so that we can be blessings to others. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, February 19

Readings of the Day
   Psalm 40, 51, 54, 96
   Genesis 40: 1-23
   I Corinthians 3: 16-23
   Mark 2: 13-22

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God (Psalm 40:3a)

As we read Psalm 40, we are encountered by a writer who has definitely felt a sense of rescue, forgiveness, healing, and renewal.  It is a powerful psalm with which, I believe, we can all identify.

In our most desperate moments, during our most heart-wrenching days, and amidst our most painful experiences, we can feel as if we are languishing, if not drowning, in sorrow, struggle, and shame. We need and cry for deliverance.  And when we feel and experience this desired deliverance, we move, almost literally, from mourning into dancing.

I love the image of a "new song" as indicative of life-giving renewal of spirit and hope.  I always enjoy it when I find a new favorite song (which happens alot).  Back in the day, when it would come on the radio, I would turn it up and sing with gusto.  I expect you know what I mean.

So, whenever you experience a strong and powerful sense of forgiveness and grace it is like a hearing your favorite song!  It will bring you joy! And your joy will lead you to praise and thanksgiving!

Saving God, help us to sing and dance to the rhythm of your grace and hope. Amen.





   

Devotion for Thursday, February 18

Readings for the Day

   Psalm 19, 46, 50

   Genesis 39:1-23

   I Corinthians 2:14-3:15

   Mark 2:1-12

And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay (Mark 2:4)

To what lengths will you go to bring others to Jesus?  

The lesson today from Mark is one that encapsulates the beauty and power of Christian community. The friends of this paralytic man are unwilling to let barriers keep them from bringing him to what they believe to be a chance at healing, at wholeness, at new life.  The commitment they make to not let anything keep them from doing something special for their friend is inspiring and humbling.

I ponder if I am as supporting of others as these friends.  I wonder if I readily seek opportunities to share with those in need the healing and life-giving message of Jesus' love?  How willing am I to not only pray for others, but, in the moment, pray with others?  Do difficult barriers dissuade me from following through with helping others who truly need my help?

May the message today of courageous Christian friendship invite us to consider how we can model this same loving and selfless behavior in our lives.

Loving Jesus, guide us to serve others and love others as you have first served and loved us! Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, February 17

Readings of the Day

  Psalm 49, 119:49-72

  Genesis 37: 25-36

  I Corinthians 2: 1-13

  Mark 1: 29-45

In the morning, while it was still very dark, [Jesus] got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed (Mark 1:35)

I once read a book by Henri Nouwen called Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life. He wrote the following words about Mark 1:35 as an introduction to his book.  I want to share them with you today.

In the middle of sentences loaded with action - healing suffering people, traveling from town to town and preaching from synagogue to synagogue - we find these quiet words.  In the center of breathless activities we hear a restful breathing.  Surrounded by hours of moving we find a moment of quiet stillness.  In the heart of much involvement there are words of withdrawal.  In the midst of action there is contemplation.  And after much togetherness there is solitude.  The more I read this near silent sentence locked in between the loud words of action, the more I have the sense that the secret of Jesus' ministry is hidden in that lonely place where he went to pray, early in the morning, long before dawn.

In the lonely place Jesus finds the courage to follow God's will and not his own; to speak God's words and not his own; to do God's work and not his own.  It is in the lonely place, where Jesus enters into intimacy with the Father, that his ministry is born (Nouwen).

Loving Lord, guide us toward those special places apart where we can find intimacy with you. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, February 16

Readings for the Day

  Psalms 45, 47, 48

  Genesis 37: 12-24

  I Corinthians 1: 20-31

  Mark 1: 14-28

We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple (Psalm 48:9)

Why worship at church?  I've been asked this question many times.  People tell me how they can worship God at home, reading their Bible, looking at the beautiful creation, or simply walking through the woods or on the beach.  And indeed, these can be meaningful worshipful experiences to be sure.

I usually answer that worship in community is different.  To be sure, we can have particularly meaningful personal moments in worship.  This is great.  However, worship in community is not so much about our personal feelings or experiences.  Instead, community worship is where the disciples of Jesus consider the nature and wonder of God's love, grace, forgiveness, and peace.

Mostly, we come to be reminded amidst our anxiety, our struggles, and our brokenness that Christ remains steadfast in His commitment to us.  Our brokenness and our sinfulness do not disqualify us. Jesus does not abandon us amidst our doubts, fears, and failings. No, instead, God remains ever faithful to us.  And it is this ever-present, ongoing promise that makes worship not only meaningful, but necessary!

God of steadfast love, may we remain as faithful to you as you are to us. Amen.  

Devotion for Monday, February 15

Readings for the Day
  Psalms 41, 44, 52
  Genesis 37: 1-11
  I Corinthians 1: 1-19
  Mark 1: 1-13

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1)

The Gospel of Mark is unique among its close brethren, Matthew and Luke.  Mark was written first (65-70 A.D.).  Matthew and Luke made use of Mark when writing their gospels.  Because of this, the three gospels are called the synoptic gospels, meaning that they are similar to each other (syn means "with"; optic means "to see", i.e. "to see with").

However, unlike the other two, Mark has no infant narrative and no genealogy.  Instead, in these first 13 verses we move quickly through the account of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus, and then his temptation in the wilderness.  Mark wastes no time moving into Jesus' Galilean ministry and his journey to Jerusalem.  It is the shortest of the four gospels and the one with the least amount of extraneous stories and accounts, because Mark is almost single-minded in his focus on Jesus' journey to the cross.

For Mark, it is the cross that most fully defines Jesus as messiah.  This seeming act of defeat, the crucifixion, is actually victory; victory over sin, over the power of death, and over all the forces that seek to dominate and claim superiority in this world.

At the time of Jesus, the term gospel referred to the good news of Roman military victories abroad. However, in an act of defiance, Mark claims this designation, gospel/good news for Jesus' victory over sin, death, and yes, even the Roman empire.  And all the other gospels followed suit!

Victorious God, may the cross be an ever-present reminder to us of your power, your love, and your grace. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, February 12

Readings for the Day

  Psalms 31, 35, 95

  Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32

  Philippians 4: 1-9

  John 17: 9-19

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 4-7)

How can we rejoice in all things? When a loved one dies? When a natural disaster occurs? When war rages? When we lose our job? When a relationship ends? When our parent, spouse, or child are struggling with addiction?  What can it mean to "rejoice always"?

Paul offers here that the act of rejoicing in the Lord is a choice.  Amidst any struggle and even during emotional or physical pain, the Lord has promised to share these moments with us.  And he does so by offering a "peace which surpasses all understanding."  A peace that can accompany the death of a loved one, or the horrors of war, or the disillusionment of a relationship.  This is the only kind of peace that can comfort and sustain us when the promises of this world fail us yet again.

Rejoice as choice does not mean celebration of unfortunate incidents or condoning of hurtful actions. It simply allows us to trust God and to live with hope amidst the uncertainty, frustration, and anger that so often befalls our world and our lives. 

This promise of Hope, this promise of the Lord's unwavering commitment to us no matter what, gives us every reason to rejoice that we are not alone, nor ultimately defined by our struggles, pains, and doubts. God offers real, lasting, and surprising hope. Always.

Loving God, enliven our spirit during difficult times and help us to live with hope. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, February 11

Readings for the Day
  Psalm 37
  Habakkuk 3: 1-18
  Philippians 3: 12-21
  John 17: 1-8

Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way, though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand, (Psalm 37: 23-24)

When I was a child I delighted in holding the hand of my father or mother.  At some point, this changed and it seemed less important to me.  I now see it in my children.

Oh, how I love it when my kids hold my hand.  It is such a special thing to feel connected to my children.  I am missing the hand-holding portion of our lives together.  I imagine God feels the same.

When we hold the hand of our Lord, like when we do so as children with our parents, there is an inherent trust and love there.  Of course, in our society it would seem a bit strange for me to walk around holding the hand of my almost teenager.  I get that.  Still, as a metaphor for our life with God, I hope that I have never let go of God's hand in my life.  I am still that child who needs the security and safety of the Father's hand.  For like my earthly father, my heavenly Father can keep me from running out into unknown dangers and remain by my side in the midst of fearful moments.  This comfort and peace, which God desires for us, is something I hope I never forget to cling to in my life of discipleship.

Loving Father, help me to remain side by side with you in my walk of faith. Amen.

Devotion for Ash Wednesday (February 10, 2016)

Readings for Ash Wednesday
  Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17
  Psalm 51: 1-17
  2 Corinthians 5: 20b-6:10
  Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit (Psalm 51: 10-12)

As we begin our Lenten season, a season of reorientation and renewal, I invite you to take these words to heart as Jesus seeks to change our hearts, our words, our actions and our minds.

For some, change can be seen as a bad word.  No one really likes change.  I don't necessarily embrace it as much as perhaps I should.  However, the world around us and the realities of our lives are always changing.  We can't stop that from happening.

So, how can we change with an eye, ear, and heart focused on God?  That is the call of Lent, that is the hope and promise of this season.  I invite you to change over the next forty days.  Read a devotion daily. Share resources with the needy and poor.  Offer forgiveness you've been denying.  Embrace a healthier lifestyle.  Lent affords you an opportunity to do something new, a holy do-over if you will.

Throughout, Lent, Monday through Friday each week, I will be offering daily devotions.  This marks a change for me, offering these publicly.  While I have done public devotions many times in the past, I am excited to offer them again here during Lent this year.  I hope you enjoy!

Let us pray ... God of all, guide me to change in ways pleasing to you, in solidarity with others, and for the purpose of the Kingdom.  Amen.