Devotion for Thursday, September 1 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you 

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Matthew 5:11)

As I shared yesterday, there are times that your faith will put you at odds with others, sometimes with friends and even family.  There is no doubt that this can be difficult, if not, heartbreaking.

One such experience in my life occurred with a friend who, during a time of spiritual wilderness, I was meeting with as a pastoral counselor.  He was searching for God's place in his life and he and I met several times, since I knew his family and had played softball with him.

He made his way through several spiritual practices -- from Buddhism to Judaism to Christianity. He settled on Christianity and began moving toward a very fundamentalist interpretation of the faith. During this time we continued to meet, discuss scripture, and look at varying interpretations of discipleship.  He had begun living a very ascetic life, i.e. no TV or books other than the Bible, very plain clothes, and shutting himself off from family and friends.  He would go to work and spend a significant amount of money on scripture tracks that he would hand out.  He put bumper stickers all over his car that were religious in nature and across his back window it read, "If you died today, where would you go? Heaven or Hell?"  Our meetings stopped soon after.

I would still occasionally see him on the street, where he would be preaching, often outside sporting events.  I would always say hello and at first he was accommodating and would talk with me.  Until one night.

Our congregation was going to a Cincinnati Reds game. I was pushing one of our young mentally ill members into the game in his wheelchair when I spotted him preaching outside the game.  I went over to say hello and he looked at me and began screaming at me.  He said, "Would God want you going into this place of sin? Would Jesus be inside at the game or out here doing what I am doing?" He started quoting scripture at me and telling me that I was a sinner and needed to repent. I was really ticked off.  I was with a handicapped, mentally ill young man who loves the Reds and going to this game was a real highlight for him. I told him this and said that Jesus would be taking this young man to the game too.  Yet, he was having none of this.  

As I left, telling him I would be praying for him and his ministry, he dismissed me and then yelled for all those around to hear, "Pastor Dave you are a false prophet. You are going to Hell and you are leading my family to Hell."  

I admit that what he said bothered me.  Not because I believed he was correct. Of course not. 

What bothered me was that someone who I had spent significant time with and who I consider, if not a friend, at least a friendly acquaintance, would say and think such things about me.  Even as I could intellectually understand what had happened, it still was unpleasant. 

Interestingly, he came by to see me about a month later.  He apologized to me at first. However, he then went about trying to "save" me. He said my faith was counterfeit and I was going to Hell if I did not repent and begin believing as he did.  Without giving the details, let me just say that we did not come to a place of reconciliation.

I have moved past this moment. Still, I've had subsequent moments where people have questioned my faith and questioned my pastoral leadership.  I've been told that I am not faithful enough to scripture. I have been told that I am leading my congregation to ruin.  I have had people question my actions and motivations at various times in my ministry that were a complete surprise to me. And it really sucks when this happens.

Yet, I must say that in these moments of struggle, I have relied heavily, if not solely, on Jesus. And friends, I have been led through moments of ridicule and reviling by remembering that Jesus knows me, my heart, and my intentions. And there is blessing in knowing that at the end of the day (literally and figuratively) I can rest well, even amidst my brokenness, sin, and failings, in the gentle and forgiving arms of a merciful savior.  And in these moments, I even find myself praying for those who have wounded me. And I pray for those who I have wounded. And hopefully, I pray, they are doing the same for me.

Loving Jesus, your love is all that matters. And because you love and value all, that means that I will strive to love like you. Amen.

  

Devotion for Wednesday, August 31 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10)

Take up your cross and follow me.  Jesus says that discipleship will come with a cost.

I often ask myself the question, "What am I willing to lose for my faith?"  The truth is I often want the empty tomb without the cross.  Yet, the reality of the Jesus Way is that resurrection hope comes with crucifixion suffering.  It happens in our faith lives.  It happens in our churches. It happens in our families.

Still, Jesus tells us that when our cross-bearing moments come, we are not alone.  We are as much apart of the kingdom of heaven in the midst of our struggles as we are when things are awesome. There is comfort here.

When we know that all things fall under the auspices of God's love and grace, then we can face all things within the strength of God's love and grace.  And so cross-bearing and resurrection hope are both experiences of kingdom living.  

What are you willing to lose for your faith? Friends, status, some financial security? I have lost all three in my life.  It is not easy. Yet, it is the way of Jesus.

And the reality is that despite what I have lost, I have gained so much more.  And that is the way of Jesus too!

Lord, you never promise an easy life, but you have promised help to live it. Amen.  

Devotion for Tuesday, August 30 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9)

The prevalent witness of scripture is that to be purveyors of peace is a defining characteristic of the Jesus Way.  This is expressed here in powerful words.  

Still, later in the Gospel of Matthew (10:34) Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." 

So, which is it?  

One of the guiding interpretive methodologies that I use as a Lutheran is the principle of "both-and" as opposed to "either-or".  For example, we are both saint and sinner.  Jesus was both divine and human.  The message of the Bible is both law and gospel.  

When Jesus says "blessed are the peacemakers" He is giving us a blueprint for discipleship.  In both great and small ways we are encouraged to seek peace.  With our neighbor. With our co-worker. With the person who votes different from us.  Even within our family.

When Jesus says, "do not suppose that I have come to bring peace" I believe it is a "both-and" situation.  Jesus knows that peace is the way of God.  He also knows that his message will, oftentimes, not bring peace.

Jesus is warning those who will follow him that the Jesus Way, the way of peace, will be passionately resisted by the powers of the world that traffic in exclusion, division, and domination.  And this may occur even in our closest relationships, in our families, and with our friends.  

Still, the way of Jesus, the way of peace, is best exemplified when he says, from the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

The Jesus Way of peace will challenge you and challenge your relationships.  Yet, seeking peace is what children of God do.  May we be so bold.

Lord of peace, may we find ways to be acolytes of peace in our lives and in your name. Amen.  

Devotion for Monday, August 29 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8)

We all know people who we would say are "pure in heart", those gentle and generous souls who inspire our better angels.  I think of my mother.  I think of former parishioners, John and Liz Kovac. I think of Glenn and Alva Combs from here at Bethel.  Among many, many others.  

The thing is, we all have our "pure in heart" moments.  It happens when we are able to find moments of reconciliation, forgiveness, redemption, mercy, promise, etc. in our lives. And if you think about it, you have these moments more often than not.

We tend to focus on our most difficult moments and experiences.  Still, the thing that I believe the "pure in heart" have in spades is an ability to see God in the midst of our most difficult moments and experiences.   

As you live your life know and trust the witness of the "pure in heart" people in your life, those who see God's presence, comfort, and grace amidst the struggles and stress of life.  Because the thing about the "pure in heart" is not that they are perfect, far from it.  But they exhibit a faith maturity that catalyzes hope in their life and the lives of others.

We are blessed to have been given such models in our life.  

God of hope, help us to be "pure in heart" so that we can inspire others to see you. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, August 26 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7)

If you were to read through the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament), you will find the following characterization: The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.  

This declaration is consistent.  It states that among all the many attributes of God -- holiness, omnipotence, righteousness, power, etc. -- these are the most defining. 

I have centered my ministry in this witness.  At the end of the day, the characteristics that are at the heart of the Gospel and most fully expressive of the Jesus Way are grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the fidelity and love of God toward human beings.  

Indeed these characteristics are not the ONLY characteristics that God professes and exhibits.  Of course.  I do believe that the witness of scripture and the words of Christ do say that these are primary.  And so I seek to live my life accordingly.

I strive to live graciously toward others and as St. Paul says, "insofar as it depends on you live peaceably with each other". 

I seek to live mercifully toward others, reminding myself that I have received mercy in times of brokenness and sin.

I strive to be forgiving as I recognize that how forgiveness has shaped me and given me new life in so many ways. 

I seek to remember in times of doubt, shame, and uncertainty that God is faithful amidst our suffering and stress and insecurity out of genuine and personal love for each of us.   

I fail to do this to be sure.  I forget these primary characteristics more than I wish it did.  However, I have committed my life to this vision of the Lord.  It is a vision that I believe the world needs. It is a vision that I believe is worth the energies of my adult life.  It is the vision that I believe changes others life toward a posture and promise of peace.

Lord, you are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, August 25 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6)

In college, I went through a time during my sophomore year where I made a decision to live as righteously as possible.  I was committed to living a life that would be a witness to others on campus. I had recommitted my life to Christ is a new, more mature way.  I became very pietistic and rigorous in my study of scripture and living.  

What I found is that this wasn't me!  Don't misunderstand.  What wasn't me was not being true to my fun-loving, sometimes irreverent nature.  What wasn't me was a judgmental streak that began to rear its head toward others.  What wasn't me was the emphasis on being good enough for God instead of simply living into the beauty of God's love already.

Now, I remained rigorous in studying scripture.  And prayer with my small group.  And I remained committed to the Christian community on campus, worshiping regularly.  However, I realized for my renewed faith to make any difference beyond me, it needed to be authentic and genuine.  Pietistic, judgmental Dave was not authentic and genuine.

What I am thankful for is that I went through this period where I realized that I do hunger and thirst to live a life worthy of Jesus' love for me and this world.  I have learned that do to so in the best possible way, I need to walk that line of honest self-reflection and of being who I am with gusto. Sometimes I may err on one side or the other, but ultimately I know that being who God created me to be and doing so with faithfulness, humility, and adventure, it makes for a pretty filling life of faith!

God, you fill our hunger and thirst for faith.  Inspire us to do the same for others. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, August 24 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5)

What is real strength? I have known some incredibly strong people who would not be considered as such, at least by physical appearance.  The heart patient. The grandmother who took care of her troubled grandchildren.  The teen who stood up for those being bullied.  Strength comes not from an ability to dominate, but from a willingness to subjugate their own ego, time, and fear for the benefit of others.

A religion professor of mine from college, former Bishop of North Carolina Dr. Michael McDaniel, once said this in my Reformation class:  God's power is seen primarily in the powerlessness of Jesus on the Cross.  This paradox is at the heart of Jesus' great reversal, i.e. the first shall be last, the last shall be first.

Strength from God's perspective is seen in a willingness to appear meek, to serve, to offer oneself on behalf of others.  This is where we find true power.  This is why, after Peter rebukes him for saying he must be crucified, Jesus says "you have set your mind, not on divine things, but on human things." To Peter, this was loss, this was weak, this was meekness. To Jesus, it was the selfless, life-giving act that brings salvation and new life.

And isn't the truest reality of God's power seen in his willingness to become one of us? The creator subjecting himself to the wiles of the creation shows unimaginable strength and selflessness that permeates the entire Gospel.

Likewise, the cross is the ideal example of God's central narrative; to bring new life out of death. Or, in other words, to bring strength from meekness, hope from hopelessness, and possibility from uncertainty.  Yes, when we are meek and weak, in fact, it is prime soil for God to cultivate strength and blessing.  

This is why St. Paul says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me ... for whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 9).

God of the meek and weak, continue to make us strong. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, August 23 (The Beatitudes)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4)

The Gospel message of Jesus Christ will "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable".  Indeed, the great reversal of the ministry and model of Jesus echoes the premise and promise of Isaiah 61 "to bring good news to poor, release to the captives, sight to blind, and set the oppressed free."

At the end of the day, the comforting nature of the Gospel is what inspires faith in so many.  When you have felt support, comfort, and strength through prayers, reading of scripture, the great hymns, and love of the church community, it is never forgotten.

I believe that the body of Christ, the Church, can be a place where comforting the afflicted, the mournful, and the suffering is a primary role and ministry.  At our best, the Church is a place of refuge and life-giving support for all, especially those who are marginalized and suffering.

I have seen my congregation support families going through significant health issues.  I have seen my congregation provide a welcome place for those who other congregations have shunned and dismissed because of their differences.  I have seen my congregation reach deep to support the needs of children and women around the world.  I have seen my congregation partner with other congregations to provide warm and safe lodging during the winter months for the homeless.  Not to mention the countless personal and anonymous ways I've witnessed people love, support, and comfort one another.  

I share this because while so many are quick to ridicule "organized religion" I have actually witnessed that despite our flaws, "organized religion" has done, is doing, and will continue to do so much good in this world as the body of Christ.  

Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable is a pretty good bumper sticker I must say. 

Comforting Lord, help us to be about your work and mission for all. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, August 22 (The Beatitudes)

Over the next two weeks, we will be using the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew as our focus. The Beatitudes, from the Latin word beatus which means blessed, begin what is known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  Luke 6 has a similar version.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3)

One of the realities of my world is that I see people who are suffering with a poor spirit.  Perhaps because of anxiety, health issues, professional concerns, or financial strife, so many of us are struggling with poor spirits.  It is not necessarily that folks are always poor in spirit, but periodically they become overwhelmed by the difficulties that are such a natural part of our lives.

Certainly this must have been true in Jesus' time as well.  Different reasons, but the same reality. How comforting that Jesus speaks to this first.  Reminding us that our poor spirits are met by the promise of the Kingdom.  It is easy to assume that our poor spirits are an example of the Kingdom's absence. However, Jesus is saying that it is precisely for our poor spirit experiences that the Kingdom exists!

When we are suffering in anyway, we have the promise of a God who will come near and offer us strength, comfort, and hope.  And the kingdom will bring new life. This is the promise with which Jesus begins His sermon.  It sets the tone for all that is to come.  To know that our difficulties will be lovingly and graciously met by God.

Loving Jesus, continue to remind us to have faith amidst suffering. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, August 19

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Jesus' final declaration here, known as the Great Commission, and the subsequent events of Pentecost, mark the new beginning of the Church!

And this new beginning gives us our marching orders as Jesus followers.  Baptize others into the Jesus Way, teach the Jesus Way, and trust that Jesus is with us! Boom!

The final piece here is the most important.  It is through the living Jesus who is still with us through the gift of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, that we find our strength to preach, teach, baptize, and serve this world in the name of Jesus.  We cannot do this without the Spirit of Jesus. It is the fuel source for faithfulness.

As we live into the new beginnings of our lives, in whatever form they take, we have this promise from the living Jesus.  His promised presence, called the Advocate in the Gospel of John, is the power for hope and strength amidst our new beginnings.  And how wonderful is this!

This allows us to risk new beginnings, to seek new beginnings, and to embrace new beginnings  brought upon us.  All because of this promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Loving Jesus, you commit to us so that we can dare new beginnings. Thank you. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, August 18

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man who name was Joseph, of the House of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  And he came to hear and said, "Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you."  But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus ... Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let be with me according to your word." 

God inaugurates a "new beginning" with human beings by daring to become one of us. And God does so in a most unexpected way ... through an unwed, teenager virgin from an occupied people living humbly in a backwater town.

I believe God chooses Mary exactly because of her lower status and anonymity.  As is the Biblical witness, God often thinks "outside of the box" (i.e. Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Ruth, David, etc.). In Mary, this is most certainly true.

This new beginning marks the commitment of God to us, God's beloved creation.  Amidst our failures and flaws, our imperfections and impurity, God remains faithful.  It is God's fidelity that is truly life-giving and saving for us.  God does not abandon us and God is willing to show no impartiality.  God values the least and the lost and the losers as much as the powerful and the popular and the winners.

God comes near to redeem us all.  And to do so, he will mark new beginnings in any and everyone who says "Here am I, your servant. Let it be with me according to your word."

Loving Jesus, come near my heart today and shape my life toward your purpose. Amen.  

Devotion for Wednesday, August 17

But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be by my people, and your God my God."

In one of the most important books in the Bible that you probably don't know is so important, Ruth, a Moabite, literally embodies the developing inclusion of "outsiders" into the story of YHWH, the Hebrew people, and the salvation of the world.

New beginnings is what this story is all about.  Elimelech and his wife Naomi leave their native land during a famine and take root in Moab, a foreign land.  A new beginning. They have two sons.  Each of the sons take Moabite wives, Ruth being one.  New beginnings. Elimelech dies. A new beginning. And then so do the two sons.  This leaves the women to start all over again.  New beginnings.

Ruth, through her faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi, a Hebrew, grafts herself into the story of God's redemption and reconciliation and will eventually become the great-grandmother of King David.  King David will receive the covenant promise that the Messiah would come from his lineage, a lineage that now includes this foreigner Ruth.

During our various new beginnings, we will have our own "Ruth" who will surprise us with their commitment and faithfulness to help us along our new journey.  And like Ruth was for Naomi, these people in our lives will be agents through whom God will bring blessing.

Loving God, surprise us continually with new friends and new partners for our journey of faith and life. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, August 16

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing ... and in  you all the families of the shall be blessed."

Talk about a new beginning! Right here in Genesis 12 God begins a whole new thing ... blessing a person, a people to be a blessing in the world.  Abram and Sarai are called to take the first leap of faith; to leave all that was familiar and safe and journey with this YHWH on a great adventure that will bless them, yes, but also test them, surprise them, frustrate them, and change them (i.e. soon to be Abraham and Sarah). 

Make no mistake.  In our walk with the Lord we too will be "blessed to be a blessing" as is stated by YHWH to Abram.  And, like Abram and Sarai, we will be tested, surprised, frustrated, and changed! We can't help but experience all of this when we enter into the adventure of faith.  

Remember this as you embark on your journey of faith ... it is always in response to what God has already promised and done on your behalf.  No one, repeat NO ONE, comes to God who God has not already come to first.  

And our response of faith is a risk, yes.  But the risk is not that God will not do what God has promised to do. It is not a risk that God will fail in God's promises.  No, it is a risk for us because we will be changed.  Remember that God's role is not simply to meet our needs, but CHANGE our needs! 

Step out in faith my friends and find the blessedness of being a blessing for the Lord!

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true and help be like you. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, August 15

As students begin school this week, I am going to be sharing devotions that follow a specific theme: new beginnings.  I hope you enjoy.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

As my children begin 8th grade, 3rd grade, and kindergarten this week, I am reminded that each new school year is a journey unto itself.  In 2nd grade, I learned that it was ok to make mistakes and not heap so much pressure on myself.  In 3rd-4th grade, I took that lesson probably too much to heart as I became more interested in getting in trouble than learning.  In 5th grade, from a wonderful teacher, I received grace and patience and was redirected toward a balance of fun and learning that stayed with me for the rest of my school days.  Each year, and each season of life, was something new.

As we begin this week long study of "new beginnings" I wanted to start at the beginning.  God takes a formless void, one with potential and real darkness, and brings light and life.  The same is true for each new year, new job, new relationship, etc.  They all come with anticipation and apprehension.  

God promises to be there.  God invokes a word into our new beginnings, a word that promises presence and involvement.  A word that is steadfast and reliable.  God says, "Let there be light" and it is not an empty word. And there was light!  God, you see, can be trusted as we embark on new beginnings.

I am not sure what your new beginning is or will be.  But God's word abides and assures you that you are not alone, and that whatever darkness you may fear, or whatever uncertainty may concern you, know that God's word speaks promise and fidelity so that you can begin each new beginning with hope.

God of new beginnings, bless and keep us as we travel unfamiliar roads. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, August 5 (C.S. Lewis Quotes Week)

Born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland, C.S. Lewis went on to teach at Oxford University and became a renowned apologist writer, using logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. He is also known throughout the world as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which have been adapted into various films for the big and small screens.  Find out more here.

I didn't go to religion to make me happy. 

I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. 

If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, 

I certainly don't recommend Christianity

It is said that the Gospel "comforts the afflicted" and "afflicts the comfortable."  

Indeed, our life with Jesus will cause us to live outside of our comfort zone, to face our own foibles and insecurities, to step out in faith when it seems ridiculous, and to jeopardize the status that the world so desperately tells us we need.  

If you don't want this kind of life, Christianity will disappoint you.

If you embrace this life, however, Christianity will change you and show you more than you could ever know.

Faith is risk. So risk faith my friends! Risk faith! It won't be easy but nothing that matters in this world ever is. So risk faith, because Jesus is not only worth the risk but worthy of the risk!

Jesus, may we love you as you have already loved us! Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, August 4 (C.S. Lewis Quotes Week)

Born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland, C.S. Lewis went on to teach at Oxford University and became a renowned apologist writer, using logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. He is also known throughout the world as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which have been adapted into various films for the big and small screens. Find out more here.

A Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, 

but that God will make us good because He loves us.

At the heart of our faith is that God is the subject of active verbs! 

God loves. God heals. God redeems. God saves. God inspires. God comforts. God restores. God challenges. God reconciles. God shows up!

God acts first. We respond.  God works faith in us when we don't have any.  God offers forgiveness before we even recognize we need it. God believes in us before we believe in ourselves.  At the end of the day, we simply respond to what God is first doing in our lives. This may be the most important reality we ever learn.

Loving God, open our eyes to your work and love. Amen. 

Devotion for Wednesday, August 3 (C.S. Lewis Quotes Week)

Born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland, C.S. Lewis went on to teach at Oxford University and became a renowned apologist writer, using logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. He is also known throughout the world as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which have been adapted into various films for the big and small screens. Find out more here.

"I have found a desire within myself that no experience in this world can satisfy; 

the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

Our ultimate concern!  That is what the renowned 20th century theologian, Paul Tillich, said about God.  God is our ultimate concern.  And, I would say, mysteriously engaged with us beyond our ability to recognize.

I once read a that we are not "human beings with a spiritual experience" but instead "spiritual beings with a human experience".  I identify with this.  And it seems that this is what Lewis is hinting at in his quote.  

There is something greater beyond our mere human experiences.  We have been created for something greater.  I call that God.

Creator of All, we thank you for life and for spending our life with us. Amen.  

Devotion for Tuesday, August 2 (C.S. Lewis Quotes Week)

Born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland, C.S. Lewis went on to teach at Oxford University and became a renowned apologist writer, using logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. He is also known throughout the world as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which have been adapted into various films for the big and small screens.  Find out more here.

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."

God does not need our worship!  God is worthy to be worshiped, of course.  But God does not need our worship.  We worship because it is right and faithful and God meets us there and nourishes and sustains our lives in our doing so. But God does not need our worship like we may need affirmation and validation.

Why? Because, God is God!

We worship and serve God in our lives because God is worthy to worship and to serve. And it allows us to engage the work of the Kingdom of God in our lives.  Still, God will get what God wants.  God will enact God's purpose and will. 

I simply pray that in my life and in my living that I might come along for the ride!

Omnipotent God, may we get on board with you! Amen.   

Devotion for Monday, August 1 (C.S. Lewis Quotes Week)

Born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast, Ireland, Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis went on to teach at Oxford University and became a renowned apologist writer, using logic and philosophy to support the tenets of his Christian faith. He is also known throughout the world as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series, which have been adapted into various films for the big and small screens.  Find out more here.

This week, I will be using quotes from C.S. Lewis as our inspiration for connecting with God.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: 

not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

I have come to understand that Christian "belief" is less an academic exercise and instead a commitment to a lifestyle and defining narrative for life.  Lewis expertly posits this understanding with these words.

The Christian message of "new life out of death" defines and shapes my life and actions and thoughts.  As Lewis says here, I too have come to trust this completely and give my life to this message.

This narrative invites us to find places and spaces of reconciliation, redemption, forgiveness, and hope.  For here, we are experiencing "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  

Loving God, help us to live into the great promise of resurrection and trust its saving work. Amen.