Devotion for Friday, September 30

Last night at choir practice, we sang this song. I love it! Enjoy as our devotion today!

Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service

Albert F. Bayly 
Words © 1988 Oxford University Press

Lord, whose love through humble service 
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
offered mercy's perfect deed;
we, you servants, 
bring the worship not of voice alone, 
but hear, consecrating 
to your purpose ever gift that you impart.

Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As, O Lord, your deep compassion 
healed the sick and freed the soul,
use the love your Spirit kindles
still to save and make us whole.

As we worship, grand us vision, 
till your love's revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness,
dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear, 
stirring us to tireless striving, 
your abundant life to share.

Called by worship to your service, 
forth in your dear name we go, 
to the child, the youth the aged,
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort, 
counsel, aid, and peace we give, 
that your servants, Lord, 
in freedom may your mercy know and live.

Devotion for Thursday, September 29

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above (Colossians 3:1)

I am a preacher's son. I went to church every week and our life revolved around the work of the church. My grandparents were active church goers, with my grandfather being a choir director for many years.

I have been raised with Christ in my life. I am attempting to raise my children with Christ. If I thought I had it hard as a preacher's kid, my children have it doubly hard.  They are up early for worship, and Sunday school, and then remain at Bethel all morning, each Sunday.  At least I was able to go home with mom early and didn't have to stay at church all day.  My kids spent all morning, every Sunday at church.  They are not only raised with Christ they are being raised IN the church.  

And honestly, I am so proud of my children for not being difficult about all of this.  They simply go with it. They realize to some degree I imagine that there is really nothing they can do about it, but I do believe that because of awesome friends and other people who spend time with them each Sunday, they have come to accept and value their time at Bethel each Sunday.

So, while they have a little less freedom than most kids on Sunday, they are receiving something pretty neat too. They are being shaped by loving, caring Jesus followers.  I value this for them. I value that other adults are helping them see that living and loving like Jesus is important.  I am thankful that they are receiving this message from people other than just Heidi and me.

Lord Jesus, thank you for those who shape the faith lives of our children, as they are precious as gold. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, September 28

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, 

there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28)

We are currently having a really fun and engaging study at our Adult Forum on Sunday mornings.  It is entitled, "Seeing Gray in a Black and White World: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics." This study was chosen to coincide with the months leading up to the presidential election intentionally.  

I feel that we should not be shy about talking together about difficult issues in the church. As followers of Jesus, our unity in Him allows us to dare tread into the places and topics that could be divisive among us. 

In Christ, our unity defines us amidst our diversity. And as we begin to embrace our unity in Christ, we find that our diversity is a gift.  And as we embrace our unity and honor our diversity, then we built meaningful community. 

Unity ... Diversity ... Community!  All to be experienced within the fabric of God's love and grace!

Lord Jesus, may we always seek to find our unity in you and with each other. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, September 27

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17)

Like the apostles, we all seek to grow in faith.  There are moments in our lives, seasons even, when we are confident in discipleship, excited about discipleship, and have energy around our discipleship.

And then there are times when we are exhausted - by life, by fear, by uncertainty.  And in these moments, we need strength and an "increase" in our ability to be faithful.

Jesus reminds us that the "amount" of faith is not important.  It is not dissimilar to water in baptism. You are not "more baptized" with more water.  It is like bread and wine amounts at communion.  You do not have "more forgiveness" with a larger wafer or a longer sip from the chalice. 

The power of faith does not come from us, Jesus is saying.  God can use whatever we have to bring wisdom, comfort, strength, and peace.  This is the gift of God in our lives. It is not up to us. The beautiful truth from Jesus today is this; trust, even a little bit, is a powerful tool in the hands of a mighty God!

Lord Jesus, you are enough to bring us through our fears and struggles. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, September 26

Success in golf depends less on strength of body 

than upon strength of mind and character (Arnold Palmer)

I met Arnold Palmer once. A colleague invited me to play golf with him in Orlando at Bay Hill, Arnold's course, where my colleague was a member.

As it turned out, Arnold was in line when I teed off the first hole (I hit my best drive of the day fortunately).  As we went around the course I was acutely aware that ARNOLD PALMER was playing the group behind us and that we saw them regularly as we made our way around the course.  Believe me, having a legend and the owner of the golf course playing behind you keeps you from playing slow.

On one hole, I drove right off the tee (shocker) and ended up having to pitch back over a tree onto the green.  As I prepared to hit my shot, a golf cart rode up in my peripheral vision.  Instinctively, I look over and there was Arnie, looking right at me. My heart skipped a beat and as the King watch I hit my only other wonderful shot of the day, right over the tree onto the green.  As far as I know, Arnold Palmer saw me hit two shots -- my excellent drive off the first tee, and my approach shot over a tree onto the green.  As far as I know, Arnie believes I am a tremendous golfer! 

Afterwards, in the locker room, which was also had a bar, we sat and enjoyed the 19th hole, Arnie came in and we approached him as he was sitting at the bar. My friend introduced me and I told Arnold that it was an honor to meet him and shared that my wife had attended Wake Forest, like he did.  He said that obviously she was a smart woman!

Hearing of Arnold's passing I am thankful that his life and values were on display for the world to see.  A man of grace, humility, strength, and courage he gained notoriety not only for being a great golfer, but for being the one who took a country-club sport and brought it to a mass audience purely through his personality and greatness.

It reminds us that our lives can make a difference, especially if we live with character and courage. We will most likely not achieve the fame and influence of someone like Arnold Palmer. But having someone of such statue live so well, it reminds us of our better angels and what is possible.

Today, I lift an Arnold Palmer in honor of Arnold Palmer!

Loving Lord, thank you for the life of Arnold Palmer and bless the Palmer family and all those who mourn today. Amen. 

Devotion for Friday, September 23 (A Week with First Peter)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God ... 

Cast your anxiety on him, because he cares for you (I Peter 5:6-7)

We have all used the phrase "at the end of the day".  I think this means that after all the noise and distractions of our day, the final moments as we reflect on all that has happened can be rich soil for learning from and leaning into the love of our Lord.  

Whenever I have had trouble sleeping at night it is generally because of anxiety; either personal anxiety or professional anxiety (and, I must say, occasionally sports anxiety brought on by my beloved Redskins, bless their hearts!).  What I try to remember in these moments is to cast my anxiety on the Lord.

It is not always easy. Sometimes my mind will be so full of negative thoughts and disappointments and frustrations that I wonder if I will ever fall asleep.  And it is not fun to lay there "at the end of the day" eyes wide open, heart racing, and just wanting to fall asleep.  

Still, except for a few "dark nights of the soul", I have eventually fallen asleep after praying for the Lord's presence, and I wake up the next day in a different state of mind.  It is the gift that "at the end of the day" we are met by our Lord who leads us into a "new day" full of hope, possibility, and promise.

May we remember that our anxieties are never too big or too overwhelming for the comfort that God will bring. The peace that surpasses all circumstances is real. I have felt it. You have felt it too I suspect.

As we experience humility in our sin and brokenness, we are built up by the Lord's grace and mercy and power.  We are not "at the end of the day" defined by our failures and missteps. Instead, "at the end of the day" we are met that the Lord who cares for us, values us, and will strengthen us.  

Lord at the end of our days, meet us in our pain, comfort us in our shame, and draw us close to you. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, September 22 (A Week with First Peter)

But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed (I Peter 3:14)

You will suffer for Christ as you follow Him.  You will struggle because of your faith. You will be ridiculed for the way that you live your life in Christ. You may be persecuted, and you may even die.

Quite a recruiting strategy huh?

Come, join our church, join our movement, and then go through some seriously difficult times and perhaps even lose your life! Awesome!

Well this is what the early Christians went through.  To be sure, our lives are not nearly as fraught with direct danger.  We will not be incarcerated for going to worship.  However, the reality is that living the life of faith will put us at odds with others, lead us to take action that is against our own personal and financial interest, and may even put us in harms way.

When this happens in your life, the comfort offered is that we are blessed amidst our struggles because we are following the work of Jesus.  And this is comfort to us who love Jesus.

If I am following Jesus and it brings me into conflict or struggle or frustrating situations, I know that I can sleep well, and deal with the issues at hand because I am confident in my faith and my work. It may be difficult or maddening or sad.  Still, faithfully following the Jesus Way will bring its own reward, a reward that will trump other struggles.  This I have experienced and this I know to be true.

Lord, grant us the strength to serve you and find our comfort in you. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, September 21 (A Week with First Peter)

Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you, 

they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God (1 Peter 2:11)

Although Paul in Romans 12 says, "insofar as it depends on you, live peaceably with each other", we know that this is often very difficult.  Especially if others have hurt us or wounded us. 

To conduct ourselves honorably, we must put effort and energy into being honorable and peaceful in our dealings with others.  It takes WORK!

When Jesus calls us love our neighbor as ourselves, I don't believe he means for us to have the same emotional depth of feeling for others as we have for those most dear to us. So, loving our neighbor isn't about feelings and emotions.  It is about behavior.

Our reading today reminds us that our behavior toward others matters.  Living with honor, treating others with fairness, and showing integrity in our relationships is up to us.  As we do this, we reflect our faith and our Lord to the world. And this matters!

Jesus followers have a blessed opportunity to be the most generous, welcoming, committed, and courageous people. Following the example of Jesus we are called to live and love like Jesus.  But like for Jesus, this is not easy nor without danger and struggle.  

We need prayer to live and love like Jesus. We need scripture to help us live and love like Jesus. We need worship to help us live and love like Jesus. We need community to live and love like Jesus.

And as we learn to live honorably and love indiscriminately like Jesus, then the world will notice and the world will change!

Honorable Christ, through our actions and activities, may we be beacons of light and peace amidst the darkness of the world. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, September 20 (A Week with First Peter)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light 

(I Peter 2: 9)

We are chosen by God to proclaim the mighty acts of the One who shines light into the darkness.

I believe that this reading encapsulates our Christian life so well.  

First, God acts.  God chooses us. God comes near. God calls us unique and special. This is the work of a benevolent God who loves and redeems and invites us into a new life with him.

Second, we respond. We have the opportunity to share about the mighty acts of God.  This is our opportunity, our CALLING, to remind people of the God who brings us through the dark times and into the hope of light! 

God is up to this kind of stuff ALL THE TIME! We have the biblical witness, yes, but we also have the witness of friends helping friends through tough times, congregations who support those in need, ministries that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and offer safe harbor to the refugee.  

We have been called and named as God's own. We have been given an amazing message to tell. Let us live into the wonderful gift of faith with clear eyes, full hearts, and strong voices. 

Jesus, you have called us your own. May we live with boldness and courage. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, September 19 (A Week with First Peter)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 

(I Peter 1:3-4)

"This letter is one of the most hope-filled books in the New Testament. Its purpose is to encourage Christian converts living in the midst of a hostile society. It does this by emphasizing their new life and salvation in the risen Christ (who is their "living hope"), showing how they became heirs of the people of God described in the Old Testament, and helping them understand what it means to live faithfully among people who ridicule and harass them. Throughout this letter, Jesus Christ's life, and especially his suffering, is used as an example of how they are to understand and bear their sufferings as they seek to do God's will (Luther Seminary Online Study Source, "Enter the Bible")."

We all need hope, especially during difficult times, and these can certainly be described a difficult and uncertain times.  As we explore First Peter this week, let us remember that this promise of hope amidst suffering was at the heart of the early church.  From irrelevancy to persecution, the early Christians were outsiders and subject to untold sufferings.  Yet, they found great hope in the story and life of Jesus and his promise.

May we remember amidst our sufferings that hope will see us through too.

Lord of Hope, may we find strength in your promises at all times. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, September 16 (A Week with Philemon)

So, if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me (vs. 17)

As we conclude this week, we consider these words from Paul.

We notice that Paul's appeals to his partnership with Philemon.  We don't always use this word in our Christian communities, but perhaps we should.

The congregation I serve is in partnership with me and each other in the work of living and loving like Jesus.  Being partners means that we have shared interest and shared investment in our ministry. In other words, we are all in this together.  Martin Luther calls this the priesthood of all believers,  

Being partners allows us, expects us even, to call each other to live into the Way of Jesus. Paul invites Philemon to respond in a different way that the Roman world expects and sanctions. Paul reminds Phielmon of the unity we share in Christ. 

It is interesting that later in the letter, Paul asks Philemon to make up a room for him so he can visit. This tells me that partnership means something to Paul.

He is asking Philemon to accept a difficult challenge. But Paul is also willing to come and help him do it. This model, a willingness to truly walk with another amidst a difficulty, as partners, as brothers and sisters in Christ, remains the model for Christian community. 

Loving Jesus, help us to live and love following the example of Paul and Philemon. Amen.

  

Devotion for Thursday, September 15 (A Week with Philemon)

I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, 

whose father I have become during my imprisonment (vs. 10)

This is the reason for the letter to Philemon, a very difficult and potentially divisive request; receive back your runaway slave into the community, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

Philemon hosts the burgeoning Christian community in his home. This request from Paul seeks to offer a visible example of the reconciliation and partnership.

In a real way, Paul is acting as an advocate for Onesimus. This was legally appropriate in Roman times. Slaves could leave their masters to seek an advocate to help bring reconciliation. Initially, it seems Paul was reluctant because first, he knows Philemon to be a good faithful man, and second because he did not know Onesimus. 

It is clear that Onesimus did something wrong to Philemon.  Perhaps he stole money, or perhaps he wronged Philemon by ineffectively doing his job. Many slaves in Roman times did menial labor, etc. Others were more like household mangers. We don't know what exactly Onesimus' role was in the household of Philemon, but we do know that whatever he did, he most probably fled out of legitimate fear of what Philemon could legally do to him.

The letter to Philemon serves as an advocacy letter on behalf of Onesimus.  The letter encourages (if not demands) that Philemon, in Christian love and partnership, receive Onesimus back, not merely as one who has wronged him, but as a brother in Christ.

We can identify with all three main characters in this letter. Like Paul, we have at times needed to invite others we care about to find forgiveness in Christ for another. Like Philemon, we have had to work toward reconciliation with another who has wronged us. Like Onesimus, we have had moments where we wronged another, caused them great pain, and were uncertain about what the future may hold with them.

No matter which character you may identify with at this moment in your lives (if not several of them), there is an unmistakable call to respond faithfully. And to do so it will not be easy. And this is the reality of reconciliation.  It is never easy.  It is hard work. It makes us vulnerable. Yet it is the only way reconciliation occurs.

We need only consider the cross to see that this is true.

Lord Jesus, the way of reconciliation is not for the faith of heart. Empower our hearts to seek and be receptive to reconciliation in our lives. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, September 14 (A Week with Philemon)

For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, 

yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis on love (vss. 8-9)

Invitation and Challenge. Law and Gospel. 

Paul is willing to challenge Philemon to live into his discipleship through the law.; to forgive Onesimus, the runaway slave, and to welcome him back into the community as a brother in Christ. Paul says he is "bold enough" to call Philemon to fulfill his Christian duty.

Yet, Paul says that the he would rather appeal to him through love, through the promise of the Gospel. Instead of compelling Philemon to act out of obligation, Paul wants to change Philemon's heart. He desires for Philemon to see that forgiveness, while offered to Onesimus, ultimately changes Philemon.  And this is the work of the Gospel in our lives.

In our lives of faith, we live with these seemingly opposite realities.  Yet instead of being at odds, black and white realities if you will, they are at their best when the work together.  Our discipleship is not EITHER invitation OR challenge, but BOTH invitation AND challenge.

We are BOTH-AND people.  We need BOTH the challenge that reminds us of our duty under the law AND the invitation to live more fully into grace.  

Loving Christ, helps us love and serve others in all ways. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, September 13 (A Week with Philemon)

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective 

when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ (vs. 6)

Recently, at the end of worship, I will send everyone out with the words, "Go in Peace, Share the Faith."

So, what does it mean to share our faith? 

Does this mean that we should become street preachers, at the ready to ask others, "Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior?"

Does it mean that we need to wear more Christian themed shirts and hats, and have a Jesus fish and other Jesus car magnets on our vehicles?

Does it mean to quietly seek to live and love like Jesus, serving others, forgiving others, and offering ourselves in humility to helping others?

Paul tells Philemon that sharing faith leads us to see anew all the ways that we can do good.  It is quite a life-giving statement actually.  By sharing our faith, however we do it, will lead us to see all the ways we can impact the world for the better.

According to Paul, sharing our faith isn't primarily about converting others, but about loving others and making the world a better place.  Conversions will happen. Praise Jesus. Yet, conversions aren't the only goal.  Making the world better is always the goal.

Perhaps, it is in sharing our faith, however we choose to do it, where we begin to see where Christ has gone ahead of us and we can join in on His work in the world.  

Loving Christ, inspire us to serve you and share your grace. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, September 12 (A Week with Philemon)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (vs.3)

The Apostle Paul writes a personal and pastoral appeal to Philemon, a beloved coworker, on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave. Onesimus has arrived where Paul is imprisoned and has come to faith in Christ. Since Paul remains in prison, this letter, which accompanies the return of Onesimus to his master, illustrates Paul's skill in pastoral care from a distance. Paul relies on careful rhetoric and the themes of partnership in faith and of the mutual love of Christian community to support his appeal for Philemon to do the right thing and receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ (from "Enter the Bible")

This week we are going to explore the shortest of Paul's letters, Philemon.  It is only 335 words and one chapter.  It is significant correspondence because Paul is seeking to deescalate a potential explosive situation.  Paul offers pastoral care and while a short letter, it is quite provocative in its emphasis on grace, mercy and reconciliation, all in the name of Jesus.

Paul begins the letter with his favorite greeting as noted above.  Whenever I read these words in scripture I am reminded of a funny story from seminary.  

After giving my first sermon in my preaching class, my professor, Dr. Tom Ridenhour, like he did with all of his students, met with me in his office to look at the video tape and offer critique.  I began my sermon by saying, as I did yesterday at worship, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ."  

He stopped the tape and asked, "Why did you say that?" My response? "That is what my dad always said when he started his sermons."  Dr. Ridenhour looked at me, not impressed, and said, "Well, that may be so, but Paul said it first and if you didn't know that already, then perhaps you should."  He then preceded to show me all the other ways that my first sermon was lacking. It was a long conversation.

Still, the Pauline greeting is something I use quite often.  Saying these words centers me and hopefully centers the congregation into the moment. And the twin emphasis on grace and peace is a good place to start any conversation I believe.  

Just imagine beginning all our most important conversations within this shared context of grace and peace.  Perhaps this could make a dynamic difference in how we choose to talk and share with each other.  Perhaps this could remind us that who we are talking with at any given moment is a child of God worthy of grace and peace from us.  Perhaps hearing this from someone would remind us that we are worthy of grace and peace ourselves.

As we begin a conversation about the letter of Philemon this week, I can't imagine a better place to start that this:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ!

Lord Jesus, guide us in all of our conversations this week. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, September 9

Psalm 73: 21-28

When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,

I was stupid and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward you.

Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, 

and afterward you will receive me with honor.

Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength 

of my heart and my portion forever.

Indeed, those who are far from you will perish; 

you put an end to those who are false to you.

But for me it is good to be near God; 

I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works.

Psalm 73 is so meaningful to me because of its honesty and its candor. When we are upset and angry with God, God faithfully remains close to us, holds our hand, and continues to guide us amidst our struggles and suffering.. I love this image so much because it is so needed for living hopeful, hope filled faithful lives.

We get frustrated with life, but God remains faithful despite our brokenness, sin, backsliding, and bitterness.  And as God remains faithful, we gain strength and faith.  We find a place to land amidst our uncertainty., as the Psalmist writes "for me it is good to be near God, I have made the Lord God my refuge."  

Indeed it is good for us all !!!!

Faithful Lord, remain near us and help us to find my faith emboldened. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, September 8

Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him (Psalm 34:8)

Holy Communion is a central witness of our worship service each Sunday.  Not all congregations have weekly communion.  We do at Bethel and I am so delighted that we do.

Our theology of communion is quite simple: we trust the words of Jesus in scripture when Jesus says "this is my body ... this is my blood."  I put it this way in a paper I wrote one time: we have such an unabashed confidence in the Word that we understand that Jesus is truly present in our meal - mysteriously, mystically, and marvelously.  

At Bethel we invite all the baptized to participate in the meal, including young children.  Why? Because we believe that Jesus is the host, that He is truly present and Jesus said "let the children come to me."  If we believe what we say we believe, then making the meal available is paramount to living and loving like Jesus.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is present in so many ways in our lives.  Especially so in bread, in wine, in a community meal where we are forgiven, nourished, and sent to proclaim the gospel.  Jesus as host invites you to come. There is a place for you!

Jesus of the meal, continue to meet us and fill us up with your Spirit and your grace. Amen.

  

Devotion for Wednesday, September 7

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, 

or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1)

The pursuit of happiness is an unalienable right for us as Americans.  But what brings happiness?

The Psalms begin by saying that happiness is ultimately found in the Lord.  Following the paths that the Lord encourages, embracing the Lord's wisdom, and trusting the promises of the Lord will bring happiness.  

Happiness, in the Biblical sense, is less about the meeting of our needs/wants/hopes, etc.  Happiness is about right relationship with the Lord.  When we are in right relationship with the Lord then all that comes our way -- struggles, shame, suffering, uncertainty, doubt -- we will find strength and comfort and peace.  

Happiness in the Lord is best defined, I believe, by a quote that my family had in our home growing up.  It read,

We were not promised an easy life, but we were promised help to live it!

Loving Lord, help us find our truest happiness in your grace and your love. Amen.

Devotion for Tuesday, September 6

Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, 

where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16)

This morning during our staff meeting Bible study, this lesson was brought up.  It really spoke to me today, especially when it says "ask for the ancient paths."  

One of my favorite songs that we sing is "Ancient Words".  Here is a sampling if you are unfamiliar with it:

Holy words long preserved

For our walk in this world

They resound with God's own heart

Oh, let the ancient words impart

Words of Life, words of Hope

Give us strength, help us cope

In this world, where e'er we roam

Ancient words will guide us home

(Chorus) Ancient words ever true

Changing me and changing you

We have come with open hearts

Oh, let the ancient words impart

I value the reality that the "ancient words" will change us.  One might suppose that the "ancient words" of the wisdom, love, strength, and grace of God would signal a time of standing on that solid rock!  While this is true in many ways, the truth of the ancient words of the Gospel will also lead us toward change; changes that guide us toward living more fully into the God's presence and purpose.

May the ancient words of scripture guide you into new adventures of faith, where you will find a home in God as well!

Bless us and keep us Lord Jesus in all the ways your are shaping us anew. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, September 2 (The Beatitudes)

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way 

they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:12)  

I have a mentor pastor who tells me that if some people are not upset with me during my ministry, then I am not doing anything of importance for the Kingdom of God.  He may be right about this, but I can assure you I never rejoice when this happens. 

I believe what he means, and this is something that will inform all of us in our lives of faith, is that being about the Way of Jesus will inherently put us at odds with others, sometimes even friends or family. Jesus assures, however, that we will receive heavenly strength in these moments and experiences.  

Following the Way of Jesus will cause disagreements, but the Way of Jesus also teaches that we need not be disagreeable.  St. Paul writes in Roman, "Insofar as it depends on you, live peaceably with each other."  I have tried to follow this teaching, especially when disagreements and struggles with others have occurred.  

In a polarized society like ours, we will find ourselves at odds with others in many different arenas. Yet, through faith, we can live peaceably.  Through faith, we can listen and learn from one another. Through faith, we can find unity in the grace and love of Jesus.

This is always my prayer in times of stress and dissension.  May it be yours.  

Lord Jesus, thank you for your life-giving teaching and assurance of grace! Amen.