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.