5/21/23 5/21/23

Devotions Serving with Intelligence

Read: Nehemiah 1

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,…--Nehemiah 1:4 (KJV)

In many ways, Nehemiah had a cushy job. As cupbearer to the king, he lived in the palace, wore fine clothes, and had the attention and confidence of the king himself. (It was Nehemiah’s job to not only serve the king his food, but also to taste it to make sure it had not been poisoned. You’d have to trust your cupbearer since your life was in his hands.)

Read: Nehemiah 1

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,…--Nehemiah 1:4 (KJV)

Yet material possessions and worldly success (especially for a member of a conquered people--the Jews) meant little to Nehemiah once he heard the bad news of his own people and country. The news weighed heavily on his heart.

He could have immediately gone to the king to ask advice, or could have run off to try to help the situation on his own. He might, instead, have considered his delicate position and prestige at the court and ignored the promptings of his heart. He did none of these things.

What he did was to set himself to earnest prayer. He did more than dash off a simple, shallow missive for the safety and well-being of his people. Realizing sin as the foundation of the problem, Nehemiah, identifying himself with his people, confessed both corporate and individual sin, asking God’s forgiveness. Nehemiah knew prayer and seeking God’s guidance was the key to what he did next.

Throughout, his attitude, both toward God and toward the foreign king he served, was one of gratitude and sensitivity. With careful planning and organization, Nehemiah showed himself a man of wisdom and faith.

He showed courage by daring to attend the king with a sad expression--a king (if he was like other rulers of the time) who insisted all who came before him show only a pleasant countenance. Nehemiah might have lost his head. He didn’t. Instead, he found favor in the eyes of the king who agreed to send him to his homeland.

Because Nehemiah had already prayed and sought God’s guidance (and continued to do so), planned and organized, he was able to carry through on his desire to make a difference. He did not falter when others tried to harm him and to undermine his mission.

Lord, help me to listen to Your leading and when You speak, help me first to pray, then plan, and, finally, commit myself to completing whatever job You have for me to do whether it is as simple as a timely phone call or as long term as raising my children to serve You. Amen.

Meditations:

Monday: Nehemiah 2

Tuesday: Nehemiah 3:1-3; 4

Wednesday: Nehemiah 5

Thursday: Nehemiah 6-7:1-3

Friday: Nehemiah 8:1-10, 18

Saturday: I Chronicles 28:9

Print & Kindle versions

Listen! Who Me?

5/12/23 5/12/23

Devotional Conditioning

Read: I Corinthians 9:24-27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. --1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

As he entered the house, Mark sucked in a deep breath. He slowly walked back and forth across the living room floor, allowing his body to cool and his breathing to return to normal.

Nine-year-old Crystal slid into the room. “How’d you do today, Dad?”

Mark blew out a breath. Smiled. “Eleven miles. Walked another two. Need to work up to twenty by June for the marathon.”

Crystal clapped her hands. “Sure hope you win it, Dad. What with running, swimming, exercising, and lifting those weights in the basement, you’ll be the best conditioned athlete in the race.”

Mark chuckled at his daughter’s unfettered enthusiasm and belief in him as he ruffled her hair. “Well, Crys. All those things are important components to help me condition for this race.” He paused before continuing, “But you know, God’s Word says there is a much more important race to condition for than this marathon.”

Crystal scrunched up her forehead in confusion. “Say what? What are you talking about?”

"Spiritual conditioning.”

Crystal shrugged and plopped down on the couch. “What’s spiritual conditioning?”

Picking up his well-used Bible from the end table, he sat down next to her and flipped the Bible open to a passage found in I Corinthians 9:24-27 and began to read. “The things we do, like regularly reading the Bible, praying and trusting God to meet our needs, even gathering with other believers to fellowship and to hear teaching from God’s Word, are all spiritual conditioning exercises that keep us strong in our walk of faith with Jesus.”

Mark continued, “This is a race we enter when we ask Jesus to be our Savior and seek to know and follow Him.”

Crystal’s chin snapped up. “I’ve done that, but didn’t know it was a race.”

Mark patted her knee. “Not like the marathon,” he agreed. “These exercises aren’t just for one day, but for a lifetime. They make sure we don’t put other things in place of our time with Jesus.”

“Like when you took a nap instead of lifting weights downstairs.”

“Umm. You saw that?”

“Snoring like crazy, Dad.”

“Yeah, well. If I did that very often, I wouldn’t be ready for the marathon would I?”

She shook her head. “I see. If we do spiritual exercises, we will stay close to Jesus and be strong when Satan tries to make us do bad things.”

“Exactly! When we’re strong in living for Jesus, others will want to know Him, too.” He paused. “I know you want me to win the marathon, Honey, and I’ll do my best, but it is more important win our spiritual race.”

“I hear ya, Dad. I hear ya.”

Lord, help me commit to doing those activities that promote not just my physical well-being, but my spiritual well-being as well. Help me stay close to You so I will not falter in the most important race of all. Amen.

Meditations:

Monday: I Timothy 4:6-16

Tuesday: II Timothy 1

Wednesday: II Timothy 2

Thursday: II Timothy 3

Friday: II Timothy 4

Saturday: I Corinthians 6:9-20

From Listen! Who Me?

4/7/22 4/7/22

The Lord's Model--The Lord's Prayer

After this manner therefore pray:
Our Father which are in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,for ever
Amen.
-Matthew 6:9-13

Many of us have, at one time or another, memorized this prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. At least most of us have heard it recited or read in some media.

For many, it has become a meaningless recitation of words, rather than the powerful prayer it is. The beauty of the prayer is not disputed. Most will acknowledge it lifts up and comforts those who pray it from their hearts as well as their memories.

However, Jesus taught this prayer, not as the end all for prayer, but also as an example to follow.“After this manner therefore pray,” He said. He meant this prayer to be a model for our ongoing conversations with God. So how do we pray?

First, we start by addressing our Heavenly Father with respect and reverence, and to praise Him for who He is.

Second, we are to indicate our willingness to do as God directs. (Why bother asking if we plan to ignore His guidance and do things our way anyway?)

Third, we need to honestly share our needs and desires with God. This includes our hurts, feelings, good or bad, and even our disappointment of, or questions to Him. (Share what is on your heart and mind. Don’t worry, He knows what you’re thinking anyway.)

Fourth, we need to make certain our hearts and lives are right before God. (Again, He already knows, but wants us to acknowledge our bad choices, thoughts, behavior to ourselves and Him. Reality check.) Here we humble ourselves with confession (admission of) and repentance (turning away) from things we know are not right in our lives and relationships.

Fifth, we live in a world growing more dangerous. When praying, we need to ask God’s safety and protection over ourselves, our families and others on a daily, sometimes moment-to-moment basis. Prayers for wisdom and healing also fit this pattern.

Finally, prayer is more than making demands. Prayer is also about gratitude, praise and giving thanks for what God has done in our lives, is doing and will do in the future.

The end of prayer is the beginning of leaving things in God’s hands and trusting Him for the results. Sometimes we need to ask God to help us do that as well.

Help me, Lord, pray with a willing heart and mind, not just when things are going badly, but daily and even throughout the day. Help me realize prayer is my direct line to Your help and to my relationship with You and to access it often. Help me also pray with the full expectation that You can and will answer, though, sometimes, not in the way I may expect. That’s OK, too. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Proverbs 15:8, 29; 16:3
Tuesday: Psalms 70
Wednesday: Ephesians 6:18; 3:14-21
Thursday: Philippians 4:4-9
Friday: Romans 12:9-21
Saturday: I Thessalonians 5:12-28

From Listen! Who Me?
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3/25/22 3/25/22

Devotion Choice to do Right

Read: I Peter 3:10-18

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit: --I Peter 3:18

How often do we use “Christian” jargon either to excuse our behavior or (maybe unwittingly) confuse others about what we mean? It is easy for some of us who grew up in the church to use such terminology as “Jesus forgives sins”; “Jesus paid the penalty for my sins” or “He took my place.”

We spout spiritual-sounding words such as the following: new birth, salvation, sanctification, and the much-used phrase--”Asking Jesus into your heart.”

These may have meant something significant in our lives. But as time passes, we tend to lose sight of what this terminology once meant to our faith and to our walk with Jesus. We lose sight of the deeper meaning and forget those who do not know Christ may have no clue what we’re talking about when we use such phrases as worn idioms. Why should they? We’ve forgotten.

Jesus Christ, Lord and Creator of the entire universe, loved each of us so much that, when He realized what a mess we’d made of our lives and His beautiful world, He made a critical choice. He left His power and glory to be born into our world. He lowered Himself to our level. He lived as we lived, felt as we feel. He struggled with the same temptations, enticements and sins that seek to entangle us. The difference? He knew God’s Word. He chose to say, “No!” over and over again. He used Scripture to foil Satan at his own game.

Because Jesus said, “No!” to sin and temptation, He didn’t have to suffer consequences for His own sin-- He had none. It meant He could, and did, choose to take the consequences for our bad choices. He chose to take on Himself the punishments and consequences we rightly deserve. He allowed Himself to be tortured and murdered-- for you, for me, for our sin.

We do not need to castigate ourselves over sins for which we’ve regretted and for which we’ve repented and turned away. Jesus forgives all those sins, bad things we’ve said, thought or done. He took our punishment and set us free of the guilt. Our part is simply to accept His gift; a gift freely given, which cannot be earned.

Jesus made the sacrifice for one reason. He loves us. He created us and desires a personal relationship with each one of us. He wants us to follow Him, that He might give us the deep, rich life He has planned for us. Jesus accepted death, that He might conquer death, evil and hell. Those of us who choose to follow Him, He offers His peace, hope, new life today and a place with Him forever in heaven.

He doesn’t want robots. He doesn’t force me to serve Him. With His death and resurrection, He provided us a choice. We do not have to choose His gift of forgiveness, guidance, hope and life. There is always choice to make. We never lose our right to make choices that either bring us life and light or selfishness, heartache and, ultimately, separation from Him. Satan entangles, manipulations, entices and intimidates. Only Jesus offers choice. Only Jesus offers true freedom. The choice is mine--yours.

Thank you, Father God, for the gift of Your Son. Help me commit or recommit my life to You. Help me not merely spout words of faith, but live them out as a follower of Christ. Help me make choices that lead others to You. Amen.

Meditations: Monday: James 4:1-8

Tuesday: Revelation 2:1-7

Wednesday: Matthew 27:15-25

Thursday: Luke 18:18-30

Friday: Revelation 3:14-22

Saturday: Hebrews 25

From LISTEN! WHO ME?

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3/16/22 3/16/22

Devotion True or Temporary Value

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

We desperately want things to hang onto, things that last. Yet how often do we neglect what has eternal value--God's Word and a relationship with Christ?

In the morning we fuss about clothes, and for women, makeup, yet often neglect what will truly give us the right start to our day--time with God in prayer and meditation on his Word.

How long will we substitute the temporary for the things that truly matter?

Help me, Lord, evaluate my priorities and make You and time in Your Word central in my heart, my life and my daily plans. Amen.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

From First I Bow
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3/13/22 3/13/22

Devotion Matter of Trust

Who am I to get mad at God when life gets difficult, tragedies happen and things don't go as planned? Jesus was God. He didn't have to go along with His Father's program for humankind.

Jesus didn't have to leave Glory to live in poverty, be ridiculed, and have no earthly home. He didn't have to allow Himself to be tortured and murdered and treated like a common criminal.

He did it out of trust in His Father and love for us. Nothing that happened to Jesus was His fault. Can we say the same? Nothing that happens to you or I rises to the level of what Jesus went through.

He took responsibility. He lived without recriminations, or turning His back on His Father. He trusted, and in that trust offered a way for you and I to know life—now and forever.

Jesus was, is a victor, not a victim. In Him, we can be victors, too. It's a matter of trust—and obedience.

Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve the LORD.

FromFirst I Bow
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2/4/22 2/4/22

Poetry What is Wind

Love is a soft, quiet wind
Sometimes gentle
Sometimes Exciting...
Deep
Other centered
Life

Evil is a wind storm
Sometimes subtle
Sometimes obvious
Tempestuous
Alluring
Tempting
Deceptive...
Destructive
Death

Jesus is love
Sometimes gentle
Always strong
Lifting
Protecting
Destroying death
In resurrected
Renewing life—In Him.

10/21/21 10/21/21

Poetry Devotion Let Go

Let go and let God.
Cliché
Easier said than done
Letting go the need to control
Letting go pride and unforgiveness
Letting go hurts
Letting go…

Beginning to understand, finally.
Life happens
Yet only God can change my heart
Bring wholeness as I let go my burdens
They hold me back,
Make me miserable,

As I offer them up
He takes my hurting, angry heart
And helps me let them go, move forward,
Lighter, whole, without anchors holding me back

He asks what is both simple and difficult
To come, ask, hand Him those things
We’re holding on so tightly,
For letting go and letting God
Sets us free to be all God designed us to be.

Let go…it can be done.
It is a choice.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
——Matthew 11:28 NASB

9/15/21 9/15/21

Poetry Devotional Who Can Reach the People?

What the singer,
Who will sing
the salvation songs
of Christ our king?

What the writer,
Who will write,
gripping words,
to share God's light?

What the teacher,
Who will teach
the love of God
the world to reach?

Will we use
The talent given,
Hone our skills
to use for Him?

Lord, help me use the talents you've given to share your message of hope. Amen.

Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:19-20

9/13/21 9/13/21

Poetry Devotional God’s Message

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

If only I could tell the world,
The message of salvation free,
Of God's own Son who came to earth,
To die at Calvary.

If only I might spread His Word,
To each and every person on this earth,
To tell them of Jesus and His love,
Would be more than gold in worth.

But I will write the message,
I shall share the simple message true,
That Jesus died and rose again,
To give us life anew.

Lord, give me the skill and the courage to share your love with others. Amen.

9/10/21 9/10/21

Poetry Devotional True Security

Praise ye the LORD.Praise the LORD, O my soul. —Psalm 146:1

I’m glad
God has a plan
And I rest safely
In the palm of His hand.

Sometimes I wander off to do my own thing. Forgive me. Thank you, Lord, that you are there when I come running back, ready to shield and protect. Amen.

8/19/21 8/19/21

Poetry Devotion Truly Free

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
—I John 2:15-16

Grasping tightly is God's plan,
But only to His proffered hand,
Not to the car, the house, the ring,
Not to the bank account which pays for everything.

Then there's the little plastic card,
Which makes present living easy, the future hard.
Debt becomes a way of life,
Greed producing endless strife.

Selfish persons, selfish ends,
Compromise, escape the trend,
While honor and honesty but names,
In a vicious cycle of the game.

God's own people caught up as well,
Is there a difference, hard to tell!
Rationalizing all the way,
Hold fast to what's mine, the only play.

But He calls us to a higher aim,
Jesus who died, His hurting people to reclaim.
Conquered death and hell and sin
The choice is ours to ask Him
to take command within.

Can I tell He lives within?
Or do I keep His love locked in,
Never show His out-poured grace,
Because I cling to my social place.

Oh, Lord, I see what I have done,
In substituting possessions and status for your Son,
Let greed and pride possess my soul,
Never giving you the whole.

In repentance, I lay all at your feet,
The very things I thought so sweet,
Things that warped all I was meant to be,
Lord, I stand condemned before Thee.

Honor and honesty your plan,
Wide open in both heart and hand,
Forgive me, Lord, that I might stand,
Holding tightly to your hand.

With the other, I reach out,
So others might know what your love's all about.
As your unselfish love flows through me,
I thank you, Lord, that in you, I am truly free.

Lord, it's easy to let things take priority in my life. Help me, Lord, to put all on the altar for you. Amen.

8/15/21 8/15/21

Devotion Poetry The Wisdom of Solomon

When asked, "What shall I give?"
Solomon hesitated not,
"Oh, Lord, not for myself do I plead,
but for wisdom and knowledge to wisely
rule, more than that, I do not need."

Because he asked not for himself,
But to be a ruler wise,
God blessed him with both honor and wealth,
And an empire of grand size.

Like Solomon, I want to be,
Wise in all I do,
Help me Lord to live unselfishly,
As I give my all to you.

Lord, I am not very good at taking advice. Help me learn, not only from others, but also, and most of all, from you. Amen.

(A rhyme to share with your children.)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:but fools despise wisdom and instruction. —Proverbs 1:7

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7/21/21 7/21/21

Devotion Poetry Broken or Whole

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
—I Peter 2:24

God sees me as whole
But heals when I am broken
Offering forgiveness and hope.

I see myself as broken
Holding onto anger and hurt
Searing my soul.

Jesus, help me see myself
Through Your eyes
Broken, but whole within Your grace.

Thank you, Jesus, that in my brokenness, you are there.

7/13/21 7/13/21

Poetry Devotion Sadly Crying in the Rain—Heart Sorrows

***Photo by*** ***Valentin Müller*** on ***Unsplash***

O Lord my God, I cried unto You, and You have healed me. —Psalm 30:2

Sadly crying in the rain,
Despairing from the sorrows of a heart in pain,
Sunshine then doesn't seem the same,
Though whole the body, the spirit's lame.

Inner being--twisting strange.
The wretched mind--resisting change,
Preferring to wallow in the sorrow,
Refusing hope for a bright tomorrow.

Sorrow may be but for a moment,
Gone as the crisis is spent,
The future beckons like a beacon of light,
Leading from chaos and dismal night.

Healing tears wash away the pain,
Forgiveness unlocks the despair chain,
Inner strength, compassion gain,
Freed to live for Christ again.

No matter how bad things may seem, Lord, help me to trust You for today and to look forward to tomorrow with renewed hope. Amen.

7/6/21 7/6/21

Politics Lost Generation

Where are the doctors to treat the ill,
Researchers to find the cures,
Scientists, inventors to solve problems galore,
Creative entrepreneurs?

So many questions unanswered,
And the minds which might have found
The answers to many a thorny problem
Lie forgotten in the ground.

A generation gone,
Sacrificed to selfishness and fear,
But in the holocaust of unborn children,
Have we made a sacrifice too dear?

Did we abort one who might have found,
The cure to many a disease?
Or maybe another Einstein, Madam Curie,
A Plato or Socrates?

In destroying a whole generation
Have we not lost humanity as well?
And, in choosing death brought closer still,
On earth a living hell?

As we choose active euthanasia,
Tomorrow who shall decide your fate,
When no longer can you speak for your life?
Your mother? The doctor? The state?

Today as we play executioner,
(Though given many a fancy name,)
By whatever term we take human life,
We diminish the compassion
of all who remain.

Let us halt this senseless destruction
Of a race bent on killing its weak,
Remember the love of He who died,
The helpless lost to seek.

Replace hate with compassion,
With love like He offers you and me,
To value life as did our Creator,
A love that sets us wholly free.

Thank you, Lord, for making each of us unique. Help me, help others recognize the value of each individual human life. Amen.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” —Mtthew 19:14

5/16/21 5/16/21

Devotion Remember God’s Day—Do We?

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.--Exodus 20:8
(Read Exodus 20:1-17)

The word Holy as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means spiritually pure, commanding devotion, and sacred.

One summer as I prepared to teach 1st and 2nd graders, I studied what following the fourth commandment actually involved. Did I keep God’s day holy? I thought so.

But as I considered, I recalled the Saturday night, my husband and I stayed up past midnight watching an intriguing movie with some dubious elements. The next morning I was so exhausted, I groaned as I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for church.

I had to keep from dozing off during the service that seemed to go on forever. I got next to nothing out of the sermon and had no idea what God had for me during that service. If keeping God’s day holy meant a day of refreshment and renewal, I failed--miserably.

What about all those sports played or broadcast on Sunday that may keep some from church to participate or watch or might take up the afternoon with an intensity of focus that shuts out God and family? Is God my priority on Sundays, or are sports?

What about times I substituted family time for fellowship with God’s people? If we travel for a family gathering on a Sunday, do I take time first to worship God and read His word? Do we, as a family, take time to pray over our meal and acknowledge Him?

If I forget God at such times, what example do I set for children or grandchildren? Aren’t I saying by my actions that I don’t think spending time with God on His day all that important?

As I look at what I really do and how I behave, I realize how far short I come from truly remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. How far I fall from keeping God’s day sacred and devoted to the Christ I claim to serve. As I have often heard, God didn’t give us 10 suggestions we could follow or not on our whim, but 10 Commandments to be honored, obeyed and followed.

Help me, Lord, keep your day a day of worship and praise to You. In my Sunday activities, help me to first honor and spend time with You and set a positive example to family and others that I truly serve You. But more, Jesus, help me honor You not only on Sunday but on every day of the week. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Leviticus 26:1-12
Tuesday: Psalm 118:14-24
Wednesday: John 20
Thursday: Acts 20:7-12
Friday: Romans 14:1-13
Saturday: I Corinthians 16:1-14

5/13/21 5/13/21

Devotion Who is Number One in My Life?

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.--Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV) Read 2:1-11.

Radical words for today’s society. Radical words for a culture in which advertisers seek to twist, omit, imply or anything else in order to get us to purchase their product. The media is not much different, adding pure falsehoods to the mix. We live in a culture in which “self” reigns as supreme and the universe revolves around the repeated statement “me first.”

This self-centered philosophy finds its way into every aspect of society. “I’m not happy with my spouse. Time to move on. My spouse and kids will adjust.”

“I hate my job. I do as little as possible at work. Who cares what this will cost the employer.” The pain of a discarded mate, the rippling apart of children’s lives hardly merits a second thought.

All is rationalized with “They are better off with one parent than with two parents who don’t want to be there anymore.” Closer to home, a mother heads off to work, not out of necessity, not because she feels God call on her life in this regard, but to “expand horizons,” or to afford that larger house, car or vacations. The need for a child to have a parent at home is sacrificed to more “things” and “wants.”

How does this verse affect me? How about those times I have to finish this task or that one instead of spending time with my child who tries to get my attention? Do we spend time reading and cuddling our little ones and talking to and doing things with our older kids? Our grandkids?

What about getting so busy with good things in the community or at church that I neglect my spouse and family? What about church? Do I say no to teaching or helping in Sunday School because God said “Not now,” or because I didn’t want to take the time?

It is easy to point fingers at and judge others for their selfishness and greed. When I do that, I need to look at how many fingers are pointed right back at myself.

Help me, Lord, give you first place in my life by loving You and others with my heart, my attention, and my time--starting with my spouse and family. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Numbers 23:19-20
Tuesday: Luke 12:15, 22-32
Wednesday: Romans 13
Thursday: Ephesians 5:21-33
Friday: Ephesians 6:1-10
Saturday: Philippians 1:9-11

5/7/21 5/7/21

Devotion Safety Zones—Good or Bad?

Read: Matthew 25:31-46
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.--Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)

Most of us today, despite a vast transportation system from coast to coast, despite airplanes and instant access through the Internet and social media, are still most comfortable in our own little cocoons, our own safe zones, our own safe spaces.

In school, at work, and even at church, our conversation seldom goes beyond the surface level of a few platitudes. “How are you?” And the, usual, responding lie, “Just fine.”

We play video games, listen to music, watch TV, send graphics and jokes on to friends on social media. Our contacts are often shallow or, really, non-existent. With our cell phones handy, we often don’t even communicate with each other at the dinner table.

We focus our time on ourselves. Our children take their cue from us. Instead of interacting with friends face-to-face, they isolate themselves with video games, music, and their cell phones. In doing so, they miss a whole component of growing into responsible, caring, mature adults.

For each of us, there is far too little interaction and communication with real people. In isolating ourselves, we miss out on recognizing the needs of those around us, including those of our own family. Most of all, we tune out the God who created and loves us and who desires a dynamic and living relationship with us.

Help me, Lord, break out of my comfortable zone to reach out to the world around me and discover needs. Help me be willing to spend real time with real people, sharing Your love along the way. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Mark 12:30-31; 10:42-45
Tuesday: Galatians 5:13-14; 6:1-6
Wednesday: Matthew 7:24-27
Thursday: James 1:22-27
Friday: James 2:14-26
Saturday: James 3:17; 4:8-17

5/5/21 5/5/21

Devotion Show Forth His Salvation—Being a Witness?

Read: Matthew 28:19-20
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.-
—-Romans 1:16

In a culture that discourages Christians and their point of view in public forums, it can be frightening to consider sharing the gospel. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus asks of us.

If we truly believe that Jesus came to bring salvation and new life, how can we rationalize not sharing His message of forgiveness and hope? How can we share without getting into trouble, without embarrassment, without getting harassed? Maybe you can’t.

God didn’t say, “Share my message quietly so you won’t have any repercussions.”

God didn’t say, “Ah, if you are going to have problems or lose friends, you don’t have to witness to others.”

God didn’t say, “Sure, I know it is tough. I’ll excuse you from following my express words of drawing others to me.”

Nope! If we truly believe that those without God are going to hell, then we need to figure out how to speak up. Do I love members of my family, friends, and co-workers enough to tell them about Jesus? If not, the question becomes, “Do I really care about them?”

How do I share? By being a friend. By reaching out to help in time of need. By praying for, and with, others. By knowing basic verses of salvation such as Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8 and John 3:16- 17. By taking opportunities presented to share about Jesus who loves and cares and helps in time of need.

Do I, as Psalm 96:2 states, “Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”?

Help me, Lord, have the courage to share Your message of truth with those around me. Help me do so in Your will and Your way. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Psalm 98
Tuesday: Psalm 1
Wednesday: Romans 1:16-20
Thursday: Mark 8:31-38
Friday: Psalm 40
Saturday: Luke 15:1-10

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