Devotion.al

Tag: action

Devotionals tagged with action.

  • Power Granted

    Power Granted

    Isaiah 41:14–20; John 1:29–34

    ♫ Nobody likes me; everybody hates; just because I eat wo-oorms ♫

    I don’t know if you remember that song from your childhood. I recall it as some weird camp song. Really, who would eat worms?

    At the same time, I did learn that other cultures ate maggots, caterpillars, and even worms. They would fry them up or even eat them raw.

    Still, though, as being raised in the US, we’re not really into worms as part of our diet. One of our biggest things about worms is, “the early bird gets the worm,” and the first robins of spring eating worms.

    With that in mind, let’s be happy we’re worms!

    Isaiah’s words are odd to us. Which is understandable. Why would someone want to be a worm? I remember kids saying they’d like to be an eagle, or a horse, or a wolf. I don’t recall someone saying they wanted to be a worm.

    For us, it is strange to be called a worm or an insect. Yet, in comparison to the Glory and power of God…we are. That is point of Isaiah’s words. Today we might say something like, “we know everything is crazy. We know the world is not making any sense right now. We know that you are hurting or have been hurting. We want you to know that God is bigger than all of that.”

    Worms and insects may not be attractive to you. However, it sums up a far larger number of words. All of it to say, God’s got this.

    That was God’s message to Israel. God is their . God is their . If they are looking elsewhere…failure!

    The language God uses is fascinating. The Israelites would flatten and shape mountains! For us that is solved by explosives and earth movers. In fact, it’s not all that impressive to us. To the Israelites, this was a huge indicator of power! God wouldn’t just redeem them (though that was good), God would give them the power to shape the world!T

    he promise wasn’t just redemption. This is key, especially as we look at Jesus’ coming, along with the story of Jesus’ . Being baptised into the and resurrection of Jesus is not only about redemption. That’s still great! That’s just not all.

    In fact, one of the greatest of the modern is redemption and forgiveness has been the evangelistic focus. The power was kind of missed. Some of the charismatic churches displayed “power” through being “slain in the ” or “speaking in tongues”.

    It might sound dismissive, but…that’s it?

    In Isaiah, God ties redemption to power, and not just any power, the power to the world. Of course, just because one has the power, doesn’t mean you should use indiscriminately. We are called to first, and the power should be motivated by the sacrificial love for others.

    ※Reflection※

    • What’s your power? (Note that the question wasn’t, do you have power?)
    • Why do you think the church (as a whole) surrendered the power, and was satisfied only with redemption?
    • Why is it so important to know, believe, and act with the understanding that redemption is only the beginning?

    ※Prayer※

    God, you gave us the power to move mountains, emotional mountains, and spiritual mountains. Help us remember that you also gave us the responsibility to use it wisely and with love, and leave it withering away. Amen.

  • You Want Me to do What?

    You Want Me to do What?

    1 Samuel 3:1–21; Acts 9:10–19a

    One of the biggest memes currently floating around is basically “forget 2020”. The gist of it is that it was such an upsetting year (politically, culturally, environmentally, health-wise, etc.) that we should just put it behind us. Is that, though, what we should do?

    Eli was not the head priest that he was called to be. Earlier in 1 Samuel 2, we read that his sons took their place as priests as a license to do as they wished. Their practices regarding the sacrifices and toward the women serving in the are noted. We can safely assume that if they were willing to do that, the undocumented part of the lives wasn’t any better.

    Eli’s admonishment of his sons was weak at best. He did not utilize his authority nor exercise his responsibility to “de-frock” (as we would call it today). Eli wasn’t evaluated based upon his sons’ behavior, but based upon how he practiced his role as head priest. There is a strong inference to make that it was the combination of Eli’s lack of effective action and his sons’ ongoing behavior that the family would be doomed going forward, as they were mentioned together (in 1 Samuel 2) in the resulting consequence.

    To be clear, the character of God, and the bear out, that God would have restored Eli’s family had they repented (concluded with action, not just words). Instead, as Eli’s response to Samuel shows, they (as a family) took a fatalistic view. “The Lord wills it.”

    The between Eli and God (and probably Eli’s sons and God) seems less of a friend and more of a taskmaster. What is even more telling is something we read in 1 Samuel 1; Eli is more than will to correct the perceived behaviors of others (Samuel’s mother). Eli’s sons, as priests, are left alone without consequences.

    Ananias also received bad news from God. He was to go to the man who lead the uprooting, exiling, and even killing of other followers of The Way (the of the sect prior to being called Christian). Ananias viewed it as a sentence.

    Ananias’ response was quite different to Eli’s. Ananias was scared. While we could interpret it as a “fatalistic” (i.e., if I die, it’s God’s will), that does not really appear to be Ananias’ heart. Ananias was obedient and trusting that God had a plan. Ananias trusted that he would survive the “” encounter, for God did not send him to die (he believed). That’s not fatalism.

    Ananias chose to face reality. Ananias chose to walk ahead in faith, , and . He made this decision while knowing the past.

    Looking back at 2020 and looking toward 2021, we can either be Eli or Ananias.

    ※Reflection※

    The “ of the Lord” is part of the mature Christian walk. How could those be expressed through Eli and Ananias?

    Why is “facing reality” as much a part of looking back and looking forward, as faith, hope, and love are?

    Facing reality often includes facing . What changes are you facing in 2021, and how will you live them out faithfully before God?

    ※Prayer※

    God, as we look to the future, while not forgetting the past, help us to be faithful and trusting people. Deepen our understanding of what it means to live out your will in our lives. Amen.

  • Thieving Glory

    Thieving Glory

    Matthew 24:42–44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–6; Revelation 16:12–16

    Calling God a thief seems more than just a little ridiculous. Yet, Jesus uses the imagery of a thief to talk about the Day of the Lord.

    The Day of the Lord is an ambiguous phrase. Many (perhaps even most) Christians, think of the “Day of the Lord” as the day that Jesus will . From a Jewish perspective, this is not the case.

    The Day of the Lord is a phrase used to indicate an occasion where/when the earthly way of things (the status quo) will be shaken. There are two primary uses of this phrase. The first is the impending consequences of unfaithful behavior by the Israelites. The second is when God restores Israel by throwing down those that oppressed them.

    This is not to say that the “Day of the Lord” is not Jesus’ return (for that is the penultimate Day of the Lord). It is better to say that there will be many Days of the Lord.

    The comparison between the dramatic Day of the Lord the Jews were expecting at the time of Jesus and the thief in the night is not incidental. In many respects, the impending Day of the Lord was , followed by Easter, followed by .

    To Christians, we don’t view these as “thief in the night” moments. General history, however, only finds them important due to Christianity. The death of Jesus was just another day of Roman “justice” and fearmongering. The was only witnessed by a few.

    Pentecost, by far, was the biggest event (people-wise) of the three, and yet it was relatively insignificant to an Empire, and only “another” sect to deal with for the Jews. Yes, this sect became troublesome for the Jews and the Romans, but it didn’t start that way.

    One of the biggest struggles that Christians have about the “Day of the Lord” is that they continue to look for big signs. They want drama. They want .

    Jesus’ return may indeed be on clouds of (he says it, but is it literal or imagery), but Jesus didn’t say how many would it.

    ※Questions※

    1) In the US, we often look to elections or wars as “the Day of the Lord”. What other events come to mind?

    2) Why is it important to keep the “thief” motif in mind when thinking about Jesus’ return?

    3) Why do you think Paul uses dark and sleep to talk about “the thief” (think beyond the obvious)?

    ※Prayer※

    Father, as we for your ‘s return, let your Spirit burn inside of us, and keep the light of your love and glory shining, that we are ready for such a time as that. Amen.

  • Are You There Yet?

    Are You There Yet?

    Romans 7:15-20; Philippians 3:12–21; 1 John 1:6–2:6

    If you’ve ever been on a long trip, whether as a parent or a child, “Are we there yet,” is a common question. So common that some people can time when the next time the question will be asked. The “are we there yet” question is an event- and time-based question with an answer.

    “Are we there yet,” when asked as a spiritual question is something completely different. In a performance-based culture, such as ours, there are often attempts to assess and evaluation the successfulness of our holiness.

    If we are not careful, this can become overwhelming, and even deadly to our spiritual growth. If we are so concerned about how we are evaluated and what the measure is, we are often tempted to the “requirement” of action without the heart-change that we seek.

    When we perform “holiness” through tasks and checkboxes we become as overburdened as the Jews had been for so long with their Law. Thus our “holiness” becomes an of will. So, when we are tired, discouraged, down, or something else, our holiness house of cards comes tumbling down.

    Paul wasn’t there yet. In Romans, he expresses his grief/frustration/reality that he keeps missing the mark of things. He recognizes a conflict between our human nature bent towards its own gratification, and our God-nature desiring to be in God’s , mercy, and love.

    He also writes to the Philippians much the same way. He knows he is “there” yet. That doesn’t stop him from reaching toward the “goal” with all his might. In many respects, Paul’s “forgetting” is key to moving forward. We are all inclined to our failures (especially when they are painful). It is especially important to have someone to to and be held accountable by. Oddly, that seems to help us on.

    Then there is the “confession” that has been used for generations in some traditions regarding confession and redemption. The sin is an issue. The unconfessed, unrepented, and unreconciled (can be read as unforgiven, but not entirely accurate) sin is the bigger issue. When John talks about not being in fellowship, it is the unconfessed, unrepented, and unreconciled sin that “shows” we are walking in .

    Paul and John (and others) know full well that we have an advocate who is looking to judge us but to forgive us.

    ※Prayer of Confession from the Book of Common Prayer (2019)※

    Almighty and most merciful Father,
         we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost .
    We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
    We have offended against your laws
    We have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
         and we have done those things which we ought not to have done;
    and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.

    O Lord, have mercy upon us.
    Spare all those who confess their faults.
    Restore all those who are penitent,
         according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
         that we may now live a godly, , and sober life,
         to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

  • Discipl…

    Discipl…

    Psalm 94; Proverbs 13:18; Matthew 18:15–17; 2 Corinthians 13:1–4

    Discipleship is a buzzword these days. In circles, digital and , there are regular (and worthwhile) conversations about discipleship. There are fancy names such as “discipleship pathway” or “growth tracks” or any number of others. All of them are one of many ways to think about and to name the daily work of becoming more like .

    Sunday School was quite the thing at many points in church history. John Wesley, the “grandfather” of the Church of the Nazarene denomination, was a great proponent of it. Some would claim that John Wesley’s desire to and educate the poor led to the opportunity (with failures and success) of public schools to educate all the children, not just the rich and powerful ones.

    As the cultural seasons have changed, however, the weakness of the knowledge imparted has become apparent. In following the Enlightenment’s path, knowledge of facts began to override relationship with Jesus. This led to intellectual assent of the Savior with hearts that were cold.

    The Holiness has long held that the true path of the Christian life is to become more like Christ. Yes, that is a high standard. One doesn’t do much if one aims low. The focus on discipleship would seem to fix the missing pieces. Except…

    Discipline comes from the same root as . This is not coincidental. To be a disciple requires discipline. We often think Jesus’ 12 Disciples weren’t that disciplined (impetuous Peter and corrupt Judas Iscariot often come to mind). They walk with Jesus for as long as 3 years. That simple action is one of discipline.

    Often, we “soften” discipline by saying “spiritual disciplines”, being prayer, reading scripture, , fasting, fellowship, , and other depending on whose list you read. The spiritual disciplines are good and helpful to build up your Christian walk. They should not be ignored or dismissed. However, there is one aspect of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ that we, especially we individualistic Americans, don’t like…the other discipline.

    This is a hard topic in many churches. Pastors don’t really want to talk about it. Most people don’t want to about it. Individualistic tendencies have created a monster that the people of the church will have to fight. Of course, they/we are the monster we have to fight.

    Church discipline, that of correcting a member, is not something ever done lightly or without love and discernment. We have all heard horror stories of church discipline gone wrong, emotionally harming and spiritually devastating people. None of us want that.

    The true depth of discipline is among fellow believers who hold one another accountable, not to shame or guilt them, but to be the tools by which a person is transformed into the likeness of Christ.

    ※Questions※

    1) What disciplines are you following to become more like Jesus?

    2) Who is involved in your sharpening and discipline? Whose walk are you involved in to sharpen and be a tool of discipline?

    3) Why do you think discipline and disciplines (i.e., “spiritual”) have been separated from being a disciple?

    ※Prayer※

    Jesus, let your Holy Spirit guide us and to be followers and do-ers of your will. Amen.

  • Right and Just

    Right and Just

    Matthew 1:18–21; Romans 5:6–11; Romans 14:1–23

    For whom will you die? Your child? Your parent? Your next door neighbor? A murderer? Your ? Your state?

    At some point in history, someone responded “yes” to at least one of these. A number of these are conscious choices. Others were forced upon people. Others were an unthought response from the heart.

    Most people will not die for someone they do not know. Many soldiers have died for their country, and many have died to protect their fellow soldier. Some soldiers have died to protect innocent people about to be harmed by those irreparably changed by war.

    Whether a person is “righteous”, “just”, or “good” often isn’t part of the equation, at least not consciously. Many righteous or just people have died at the hands of “good” people. and just-ness are often not appreciated when unrighteous and unjust actions and behaviors are confronted.

    Yet, there is this strange point at which we appreciate the just and righteous. Take Joseph, husband of Mary, (earthly) father of . δίκαιος [dikaios] is used to describe Joseph. It also is the same that Paul says is the kind of person no one would die for.

    Joseph—long revered for his just, obedient, and merciful behavior toward Mary—would not be a person that others would die for. That just doesn’t seem like that could be true. On the other hand, if we had to choose between a person who confronted us with our unrighteous behavior versus someone who never said a bad thing about us (and all other things being the same)…who would we choose?

    behavior being what it is, we’d likely not choose the righteous person. If we were to draw the parallels, we wouldn’t die for the father of Jesus. That could also mean that we wouldn’t die for Jesus, were Jesus only a man.

    This is not to condemn or judge anyone. This is where we need to reflect. According to the Old Testament, prophets were often not treated well. Some were killed. There is a strong implication that the number of prophets that were killed is much higher than surface texts provide for.

    When we are honest with ourselves, we often see our lives and history as following many of the same steps as Israel. This is not just our back-and-forth wanderings regarding a with God, it is also how we treat the righteous.

    We often think of ourselves as righteous or just. Intellectually, we may very well be. When it comes to our emotions and cultural upbringing, though, our actions are often contrary to our intellectual assents. This is where we often need to ask for guidance.

    ※Questions※

    1) What tools/skills/information do you use to determine the righteous or just ?

    2) How often does culturally righteous/just action conflict with Godly righteous/just action?

    3) How do you respond after the fact upon realizing that an act was unrighteous/unjust?

    ※Prayer※

    Father God, please let your Spirit guide us into your righteousness and justice, that we may bring honor to your . Amen.

  • Sorté

    Sorté

    “And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy , you’re just like your ancestors. Was there ever a prophet who didn’t get the same treatment? Your ancestors killed anyone who dared talk about the coming of the Just One. And you’ve kept up the tradition—traitors and murderers, all of you. You had God’s Law handed to you by angels—-wrapped!—and you squandered it!”

    At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, “Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!”

    Yelling and hissing, the mob drowned him out. Now in full stampede, they dragged him out of town and pelted him with rocks. The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them.

    As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my .” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin”—his last words. Then he died.

    Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.

    That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles. Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral—not many dry eyes that day!

    And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail. Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus. Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, they hung on his every . Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way. And what in the city!” —Acts 7:54–8:8 (The Message)

    Normally, I would quote a longer piece of the Scriptures, but the way The Message conveys this is too important to leave it to our preferred translations, for it speaks in our everyday language. Two sentences in particular:

    “Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.”

    This whole COVID/Corona season we’ve had “home base” completely disrupted. Whether it’s working from home, not working, or other “homes”, such as the church building, and the friends’ living rooms being prohibited, it has been quite a time.

    As things have progressed, working from home for many became a prison rather than an escape. Not being able to go places became its own struggle. Even those who consider themselves homebodies want to get out.

    The reality is that we all seek a “base”. We want a place to feel safe. We want a place to be “home”. We want a place to be “”.

    In this case, however, perhaps “base” is actually what we don’t want. A better way to say it might be that for us to in gifts and graces we need to step off (or out of) the “base”.

    Notice that it was after being cast out from Jerusalem (home base), Jesus was being preached. After leaving the safe confines of “home” they began to preach. Something about being out of their comfort zone caused them to about Jesus.

    ※Questions※

    1) What might the lesson be for us regarding “home base” and the world in this time we find ourselves in?

    2) Why did losing “home” seem to loosen tongues and hearts for Jesus?

    3) How does comfort or normal inhibit sharing the ?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord Jesus, we offer our comfort to you that we might use it, or lose it, to fulfill your will. Amen.

  • Heart Mission

    Heart Mission

    Mission

    8 September 2020

    2 Chronicles 7:12–18; Matthew 9:1–8; Acts 3:1–10

    times and services have often been called “aches and pains time”. The implication being that we often for physical for the aches and pains of our bodies. This can be from the innocuous pulled muscle to cancer.

    It’s not that we are called to pray for these things, we are. What it does mean is that we often dedicate the most powerful time we have, prayer, to physical ailments. It also means that we as if we have no place in the healing process unless we are some kind of medical professional.

    However, we all have the ministry of . Through his death on the cross, opened the way for us to be reconciled to God. This means that as Jesus-followers we also have a ministry of reconciliation.

    There are many kinds of reconciliation. We often keep the type of long-term prejudices and harm in the reconciliation “circle”. Yet, that limits reconciliation.

    Reconciliation is also the action of healing hearts and emotions (and ultimately, souls) of individual pains that keep people separated from God. We are not all medical professionals. We are all children on God.

    This means that Jesus has given us the task to be healers. Often, this means being healers in the midst of our own pain, , and anger. When we seek to heal while still suffering ourselves, we can only rely upon the grace and of God to be healing agents on earth.

    When we read the Scriptures with such miraculous healings, we can be overwhelmed with what we cannot do. Jesus said that we would do greater things. We are able to. Medical science can heal the body, but only a being can heal the heart.

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, may we be your healing agents in the world. Amen.

    ※Questions※

    1) What kind of healing of heart/mind/soul have you needed, either now or previously?

    2) What are “types” of reconciliation that you can think of? Which kinds should Jesus-followers be part of?