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Devotion.al

Tag: give

  • Natural Freedom

    Natural Freedom

    Psalm 29; Isaiah 1:1–4, 16–20; Romans 8:1–8

    Psalm 29, without question, is a praise of God. It observes God’s power, strength, and presence. Almost the entire Psalm is about who God is. The last verse, though, is different. It is more of a plea to God about the people of Israel.

    A cynical person could infer that the whole Psalm was intended to curry favor with God. A more joyful person could infer that the Psalmist did an add-on along the lines of, “if you would be so kind.” A more balanced view could infer that the last verse is a statement of trust, because of who God is, which had just been declared. Regardless, the Psalm was neither a simple praise nor a simple ask.

    What should become startling, but really isn’t when it comes to human nature, is that at the same time they would recite a Psalm such as this, the Israelites were abandoning God. Isaiah’s opening words for today include abandon, despise, and turning their backs. In regards to abandon and despise, the Hebrew implies something as strong as blasphemy. It wasn’t just ignorance or turning away, it was something far deeper.

    The Hebrew for turning their backs is a combination phrase of stranger and back. In other words, the Israelites are no longer (from their hearts’ point of view) God’s people. They might have claimed and proclaimed that they were, but Isaiah’s words say it was so much more. A more poetic way of thinking of it, God was left in a cloud of dust in a rearview mirror, and the Israelites did what they could to speed away faster and look back in disgust.

    Yet, the verses from Isaiah don’t end there (mercifully). We often try to skip over the ugly verses. It is the ugly verses that give the freedom and forgiveness of the last phrases of Isaiah the deepness that they have.

    The verses of Romans explain the why. To some theologians, they explain the how. The truth is that God could never (per God’s nature and character) look in the rearview mirror at his people, and speed away.

    ※Reflection※

    • When you read the Psalm, which kind of person were you (cynical, joyful, balanced)? Why? Is it learned or natural?
    • Why is understanding God’s character crucial to our response to those who turn their backs on God?
    • How might the selfishness of the Israelite (and mentioned in Romans) be reflected in us?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, you gave us so much and yet we give so little in return. Thank you for your faithful love. Amen.

  • Hand Power

    Hand Power

    Psalm 115; Numbers 8:5–22; Titus 1:1–9

    In Numbers, the outline for priestly behavior is pretty minimal. Do your job. They also have an end date, 50. Yes, there were other concerns (as the children of Eli showed in 1 Samuel). By and large, though, the duties of the priests were what set them apart, not their character. However, there is an aspect of their installation (i.e., becoming priests) that is well worth looking at. The people laid their hands on the priests.

    This might sound kind of strange, and even unrelated, to us. In “priestly” circles, laying on of hands has long been a tradition. In non-Evangelical circles, it is an expected rite and theologically necessary. Traditions such as the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican hold to an unbroken chain of laying on of hands since Peter. Based upon the tradition of Levitical priests and the laying on of hands, it actually is pretty reasonable from a Jewish and Christian perspective.

    The Church of the Nazarene doesn’t particularly hold to the “unbreakable” aspect of the laying on of hands, but it does hold on to the tradition itself, as each ordained person has hands laid on them during their ordination by both the presiding Superintendent, but also all those who are ordained within the confines of the district (except in weird times as now).

    When a pastor is called to a church, during the installation, the Church board will lay hands (and often the congregation). Often, when a board is elected by the membership of church, hands are laid upon them by the congregation.

    There are multiple meanings within the laying on of hands. For the Israelites, there was an aspect of confession and there was an aspect of commission. The priests were set apart for the direct ministerial work of God on behalf of all of Israel. They were God’s “portion” (or “tithe”) of the people of Israel. So, the laying on of hands was integral to their mission for the people.

    With ordination, it is different. This is in recognition of the laying on of hands in the New Testament which would be accompanied by the imbuing of the Holy Spirit (correlation, not causation). While it is important both as legacy and ceremony, it really is an “inside” thing.

    However, the interaction between the pastor, board, and congregation is significant. What it isn’t is an abdication of responsibility. What it is is a bestowal of authority and a recognition of submission to the designated (bestowed upon) authority.

    And it is that last piece that is the rub for so many. We all are more than willing to give all the “grunt” work to others, but we often don’t want to recognize the submission aspect. Of course, coming from a pastor this may seem self-centered. Honestly, I have others do “my” grunt work, too. We all do, to some degree.

    As fellow members of the kingdom and family of God, we all need to be willing to dig in for others, for the benefit of others and not ourselves, and ultimately produce fruit worthy of God’s children.

    ※Reflection※

    • Have you ever experienced have hands laid on you? Why? What was your feeling resulting from it?
    • Have you ever laid your hands on someone? Why? What was your takeaway from participating in that?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, we minister to each other through touch. We cannot always answer how or why, but we know that the Holy Spirit is present. May our touch bring others closer to you. Amen.

  • Places for Scripture

    Places for Scripture

    Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 11:18–21; Mark 16:19–20

    “Place these words…on your heart” and then fast forward to “…they went out and proclaimed the message everywhere.”One of the little truths about this passage in Deuteronomy is the very simple tool given that many turned into a soulless rule or merely room decor. God directed that God’s word be placed everywhere in our lives, even on door frames! You can go to places like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby and find the Scriptures available for room decor. You can do it simply with a piece of paper and tape.

    Honestly, I used to disparage the use of Scripture as decor, mostly because I saw it in too many homes and places that seemed anything but filled with God’s love. However, it is certainly not fair to God’s Word that I should be that way. As we read, it’s actually bad that I thought that way. I have found peace and redemptive actions in simply reading a verse of Scripture or that which reminds me of the Scriptures as I walk around my home.

    At my paying job (purchasing manager in manufacturing), I’ve been told that my workspace is too white (white walls, no decor). Over the last few days (before this devotion), I’ve been thinking that I need some of the Scriptures in my work life. Will it be visible? Yes. Will it be there for others to see? If they wish. I’m going to put it there for me so that I remember—when that really irritating person walks through my door for the umpteenth time that day—whose I am, and who I am to reflect. It won’t be there to provide the appearance of a warm and cozy home. It is for me to remember.

    Remember. The whole point of Moses’ directive is so that the Israelites (and we) remember. For a number of years, I heard the same passage from 1 John 1 read at the beginning of every Sunday church service as part of the opening corporate confession of sin. Then we left that church tradition, we stopped hearing it. I can still quote it. It gives me great peace, too, and gives direction to give grace to others. It’s a whopping four verses.

    So, if you remember and share the words, what about the signs? That is a great question! How do you know a Christian? How they speak? How they dress? How they spend? How they give? How they receive? Yes, to all of these and more! It’s not very easy. That is one of the pitfalls of our post-Enlightenment world. The world, and we, want an easy answer to determine who is in and who is out.

    Except, as we read the Scriptures when can that when we “know” who is in and who is out we stop loving God and loving others…which may mean we’re out.

    ※Reflection※

    • What ways are you open to bring the Scriptures regularly into your life? What ways are you currently using? Which ones are you thinking about adding?
    • What are some reasons that we should have some of the Scriptures deep within us as we share the Gospel of Jesus?

    ※Prayer※

    Holy Spirit, quicken our hearts and mind to want more of you and the Word inside of us, that we may be emboldened and encouraged to go into the world seeking to transform it by your love coming through us. Amen.

  • A Different Movement

    A Different Movement

    Psalm 22:25–31; Amos 8:11–13; Acts 8:9–25

    The diminished place in American society that the American church is finally beginning to truly wrestle with is where the church was in many other Western countries many decades ago. As it processes what this means, the American church what it means when “its place” is not the one of honor nor power.

    God, however, isn’t as concerned about the church, per se, but about its people. The people (e.g., the future descendants of Psalm 22:30) will still proclaim the glory, mercy, and love of God. How it’s done, however, will be changing rapidly over the next few years. This isn’t the first time.

    Much of what Jesus opposed during his time of ministry developed when God was quiet (the time between Malachi and John the Baptist). God was very quiet. Yes, there were pious and spirit-led people during those times. They led the people and helped the people. Sadly, over that same time period, others developed ways to “meet the mark” that resulted in broken hearts and spirits, and not in a good way.

    The Western church may be in such a place. On the other hand, some of the Western churches aren’t experiencing decline; they are experiencing revival! While they are the exception, it just shows that God is moving.

    There are plenty of Simons in the world. They are successful. They have influence. They have money. Yet, there will be those who, like Simon, will find the message about Jesus to be irresistible and abandon it all.

    Like Peter, though, we will still need to disciple them so that they understand what it means to follow Christ. Even in the church today, there are people who bargain with God. Some will give so that God will give them what they think they want. There are a lot of Simons even in the church.

    How God will speak, how God will move, how people will respond are all in question at this point. We cannot make any assumptions. Nor can we remain comfortable or complacent. God will act, let’s hope we’re beside God as it happens.

    ※Reflection※

    • What changes in church do you see?
    • What changes in you do you see toward God’s movement?
    • How do you see how you will share about Jesus changing?
    • What are your expectations for how God will move?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, as we wait for your movement, help us to be aware of the little movements all around us, so that we may be present when the big movements come. Amen.

  • Blessing of Blessings

    Blessing of Blessings

    Psalm 23; Genesis 30:25–43; Acts 3:17–26

    “You’ve been such a blessing in my life!”

    Hopefully, you have said that to at least one person in your life. Even more so, would be for someone to say that to you. In both cases…and mean it.

    Laban and Jacob were the perfect foils for one another. Both seemed to have issues with straightforwardness (Jacob has been nicknamed the usurper and trickster, with some justification). It’s hard to believe that the first issue pops up more than 7 years into their relationship when Laban deceives Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. If personality issues such as this only show up every seven years, then that’s not too bad (though, really, over marriage?). It seems unlikely.

    Through a parable, Jesus said that a person who could be trusted with a small task could be trusted with a larger one. There are people who can be trusted with big things but need a lot of people around them to keep from failing with all the little things. There was just something (okay, a lot of things) wrong in this family.

    Throughout this, Laban seemed to care little for his daughters, other than how to tie Jacob to him. It is not unreasonable that if it hadn’t have been Jacob, Laban would have tried to hoodwink someone else. The only time Laban appeared to care for his daughters was when Jacob left (Genesis 31), but as Jacob may have been the sharer of the story, he may have left out the positive sides of Laban. Maybe.

    The reason Laban’s care (or lack thereof) for his daughters is important is that this was his justification to chase after Jacob when he left after the events of today’s passage in Genesis. However, If we look at Laban’s words, was Laban really worried about his daughters, or was he concerned about the lost blessing.

    That Laban felt this so powerfully indicates that the blessing was huge, and Laban knew it. It would just like someone who bought Apple stock during its first IPO ($22) and then threw it in the shredder (valued at more than $15,000) today. Laban wanted to seize the blessing, and it makes sense.

    Except the purpose of true blessing isn’t to be seized or owned by one person. True blessing is to be shared with others, so that they may be blessed.

    When Peter talks about Abraham’s blessing there is a difference. The Jews didn’t really try to hold onto the blessing, per se, they merely thought that their bloodline along with the Law was the blessing. Some scholars point to Israel’s physical location in ancient times. Much of the commerce of that part of the world went through it. They had the opportunity to be a blessing to others by sharing God’s blessings.

    One of the easiest ways to think of blessings and blessing is to think of water in a cup and in a pipe. A cup is a fixed point with a fixed volume. A pipe carries the water to others. A cup of water either evaporates or stagnates.

    ※Reflection※

    • What does it mean to be a blessing?
    • What qualifies something or someone as a blessing?
    • Why do people seize blessings and not let go?
    • Why might a blessing be greater when it is given away rather than held?

    ※Prayer※

    With the blessings we have received we bless the Lord.
    With the gifts in our hands we praise his name;
    with our hearts and hands and voices we give thanks to the Lord,
    calling on all his creation to bless and praise his holy name. Amen.

    Clowes, David. 500 More Prayers for All Occasions. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2015. Print.
  • Go and (p)Reach

    Go and (p)Reach

    Psalm 4; Luke 24:36b-48; Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7

    The disciples are still struggling with the Resurrection. You’d think they’d have accustomed themselves to Jesus being alive, but they were obviously still struggling. As part of this last appearance, Jesus explained the Scriptures and His place in them. This is not the first time he did this after the Resurrection.

    This time, though, it comes with a command, to preach the Resurrection and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sin. This mission doesn’t start immediately. It has to wait until the heavenly power comes (the Holy Spirit at Pentecost).

    Waiting in Jerusalem, however, does not mean being inactive. Peter’s healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-10) opened the door (so to speak) to begin the mission. Peter tells his listeners what it is all about, “But this is how God fulfilled what he foretold through all the prophets: that his Christ would suffer. Change your hearts and lives! Turn back to God so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:18-19, CEB)Much later, John wrote that we have hope in Jesus as we (progressively) purify ourselves (so as to become more Christ-like). This reflects the changing of hearts that Jesus and Peter made known.

    Jesus’ and Peter’s declarations could also be restated as it is in Matthew 28:19–20, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you…” [CEB]While the passage in Matthew could be interpreted as only applying to the disciples, the passage from Luke cannot be (without serious contortions). The changed heart is also consistent across the Scriptures.

    We are all called to tell the world about Jesus, sin, redemption, and the place of changed hearts in all of that. In the current culture, we are having to learn how to do this well. Sadly, we are in the midst of getting rid of the baggage that we’ve been carrying, and that is painfully difficult. So much so, that most of us no longer have effective tools or methods to reach (and “preach to”) others.

    In all likelihood, the Western Church will have to relearn how to live in a true and deep community. We have all become accustomed to the shallow community of the Western Church, not the Christian fellowship as described in the Scriptures.

    This does not excuse any of us from looking for opportunities to talk about the grace of Jesus Christ and the change in our hearts. Perhaps, rather than excuse it, it should drive us more.

    ※Reflection※

    • Are you doing anything that resembles telling the world about Jesus in the way Jesus talks about in Luke?
      • If you are, it going?
      • If you aren’t, why not?
    • In regard to telling the world, is it your responsibility or someone else’?

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty God, you gave your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living: Give us grace thankfully to receive his inestimable benefits, and daily to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Third Sunday of Easter Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • We Ought To Love

    We Ought To Love

    Psalm 4; Luke 22:24–30; Acts 3:1–10

    The argument that occurred between the disciples is a warning to us all. This is the worldly and fallen condition of man. The worldly/fallen person thinks of self (and even family can be self) above others.

    There is often a belief that life, money, success, are all part of a zero-sum game. In other words, for one to get more, another will get less. God’s ways are not the same, yet we often apply this thinking to our lives, even how we “walk out” our Christian life.

    Many of the discussions and even arguments that are happening even among Christians is based upon “who wins” even while it is dressed up in caring for others, the country, the faith, the world, etcetera. As you read that you may have said to yourself, “God won!” Yes, while that certainly was and remains true. We often don’t act that way.

    As we walk in the world, how we treat others (and even ourselves) is very much part of our witness to who Jesus Christ is. There is always the tension within the Scriptures of what the God-ly direction is as they can change depending on context. There is, however, absolutely no denial of the motivation of all…self-sacrificing love.

    Self-sacrificing love is not a bottomless well, nor is blind endless sacrifice holy. Death-to-self needs to be embraced, as uncomfortable as it often is. If our first reflection on issues was, “what is the best way to give myself in love,” that would be huge. Yes, it certainly can be tempered by discernment. It’s just been that too much of our language is how we can get the “other” to do something that makes us feel better.

    Peter couldn’t really do much for the beggar financially. He could have just walked on and said nothing. He could have just said that he had nothing and moved on. Maybe even John wouldn’t have said anything had they passed by. Then the man would not have been healed.

    ※Reflection※

    • What reasons may Peter have had to do what he did?
    • How might Peter’s response alter our response to the world?
    • If there isn’t a winner or loser, will that change how you interact with others or think about others?
    • How does God’s love influence your thinking?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, guide our walk in the world so that we are worthy bearers of your light. Amen.

  • Unlimited

    Unlimited

    Psalm 4; Daniel 10:2–19; 1 John 2:26–28

    Relationships are very important to us. Sometimes relationships can seem to be invisible or even not related to us. The invisible and “unrelated” ones will often have impacts beyond our imaginings or expectations.

    Daniel had a relationship with God. It was very solid and sound. Daniel trusted God implicitly and explicitly. God provided wisdom and mystical visions to Daniel.

    Some of those visions were…unsettling. Daniel often struggled with those he received. He even needed supernatural support to recover, at least this time.

    Daniel had times where he had to choose God or ease, and chose God. Daniel was secure in God.

    Daniel’s relationship is often called, “anointed.” John refers to anointing, well. While it may seem to be different, it is not, and yet is.

    It is the same insofar as the Holy Spirit empowered Daniel, just as the Holy Spirit empowers us. It is different insofar as most of us don’t have the gifts of wisdom and mystical visions. There are some that have one or the other, but very rarely both.

    Our empowerment by the Holy Spirit is also not limited to that. Think about that. What we know of Daniel is beyond imagining. We are not limited to Daniel. The church—The Bride of Christ—is not so limited.

    ※Reflection※

    Do you think the church is limited? Do you think you are limited? What does being empowered by the Holy Spirit mean to you?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, give us your power to do your will in honor, grace, truth, and love. Amen.

  • No One Can

    No One Can

    Psalm 133; Daniel 2:1–23; Acts 4:23–31

    “If ____ can’t do it, then no one can!”

    I’ve heard that phrase somewhere. The implication within the phrase that whoever goes in the blank is the deciding factor as to whether something can get done. Sometimes I really wish the blank could be filled. “If _______ can’t get the Democrat and Republican parties to look beyond their respective party for the betterment of the country, then no one can!” So, no one can.

    My personal one…”If _______ can’t get me to like tomatoes and button mushrooms, then no one can.” So, no one can (Yuck!).

    The same concept sort of applies to this story in Daniel. “If you won’t tell us the dream, then no one can interpret it.” Yep, no one can. That is until Daniel. Daniel is in the same theoretical danger as the magicians and wise men of the court. He doesn’t know the dream. They are all doomed.

    Until Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah approached God. God answers them (after today’s verses). No (human) one can. God can.

    Peter and John were not the most educated (from verses prior to today). Eloquence was neither trained nor initial gifting. They faced the learned leaders. They faced those that wanted them to fail. They faced those that had something to do with crucifying Jesus. Human eloquence and persuasion, or God’s?Through us, God often does amazing things. This is beyond the systematic amazing things (breathing, the sun, the moon, rain, etc.). Often it seems that God does things through us in such a way that it can only be God who does it. Whether people recognize it (including us) or not, those amazing things are still a testimony of God.

    Sometimes it is because we yield our hearts to God. Sometimes it’s because we don’t (think Pharaoh from Exodus or the book of Judges). God still does things that only God can. Humans may claim similar things (like the Egyptian magicians in Exodus), but eventually, God wins.

    Often it is human frailties and weaknesses, or the contrast to them, that truly “make” God’s glory shine. It may be through our weakness that God draws people to him. That does not, of course, mean that we can continue on our merry way without conforming to God’s will (at least as Christians). It just means that sometimes God isn’t waiting for us to reach a certain point in our transformation before God acts.

    ※Reflection※

    • Have you ever had an experience of the “If not then no one”? What was that like? If not, what situations can you think of where that might happen?
    • We often focus on Daniel in this particular story. Why are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah important, too? What is their role? Can you think of people in your life that are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who surround a Daniel?
    • How does it feel to know that God will work through you, even if you are not “there” yet? What is the freeing part of that? What is the responsibility part of that?

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in purity of life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. [Easter Friday Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • Stingless

    Stingless

    Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; Genesis 1:20–2:4a; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58

    God created humanity in God’s own image. When we read Paul, it may be easy to conclude that this is only a spiritual image. In many respects, it is indeed a spiritual image. On the other hand, as God made us even our physical being is an expression of God.

    Through sin, however, death and decay were brought into the world. One could argue that Adam and Eve’s sin began the decay and from the decay came death. Decay and death…consequences of sin.

    Yet, before we give decay and death all the “glory”, let us recall the real issue…sin. Decay and death are symbolic of what occurs with us spiritually in regard to our relationship to God.

    The ways of the world are to draw everything to its decay and death. This includes, and often even focuses upon, our relationship with God. If the innocence of a newborn child was the starting point, then the decay would begin immediately. Just as with all things rates of decay depend on environment, nutrition, love, guidance.

    However, if we were to strictly rely on the world to reduce the rate of decay, then there still would be no hope for anything except death. That isn’t much to hope for.

    The hope we have is that death’s power has ultimately been broken. Thanks to the cross, we have something beyond to look forward to. While death causes us pain in the here and now, ultimately we understand that death is merely a stage for us. The pain we feel can be attributed to the “God-shaped” place in our beings that understands that death is not the way things ought to be. It is our reality that we will miss those we love. Our hope is the hope we in the midst of and in the face of what would otherwise be the hopelessness of death.

    ※Prayer※

    O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. [Tuesday of Easter week collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]