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October 3, 2011
"Negativism or Optimism?"
In our reading today Paul writes from a prison cell in Rome in the year AD 61. He has every reason to give place to negativity and play the victim and throw himself a pity party. Paul chooses a different course and opts for optimism, care for others, and joy! Have you discovered Paul’s secret?
Philippians 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Consider:
1. Do you allow circumstances to determine your daily outlook?
2. In the second paragraph above, how does Paul discipline his thought life?
3. Paul is a mentor of the faith. Do you have a mentor? Are you a Christian role model?
Prayer:
Lord, assist me to choose a positive attitude in life no matter the circumstance. Help me also to follow the example of mature Christians you have placed in my life so that I may in time mentor others too. Amen.
October 4, 2011
"Sister Act"
I know your life is busy, full of commitments and commensurate stresses. In our reading today we find two sisters: one highly stressed and venting her frustration and one at ease sitting at Jesus’ feet. Read on.
Luke 10:38-43
Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me."
The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."
Consider:
1. What sister do you identify with? Why?
2. Why does Jesus side with Mary when Martha gripes?
3. Our culture seems to endorse Martha’s ‘responsibility’ more than Mary’s ‘laziness.’ Do you take time to sit at Jesus’ feet?
Prayer:
Lord, I need balance in my life. Help me to spend time at your feet as a priority. Amen.
October 5, 2011
"Teach Us to Pray"
Do you want to know how to pray? You are not alone. Jesus’ disciples too wanted to know how to pray more effectively so they asked Jesus, “teach us to pray.” What he taught them is known as “The Lord’s Prayer”; however, it would be better titled “The Disciples Prayer.”
Luke 11:1-4
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him,
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:
“Father, hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,
and do not subject us to the final test."
Consider (Five Points of Prayer):
1. The prayer begins with adoration and intimacy. So learn to make prayer deeply personal.
2. Next, Jesus teaches us to pray for the kingdom. Learn to desire the extension of God’s kingdom as a top priority in your life. Consider how God may be leading you to participate in his kingdom.
3. Now, you can voice your personal needs (daily bread). Needs for basic provision.
4. Jesus then instructs his followers to pray for mercy and forgiveness. If you are serious about prayer you need to forgive yourself for sin as well as those who have wronged you.
5. Finally, we need to address in our prayers the evil of this world. We need to ask not only deliverance from evil but also the grace to overcome evil and repalce it with God’s light and love, mercy and grace.
Prayer:
Pray the “Disciples’ Prayer printed above. Feel free, of course, to expand the prayer using the five points listed.
October 6, 2011
"Delight Yourself in the Lord"
I get a kick out of TV infomercials. For $19.95 you too can have “better skin, look years younger, have a full-body-work-out without exercise, own a “Snuggy” and become a millionaire without risk! “If you order right now we will double your order for free!”
You and I know that our life is enhanced ultimately in God alone. Read on.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prosper.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Consider:
1. The three verbs, walk, stand and sit are connected with three nouns wicked, sinners, and mockers. The Psalmist is warning us to be a distinctive people whose loyalty and heartfelt delight is in God. According to the Psalm above what is the focus of a righteous person?
2. Do you delight in God?
3. Is your life like a tree planted by water that thrives and bears fruit in all seasons of life?
Prayer:
Thank you God for sustaining my life in all situations so that I too may thrive like the tree planted by a fresh stream. Lord, teach me your ways so that I too may discover my deepest delight in you alone. Amen.
October 7, 2011
"Flattery Will Get You Nowhere"
In my beginnig days of ministry my mentor Keith Landis, an Anglican priest, related to me how difficult it was for him to make casual conversation with people. “Small talk is not my cup of tea” he said. He found it awkward to make ‘small talk’ and admired my ability to do so. Rather than be flattered I said, “I'm not too sure that the gift of gab is a virtue! Often I use words to curry favor of others for which I am not proud.” In our reading today a woman engages Jesus in conversation.
We are not told her motives—was it compliment or falttery or something else? Read on.
Luke 11:27-28
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,
"Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed."
He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Consider:
1. Are you aware of the motives behind your words?
2. Do you use words to manipulate others?
3. According to Jesus’ response, what does God expect from us?
Prayer:
Lord, let my words be seasoned with salt and light that honors you. Keep me from manipulation of others or using words to gain acceptance of others. Jesus, help me to hear your words and apply them in my life. Amen.
October 10, 2011
"A Secret Revealed"
Most people tend to view life in terms of situation and circumstance. For example, if the weather outside is sunny and warm, the bills are paid, health is intact, and we are getting along with others, we view life as positive. We tell people, “I am having a good day” when asked. But when situations are difficult and stressful we become discouraged, disoriented, and negative and may say “I have had better days” when asked.
Is there another option to well-being other than current circumstances? Read on.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.
My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
Consider
1. What is the secret of personal well-being no matter the circumstance?
2. Have you learned the secret and put it into practice?
3. Looking back on your life how has God met your needs? Are you trusting God for today and for the future?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me the secret of well-being. Amen.
October 11, 2011
"A Starry Night and the Andromeda Galaxy"
One thing I enjoy about hiking and camping in the wilderness is viewing the heavens at night. Kevin Ollerman (an amateur astronomer) pointed out the spiral galaxy Andromeda to me on a recent backpacking adventure. It is 2.5 billion light years from our earth.
ANDROMEDA GALAXY
Our own Milky Way is about 80% of the mass of the Andromeda galaxy and scientists predict that our galaxies will collide in about 4.5 million years from now. Not to worry!
Psalm 19:1-5
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
Consider:
1. When you view the stars at night what can you tell about the nature of God?
2. Why not take advantage of a starry night away from city lights; bring a star map with you and find Andromeda for yourself. A mid power binocular will help. When you spot a “cotton ball” in the northwest sky, what you are viewing is 2.5 million light years from earth!
Prayer:
Go outside tonight and create your own prayer as you gaze into God’s universe!
October 12, 2011
"Four Woes!"
Jesus is tough and makes a scathing attack on the religious establishment. He declares four woes:
1. In the first woe, Jesus basically says that religion which is confined to external rituals is meaningless unless there is care for others.
2. The second woe speaks for itself.
3. In the third woe, Jesus declares the Pharisees as spiritually defiled because they think their spiritual practices make themselves righteous before God.
4. The last woe is about the extraction of money from the people and for making religion about rules and regulations rather than relationship with God.
Luke 11:42-46
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
“Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”
One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”
Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
Consider:
The Bible clearly teaches that our righteousness is as filthy rags to God. We need forgiveness and mercy which only God can grant through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you come to him as the sole source for your right standing before God?
Prayer:
Thank you, God for caring enough to call us on our self-righteousness. Have mercy on us through the merits of your Son. Thank you Jesus for your stern warnings to the end that we might trust in you alone for mercy. Fill us Lord with the Holy Spirit to follow you and express your mercy and justice to all. Amen.
October 13, 2011
"Doing the Right Thing"
Have you really tried to “just do the right thing” and found yourself not“doing the right thing”? I have and the results are discouraging to say the least. God, of course desires for us to do the “right thing.” The Bible calls this ‘holiness’ and ‘righteousness.’ To add to this God has given us the Ten Commandments (the summary of the Law) to make it clear what is expected of us and once again we fail miserably. We cannot attain righteousness on our own.
There is hope! Good News! We are made right (righteous) before God by faith in Christ and not by how well we have performed.
Romans 3:21-22
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Consider:
1. We are made right with God via the merit of Jesus Christ and not ourselves based upon our sorry performance to be good enough. When we place our trust/faith in Jesus, God confers on us the righteousness of Jesus!
2. Do you trust Jesus for salvation?
Prayer:
Father, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness for I have failed miserably at keeping your holy Law and I have violated my conscience too. I cannot do the right thing. Jesus, thank your for providing salvation by faith and not performance. Thank you for dying for me thereby paying the penalty for my sin. Holy Spirit, fill me with joy as I serve and share the Good News of Salvation. Amen.
October 14, 2011
"Testing Jesus"
You may be a person who has lots of questions regarding the Christian faith and practice. It is perfectly normal to have honest questions and God is not upset if you need clarification. In our reading today, Jesus demonstrates patience with those who asked questions not for clarification but to “test him” – to trip him up and put him on trial for heresy. If Jesus is so patient with his enemies — how much more will he be patient with you!
Matthew 19:3-9
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?
6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”
8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Consider:
Jesus teaches that marriage is for life. This is God’s intention. The reason relationships fail is “hardness of heart.” To soften our hearts we need the love of God in our lives via faith in Jesus and the living presence of the Holy Spirit. How has God softened your heart?
Prayer:
God, soften my heart so that I may live at peace in my home. Amen.
October 17, 2011
"Resolution for Life"
It is becoming popular today to talk about one’s life mission. Even the secular world is all a buzz with “life-coaching” whereby professional life-coaches assist people in their quest for direction in life.
Jesus had a mission that is vastly different from most. He “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” Why? To die for the sins of the world—your sin and mine!
Luke 9:51-56
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
Consider:
1. Do you have a life-mission? What is it?
2. What role does Jesus play in your life-mission?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be resolute and not waste another day doing my agenda. Help me to be on the same page as you are on. Amen.
October 18, 2011
"I Will See the Goodness of the Lord"
Life has its ebb and flow - the good and not so good. Part of the ‘not so good’ is when fear bursts in suddenly! Fear has many ugly faces as you may well know. In our reading today, David had a fear of his enemies who were seeking his life. Yet David amidst the fear affirms his confident trust in God. He has something to teach us!
Psalm 27 - A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besieges me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Consider:
1. Note the likeness of this Psalm to the 23rd Psalm.
2. How has God delivered you from your fears? Why not share this story with another person soon.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that I will not panic when fear (real or imagined) bursts into my life. Help me to realize my strength and peace is in you. Amen.
October 19, 2011
"The Key to Happiness"
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. I am giving you 2 powerful verses which summarize the entire Psalm—the key to true happiness. If you are ambitious you may want to read the entire Psalm today.
Psalm 119:1-2
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk by the teaching of the Lord. Happy those who observe God's decrees, who seek the Lord with all their heart.
Consider:
1. Does your idea of happiness center in your relationship to God?
2. Do you strive to please God?
Prayer:
God, show me your ways that I might know real happiness. Teach me how to walk in willing, intimate obedience with you. Amen.
October 20, 2011
"Not Peace but Division"
Jesus’ ministry can be aptly described with words like “peace”, “love”, and “reconciliation.” In our reading today, Jesus says that his ministry may bring “division”—division at the most basic level—division in the family. Read on.
Luke 12:49-53
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Consider:
1. Jesus ministry is one that makes “fence-sitting” impossible; either you embrace him or reject him. Where side of the fence so you stand?
2. Jesus is passionately looking forward to the day when “fire” would come to the earth—the fire of God’s judgment on all ungodliness. He faced the cross as the penalty for sin so that we might have “peace”, “love” and “reconciliation.” Have you made your peace with God by faith in Jesus?
3. Are you willing to be divided from family members because of your faith in Jesus?
Prayer:
Jesus, you have not left me the option to remain neutral with you….(finish the prayer in your own words...)
October 21, 2011
"The Longest Chapter"
Today our reading comes from the longest chapter in the Bible. The length underscores the importance of the topic covered. Just as your newspaper gives “more inches of press” to important news, Psalm 119 reflects the believer’s prayerful reliance on God. Read on.
Psalm 119: 66, 68, 76-77, 93-94
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Consider:
1. Are you teachable?
2. Are you willing to grow in your faith?
3. Do you seek God and obey his commands?
Prayer:
Teach me your ways, God, so that I may honor you. You have saved and preserved my life by sending your Son -- the Living Word made flesh -- into the world. Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy. Amen.
October 24, 2011
"Healing and Hypocrisy"
Today, we find Jesus teaching in a synagogue and he notices a woman who is crippled and heals her. Two responses are evident; celebration and hostility. To add to the drama in the synagogue, Jesus openly confronts hypocrisy.
Luke 13:10-17
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”
17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
Consider:
1. Some religious Jews held that to heal was work that violated Sabbath rest. Are there traditions where you worship that get in the way of mercy?
2. Who do you identify with in the above account: The synagogue ruler and the traditionalists? The woman who needed healing? The people who celebrated the miracle? Why?
Prayer:
Lord, wherever you appear you deal with people in need with compassion and clear rebuke to hypocrites. Jesus, I desire to follow you and be a part of the people who celebrate your goodness, mercy and healing. Amen.
October 25, 2011
"Curiosity May Save You!"
Jesus’ number one teaching theme was the coming kingdom of God. Presently, the people were under the authority of the Roman occupation and there was an intense desire among the people to be rid of the pagan authorities and see a renewed Messianic kingdom come like the one David established a thousand years earlier. Many of Jesus’ listeners wanted to know more — they were curious! Are you?
‘Curiosity may have killed the cat’ but curiosity may save you! A good sense of curiosity is healthy for your spiritual health.
Luke 13:18-21
Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
Consider:
The kingdom comes at first in small and seemingly insignificant ways, like a tiny mustard seed and a little yeast. The people expected Jesus to reign and do something dramatic—like chase out the hated Romans. Instead Jesus ultimately goes to the cross. Yet we know by hindsight that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection begin the establishment of God’s kingdom. Are you a part of the Kingdom?
Prayer:
Pray the Lord’s Prayer today. See Luke 11:1-4
October 26, 2011
"Spirit Helps Us Pray"
I have met many people who are ashamed about their prayer life as if prayer was another duty and obligation much like the dentist who asks you “are you flossing?” Flossing is important for dental hygiene just as prayer is important for spiritual health. Be encouraged, although you may not “pray enough” remember that Jesus said we are not heard for our lengthy prayers (Matthew 5:3-13). Good News! Jesus does not put us on a quota system. In our reading today, Paul says, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness” — when we do not know how to pray — and Spirit prays on our behalf!
Romans 8:26-30
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Consider:
1. Did you know that the Holy Spirit prays for you?
2. Where have you seen “all things work together for good” in your life?
3. To what purposes does the Spirit pray for us?
Note: Some people get uptight regarding the word “predestined” as if God is capricious with people — choosing some and rejecting others. When the Bible uses the word it is in the context of salvation and not damnation.
Prayer:
God, you are awesome in your loving care for us. Thank you, Father, for giving the Holy Spirit who prays on our behalf according to the will of the Father. Amen.
October 27, 2011
"More than Conquerors!"
I attended Los Altos high school in Southern California and our mascot was a Spanish conquistador. At football games we would chant “we are the conquerors, mighty, mighty conquerors, everywhere we go people want to know who we are and we tell ‘em, we are the conquerors,…” You get the idea! The chant did little really to help us win football games; however we were hyped up to begin the game!
Paul the Apostle says we are “more than conquerors in Christ!” No hype — just truth!
Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Consider:
1. “More than a conqueror” may sound like hyperbole. What do you think? Where is Jesus giving you victory in your life?
2. I can find at least 5 ways in which Jesus gives us victory in the above text. How many can you find? What one speaks to you at this time in your life?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for giving me victory in my life…(now complete the prayer thanking God specifically for each victory that you are experiencing).
October 28, 2011
"Jesus and Prayer"
Some of you may think that I downplay the need of prayer (see devotional for Tuesday October 26). In that devotional I wrote about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Today, we see in Jesus’ life the importance of prayer. If Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer so should we. We need to especially be in pray for pivotal decisions we face in life. Read on.
Luke 6:12-16
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Consider:
1. Do you see the connection between our Lord praying and choosing his disciples?
2. Do you know that Jesus chose you to follow him? Are you?
3. How has prayer connected you to a personal relationship with God?
4. You are not alone in life. We have a prayer chain via e-mail. Let me know your concern(s) and I will pray for you and pass it on to others to pray as well.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to pray to discern your will so that I may know your heart and be a vessel for your use. Amen.
October 30, 2011
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"
The usual practice of friendship is hospitality. Friends have friends over for dinner. Jesus breaks the mold on who’s coming to dinner. Read on.
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Consider:
1. Why is it that Jesus breaks the conventional practice of hospitality?
2. Next time you have a get together whom will you invite?
Prayer:
Jesus, you are ever-increasing the kingdom of God through intimate relationships. Help me never to close the circle of who is “in” and who is “out.” I ask you Lord, that you may use me to genuinely befriend others so they too may share at my table the feast you have for us. Amen.
Daily Devotions - October 2011
