Devotional 9-25-20

Philippians 2: 1-13
The Student Bible; New International Version 

BE LIKE JESUS 

Much of Paul’s ministry during his time was done through letters he wrote to the members of the newly established churches. It was the easiest way to communicate. His letters were to the point, and if he had heard a particular church was having problems and needed attention, he handled it with a letter. From THE STUDENT BIBLE we learn that Paul’s usual sense of urgency has all but disappeared in his letters to the Philippians. Instead, he begins writing about Christian behavior and how church members can offer help when reaching out to other people. His letters to the Philippians are more like a conversation with them. Perhaps for the first time, he asks the big question: What is God’s overall purpose for this world? The answer is as important today as it was then. 

 Verses 1 through 4 of Philippians says it best: “¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”

The Philippians have already learned from Paul that Christ lives in every Christian, and now he asks them to think about what it means to be a representative of Christ in the world. Isn’t Jesus the “perfect example” to follow? He tells them that, as Christians and as believers, they need to be just like Christ if they are to be his representatives in our world.

The scripture continues, and Paul says: “   ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of the servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸AnId being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.  ⁹Therefore God exulted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 Read the scripture once more as if Paul is speaking directly to us today. Are we living our lives as Christ lived His? Jesus lived a simple life. He was a humble man. He never hesitated to help others when He saw a need. He loved and accepted everyone without question.  As a man here on earth, he indeed was the perfect example for us to emulate.

In the hectic, fast-paced, self-serving world in which we live today, we often allow our emotions to get the best of us. We lose our temper. We get angry. We’re tired. We skipped breakfast AND lunch. We put in 12 hours at work today. And we’re supposed to be like Jesus? When? How? It’s just too hard.

Stop. We’ve lost control, and it’s time to turn to prayer. God always listens. Today we’ll take the time to listen to Him. We are Christians, and we want to be like Jesus, so just stop. Then refocus. There are others in this world who have greater needs than ours. What would Jesus do? Where should we start? What’s the best way to help? Refocus. Refocus. Be like Jesus. Get started. God and the Holy Spirit are here.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, I want to be like Jesus. I want to be his disciple, to do what He asks of me, even though sometimes I think it’s too hard. Help me to respond to others needing the help I’m able to give. And thanks for reminding me that I will always have your help and the help of the Holy Spirit.  Now Lord, please. I know I can do this. Help me be like Jesus. Amen

Diane Feaganes

Devotional 9-18-20

 Read Matthew 20:1- 16. This is the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

 
There are several parables that Jesus shares that are illuminating but this is one of my favorites. We all know the story, a landowner hires workers in the morning/then more midmorning/and even more late afternoon. When the day is done- each worker gets paid a denarius whether they worked a full shift or a few hours! Scripture tells us they expected to receive more & were furious when they did not.
 
In legal circles there is a saying: "There is the law and there is what is right. What is the law may not be right & what is right is not always the law”. Most of us have a sense of fair play and this parable can speak to our sense of what is right.  However, thankfully, God is not like us.  Just like the parable, his grace is offered to us early and often. Many of us are “mature” Christians who have grown up in the church and know the mercy and gentle support faith brings to each of our lives. But there are others who may be early in their spiritual walk and what comfort it is to know whether early or late to the faith ... the gift of grace is for all of us as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so.
 
Prayer: Father thank you for the your gift of grace and forgiveness. Help us to nurture those who may be new to the faith as we are unworthy yet you continue to forgive. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
 
Marv Jones

Devotional 9-13-20

Exodus 14:19-31,   Psalms 114,   Romans 14:1-12     Matthew 18:21-35

And then there's St. Francis, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace".  In these days of disagreement & division, it's important we make ourselves available to the breath of God to breathe the music of peace.  We walk around empty - maybe we're flutes, ready to let the creative whisperings of God make music for peace in us to share with our neighbors.  Close the street & have a dance!

Today let's be aware of the song in our heart. If we hear no melody, seek til we have one!  We're too easily distracted & the day can escape us to no good end. Today let's be aware. Be present to the still small voice singing to us.  Let's open ourselves as an instrument to be played, making a melody for healing, comfort & community.  We all need one another and ALL that makes our world.  We're each God's favorite child. That's a fact to celebrate.  Feel the breath of God flowing through you, talking to your spirit, inviting you into the world to share love, making the world a better place.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand,   to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Jill Henton

Devotional 9-6-20

Romans 13: 8 - Pay all of your debts except the debt of love for others - never finish paying that! For if you love them, you will be obeying all of God's laws, fulfilling all of his requirements. 

Please read Romans 13: 8-14.

The heading for this chapter is Obey the Government. When I was reading the selections for this week I at first thought this one would be a poor choice right now.

I can hardly watch the news and I hide more than I read on Facebook because people believe that their way of thinking is the only way and that does not lead to peaceful sleep.

As I read further I realized why God had put this in our reading for this week, and yes, I do think that with all God has to do he took the time to put these readings in our paths right now.

He knows what is going on in our lives, he knew last year where we were going to be. If you doubt this just look at The Upper Room or Guidepost readings for his week or this month.

They are about what is going on in our lives right now.

Verse eight and the following verses point out again what God tries to tell us every day. Love is the answer! He keeps driving this message and for one reason or another, we ignore it.

He has given us the rules and he has told us the most important one.

LOVE

Please reread that because he doesn't say you have to like everyone or you have to agree with everyone. He tells us to love them.

Our sweet grand-daughter Maddie was here this summer and we were talking about all that's going on in our world. She asked me " why can't people just be nice". Seems simple when you think about it and it should be simple.  

We are all children of one huge blended family. Let's all try to just love the crazy aunts, uncles and especially the crazy grandmothers.

Our Father is watching and he just wants us to love.

Dear heavenly Father,

Please forgive your unruly, disrespectful and misbehaving family. Help us to put love and thanksgiving in our hearts each and every day as we face new and uncomfortable situations.
If we talk with you when our hearts are heavy and we feel our self control slipping we know you will calm our spirits and show us the way.
I ask these things in your name Father.
Amen.