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 7-25-20

Romans 8: 26-39
 
²⁶ 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 with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 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 likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to this? 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 is he that condemns? 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, 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.
 
I was pleasantly surprised to see the above scripture was one of the readings assigned for my devotional writing. It was the one my late wife -Janice- quoted often. As I write this it is early June & we are in a state of chaos. Worldwide pandemic, economy cratering, unemployment rampant, marches & riots over the death of George Floyd, shelter in place, masks & social distancing recommendations for all of us. It sure seems like a sorry world! Where is God in all of this? I hope you will take the time to read & contemplate this scripture. Even today, Paul reminds us of the one eternal truth. There is NOTHING that can separate us from God & his son Jesus Christ. Life brings all of us trials & tribulations and at times we may stagger or stumble under the load. However, we need to remind ourselves if/when we are in that dark valley... If God be with us who can be against us? May it always be so!
 
Prayer: Father thank you for our blessings & give us strength to conquer all the troubles life can present as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.
 
Marv Jones

Devotional 10-26-18

John 11: 32-44     Raising of Lazarus

³²  When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” ³³ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ³⁴  “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see they replied. ³⁵  Jesus wept.  ³⁶  Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” ³⁷ But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”  ³⁸ Jesus ,once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  ³⁹ “Take away the stone,” he said.  “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”  ⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”  ⁴¹ So they took away the stone, Then Jesus looked up and said “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  ⁴² I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” ⁴³ When he had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice,”Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

The story of Lazarus is a well know scripture for most Christians. It serves as a reminder that true faith can sustain and heal us no matter the situation.  I like this scripture for several reasons. First- it is an example of genuine faith on Mary’s part!  There was no doubt in her mind that had Jesus been with Lazarus he could make him well.  Another reason I like this passage is because it tells us that Jesus wept!  What could this be?..... the son of God has feelings?  Being fully human entails enjoying all the good that can exist in our lives. Likewise, there will be days where we will experience pain, suffering, loss and regrets.  Lazarus demise can represent our own spiritual death for a short time. It could come with the ending of a relationship, the sudden, unexpected  loss of a loved one or a change in a medical diagnosis.  Each event in and of itself leaves emotional scars.  But todays’ reading reminds each of us that Jesus is with us.  He too sheds tears when we cry out asking “WHY did this happen?”  The good news is that Jesus will call out to each of us to “Come out” from our self-imposed spiritual cave and remove that which burdens us as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens. May it always be so!

Prayer: Father- help us as we struggle with pain and loss. Give us strength to carry on and be bold in our spiritual walk with you. Forgive us when we get angry or withdrawn and forget that you are with us always. Turn our tears of sorrow into tears of joy for all you have given. In Jesus name we pray-Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 6-15-18

Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4: ³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

This passage of scripture is very comforting to me!  How can this be? All of us have experienced fear in our lives. These fears can be the loss of a job, the loss of a spouse or child, the end of a marriage or an unexpected medical condition.  In each case, there is a sense of loss and abandonment. We sometimes feel like we are alone on an island with no one to share our pain and grief.  So- I can identify with these disciples as they face a violent storm and yearn for solid ground!

But just like them, we may feel that Jesus is “asleep” in our own life.  This scripture serves to remind us that nothing is further from the truth!  No matter our pain or suffering, Jesus is there to help calm the headwinds and storms in our journey. Jesus asks his disciples why they still have no faith.  No matter what we may face- this scripture reminds us to reach out  to Jesus.

In Matthew 11: 28 Jesus calls out to us! He says : “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We do not walk alone in this life-even if we sometimes feel that way.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father thank you for being with us when we encounter tough times.  Help us to call on you when we face fear so that we might have rest for our soul as we await that house not made by hands but eternal to the Heavens.

Marv Jones

Devotional 5-18-18

John 5: 9-13    Jesus heals at the Pool

 ⁹ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, ¹⁰ and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, " It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."  ¹¹ But he replied," The man who made me well said to me, "Pick up your mat and walk."  ¹² So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" ¹³ The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.

This particular healing occurs in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate.  The area was used by a great many people who were blind, lame or paralyzed.  Jesus comes upon a invalid and commands him to pick up his mat and walk!  At once, the man was healed and did as Jesus directed.  However, this was the Sabbath and Jewish law demanded no work be done.  Instead of rejoicing at this great miracle the people criticized him for breaking the law.

How about you and your spiritual walk? Have you ever experienced true joy thru God only to have someone "steal" your moment? Or worse- have you ever accidentally minimized another person's mountain top experience by your concern for religious rule or order? 

We sometimes miss Christ interacting in our life.  Like society 2,000 years ago, we tend to get bogged down in the day to day trials of living.  Guided by the rituals of work/family/friends and the demands on our time we may not "see" Jesus moving in and among our daily struggles. But, just like the lame man at the pool, Jesus is there for us. Offering his healing touch and commanding each of us to go forth as his servants to do his will among the least of us!  May it always be so.

Prayer: Heavenly Father- help us to find your Joy in everything we do.  Keep us from being rigid in our spiritual life as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 8-4-17

The Feeding of the 5000

Matthew 14: 13-21   

¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

¹⁶ Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
¹⁷ "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
¹⁸ "Bring them here to me," he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

In these scriptures, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to mourn.  Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, has just been beheaded by Herod.  Who among us does not want privacy and solitude when we lose a loved one? Yet- his desire for solitude was interrupted by the large crowd of people who wanted to see and hear him.  Even as Jesus was in spiritual pain at the loss of his cousin- he looked out at this mass of people and had compassion on them and immediately starting healing the sick!

As evening comes, the disciples urge Jesus to send the crowd away, but instead Jesus commands the disciples to give them something to eat.  The miracle of feeding the 5,000 ensues.

How about you and your spiritual journey?  Have you mourned the loss of a loved one?  Ever yearned for peace & quiet to heal your hurts? Regret words said or actions done?  In this account, I feel there are several miracles we can learn.  First- no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the sin.... Jesus is there with us.  He knows our inner struggles and can help shoulder the weight, because he has been there too!  Secondly- Jesus challenges us to stretch our faith beyond what we can imagine.  You see what is not possible with man is achievable through Jesus.  Jesus physically fed 5,000 but only after giving thanks.  Today in God's kingdom here on earth we can be fed the bread of life no matter how desperate our situation if we, like Jesus, give thanks!  May it always be so.

Prayer: Father thank you for helping each of us as we wrestle with the problems of life. Help us to remember that when we give thanks miracles happen! Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 6-17-17

Matthew 9: 35-38

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness, ³⁶  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  ³⁸ Ask the lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Anyone who has ever worked on a farm knows hard work!  If you had to cut a hay field, you knew before hand that it would be hot, dry, dusty and entail long hours between the cutting/ bailing and transport via a hay wagon to the storage shed!  It was necessary but not enjoyable.  On a farm it was one of many chores that had to be done.

In Matthew's account Jesus is traveling the countryside and sees people in need. He does many things to try and show God's good deeds to the least of them.  This too was necessary.  God's people were dominated by Roman rule and life was hard.  Jesus was sharing the GOOD NEWS that God's kingdom on earth was at hand!

Today, as Christian people we may not think of ourselves as "laborers".  However, just like in Jesus' day, we are called to do the hard work of sharing Christ's love with the harassed- the helpless- the sick- the lonely!  This can be very difficult because it calls us to step out of our comfort zone and go where we might not want to go or witness to people we do not know or like.  But Jesus remind us that the "harvest" is dependent upon each of us to do his work in his kingdom on Earth as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father give us the strength to do your work and share your word with those who need to hear that they are loved as a child of God too. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 9-15-16

Read Luke 15: 1-7 The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Read Luke 15: 8-10 The Parable of the Lost Coin

How often have you ever rejoiced?  Not just feeling good or happy but actually rejoicing over someone or some event.  As I think on this I realize not very often! Oh sure- the birth of our daughter and grandchildren.....maybe... but in the everyday living it is rare for me.

Luke sets the scene in Chapter 15 by stating that Jesus was with the tax collectors & “sinners” and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were objecting to this.  Does Jesus confront the leaders? Does he call them out for their hypocrisy? Does he ignore them?  No- he uses this opportunity as a teachable moment!

Jesus tells all who are there these 2 parables.  In both of them Jesus reminds the people that like the lost sheep or coin there is great REJOICING in Heaven and in the presence of angels when even one sinner repents!

We may not think of living in God’s Kingdom here on Earth...... but we do!  Just like the teachers of the law in Israel’s day we have a tendency to judge.  Unfortunately, I suspect when we see or hear of someone coming to Christ we may not celebrate it like we should.  However, today’s scripture serves to remind all of us that even when one lost soul is found -just like the angels in Heaven- we should join with them and rejoice!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day.  We thank you for all the blessings we receive.  Help us to celebrate every time someone comes to know you as we await that house not built with hands- eternal to the Heavens.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 7-15-16

Read Psalm 82

In this psalm, the writer calls out to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

As people of faith, we are called to action!  But- how can we respond?

Today’s culture touts material gain, personal achievement and upward mobility as the standard to be measured.  Society tends to block our vision when it comes to the weak and the poor!  There are programs out there to help “these” people.

As the psalmist suggests, even thousands of years ago, wicked people used and abused those who are disadvantaged.  He was reminding the people of Israel of their moral and spiritual obligation to protect the oppressed.

This scripture reminds us today that our faith comes with work to do.  God uses us to do his will here on Earth. So- when politicians cut funding for the poor/needy/hungry we must stand up and let our voice be heard! At work, in our neighborhoods and our social circles we need to be alert to actions that come at the cost of others. 

Jesus Christ ministry was based on this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.  As we await that house not built with hands but eternal to the heavens- may we strive to protect those in need.

  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, forgive us for our materialism and continue to remind us that as your servant we need to protect and defend those who can not protect themselves.  Thank you for all that you have given us and may we respond with love to others as Jesus did.  In your name we pray.  Amen.

Marv Jones

Devotional 2-27-15

Mark 8: 31-37                        Jesus Predicts His Death

³¹He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.  ³²He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  ³³But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter.  “get behind me, Satan!”he said.  “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Jesus goes on to warn the crowd that anyone who wants to follow him must deny themselves and be willing to lose their life!  He challenges us with this question- What can a man give in exchange for his soul?

This is a question that each of us tries to answer some time and some way during our life.  Therein is the challenge that Jesus presents to us.  Should we have in mind the things of man and enjoy earthly pleasures?  Or- can we find that spiritual place where we begin to look at things as God intended?  Imagine announcing to the disciples that you must deny and risk loss of life.  What?  No way!

Yet these followers were witnesses to “God With Us” and believed.

So where are you on your journey this Lenten season?  Are you like Peter and thinking in the ways of man or has the Holy Spirit challenged you to respond to his calling?  There is a quotation attributed to Roy Disney that goes “ Ir’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”  If you are reading this then you know what you value most.  What better time than Lent to reinvigorate your faith thru the things of God?  May it always be so!

Prayer: Heavenly father we thank you for the witness of believers.  Forgive us when we turn our thoughts to earthly things.  Continue to feed our souls spirtually with your word so we can do your will here on Earth.  Thank you for the promise of forgiveness and eternal life through your son Jesus Christ.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 9-26-08

Matthew 20: 1-16
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
I am always struck by the difference between “man’s way” and “GOD’S WAY” when I read the Bible.

By man’s thinking, the Christ would come in power and glory! God’s way was by a virgin and carpenter from the countryside. Human vision assumes a King with a Palace and courtiers. God’s vision was a lowly stable with farm animals.

So it is, as we read this parable, that we are drawn to cries of “fairness” for the workers who labored long and hard in the fields all day. From a worker’s point of view it is not right for those who labored the least to receive the same as those who spent the entire day in the fields.

Here again Jesus reminds us of the difference between life on earth and the Kingdom of Heaven as he advises, “the last will be first and the first will be last.”

Man can be vengeful, stubborn, proud and unforgiving. God patiently waits for us to ask for forgiveness of our sins and is always ready to grant it time and time again!

Pastor Jack mentioned in a recent sermon about being a “crib Christian” (one who was born into church), and I am thankful to be one. However, this scripture reminds me not to be concerned with how long or how hard I labor in his “field” but to be always thankful for “that House not made with hands- Eternal to the Heavens.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father- we thank you for your son-Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation! Despite our many days in your field we are unworthy and yet you forgive and welcome us. Open our eyes to your possibilities! Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 5-23-08

Matthew 6: 24-34

My wife buys my clothes for me! She does this in self-defense! For you see, if it were up to me, I would still be wearing wide ties, bell-bottoms and madras! Once, when jogging in Ritter Park, a friend saw me coming and laughing asked “Who dresses you?”

Yet- I worry. I worry about my job, my finances, old age, etc., knowing there is only so much I can do about these things that are outside of my control!

Therefore, this scripture speaks to me. It serves to remind me once again that God cares for ME! Why is it we sometimes find this hard to accept? I think in part, it is because we lose sight of what is truly important. A new car, nice home or great job may appeal to us for many reasons. But- after acquiring “things” it can not change how we feel on the inside. The power of God-thru Jesus Christ- can CHANGE us! Christ points out in this scripture that each day will bring troubles of its own. But- should we elect to “Seek his kingdom and his Righteousness” then we can be satisfied and unworried by the daily trials and tribulations in life.

During this time of spring, may we be reminded of this promise when we see flowers in bloom or hear birds singing outside our window!

This is God speaking to us thru true beauty!

Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for the beauty each day brings and help us to turn our life over to you and put you in control. Amen

Marv Jones