Hey, folks! This is just a reminder of our Wednesday night schedule. Remember, we want no snow Wednesday nights--it's too long between services when we have to cancel! Stay safe in the winter weather. :)
6:00-6:30pm: Arrive, visit, and have a snack.
6:30pm: Class.
7:00pm: Nursery class goes to activities; other classes go to music.
7:15pm: Nursery class goes to music; other classes participate in scheduled activities. Special note: You may play, or you may cheer on your friends. You may not leave the supervised activity area. Thanks for cooperating.
7:30pm: Dismissed. Bus leaves.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Reminder for Wednesday, 17 June 2009!
Remember that we will not have church this week due to the West Virginia Church of God Camp Meeting.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Week of 21 May: Loneliness
This week in class we talked about loneliness. All of us, from time to time, experience loneliness. We feel like we are all alone, on our own, with no one on whom to depend. Asaph, one of the psalmists, expressed these feelings in Psalm 73. We looked specifically at verses 21-26:
(21) When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
(22) I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
(23) Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
(24) You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
(25) Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
(26) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
We were inspired by this psalm and wrote our own poem about loneliness and how God can help us overcome it. It is in a haiku form.
"Strength"
Feeling in the dark,
The darkness overwhelmed me.
He opened my eyes.
By Cody G., Phillip W., Tana H., Joey G, and Mark C.
For this week's devotions, we will look more at these verses and other verses that can direct us when we are feeling lonesome.
Thursday: In the beginning of the verses, Asaph compares himself to "a brute beast." In other words, he doesn't even feel human anymore; he feels like an animal. Think about the differences between human beings and other animals. Animals are driven solely by their needs: their need for food, their need to produce offspring, their need to survive. Humans, on the other hand, are capable of self-control. Self-control, as we have talked about before, is one the gifts of the Spirit. When Asaph feels like an animal, he probably feels disconnected from the Lord, the giver of spiritual gifts. Have you ever felt like you weren't even a person? Like you were no more important than a dog? Take comfort in the fact that others feel this way, too, and remind yourself that you are more than just an animal: you were specially created by God in His image, designed to worship, serve, and love Him.
Friday: In verses 23-24, Asaph has to comfort himself with what he knows about God. He knows that the Lord is there with him, holding his hand, guiding him, and preparing a place for him in heaven. Despite the feelings that he expresses in verses 21-22, Asaph knows this to be true. Oftentimes, we are in a similar situation. We FEEL let down, abandoned, and alone, but we must remember that feelings can lie. God tells us that He will always be here with us, never forsaking us. No matter how we FEEL, we must trust in God and his holy Word, the Bible. This week, if you find yourself feeling down, pray that God will help you remember that despite any temporary feelings of despair, you KNOW that He is there with you as He was with Asaph.
Saturday: In verses 25-26, Asaph continues to reassure himself with God's promises. He recognizes that his heart (that's his feelings) and his flesh (that's his body) may fail, but God has promised to be with him always--now and in eternity. As christians, we have the same promise. God's love is never ending; someday we will join Him in heaven and stay there praising Him forever. Even in our worst moments in this lifetime, we have the reassurance of eternal salvation.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: To see how another famous psalmist experiences loneliness, read Psalm 142. It was written by King David and is only seven verses long. In this psalm, David expresses how much he needs the Lord when everyone else doesn't seem to care about him. Like Asaph, David calls the Lord his "portion." This word refers to a part of an inheritance. As children of God, we will all receive an inheritance from Him; our inheritance is unending love and an eternity with Him in heaven. Today, pray that God will help you separate your feelings (which change all the time) from what you know about Him (that He never changes and will always be there for you).
Tuesday: If you are experiencing loneliness, try this exercise. On a sheet of paper, write "I am lonely because..." Then, complete the sentence. Do this ten times (yes, ten). Now look at your list. Who do you blame for your loneliness? God? Other people? Yourself? Circumstances? Now, get out a new sheet of paper, and complete the sentence "With God's help I can..." ten times. Use your Bible. With God's help, nothing is impossible; we can overcome loneliness, sure in our knowledge of His presence. Pray that God would show Himself to you this week in your everyday life.
Wednesday: See you at church!
(21) When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
(22) I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
(23) Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
(24) You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
(25) Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
(26) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
We were inspired by this psalm and wrote our own poem about loneliness and how God can help us overcome it. It is in a haiku form.
"Strength"
Feeling in the dark,
The darkness overwhelmed me.
He opened my eyes.
By Cody G., Phillip W., Tana H., Joey G, and Mark C.
For this week's devotions, we will look more at these verses and other verses that can direct us when we are feeling lonesome.
Thursday: In the beginning of the verses, Asaph compares himself to "a brute beast." In other words, he doesn't even feel human anymore; he feels like an animal. Think about the differences between human beings and other animals. Animals are driven solely by their needs: their need for food, their need to produce offspring, their need to survive. Humans, on the other hand, are capable of self-control. Self-control, as we have talked about before, is one the gifts of the Spirit. When Asaph feels like an animal, he probably feels disconnected from the Lord, the giver of spiritual gifts. Have you ever felt like you weren't even a person? Like you were no more important than a dog? Take comfort in the fact that others feel this way, too, and remind yourself that you are more than just an animal: you were specially created by God in His image, designed to worship, serve, and love Him.
Friday: In verses 23-24, Asaph has to comfort himself with what he knows about God. He knows that the Lord is there with him, holding his hand, guiding him, and preparing a place for him in heaven. Despite the feelings that he expresses in verses 21-22, Asaph knows this to be true. Oftentimes, we are in a similar situation. We FEEL let down, abandoned, and alone, but we must remember that feelings can lie. God tells us that He will always be here with us, never forsaking us. No matter how we FEEL, we must trust in God and his holy Word, the Bible. This week, if you find yourself feeling down, pray that God will help you remember that despite any temporary feelings of despair, you KNOW that He is there with you as He was with Asaph.
Saturday: In verses 25-26, Asaph continues to reassure himself with God's promises. He recognizes that his heart (that's his feelings) and his flesh (that's his body) may fail, but God has promised to be with him always--now and in eternity. As christians, we have the same promise. God's love is never ending; someday we will join Him in heaven and stay there praising Him forever. Even in our worst moments in this lifetime, we have the reassurance of eternal salvation.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: To see how another famous psalmist experiences loneliness, read Psalm 142. It was written by King David and is only seven verses long. In this psalm, David expresses how much he needs the Lord when everyone else doesn't seem to care about him. Like Asaph, David calls the Lord his "portion." This word refers to a part of an inheritance. As children of God, we will all receive an inheritance from Him; our inheritance is unending love and an eternity with Him in heaven. Today, pray that God will help you separate your feelings (which change all the time) from what you know about Him (that He never changes and will always be there for you).
Tuesday: If you are experiencing loneliness, try this exercise. On a sheet of paper, write "I am lonely because..." Then, complete the sentence. Do this ten times (yes, ten). Now look at your list. Who do you blame for your loneliness? God? Other people? Yourself? Circumstances? Now, get out a new sheet of paper, and complete the sentence "With God's help I can..." ten times. Use your Bible. With God's help, nothing is impossible; we can overcome loneliness, sure in our knowledge of His presence. Pray that God would show Himself to you this week in your everyday life.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Week of 7 May: Revival
Just a reminder: we are having revival this week. Our speaker is Johan Bruwer of South Africa, and we will have several special singers. Please come by!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Devotions for Week of 23-29 April: Checking Out Some Other Devotions
This week I decided to spend some time looking at a variety of other devotional blogs. Check them out with me, and if you find one that you like, you can continue to check it out! For each day, I selected a devotion then cut and pasted it here along with the URL for the website from which it came. Enjoy!
Thursday: Having devotions and being devoted are two different things. It’s easy to focus on your devotions rather than the object of your devotions. If you are in the habit of reading the devotions on this website every day, that’s great. But you shouldn’t simply focus on these little daily readings. Do your best to focus on God rather than discipline of daily devotions.
Being devoted simply means giving our time, our effort, our money, and ourselves to someone, some purpose, or some thing. We can be devoted to a career, a person, or even a hobby or activity. So why not devote ourselves to God? Let’s meet with Him daily to get to know Him better, to learn what pleases Him, and to find out what He wants us to do.
“Get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
To see more from this website, visit: http://christianity101online.com/blog/2009/04/07/are-you-devoted/
Friday: Ruth 1:16-17: "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."
As we are entering Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel (next Tuesday, April 20), I want to share a touching story about a an exceptional woman who assisted 2,500 young Jewish children out of the ghettos during World War II.
Her name was Irene Sendler. She was an employee of the Polish Social Warfare Department who had a special permit to enter the ghettos to check for signs of typhus. During these visits, she would wear a Star of David as a sign of solidarity with the Jewish people. Once inside, she would convince Jewish parents to part with their children as she and others created for them false papers and smuggled them out so to put them in various good homes around Poland. Sendler then buried the children's true identities in jars in her back yard, hoping to reunite them with their families after the war.
In 1943, Irene was arrested by the Gestapo, severely tortured and sentenced to death. She was able to save herself by bribing German guards on the way to her execution. Listed on bulletin boards among those who had been executed, she was left in the woods unconscious, with broken arms and legs. For the remainder of the war, she lived in hiding. Though she had suffered much, she continued her work with Jewish children.
In 2007, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and lost to former vice president Al Gore.
May we take up the call of Ruth--“your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God!” To Israel and the Jewish People, know that you have thousands of friends standing in solidarity with you!
To see more from this website, visit: http://www.worthydevotions.com/
Saturday: Communicating Through Our Life John 13:34-35
Did you realize that everyone’s life makes a statement? Perhaps you’ve never looked at your routine as anything more than merely traveling back and forth to work and accomplishing daily tasks. If so, you might wonder what message this could possibly broadcast to the people around you.
The truth is that every one of us communicates to others through our character, actions, and words. The believer’s life should be an expression of glory to God while conveying to onlookers the vital importance of divine truth. Wherever we are, Jesus’ light should shine brightly through us so that He is evident in a dark world. And remember, the strength of our life message is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God.
Of course, this does not mean that our lives have to be perfect. But our responses and actions should demonstrate that our heavenly Father is dependable, faithful, forgiving, and present. We are His ambassadors, representing the Savior to the people we encounter each day. Our lives are opportunities for others to see the Lord in action, as we serve others—or as we reveal peacefulness and trust, even during difficult times.
Coworkers, family, neighbors, and friends are all witnesses to our daily conduct and conversation. Every encounter we have is an opportunity to reflect Jesus into somebody’s life. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and your walk so that those around you can’t help but be drawn towards His light.
To see more from this website, visit: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/in_touch/
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)
The Word of God has much to say about right thinking, or faith thinking. Much of the book of Proverbs deals with the subject of wisdom and how to get wisdom, how to nurture wisdom, and how to guard wisdom. This is why these devotional messages are made available. It is our prayer that these words will provide food for thought. Just as our physical bodies need necessary nutrition, our minds need spiritual and mental sustenance. It is so important for us to learn how to think with God’s thoughts from His Word.
To see more of this website, visit: http://www.ggwo.org/index.php?module=ministries&action=faiththoughts
Tuesday: "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. . . . Great is Your faithfulness."—Lamentations 3:22-23
Hudson Taylor, the humble servant of God to China, demonstrated extraordinary trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote:
“Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. . . . He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. . . . Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
We may be faint and weary, but our heavenly Father is all-powerful. Our feelings may fluctuate, but He is unchangeable. Even creation itself is a record of His steadfastness. That’s why we can sing these words from a hymn by Thomas Chisholm: “Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.”
What an encouragement to live for Him! Our strength for the present and hope for the future are not based on the stability of our own perseverance but on the fidelity of God. No matter what our need, we can count on the Father’s faithfulness. —Paul Van Gorder
To see more of this website, visit: http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Wednesday: See you at church! And I hope that this week's devotions might have helped you choose another website that inspires you!
Thursday: Having devotions and being devoted are two different things. It’s easy to focus on your devotions rather than the object of your devotions. If you are in the habit of reading the devotions on this website every day, that’s great. But you shouldn’t simply focus on these little daily readings. Do your best to focus on God rather than discipline of daily devotions.
Being devoted simply means giving our time, our effort, our money, and ourselves to someone, some purpose, or some thing. We can be devoted to a career, a person, or even a hobby or activity. So why not devote ourselves to God? Let’s meet with Him daily to get to know Him better, to learn what pleases Him, and to find out what He wants us to do.
“Get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
To see more from this website, visit: http://christianity101online.com/blog/2009/04/07/are-you-devoted/
Friday: Ruth 1:16-17: "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."
As we are entering Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel (next Tuesday, April 20), I want to share a touching story about a an exceptional woman who assisted 2,500 young Jewish children out of the ghettos during World War II.
Her name was Irene Sendler. She was an employee of the Polish Social Warfare Department who had a special permit to enter the ghettos to check for signs of typhus. During these visits, she would wear a Star of David as a sign of solidarity with the Jewish people. Once inside, she would convince Jewish parents to part with their children as she and others created for them false papers and smuggled them out so to put them in various good homes around Poland. Sendler then buried the children's true identities in jars in her back yard, hoping to reunite them with their families after the war.
In 1943, Irene was arrested by the Gestapo, severely tortured and sentenced to death. She was able to save herself by bribing German guards on the way to her execution. Listed on bulletin boards among those who had been executed, she was left in the woods unconscious, with broken arms and legs. For the remainder of the war, she lived in hiding. Though she had suffered much, she continued her work with Jewish children.
In 2007, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and lost to former vice president Al Gore.
May we take up the call of Ruth--“your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God!” To Israel and the Jewish People, know that you have thousands of friends standing in solidarity with you!
To see more from this website, visit: http://www.worthydevotions.com/
Saturday: Communicating Through Our Life John 13:34-35
Did you realize that everyone’s life makes a statement? Perhaps you’ve never looked at your routine as anything more than merely traveling back and forth to work and accomplishing daily tasks. If so, you might wonder what message this could possibly broadcast to the people around you.
The truth is that every one of us communicates to others through our character, actions, and words. The believer’s life should be an expression of glory to God while conveying to onlookers the vital importance of divine truth. Wherever we are, Jesus’ light should shine brightly through us so that He is evident in a dark world. And remember, the strength of our life message is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God.
Of course, this does not mean that our lives have to be perfect. But our responses and actions should demonstrate that our heavenly Father is dependable, faithful, forgiving, and present. We are His ambassadors, representing the Savior to the people we encounter each day. Our lives are opportunities for others to see the Lord in action, as we serve others—or as we reveal peacefulness and trust, even during difficult times.
Coworkers, family, neighbors, and friends are all witnesses to our daily conduct and conversation. Every encounter we have is an opportunity to reflect Jesus into somebody’s life. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and your walk so that those around you can’t help but be drawn towards His light.
To see more from this website, visit: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/in_touch/
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)
The Word of God has much to say about right thinking, or faith thinking. Much of the book of Proverbs deals with the subject of wisdom and how to get wisdom, how to nurture wisdom, and how to guard wisdom. This is why these devotional messages are made available. It is our prayer that these words will provide food for thought. Just as our physical bodies need necessary nutrition, our minds need spiritual and mental sustenance. It is so important for us to learn how to think with God’s thoughts from His Word.
To see more of this website, visit: http://www.ggwo.org/index.php?module=ministries&action=faiththoughts
Tuesday: "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. . . . Great is Your faithfulness."—Lamentations 3:22-23
Hudson Taylor, the humble servant of God to China, demonstrated extraordinary trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote:
“Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. . . . He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. . . . Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
We may be faint and weary, but our heavenly Father is all-powerful. Our feelings may fluctuate, but He is unchangeable. Even creation itself is a record of His steadfastness. That’s why we can sing these words from a hymn by Thomas Chisholm: “Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.”
What an encouragement to live for Him! Our strength for the present and hope for the future are not based on the stability of our own perseverance but on the fidelity of God. No matter what our need, we can count on the Father’s faithfulness. —Paul Van Gorder
To see more of this website, visit: http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Wednesday: See you at church! And I hope that this week's devotions might have helped you choose another website that inspires you!
Devotions for Week of 16-22 April: Fruits of the Spirit
Thursday: In Matthew 7:15-23, Jesus tells his disciples to be on the look out for false prophets (that is, people pretending to be of God). Basically, he reminds his followers to use good sense--to look at the "fruits" of the people to whom they are listening. An evil tree can't produce good fruit, he says, just like a good tree can't produce evil fruit. Likewise, as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus, we should also produce "fruit" that reflects this. What "fruits" in thought, word, and action would you expect from a Christian? This week we'll be reading what Paul wrote to the Galatians about the fruits of the Spirit. Paul is talking about the Holy Spirit, a third facet of God that was sent to us after Jesus died. The Holy Spirit is supposed to be our comforter; he is sort of like our conscience, prompting us to do the right thing. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us up; as a result, we bear fruit that reflect the Holy Spirit. Remember, though, that fruit takes time ripen. The fruit of the Spirit also takes time to ripen. As we continue to walk with God, the fruits in our lives will be more evident.
Friday: Since there are nine fruits of the Spirit described by Paul in Galatians 5: 22, we'll talk about three each day for the next three days. The first fruit is love. Because it comes first, we can infer that this is the most important, most prominent fruit of the Spirit. To define love, we can look at the example of Jesus; by dying for our sin, he showed the ultimate expression of love. When we put others before ourselves--when we sacrifice for the benefit of someone else--this is showing love. Joy is the second fruit. We often equate joy with happiness, but they are actually very different. Happiness is based on circumstance; a certain situation can make you happy. But joy is deeper. Joy comes from knowing God and being sure of his love and concern from you; even in bad situations, you can have joy. The third fruit is peace, and it is related to joy. Like joy, peace doesn't come from a particular situation. Peace comes from knowing that God has a plan for your life and that he loves you.
Saturday: The fourth fruit of the Spirit is patience, and it seems like it takes a long time to develop! The website www.spirithome.com defines patience as "the quality or capacity of being patient; to endure something with calmness; the ability to willingly accept or tolerate delay or hardship." Patience means that being sure of God's purpose for you, sure that he will answer your prayers, and sure that all things in your life work for your good...eventually. And it's that "eventually" that makes it so hard. We view life temporally--that is, we live very much in the moment--but God lives outside of time, in eternity. What seems like a long time to us is the blink of an eye to him. The fifth fruit is kindness. Kindness refers to our relationship with others. By being kind to others, we model God's love and kindness for us; this kind of modeling will lead unbelievers to God. The sixth fruit is goodness. The Greek word used in this verse (agathosune) doesn't just refer to moral goodness ("doing the right thing"); it also refers to being useful or beneficial. In other words, having integrity or being moral doesn't do much good unless you put it into action. That's what the Spirit will help you do.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: The last three fruits of the Spirit are faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Like the other fruits, by having faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we mirror a side of God for those people around us. Faithfulness can refer to being faithful to God, but it can also mean being faithful to other people. In other words, we should not waiver, going from one side to another; when we give our word, we should stick to it. Gentleness is very similar to meekness, and Jesus taught us that the meek will inherit the earth. Being gentle doesn't mean that you always go along with everyone else; rather, it means making a choice to avoid anger or rashness. Gentleness lets you keep your cool when you're upset. This goes hand-in-hand with the last fruit, self-control. Self-control can refer to many parts of our lives: it can refer to our bodies (like sexual self-control or not being a glutton at the dinner table), to our tongues (like not gossiping or saying hurtful things), to our actions (like paying tithes even though it means giving up something else), or even to our thoughts.
Tuesday: The Hebrew word mitzvah (מצווה) is used to talk about two things. First, it refers to a commandment from God to the Jews given in the Torah (what we know as the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy); there are a total of 620 commandments or instructions. Second, it refers to an act of human kindness. This kindness is not merely a one-time act. The term mitzvah refers to someone who is characterized by kindness; that is his or her way of life, and it is done for the glory of God. By examining the fruits of the spirit, we can see that this is the kind of life that they Holy Spirit can help us develop: a life devoted to human kindness--putting others before ourselves--for God's glory. In your prayers today, ask for opportunities to be kind. As you go into the world, look for these opportunities, and take advantage of them.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Friday: Since there are nine fruits of the Spirit described by Paul in Galatians 5: 22, we'll talk about three each day for the next three days. The first fruit is love. Because it comes first, we can infer that this is the most important, most prominent fruit of the Spirit. To define love, we can look at the example of Jesus; by dying for our sin, he showed the ultimate expression of love. When we put others before ourselves--when we sacrifice for the benefit of someone else--this is showing love. Joy is the second fruit. We often equate joy with happiness, but they are actually very different. Happiness is based on circumstance; a certain situation can make you happy. But joy is deeper. Joy comes from knowing God and being sure of his love and concern from you; even in bad situations, you can have joy. The third fruit is peace, and it is related to joy. Like joy, peace doesn't come from a particular situation. Peace comes from knowing that God has a plan for your life and that he loves you.
Saturday: The fourth fruit of the Spirit is patience, and it seems like it takes a long time to develop! The website www.spirithome.com defines patience as "the quality or capacity of being patient; to endure something with calmness; the ability to willingly accept or tolerate delay or hardship." Patience means that being sure of God's purpose for you, sure that he will answer your prayers, and sure that all things in your life work for your good...eventually. And it's that "eventually" that makes it so hard. We view life temporally--that is, we live very much in the moment--but God lives outside of time, in eternity. What seems like a long time to us is the blink of an eye to him. The fifth fruit is kindness. Kindness refers to our relationship with others. By being kind to others, we model God's love and kindness for us; this kind of modeling will lead unbelievers to God. The sixth fruit is goodness. The Greek word used in this verse (agathosune) doesn't just refer to moral goodness ("doing the right thing"); it also refers to being useful or beneficial. In other words, having integrity or being moral doesn't do much good unless you put it into action. That's what the Spirit will help you do.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: The last three fruits of the Spirit are faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Like the other fruits, by having faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we mirror a side of God for those people around us. Faithfulness can refer to being faithful to God, but it can also mean being faithful to other people. In other words, we should not waiver, going from one side to another; when we give our word, we should stick to it. Gentleness is very similar to meekness, and Jesus taught us that the meek will inherit the earth. Being gentle doesn't mean that you always go along with everyone else; rather, it means making a choice to avoid anger or rashness. Gentleness lets you keep your cool when you're upset. This goes hand-in-hand with the last fruit, self-control. Self-control can refer to many parts of our lives: it can refer to our bodies (like sexual self-control or not being a glutton at the dinner table), to our tongues (like not gossiping or saying hurtful things), to our actions (like paying tithes even though it means giving up something else), or even to our thoughts.
Tuesday: The Hebrew word mitzvah (מצווה) is used to talk about two things. First, it refers to a commandment from God to the Jews given in the Torah (what we know as the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy); there are a total of 620 commandments or instructions. Second, it refers to an act of human kindness. This kindness is not merely a one-time act. The term mitzvah refers to someone who is characterized by kindness; that is his or her way of life, and it is done for the glory of God. By examining the fruits of the spirit, we can see that this is the kind of life that they Holy Spirit can help us develop: a life devoted to human kindness--putting others before ourselves--for God's glory. In your prayers today, ask for opportunities to be kind. As you go into the world, look for these opportunities, and take advantage of them.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Devotions for Week of 2-8 April: "Doing" by Example
Thursday: For the last two weeks, we have been talking about being "doers" of the Word. First, we learned that we are not just supposed to be hearers of the Word; we should also change our actions to match the instructions that we hear. So, what does this look like everyday? Funny you should ask because how we look has a lot to do with it! In 1 Peter 3:2-5, we're instructed to dress modestly and with propriety. Our clothes should not be our focus; instead we should focus on having a clean heart and a gentle spirit. These verses were written for women, but men should consider them, too. Take a good look at your clothes today. Are they modest and proper? Or do they detract from the heart inside you?
Friday: Are you being a "doer" with your mouth? People often say that a person should put his money where his mouth is, and a christian must take this especially to heart. The Bible says that the tongue is the most unruly part of the body; often we speak before we think, and this sets a poor example for those around us. Ephesians 4:29 makes it very clear that our words should be clean (no cussing!) and meaningful: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." In other words, your words should be pertinant and, like your clothes, reveal a clean heart. Reflect on everything that you said today: is there anything that doesn't fit this criteria? Pray that God will help you control your unruly tongue.
Saturday: You can also be a "doer" with your everyday actions. For example, imagine that you are walking down the hall at school, and you see someone that you don't like drop a paper from his/her folder. You pick it up and find that it is a homework assignment. Do you give it back to person? Do you throw it in the trash? Do you just toss it back in the floor? Although this doesn't seem like a very important or noteworthy situation, this is the kind of thing that separates "doers" of the Word from "hearers." A hearer might recognize that the right thing to do would be to give the paper back to the person, whether you like him/her or not, but might still not do it. A doer recognizes the right thing to do and does it, even when it's hard. Why? We are supposed to live as an ambassador for Christ, representing him in all parts of your life. According to 2 Corinthians 5:20, you should cause others to want to know God. Do your actions call others to Him?
Sunday: See you at church today! FYI: Easter Dinner and Egg Hunt today!
Monday: So is it hard to be a "doer"? Sometimes it can be. Sometimes we want to ignore the still, small voice in our hearts that tells us what to do and what not to do. Ultimately, however, we have to remember that even inside our deepest parts--the thoughts of our minds and the emotions of our hearts--we are not alone. Once we invite Him in, the Lord--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--becomes an integral part of us. According to Ephesians 4:4-6, there is only one body and one Spirit; we are all called to the same Hope; and the one righteous God is over all, through all, and in all. Meditate on God's existence in your own heart. Do you remember that He's there? Do you talk to Him? Do you thank Him? Do you praise Him? Do you make Him feel welcome?
Tuesday: Although we have talked about the importance of doing good things this week, we must remember that good deeds won't save you. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved only by the grace of God and only through his Son. No man can brag about his good works because they will not save him. However, Ephesians goes on the say that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and that the Lord has already prepared things for us to do. So be alert: look for the good works that you could do today--works of the heart, mind, mouth, and hands.
Wednesday: See you at church tonight!
Friday: Are you being a "doer" with your mouth? People often say that a person should put his money where his mouth is, and a christian must take this especially to heart. The Bible says that the tongue is the most unruly part of the body; often we speak before we think, and this sets a poor example for those around us. Ephesians 4:29 makes it very clear that our words should be clean (no cussing!) and meaningful: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." In other words, your words should be pertinant and, like your clothes, reveal a clean heart. Reflect on everything that you said today: is there anything that doesn't fit this criteria? Pray that God will help you control your unruly tongue.
Saturday: You can also be a "doer" with your everyday actions. For example, imagine that you are walking down the hall at school, and you see someone that you don't like drop a paper from his/her folder. You pick it up and find that it is a homework assignment. Do you give it back to person? Do you throw it in the trash? Do you just toss it back in the floor? Although this doesn't seem like a very important or noteworthy situation, this is the kind of thing that separates "doers" of the Word from "hearers." A hearer might recognize that the right thing to do would be to give the paper back to the person, whether you like him/her or not, but might still not do it. A doer recognizes the right thing to do and does it, even when it's hard. Why? We are supposed to live as an ambassador for Christ, representing him in all parts of your life. According to 2 Corinthians 5:20, you should cause others to want to know God. Do your actions call others to Him?
Sunday: See you at church today! FYI: Easter Dinner and Egg Hunt today!
Monday: So is it hard to be a "doer"? Sometimes it can be. Sometimes we want to ignore the still, small voice in our hearts that tells us what to do and what not to do. Ultimately, however, we have to remember that even inside our deepest parts--the thoughts of our minds and the emotions of our hearts--we are not alone. Once we invite Him in, the Lord--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--becomes an integral part of us. According to Ephesians 4:4-6, there is only one body and one Spirit; we are all called to the same Hope; and the one righteous God is over all, through all, and in all. Meditate on God's existence in your own heart. Do you remember that He's there? Do you talk to Him? Do you thank Him? Do you praise Him? Do you make Him feel welcome?
Tuesday: Although we have talked about the importance of doing good things this week, we must remember that good deeds won't save you. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, we are saved only by the grace of God and only through his Son. No man can brag about his good works because they will not save him. However, Ephesians goes on the say that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and that the Lord has already prepared things for us to do. So be alert: look for the good works that you could do today--works of the heart, mind, mouth, and hands.
Wednesday: See you at church tonight!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Devotions for Week of 26 March-1 April: Being Doers of the Word
Thursday: Last night's lesson focused on James 1:22-25. In this passage, we are instructed to be "doers" of the Word. That is, we are not just supposed to hear and understand what the Bible says. We are supposed to put our learning into action. Without action, our knowledge does us little good. For example, I could go to the library this afternoon and check out all the available books about golf. I could then research golf on the internet, learning everything about its history, its rules, and the best techniques for playing. However, I'm never going to rival Tiger Woods until I start actually playing. Ask yourself: Am I am putting my knowledge into action? How am I being a doer of the Word? Pray that the Lord will give you opportunities this week to be doers for Him.
Friday: While the James 1:22 makes "doing" the Word seem like a suggestion, it is made clear in the next chapter that good works are required of Christians. James 2:14-26 tells us that faith without works is dead. Even the wicked may believe in God; doesn't Satan and his demons? Our faith must be more than just words; we must enact our faith every single day. What does that mean? It means that we must care for others more than we care for ourselves. To be a Christian is to be called to be a servant; this could mean giving someone food or clothes, this could mean visiting and praying for someone with no one else to depend on, or this could mean being an example of godly living for the people around you. Keep praying for ways to put your faith into action.
Saturday: We must also remember that what we believe in our hearts will, at some point, be evident in our actions. Jesus told His disciples a parable to illustrate this point. A parable is a short story with a meaning besides the obvious one. In Luke 6:43-45, Jesus tells His disciples that good tree can't bear bad fruit; a good tree bears good fruit. Of course, this is true: apple trees can't grow oranges, and orange trees can't grow apples. Likewise, a good man or woman says and does good things, but an evil man or woman says and does evil things. Take a moment to examine all that you've said and done today: are your words and actions reflections of a Christian heart?
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: In his letter to the Romans, Paul (one of the greatest men in God's service) talks about what our options are as human beings. In Romans 2:6-10, he writes that God will give to us according to what we've done. God will give only two things: eternal life to those who "by persistence in doing good seek honor, glory, and immortality" OR wrath and anger to those "reject the truth and follow evil." This week, keep these options in your heart. Are you seeking honor, glory, and immortality? If not, what are you seeking?
Tuesday: Sometimes being a Christian can be hard. After all, Satan will always tempt us with "fun" things that God forbids: premarital sex, drunkenness, using drugs, mistreating others, and putting ourselves first. But we have a hope that overshadows all those things. We have a Saviour who loves us so much that He suffered a brutal death for us. More importantly, we know that He is the Son of God because of His miraculous resurrection. Someday we will meet Him again when He returns to Earth for His church. Until then, remember 1 Peter 3:15-17: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." So embrace your good works knowing that through them you glorify God!
Friday: While the James 1:22 makes "doing" the Word seem like a suggestion, it is made clear in the next chapter that good works are required of Christians. James 2:14-26 tells us that faith without works is dead. Even the wicked may believe in God; doesn't Satan and his demons? Our faith must be more than just words; we must enact our faith every single day. What does that mean? It means that we must care for others more than we care for ourselves. To be a Christian is to be called to be a servant; this could mean giving someone food or clothes, this could mean visiting and praying for someone with no one else to depend on, or this could mean being an example of godly living for the people around you. Keep praying for ways to put your faith into action.
Saturday: We must also remember that what we believe in our hearts will, at some point, be evident in our actions. Jesus told His disciples a parable to illustrate this point. A parable is a short story with a meaning besides the obvious one. In Luke 6:43-45, Jesus tells His disciples that good tree can't bear bad fruit; a good tree bears good fruit. Of course, this is true: apple trees can't grow oranges, and orange trees can't grow apples. Likewise, a good man or woman says and does good things, but an evil man or woman says and does evil things. Take a moment to examine all that you've said and done today: are your words and actions reflections of a Christian heart?
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: In his letter to the Romans, Paul (one of the greatest men in God's service) talks about what our options are as human beings. In Romans 2:6-10, he writes that God will give to us according to what we've done. God will give only two things: eternal life to those who "by persistence in doing good seek honor, glory, and immortality" OR wrath and anger to those "reject the truth and follow evil." This week, keep these options in your heart. Are you seeking honor, glory, and immortality? If not, what are you seeking?
Tuesday: Sometimes being a Christian can be hard. After all, Satan will always tempt us with "fun" things that God forbids: premarital sex, drunkenness, using drugs, mistreating others, and putting ourselves first. But we have a hope that overshadows all those things. We have a Saviour who loves us so much that He suffered a brutal death for us. More importantly, we know that He is the Son of God because of His miraculous resurrection. Someday we will meet Him again when He returns to Earth for His church. Until then, remember 1 Peter 3:15-17: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." So embrace your good works knowing that through them you glorify God!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Devotions for Week of 19-25 March: Enemies and Frenemies
Thursday: Like we talked about last week, it's great to have true friends, but true friends are few and far between. More often we must be on the lookout for enemies and frenemies. Enemies try to hurt us, try to make us look bad, and try to sabotage us. But frenemies can be more dangerous. "Frenemies" masquerade as friends but are truly enemies. Frenemies are posers. The greatest enemy and frenemy that we Christians have is Satan. He will do anything to lead us away from God. Sometimes he works as an enemy, attacking us with sickness, past sins, or tough situations. But more often Satan works like a frenemy, wooing us to him with false promises. Satan will make a sinful life in his service seem fun and carefree, but we Christians must recognize this lie. Satan is constantly on the lookout for those of us whom he can attack--either as an enemy or a frenemy. 1 Peter 5:8 compares him to a roaring lion, looking for a victim to devour. This week, pray for vigilance against our enemy/frenemy Satan.
Friday: How can you tell the difference in a true friend and a frenemy? True friends always have your best interests at heart. If they correct you, they do so because they want you to live the best life that you can. Frenemies, on the other hand, aren't concerned about you. They are concerned about how they can benefit from their relationship with you. They may never correct you and instead flatter you with kisses--that is, butter you up. Proverbs 27:6 says that "wounds from a friend can be trusted, but enemies multiply kisses." In other words, listen when a friend points out something that you're doing wrong; he or she just wants you to change your bad habits. But if someone spends all their time kissing your tush, they're probably not really your friend. Today, pray that the Lord will place the true friends that you need in your life.
Saturday: So what kinds of frenemies might you encounter? There are two: users and corruptors. Today we're going to talk about users. Users pretend to be your friend because they want something that you provide. Maybe you're friends with the crowd that they want to join. Maybe they like being able to ride in your car or borrow your cash. Maybe they want you to help them become more popular. Users, however, ultimately don't care about you; all that they care about are themselves. A good example of this is the Cupbearer in the story of Joseph. You can read this story in Genesis 40. Most of us remember that Joseph had eleven brothers, but his father, Jacob, loved him the most. When Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors, his brothers decided that they had had enough, sold him into slavery, and told Jacob that Joseph was dead. Some time later and after being accused of something that he did not do, Joseph ended up in an Egyptian prison. The other inmates included the Pharaoh's Baker and Cupbearer. The Cupbearer had been having strange dreams which Joseph was, with God's help, able to interpret for him. He told the Cupbearer that the Baker would be convicted and hanged but that he (the Cupbearer) would return to his position at the palace. When this came to pass, Joseph asked the Cupbearer to remember him and help him. But the Cupbearer didn't; he forgot Joseph until another opportunity came when he could use him.
Ultimately, God used the Cupbearer to help Joseph, and he was freed from prison and made second in command of all Egypt. But the Cupbearer is still a classic user frenemy: he gets what he wants from Joseph and then discards him. Today, remember that all things work for the good of those who serve the Lord, even bad situations. Pray that God will use your bad situations positively, just like he did Joseph.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: The second kind of frenemy is a corruptor. Corruptors are not content to sin alone; they want to take you along for the ride. Proverbs 4:14 warns us to stay away from wicked men and women because they can't sleep until they do something evil and make others do evil, too. In other words, they want you to join them in their evil deeds. Have you had "friends" who tried to involve you in a bad situation? For example, has a "friend" encouraged you to shoplift with them, try drugs or alcohol with them, or vandalize a something with them? If they have, they are not your friend! They are a classic corruptor frenemy. Today, pray that God will help you be strong when resisting corruptor frenemies who try to lead you into unrighteous actions.
Tuesday: So now what? What should you do when you encounter an enemy or frenemy? Jesus's answer might surprise you. In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. If they curse you, bless them. If they hit you, give them your other cheek to hit, too. If they take your coat, give them your shirt. This kind of action does two things. First, this is an example of killing someone with kindness. The Bible says that if we respond to our enemies this way, it will be like pouring hot coals over their heads; they will be frustrated because we don't respond in anger or hate. Second, this models God's mercy and forgiveness. If your enemies don't know God, you might be the one who leads them to Him. By being merciful, meek, and forgiving, you show them that God is forgiving, too. Today, ask God to help you respond to your enemies the way that He wants you to, the way that Jesus describes.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Friday: How can you tell the difference in a true friend and a frenemy? True friends always have your best interests at heart. If they correct you, they do so because they want you to live the best life that you can. Frenemies, on the other hand, aren't concerned about you. They are concerned about how they can benefit from their relationship with you. They may never correct you and instead flatter you with kisses--that is, butter you up. Proverbs 27:6 says that "wounds from a friend can be trusted, but enemies multiply kisses." In other words, listen when a friend points out something that you're doing wrong; he or she just wants you to change your bad habits. But if someone spends all their time kissing your tush, they're probably not really your friend. Today, pray that the Lord will place the true friends that you need in your life.
Saturday: So what kinds of frenemies might you encounter? There are two: users and corruptors. Today we're going to talk about users. Users pretend to be your friend because they want something that you provide. Maybe you're friends with the crowd that they want to join. Maybe they like being able to ride in your car or borrow your cash. Maybe they want you to help them become more popular. Users, however, ultimately don't care about you; all that they care about are themselves. A good example of this is the Cupbearer in the story of Joseph. You can read this story in Genesis 40. Most of us remember that Joseph had eleven brothers, but his father, Jacob, loved him the most. When Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat of many colors, his brothers decided that they had had enough, sold him into slavery, and told Jacob that Joseph was dead. Some time later and after being accused of something that he did not do, Joseph ended up in an Egyptian prison. The other inmates included the Pharaoh's Baker and Cupbearer. The Cupbearer had been having strange dreams which Joseph was, with God's help, able to interpret for him. He told the Cupbearer that the Baker would be convicted and hanged but that he (the Cupbearer) would return to his position at the palace. When this came to pass, Joseph asked the Cupbearer to remember him and help him. But the Cupbearer didn't; he forgot Joseph until another opportunity came when he could use him.
Ultimately, God used the Cupbearer to help Joseph, and he was freed from prison and made second in command of all Egypt. But the Cupbearer is still a classic user frenemy: he gets what he wants from Joseph and then discards him. Today, remember that all things work for the good of those who serve the Lord, even bad situations. Pray that God will use your bad situations positively, just like he did Joseph.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: The second kind of frenemy is a corruptor. Corruptors are not content to sin alone; they want to take you along for the ride. Proverbs 4:14 warns us to stay away from wicked men and women because they can't sleep until they do something evil and make others do evil, too. In other words, they want you to join them in their evil deeds. Have you had "friends" who tried to involve you in a bad situation? For example, has a "friend" encouraged you to shoplift with them, try drugs or alcohol with them, or vandalize a something with them? If they have, they are not your friend! They are a classic corruptor frenemy. Today, pray that God will help you be strong when resisting corruptor frenemies who try to lead you into unrighteous actions.
Tuesday: So now what? What should you do when you encounter an enemy or frenemy? Jesus's answer might surprise you. In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. If they curse you, bless them. If they hit you, give them your other cheek to hit, too. If they take your coat, give them your shirt. This kind of action does two things. First, this is an example of killing someone with kindness. The Bible says that if we respond to our enemies this way, it will be like pouring hot coals over their heads; they will be frustrated because we don't respond in anger or hate. Second, this models God's mercy and forgiveness. If your enemies don't know God, you might be the one who leads them to Him. By being merciful, meek, and forgiving, you show them that God is forgiving, too. Today, ask God to help you respond to your enemies the way that He wants you to, the way that Jesus describes.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Devotions for Week of 12-18 March: Friendship
Thursday: The Bible defines and includes many examples of friendship. In John 15:13-15, Jesus describes what the ultimate friendship is like; according to Him, a man or woman will lay down his life for a friend. Do you have any friends that you would die for? Do you have any friends that would die for you? Guess what--you do: Jesus.
Friday: In the same verses that you read yesterday (John 15:13-15), Jesus reassures us that we are His friends. He says that we are not just servants; servants don't know their master's business. Jesus, in contrast, has told us His Father's business, and we are an integral part of that business: winning souls for Him, sharing the good news that Jesus is here to be our saviour, and leading others to eternal salvation. Are you being a friend to God? Are you participating in His business?
Saturday: Proverbs is full of wisdom on a variety of subjects, and friendship is no exception. According to Proverbs 17:17, a friend is someone who loves you at all times--even when you're messing things up or making he/she angry. Proverbs 18:24 warns us to guard against acquaintances--people we know who seem to be friends but don't actually stick with us in hard times. Have you ever been fooled by an acquaintance and been let down? Have you ever let someone down by not being a friend? Ask their forgiveness, and ask God to help you become a better friend by following His example.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Proverbs 27:17 reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." In other words, your friends aren't there just to make you feel good. Sometimes friendship means calling one another on our faults, helping each other see where we are falling short of the ideal life God wants for us. We all fall short, and that's why it is important to pray for your friends and for them to pray for you. Find a friend to pray with this week, and make a committment to pray for one another every day.
Tuesday: One of the best examples of friendship in the Bible is the story of David and Jonathan. David is soon to be king of Israel; the Lord has called him for this position. However, the old, corrupt king Saul does not want to give up his throne and hunts for David, trying to kill him. David's best friend is Jonathan, Saul's son. Despite his father's murderous anger, Jonathan is a true friend to David. You can read about them in 1 Samuel 18-20. It's more reading than usual, but it's an inspiring example of true friendship.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Friday: In the same verses that you read yesterday (John 15:13-15), Jesus reassures us that we are His friends. He says that we are not just servants; servants don't know their master's business. Jesus, in contrast, has told us His Father's business, and we are an integral part of that business: winning souls for Him, sharing the good news that Jesus is here to be our saviour, and leading others to eternal salvation. Are you being a friend to God? Are you participating in His business?
Saturday: Proverbs is full of wisdom on a variety of subjects, and friendship is no exception. According to Proverbs 17:17, a friend is someone who loves you at all times--even when you're messing things up or making he/she angry. Proverbs 18:24 warns us to guard against acquaintances--people we know who seem to be friends but don't actually stick with us in hard times. Have you ever been fooled by an acquaintance and been let down? Have you ever let someone down by not being a friend? Ask their forgiveness, and ask God to help you become a better friend by following His example.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Proverbs 27:17 reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." In other words, your friends aren't there just to make you feel good. Sometimes friendship means calling one another on our faults, helping each other see where we are falling short of the ideal life God wants for us. We all fall short, and that's why it is important to pray for your friends and for them to pray for you. Find a friend to pray with this week, and make a committment to pray for one another every day.
Tuesday: One of the best examples of friendship in the Bible is the story of David and Jonathan. David is soon to be king of Israel; the Lord has called him for this position. However, the old, corrupt king Saul does not want to give up his throne and hunts for David, trying to kill him. David's best friend is Jonathan, Saul's son. Despite his father's murderous anger, Jonathan is a true friend to David. You can read about them in 1 Samuel 18-20. It's more reading than usual, but it's an inspiring example of true friendship.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Devotions for Week of 5-12 March: The End?
Thursday: Since you were talking about the end of time last night, this week's devotions will also go with that theme. At church, we often mention "the rapture." Although the Bible doesn't use the word "rapture," this is the name of the event that all Christians are looking for: this is when Jesus, our Lord, will appear in the clouds and come to claim us as His own. In Acts 1:9-11, Jesus (who has already risen from the dead) is taken up to heaven through the clouds. While the apostles watch Him leave, two men in white robes appear and tell them that Jesus will come back the same way that he left. The moment when He returns in the clouds to get His church is "the rapture."
Friday: So what happens once He appears in the clouds? Well, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 tells us that Jesus will appear with a loud noise--the voice of an archangel, the trumpet call of God. When we hear His trumpet, the Christians who have already died will first meet Jesus in the sky and then living Christians will follow them. Does this mean that dead bodies will spring up from the ground and fly into the clouds? Maybe...but since most bodies decay pretty quickly, it will probably be the souls of dead Christians. Either way, I'm sure that it will be an amazing sight! The last verse of this passage (verse 18) says that we should read this verse to encourage each other--in other words, remind fellow Christians to hang on when things seem tough because the Lord is coming back for us!
Saturday: Why is the rapture important? The Bible warns us that when it is almost time for Jesus to return, there will be many false prophets or false messiahs (that is, people pretending to be a prophet or messiah). In Matthew 24, Jesus tells his disciples how to know when He will return. He says that there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, and great wickedness...does this sound a little like the evening news? He warns that people will claim to be the messiah (savior) but that we should NOT believe them. We will KNOW it is Jesus because he will come in the clouds with trumpeting angels. The rapture is our proof that it is the REAL messiah, not a false one.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Since Jesus gave us the signs to look for when it is almost time for His return, does that mean that you can wait until He's almost ready to come back and then get saved? NO! In Matthew 24:36-44, Jesus said that even He doesn't know exactly when God the Father will send Him back to get the church. Only God the Father knows. Jesus warns his disciples (and us) that He will come back like a thief in the night--it will surprise us. Jesus reminds them that a house doesn't get robbed when the owner is watching and protecting it; a house gets robbed when no one is there to guard against intruders. It is our job to watch for Him and be ready when He arrives. In your prayers this week, ask the Lord to help you be always ready to meet Him when He arrives.
Tuesday: Okay, so what does this mean for you? First, this means that Jesus is probably coming back soon; when you read Matthew 24 on Saturday, did you notice how much Jesus's list of signs sounded like things that are happening right now? Second, you have to be ready when He comes; He's calling you now so that you will be able to meet Him in the clouds! So how can you be ready? Confess to God that you have sinned and ask Him for forgiveness, ask Jesus to cover your sins with His blood and be your savior, be baptized, and then go and sin no more. Jesus wants to be your saviour; in fact, He died so that you wouldn't have to be separated from God, forever condemned to Hell. As humans, we are imperfect, unrighteous, and enemies of God. But Romans 5:8-11 says that Jesus died so that we might be reconciled with God; we can be enemies no longer. Instead, we can become His precious children who will someday live with Him forever in heaven. Are you His?
Wednesday: See you at church!
Friday: So what happens once He appears in the clouds? Well, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 tells us that Jesus will appear with a loud noise--the voice of an archangel, the trumpet call of God. When we hear His trumpet, the Christians who have already died will first meet Jesus in the sky and then living Christians will follow them. Does this mean that dead bodies will spring up from the ground and fly into the clouds? Maybe...but since most bodies decay pretty quickly, it will probably be the souls of dead Christians. Either way, I'm sure that it will be an amazing sight! The last verse of this passage (verse 18) says that we should read this verse to encourage each other--in other words, remind fellow Christians to hang on when things seem tough because the Lord is coming back for us!
Saturday: Why is the rapture important? The Bible warns us that when it is almost time for Jesus to return, there will be many false prophets or false messiahs (that is, people pretending to be a prophet or messiah). In Matthew 24, Jesus tells his disciples how to know when He will return. He says that there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, and great wickedness...does this sound a little like the evening news? He warns that people will claim to be the messiah (savior) but that we should NOT believe them. We will KNOW it is Jesus because he will come in the clouds with trumpeting angels. The rapture is our proof that it is the REAL messiah, not a false one.
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Since Jesus gave us the signs to look for when it is almost time for His return, does that mean that you can wait until He's almost ready to come back and then get saved? NO! In Matthew 24:36-44, Jesus said that even He doesn't know exactly when God the Father will send Him back to get the church. Only God the Father knows. Jesus warns his disciples (and us) that He will come back like a thief in the night--it will surprise us. Jesus reminds them that a house doesn't get robbed when the owner is watching and protecting it; a house gets robbed when no one is there to guard against intruders. It is our job to watch for Him and be ready when He arrives. In your prayers this week, ask the Lord to help you be always ready to meet Him when He arrives.
Tuesday: Okay, so what does this mean for you? First, this means that Jesus is probably coming back soon; when you read Matthew 24 on Saturday, did you notice how much Jesus's list of signs sounded like things that are happening right now? Second, you have to be ready when He comes; He's calling you now so that you will be able to meet Him in the clouds! So how can you be ready? Confess to God that you have sinned and ask Him for forgiveness, ask Jesus to cover your sins with His blood and be your savior, be baptized, and then go and sin no more. Jesus wants to be your saviour; in fact, He died so that you wouldn't have to be separated from God, forever condemned to Hell. As humans, we are imperfect, unrighteous, and enemies of God. But Romans 5:8-11 says that Jesus died so that we might be reconciled with God; we can be enemies no longer. Instead, we can become His precious children who will someday live with Him forever in heaven. Are you His?
Wednesday: See you at church!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Devotions for Week of 26 Feb.-4 March: Reading the Word
Thursday: Why bother to read the Bible at all? The Bible contains the thoughts of God, recorded for us by different people throughout history (like Moses or Paul). Even though the Bible was recorded by humans, it contain God's unfallible (that means mistake-free), unchanging words. If we want to hear from God, the best way to listen is by reading his Word! Read Matthew 4:4 today. We need the Word to live--just like your body needs food, your spirit needs the Word. Has your spirit ever felt starved? How did you feed it?
Friday: Have you ever had a bad habit? Many sins become bad habits: lying, gossiping, acting selfishly, and other unchristian behaviors. We commit them everyday, and it is very hard to stop. But the Bible can help us change these behaviors. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible is like our instruction manual, alerting us to our missteps and redirecting us. Think about your bad habits: what does the Bible say about them?
Saturday: In Hebrews 4:12-13, God's Word is compared to a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through our excuses and weak defenses. If we read, study, and ask God to help us understand his Word, it will, as Hebrews says, reveal our innermost selves. While reading these verses, ask God to help you understand yourself more clearly, to see your strengths and weaknesses. He will reveal them to you and help you become stronger in Him!
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Okay, so you're starting to see that it is important to read the Bible. But how often? According to Joshua 1:8, we should never let the Word of the Lord be out of our minds. This verse refers to the Law that God gave to Moses; when Joshua began leading the people of Israel after Moses died, God told him to mediate on his instructions day and night so that he would be sure to know and obey everything in it. How can we know what God wants for us if we do not read his Book of Instruction and keep its words in our hearts? Begin by memorizing this verse. Then, even when you do not have a Bible to read, you will have God's words to think about.
Tuesday: There are benefits to reading the Word! In Acts 20:32, Paul said that God's Word could make us into what we were meant to be and give us the inheritance that the children of God will have one day. When you read this verse, pray that God will work in your life to make you all that you were meant to be and that He will continue to direct your Bible reading so that you could learn more about and grow closer to Him.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Friday: Have you ever had a bad habit? Many sins become bad habits: lying, gossiping, acting selfishly, and other unchristian behaviors. We commit them everyday, and it is very hard to stop. But the Bible can help us change these behaviors. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible is like our instruction manual, alerting us to our missteps and redirecting us. Think about your bad habits: what does the Bible say about them?
Saturday: In Hebrews 4:12-13, God's Word is compared to a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through our excuses and weak defenses. If we read, study, and ask God to help us understand his Word, it will, as Hebrews says, reveal our innermost selves. While reading these verses, ask God to help you understand yourself more clearly, to see your strengths and weaknesses. He will reveal them to you and help you become stronger in Him!
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: Okay, so you're starting to see that it is important to read the Bible. But how often? According to Joshua 1:8, we should never let the Word of the Lord be out of our minds. This verse refers to the Law that God gave to Moses; when Joshua began leading the people of Israel after Moses died, God told him to mediate on his instructions day and night so that he would be sure to know and obey everything in it. How can we know what God wants for us if we do not read his Book of Instruction and keep its words in our hearts? Begin by memorizing this verse. Then, even when you do not have a Bible to read, you will have God's words to think about.
Tuesday: There are benefits to reading the Word! In Acts 20:32, Paul said that God's Word could make us into what we were meant to be and give us the inheritance that the children of God will have one day. When you read this verse, pray that God will work in your life to make you all that you were meant to be and that He will continue to direct your Bible reading so that you could learn more about and grow closer to Him.
Wednesday: See you at church!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Devotions for the Week of 14-21 January: Prayer
I'm excited to get started with our online devotions. I hope that you find time every day this week to vist the blog, read from the Word, and leave comments/questions/ideas for the rest of us to consider.
THURSDAY: Read Matthew 6:1-8. In these verses, Jesus is tells his disciples what appropriate praise and prayer should be like. When reading, ask yourself if this is how you pray. If not, how can you change your attitude and actions to be more like what Jesus describes.
FRIDAY: Read Matthew 6:9-13. This is what we know as the Lord's Prayer. Try to put this prayer in your own words. Use it as a basic frame, and then add your own praises, thanks you's, requests, etc.
SATURDAY: Read Psalms 99 (it's only 9 verses). What kind of prayer is this? Is it hopeful or sad? Is it praise or a request? It is okay that it's so short? Remember that we are commanded to pray without ceasing; remind yourself to pray short prayers throughout the day tomorrow.
SUNDAY: See you at church!
MONDAY: Read 1 Peter 5:5-11. What kind of instructions does Peter give young church members? How do these instructions impact your prayer life? Is there an "elder" (older member) in the church who might be a prayer partner with you?
TUESDAY: Read Philippians 1:9-10. This prayer is meant for us, too! How can you keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding? Have your prayers this week helped you accomplish this?
WEDNESDAY: See you at church!
THURSDAY: Read Matthew 6:1-8. In these verses, Jesus is tells his disciples what appropriate praise and prayer should be like. When reading, ask yourself if this is how you pray. If not, how can you change your attitude and actions to be more like what Jesus describes.
FRIDAY: Read Matthew 6:9-13. This is what we know as the Lord's Prayer. Try to put this prayer in your own words. Use it as a basic frame, and then add your own praises, thanks you's, requests, etc.
SATURDAY: Read Psalms 99 (it's only 9 verses). What kind of prayer is this? Is it hopeful or sad? Is it praise or a request? It is okay that it's so short? Remember that we are commanded to pray without ceasing; remind yourself to pray short prayers throughout the day tomorrow.
SUNDAY: See you at church!
MONDAY: Read 1 Peter 5:5-11. What kind of instructions does Peter give young church members? How do these instructions impact your prayer life? Is there an "elder" (older member) in the church who might be a prayer partner with you?
TUESDAY: Read Philippians 1:9-10. This prayer is meant for us, too! How can you keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding? Have your prayers this week helped you accomplish this?
WEDNESDAY: See you at church!
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