March 31, 2015: Acts 10:34-43

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. ³⁷That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: ³⁸how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; ⁴⁰but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, ⁴¹not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ 

Reflection:

Growing up, I was incredibly shy.  I had a huge distaste for public speaking.  I think my mom's favorite story is when I was in 5th grade, we had to do state reports.   This meant 1 person from each class chose a state and then a person of fame from there.  Then, they would parade the younger grades through the states.  We each had to give the report about the state as the character.  Somehow, I ended up as Calamity Jane.  My mom convinced me that when I gave the report I could not be myself, but had to become her.  She wasn't shy.  She had no fears.  I made it through the report.   It turned out not to be as bad as I had dreaded.  Sometimes, when we hear that we should be witnesses for God, go forth and proclaim the word, preach and testify, we become like my 5th grade self. We become shy.  The thought of doing this might bring dread.  However, we really aren't ourselves, we are God's children.  We are a Christian.  Christians are to share the good news, Christians are to die to themselves and live in Christ.  Maybe, we need that push to become fearless.  What better time than this? Sharing the good news of this week is a great message! 

Reflection Questions:

Morning: When have you been afraid?

Noon: What would give you courage to share the good news?

Evening: Where do you see God in these conversations?

Prayer: Help us Lord to be fearless.  Help us to truly become Your children.  Let us know Your good news and not be afraid to share with others. Amen.

March 30, 2015: I Corinthians 15:1-11

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

I Corinthians 15:1-11

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, ²through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, ⁴and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, ⁵and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ⁶Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. ⁷Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. ⁹For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. ¹¹Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Reflection: 

Sometimes, we just want to skip over Holy week and get to Easter.  Sometimes, we don't even journey through the wilderness of Lent.  In fact, we live in the Easter moment.  We just want to celebrate.  Sing Alleluia! Christ has risen indeed! What joy! There is no wonder why we wouldn't want to celebrate and be in that joyous state!  However, when we skip over everything and go straight to Easter, we are missing out.  This scripture reminds us that Christ dying for our sins was not in vain.  Somehow, if we celebrate the resurrection of Christ without the remembering of the crucifixion; we are missing that moment where God says I love you so much, I will sacrifice my son for you.  Take time to live God's grace. Experience the Last Supper, experience God's sacrifice for us, and mostly, experience this Holy week like you never have before.  

Reflection Questions:

Morning: When have you connected to Holy week?

Noon: What are your emotions when you think of the crucifixion? 

Evening: How can you share with others this good news?

Prayer: Holy one, we sometimes take Your sacrifice in vain. Help us to live in this Holy week. Fill us with Your spirit that we may know and understand the love and forgiveness we receive from You.  Let us remember the mystery and awe of this week. Amen.

March 29, 2015: Exodus 12:1-4

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Exodus 12:1-4

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:  2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you.  3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household.  4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it.

Reflection: 

This was the instructions for the people of Israel living in slavery during the first Passover. Moses gave these instructions to the people, and it that night was the last of the ten plagues. The people of Israel made this into a holiday and celebrated their deliverance from Israel and God showing mercy on them each year. It was a time of celebration and remembrance. They were meant to remember that God showed mercy and love to them when they were in need. It was also meant to remind them of where they came from, and how to treat others. The Old Testament is full of references to this, God says over and over again to care for the stranger because you were once a stranger in Egypt. I think a new motto for Christians could be to care for those who are lost, suffering and hurting because you were once lost, suffering and hurting before God came into your life.


Reflection Questions: 

 Morning: Do you have a Passover moment in your life? A moment when God became known to you or set you free from something. Take time, and remember
 

Noon: Do you see people in need of deliverance? How can you help?

Evening: What does it mean to celebrate God’s mercy today?

Prayer: God be with me today. Help me to remember where I come from, help me to remember your love and mercy. God, help me to show love and mercy to anyone in need, because you were there for me when I was in need.

March 28, 2015: Mark 11:1-11

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Mark 11:1-11

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Reflection: Expecting the Unexpected

Hope propels humanity to a better tomorrow.  The faithful Hebrew people had spoke about their expectation of a Messiah.  They would bring restoration to their land.  God would drive out the oppressors and free the captives.  Surely this Messiah would come like a military general.  Entering the holy city on a horse, exuding confidence through every pore of his being.  And yet today, we find our Messiah entering Jerusalem on a humble donkey.  This was an unexpected turn of events.  Still yet, we can hope to hear our own lives shouting “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  Even with the cross drawing near, Jesus enters our lives- humble and yet persistent.  Remember that Jesus enters our lives in the most unexpected ways.  Everyday, in our lives of faith, has the potential for something amazing.   Today I pray Jesus will surprise you.  Expect a surprise today.

Reflection Questions:

Morning:How would your day change if you expected to see Jesus? How can you look for Jesus in your life today?

Noon: How has Jesus surprised you in your life of faith?

Evening: How has Jesus surprised you today? How can you improve seeking out Jesus in your life?

 

March 27, 2015: John 12:12-16

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

 

John 12:12-16

12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. ¹³So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!’ ¹⁴Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ¹⁵ ‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!’ ¹⁶His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.

Reflection:

Palm Sunday is a powerful service that begins the start of Holy week.  How many memories of being a child holding the palm branch to being a pastor processing in with the children.  The joy. The excitement. The beauty. Do we ever stop to ponder what this triumphiant entry in Jersualem really means though?  From Adam Hamilton’s The Way, this line stood out to me; “This was the first nonviolent protest.”  We are approaching the crucifixtion of Jesus. At this time, Jesus was not welcomed in Jerusalem (by the preists and higher officials).   This is why Hamilton calls it a non-violent protest.  Then, Jesus has to go a step further to fulfill the scriptures and show how he is humble.  He rides in a donkey, an animal of service, demonstrating his humbleness to be submissive and follow God’s plan. Then, here is this crowd, who want to celebrate Jesus coming to Jersualem.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: When have you been submissive in following God?

Noon: How are you proclaiming the joy of God?

Evening: Where is God leading you?

Prayer:  Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hossana. We want to be led by You, follow You, and mostly be singing Your praises. Help us Lord to be more like You.  Help us to celebrate all that You do in our lives. Amen.

March 26, 2015: Matthew 1:16, 18-21,24

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

¹⁶and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. ²⁰But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’  ²⁴When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 

Reflection:

            Joseph took a leap of faith in heeding the martial advice of an angel in a dream, taking Mary as his wife, and raising Jesus as his son. The scripture does not say if Joseph felt nervous, embarrassed, angry, or scared when he learned that Mary was pregnant. It only says that when he awoke he did as the angel commanded. We have to imagine that he had some mixed feelings about the situation he found himself in, but the writer of Matthew must not have believed Joseph's inner thought were important. What was important was his response: he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him.

            We, too, have probably been in a situation in which you found yourself having to take a leap of faith in order to follow God. Following God often involves making decisions that are unpopular or seem ludicrous to an outsider, following a path without knowing how it will end, or changing the plans you had carefully laid out for yourself. Joseph had to do all these things when he wed a pregnant Mary. Joseph did not seek to fit God's plan into his life; he radically changed his own life in order to do God's will. While this may have been a difficult decision Joseph was rewarded by having an integral role in God's plan: helping to raise and provide for God's Son.

            God may not send each of us an angel in a dream to show us God's will for our lives, but if you listen for God's nudging and follow it, you will also be blessed as Joseph was because it is always a blessing to be used by God.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How is God speaking to me? What things in my life may be distracting me from the message of God?

Noon: What is God leading me to do in my life? How can I best follow God?

Evening: What may I have to "give up" in order to follow God?

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your constant presence in my life. Help me to listen for the many ways you speak to me and to welcome your calling on my life. Make me an instrument for your work in the world. Amen.

 

March 25, 2015: Psalm 40

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Psalm 40

Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Help

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.

¹ I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
² He drew me up from the desolate pit,^[a]
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
³ He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.

⁴ Happy are those who make
    the Lord their trust,
who do not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after false gods.
⁵ You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you.
Were I to proclaim and tell of them,
    they would be more than can be counted.

⁶ Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
    but you have given me an open ear.^[b]
Burnt offering and sin offering
    you have not required.
⁷ Then I said, “Here I am;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me.^[c]
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.”

⁹ I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
see, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
¹⁰ I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.

¹¹ Do not, O Lord, withhold
    your mercy from me;
let your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    keep me safe forever.
¹² For evils have encompassed me
    without number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
    until I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head,
    and my heart fails me.

¹³ Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;
    O Lord, make haste to help me.
¹⁴ Let all those be put to shame and confusion
    who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
    who desire my hurt.
¹⁵ Let those be appalled because of their shame
    who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

¹⁶ But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
    say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
¹⁷ As for me, I am poor and needy,
    but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    do not delay, O my God.

 Reflection

How do you think of God? I must admit, it is a bit of a loaded question. I know my thoughts on God are complex and difficult to put into words. I was listening to a book on CD this morning and the author was sharing how some people view God as a father that can never be pleased. They think, “I will never be able to live up to God’s standards and God is always going to be disappointed in me” It leads to a sense of hopelessness and eventually giving up. I will admit, I can never live up to God’s standards, but I don’t think God is disappointed in my at all. I think God loves us, picks us up, and is always there for us. I don’t view God as a disappointed figure cleaning up my mess with impatience and disgust. I view God as the Psalmist “I am poor and need, but the Lord take thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer, do not delay, O my God.” God is there for us, not disappointed but loving.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How do you view God?

Afternoon: How do you view your life in relationship with God?

Evening: Would your life and feeling about God be different if you viewed God in light of love, and not disappointment? I think that is what God wants for us, we do good from a sense of love towards God, not because we are afraid of disappointing God.

 

March 24, 2015: 1 Peter 1:6-7

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Reflection:

There are times in life when we feel like we are “waiting on God”…waiting on some answer or direction for our life.  Where does God want us to go?  What does God expect of us?  What’s that plan?  Waiting for answers can be excruciating.  When we choose to wait on God and show patience, we sometimes are pressured by others to DO something.  The world tells us to act quickly and decisively, but God calls us to be still and wait.  Faith is often the opposite of what a person would naturally be inclined to do.  Waiting on God doesn’t always make sense to the outside world.  It is difficult to seek God’s guidance and be patient for an answer.  However, this faithfulness and patience is rewarded.  Today’s Scripture verse reminds us that suffering and trials can bring genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold.  We live in a fast-paced world that calls us to instant gratification, but faith is polished to perfection over time. 

Reflection Questions:

 Morning: As you look forward to your day, ask God to show you ways that you might show patience and wait on answers.

Noon:  Have you ever experienced a period of prolonged waiting?  Does waiting make you anxious?  How is your faith tested when you have to wait?

Evening: God calls us to be still and wait.  What do you need from God at this time?  Before you sleep tonight, practice breathing and emptying your thoughts from the clutter of the day. 

Prayer:  Lord, may I always remember that trials and challenges can be opportunities to strengthen my faith and that my faith in You is more precious than gold.  Thank you for your mercy and kindness.  Help me to rely on You for wisdom and understanding and help me to be faithful and patient when I am waiting.

 

March 23, 2015: Isaiah 50:4-9

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Isaiah 50:4-9

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. ⁵The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. ⁶I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. ⁷The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; ⁸he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. ⁹It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Reflection:

Why is it that we are so quick to defend ourselves and often so quick to ignore the suffering of others?  It is easy to go about our lives and ignore the pain and suffering that is happening in the world around us.  How often do you turn on the news and respond in prayer to the stories you hear?  In our text from Isaiah we read, “Morning by morning he wakens- wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.” (v. 4)  It is time for us to allow God to open our ears to more than just our personal struggles.  It is time to listen to the voices of those who suffer in the world.  No longer can we call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ if we chose to only follow him in our hearts and not in our actions.  As we prepare for Holy Week, may we be challenged to “stand up together” (v.8) and make a difference in our broken world.  May this Lenten season lead us to an Easter that changes the way we listen and the way we live.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: Today listen to the voices of those around you.  Be sensitive to the suffering of others.  Allow yourself to see the face of Christ in your neighbors, your coworkers, your family and your friends.

Afternoon: “Let us stand up together” (v.8) Take action today.  Don’t allow fear of what others may think keep you from following the movement of the Spirit in your life.

Evening: How did it feel to listen today?  Were you able to speak less and listen more?  As you reflect on what you heard today, was there a need that you found yourself passionate about?  When we see a need in the world that stirs our hearts it is often the work of the Spirit in us, moving us to take action.  How will you take action?

Prayer:  Precious God waken my ears today that I might hear the needs of those around me.  Stir in me a passion for making a difference in this world.  Amen.

 

March 22, 2015: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

¹ O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his steadfast love endures for ever! 
² Let Israel say, ‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’ ¹⁴ The Lord is my strength and my might;  he has become my salvation. ¹⁵ There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: ‘The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; ¹⁶   the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.’ ¹⁷ I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. ¹⁸ The Lord has punished me severely,  but he did not give me over to death. ¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them  and give thanks to the Lord. ²⁰ This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. ²¹ I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. ²² The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. ²³ This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. ²⁴ This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Reflection:

Have you ever started to count the ways in which you have been blessed by God each and every day? Even though it may seem ridiculous and perhaps even a little silly to count them, for the numbers would go up and up, it could be a really good practice. When you focus upon the all of the ways God is showing up in your life, it helps us to see those actions more and more clearly. The Psalmist here talks about righteousness, and talks about recounting the deeds of the Lord. What a great practice to think of how God has acted wondrously with God’s grace in your life. So in this season of Lent, count the ways! Count the Blessings! Count the different ways you see God active in your life and in the lives of others, and be blessed for you have seen the Lord!

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How has God blessed you just in the short time of being awake?

Afternoon: Have you noticed anything new now that you are focused upon looking for God in the everyday?

Evening: What was a small way and a big way in which God showed up?

Prayer: God, help us to see you more clearly. Give us the spiritual eyes we need to see your grace actively engaging with us. May we take in all that we see that it might create within us a renewed spirit of peace and holiness. Amen.