July 28, 2015: Mark 6:16-21

-Mark 6:16-21 (NIV)
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.


Reflection: Alone???
I had the privilege to stand on the bank of this sea.  This was one of the stories that immediately came to mind.  I tried to envision what it might have been like.  This story reminds us that Jesus will be there when the storms come- and if we are honest they come a LOT.  The words “don’t be afraid” are some of the toughest words to embody.  Much of our struggles and the world’s struggles stem from a source of fear.  In our text today, Jesus reminds us that God is not a God of fear but a God of deliverance.


Morning Reflections:
What do you need to be “delivered” from?
If you are brutally honest, what is your greatest fear?
Noon Reflection:
How have you seen God’s presence working in you and those around you this morning?
Evening Reflections:
Pray for God to invade your fears and heal them?
Thank God for “deliverance” and provision

July 27, 2015: Mark 6:21-29

-Mark 6:21-29 (NIV)

21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.  The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”  “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.


Reflection: Emotion Rollercoaster
Often times we find great relationships with others disrupted and even severed by the ulterior motives of a third party.  Herod was caught in the moment of awe from the dance of a young lady.  In the heat of the moment, he responded in a way he would have never known the results it would bear.  One of the take-aways from this text is that we should be weary of making decisions and promises in the heat of the moment.  This is no easy fare.  We all to often respond from our emotions- often to regretful ends.  We live in a culture of extremes.  This and that are “awesome”.  Things you have never seen and encounters which sway your emotions.  The Christian faith calls us to include the Divine in the daily.  Even in our overwhelming emotions, we are called to respond in faith.  We cannot be fruitful in our responses without being faithful first.  It is only through integrating our lives and our faith that we can overcome our emotions.

Questions:
What is the biggest emotional struggle in your life right now?
What is your greatest weakness?
Noon Question:
How has your focus on God rather than your emotions this morning changed the outcome of some situations?
Evening Questions:
What have you discovered that needs work in your life in your life?
Ask God for strength and guidance in these areas.

July 26, 2015: 2 Samuel 11:1-15

2 Samuel 11:1-15

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, “This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” So David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she was purifying herself after her period.) Then she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”

So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the people fared, and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” Uriah went out of the king’s house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “You have just come from a journey. Why did you not go down to your house?” Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths;[a] and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing.” Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day. On the next day, David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die.”

Reflection

It's hard to see bible heroes in this light. In this story David is an adulterer and a murderer. Even the chosen, beloved leaders in the bible are prone to act on their sinful natures. It's easy to look at someone, especially if they look like they have it all together on the outside, and think that they are perfect. It's like looking at someone's Facebook page and basing their entire life on what they post. It looks perfect because people only post the best moments/pictures.

Passages like this remind us that we are all prone to sin. We all need God's grace. We all need forgiveness. Nobody is perfect.

Questions/Prayers

Morning: Confess any sin that's on your heart to God and ask for forgiveness. God's mercy is new every day.

 

Afternoon: Have you ever thought that you were better than someone else based on their sin? David committed horrible sins, yet God still loved him. Confess to God and ask for forgiveness.

Evening: Think of someone you know who looks like they have it all together. Say a prayer for them because we know that everyone struggles with sin.

July 23, 2015: Psalm 23

Psalm 23
 
The Lord is my shepherd.
    I lack nothing.
² He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
    he leads me to restful waters;
³         he keeps me ^[a] alive.
He guides me in proper paths
    for the sake of his good name.

⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
    they protect me.

⁵ You set a table for me
    right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
    my cup is so full it spills over!
⁶ Yes, goodness and faithful love
    will pursue me all the days of my life,
    and I will live^[b] in the Lord’s house
    as long as I live.

Reflection:

This is one of the most well known Psalms.  It is common for it to be read in funerals. Why does it get used in such occasions?  I believe it is because there is comfort.   It is familiar. it speaks about protection. God's goodness.  All of these attributes all sound soothing in a time of crisis.  We are always in need of hearing this goodness. Maybe for this week you could try reciting the 23rd Psalm daily.  Remind yourself that God is with you; God is there to comfort; God is faithful love; God wants you.  

Reflection Questions:

What is your memory of Psalm 23? When have you heard it?

What emotions does this Psalm bring for you?

When might you seek it for comfort?

 

July 22, 2015: 2 Samuel 7:1-14

2 Samuel 7:1-14

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his
enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.”

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 

Reflection
After reading passages like these I'm always reminded of Isaiah 55:8 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." God doesn't do things that we might think are normal or even common sense. In the passage above, David would like to build God a place to live and rest - a temple. This seems like an act of worship and devotion.

However, God tells David that he will not build a temple for God. Instead, God turns the tables and says that he will build an eternal Kingdom through David. God will build a house for David. Ultimately this passage is eluding to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. God will establish an eternal Kingdom on earth through the mighty name of Jesus, the Savior of the world. God is the one who is giving us rest in Christ

Questions:

Morning: Has God ever done something unexpected in your life? Has God ever told you something that is unexpected?

Afternoon: Are you the kind of person who always thinks they have to be "doing" something for God? What does this passage have to say in response to that?

Evening: How does this passage change your understanding of how God works? Does it comfort you? Why?

July 21, 2015: Psalm 14

Psalm 14

¹ Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
    there is no one who does good.

² The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind
    to see if there are any who are wise,
    who seek after God.

³ They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse;
    there is no one who does good,
    no, not one.

⁴ Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
    who eat up my people as they eat bread,
    and do not call upon the Lord?

⁵ There they shall be in great terror,
    for God is with the company of the righteous.
⁶ You would confound the plans of the poor,
    but the Lord is their refuge.

⁷ O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!
    When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
    Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.

Reflection

Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2013. "It is incredibly difficult to admit that we are the ones who have gone astray, that we are the ones who do wrong, that we are the ones who do not truly seek God. The amazing irony is that when we admit this, we find God's mercy overflowing to give us new life."

Brehm says it better than I could. I like to look out and find the bad guys out there. It is hard to admit that I am the one that has wondered off, the one that has messed up, the one that has not been true to God’s calling. Sadly, the truth is I am the one, and God’s mercy and grace brings be back. God is there for us, even though we do not deserve it. God is there for me, God is there for everyone. So lets avoid the good guys vs bad guys and find way to live into God’s love and show God’s love to others.

July 20, 2015: John 20:1-18

John 20:1-18

Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.” ³ Peter and the other disciple left to go to the tomb. ⁴ They were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and was the first to arrive at the tomb. ⁵ Bending down to take a look, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he didn’t go in. ⁶ Following him, Simon Peter entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.⁷ He also saw the face cloth that had been on Jesus’ head. It wasn’t with the other clothes but was folded up in its own place. ⁸ Then the other disciple, the one who arrived at the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.⁹ They didn’t yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.

¹¹ Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb. ¹² She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot. ¹³ The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” ¹⁴ As soon as she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know it was Jesus.

¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.”

¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni” (which means Teacher).

¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold on to me, for I haven’t yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, ‘I’m going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.” Then she told them what he said to her.

Reflection:

I feel for Mary Magdalene. Truly, I do. She is the first to see Jesus’ tomb and to report him “missing.” Knowing the end of the story, I think I’ve always assumed that Mary’s reaction was shock. Yet reading it again without an eye for the end of the story, I can sense her pain, bewilderment, and frustration. She must have thought, “Why would someone take his body? Where could they have gone with it? What in the world am I supposed to do now?” I can see the wheels turning in Mary’s head as she sits and cries trying to figure out her next step… “Do I call the authorities? Would they have laid him in another tomb? Where could Jesus be?” There might have been a sharpness to her reply to the gardener, “Where have you put him? Tell me and I will go and get him.” All it takes is one word… one word from Jesus for Mary to stop in the midst of her pain, frustration, and fear. One word has her recognizing the miracle before her. One word and she sees it all from a new perspective. Jesus speaks to Mary and she knows immediately the glory of what has occurred running to tell the other disciples.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How do you think Mary felt when she noticed the empty tomb?

Noon: What one word do you need to hear today to stop and notice the miracles around you?

Evening: Pick a word today to focus on that can center you and bring you to a new perspective when you are frustrated or fearful or confused.

July 19, 2015: Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 5:43-48

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you ⁴⁵ so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete. ^[1]

Reflection:

I love a good adventure movie or action movie.  It doesn't matter if it is sci-fi, historical, or modern. One of the things that helps the movie plot move along is the antagonist or the villain.  Someone is trying to stop the main character or hero from reaching their goal. Through this, we have someone to cheer for (yay!) and someone to hate (boo!).  The antagonist becomes our enemy and we begin to wish them harm. We love to boo down a good villain. However, sometimes in our own lives we are the hero and whoever hurts us or makes things difficult for us becomes the villain, our enemy.  It becomes really hard to like these people, even more difficult to love them. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus teaches us to do. He reminds us that God created all of us and if we only love the people we like or that like us, then we are missing out on God's complete love.

Reflection Questions:
Morning: How can I show grace to those who wish me harm?

Noon:  How can I demonstrate love to those that make life harder.

Evening:  In what ways did I succeed in love today and where can I make amends when I failed?

Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive those who would be my enemy. Help me to reflect your love and respond with grace.  In Jesus name, Amen.

---

^[1] Common English Bible (Nashville, TN: Common English Bible, 2011), Mt 5:43–48.

July 18, 2015: Mark 6:30-34

- Mark 6:30-34 (NIV)
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

 
Reflection: Compassion
As Christians, we are guilty of overlooking the humanity of Jesus within scripture.  It is through the humanity of Christ that we can understand our struggles and emotions.  In our text for today, we find Jesus longing for people “with compassion”.  I can just imagine tears of care He shed because of the great need of these people.  So often the disciples and Jesus try to get away and take a breather (“a solitary place) but almost always they are greeted with people in great need.  Christianity, true and undefiled faith, is not convenient.  Compassion, along with many other things, are a natural attribute of the indwelling of Jesus in our lives.


Morning Reflections:
Pray that God will reveal places and people with which you can show compassion today?
Be mindful of others who have shown you compassion and, if given the opportunity, thank them?
Noon Reflection:
Where in your life is God stirring up a Divine emotion and call?
Evening Reflections:
Where did you find and give compassion today?

July 17, 2015: Mark 6:1-13

Mark 6:1-13 New International Version (NIV)

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.  “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Reflection: Take a Stand
Today’s reading is a refreshing read because we see yet another example of Jesus facing opposition but this time it is in his own hometown.  It is refreshing because all of us face opposition and most often the pushback from others which wounds us the worst come from those we love and trust.  Jesus’ response to the peoples “offense” was unwavering.  The scripture even says he was “amazed” at their misunderstanding.  And from there he left and went on his way ministering to people and loving them.  I think this speaks to a truth that we often forget as humans and as Christian’s- we are not called to be a human dartboard.  The Christian calling is not to lay down in submission but to stand in nonviolence with passion and tenacity for justice through grace and love.


Morning Reflections:

What is one the most unwelcoming experiences you have had this past week?

Lin light of our devotional today, how might you have responded differently?

Noon Reflections:

Where is God calling you to stand up in a place of discomfort?

Evening Question:

Ask God to teach you more about the things you should stand for and how to stand?

July 16, 2015: Jeremiah 45:1-5

Jeremiah 45:1-5

45 The word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah: ² Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: ³ You said, “Woe is me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.” ⁴ Thus you shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: I am going to break down what I have built, and pluck up what I have planted—that is, the whole land. ⁵ And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.”

Reflection:

Have you ever thrown the best party of your life? The one centered on just you...nobody else...a pity party for you?  I know I have once in awhile. Sometimes, they are needed. A moment just to lament and get it out of your system.  Sometimes, it lasts longer than just a moment.  Baruch was reminded of God's will and love.  In those moments that we will feel that everything has been torn down and things keep getting dumped on us, we are given these to pluck up in a sense. God is at work and God is working even in those moments.

Reflection Questions:

When have you felt so alone that you had a pity party?

What can you do to trust God to be at work in the worst?

Who can help you in those times? 

July 15, 2015: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.

So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.

Reflection
When I was growing up, my mom and grandma instilled in me lots of table manners. I learned to put my napkin in my lap and to not put my elbows on the table. I learned the difference between the salad fork and the entree fork and to chew with my mouth closed. I learned never to reach across the table or over someone else’s food to get something. I was a dignified young lady in the making.

In this story we see King David dancing, singing, shouting, and celebrating the praise of God. He’s basically stripped down to his undergarments in front of his whole kingdom celebrating the coming of the ark (the presence of God) in an unsightly way for a king. He had definitely lost all dignity in that moment in the eyes of his wife who was more interested in his image than his praise of God. David’s praise was from the heart. He was not ashamed to humble himself before God and lead the nation in praise. He had a heart of praise.

Reflection Questions
 
Morning: Do you care more about praising God or what other people might think of you?
Afternoon: Do you think it’s appropriate to get a little “undignified” in your worship from time to time?
Night: Look back on the day or week. Where was the presence of God in your life during that time? Say a prayer of thanks and praise for God’s presence in your life.

4:08 PM (43 minutes ago)

July 14, 2015: Psalm 145:1-9

 Psalm 145:1-9

Passage:

א ¹ I will lift you up high, my God,

the true king.

I will bless your name forever and always.

ב ² I will bless you every day.

I will praise your name

forever and always.

ג ³ The Lord is great

and so worthy of praise!

God’s greatness can’t be grasped.

ד ⁴ One generation will praise

your works to the next one,

proclaiming your mighty acts.

ה ⁵ They will talk all about the glorious splendor of your majesty;

I will contemplate your wondrous works.

ו ⁶ They will speak of the power

of your awesome deeds;

I will declare your great

accomplishments.

ז ⁷ They will rave in celebration

of your abundant goodness;

they will shout joyfully

about your righteousness:

ח ⁸ “The Lord is merciful

and compassionate,

very patient, and full of faithful love.

ט ⁹ The Lord is good to everyone

and everything;

God’s compassion extends

to all his handiwork!” ^[1]

Reflection:

As a child I would ride my bike for hours on end.  We lived in a large suburban community with miles of neighborhoods.  I would often ride to a friend's house or just explore the streets. I probably rode more places than my parent's would've approved, sometimes miles away!  I can remember the sun on my face and the wind in my hair (we didn't wear helmets back then).   Almost every time I rode, I was singing.  Sometimes quietly, sometime loudly.  I would sing hymns and praise songs from church.  I would sing worship songs from the radio.  I would make up songs.  Yet, they were almost always songs about God, God's love for me, and my love for God. I think this made a huge positive impact on my outlook in life and helped me remember God's presence was with me.

Reflection Questions:
Morning: How many blessings can I thank God for this morning?

Noon:  How is God blessing me today?

Evening:  What amazing moments of God's love did I witness today?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your goodness, your love, and your mercy.  Help me to see the beauty of your creation and the awesomeness of your touch in my life and in the lives of those around me.

---

^[1] Common English Bible (Nashville, TN: Common English Bible, 2011), Ps 145:title–9.

July 13, 2015: Psalm 89: 20-37

Psalm 89: 20-37

God’s Covenant with David

²⁰ I have found my servant David;
    with my holy oil I have anointed him; ²¹ my hand shall always remain with him;
    my arm also shall strengthen him. ²² The enemy shall not outwit him,
    the wicked shall not humble him. ²³ I will crush his foes before him
    and strike down those who hate him. ²⁴ My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him;
    and in my name his horn shall be exalted. ²⁵ I will set his hand on the sea
    and his right hand on the rivers. ²⁶ He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,
    my God, and the Rock of my salvation!’ ²⁷ I will make him the firstborn,
    the highest of the kings of the earth. ²⁸ Forever I will keep my steadfast love for him,
    and my covenant with him will stand firm. ²⁹ I will establish his line forever,
    and his throne as long as the heavens endure. ³⁰ If his children forsake my law
    and do not walk according to my ordinances, ³¹ if they violate my statutes
    and do not keep my commandments, ³² then I will punish their transgression with the rod
    and their iniquity with scourges; ³³ but I will not remove from him my steadfast love,
    or be false to my faithfulness. ³⁴ I will not violate my covenant,
    or alter the word that went forth from my lips. ³⁵ Once and for all I have sworn by my holiness;
    I will not lie to David. ³⁶ His line shall continue forever,
    and his throne endure before me like the sun. ³⁷ It shall be established forever like the moon,
    an enduring witness in the skies.” Selah

Reflection

God made wonderful promises to David and was faithful to them. God made wonderful promises to Abraham, Noah and a whole host of people from the Old and New Testament and God was faithful each time. I was reading the promise to David at the very beginning of today’s passage, “I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him; my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him”. We have all received these promises through Christ. As a Christian, I often do a poor job of claiming and living into these promises. That needs to change. Claim the promises given to us in Christ and live into them, depend on them, trust in them. God will deliver.

July 12, 2015: Acts 13: 32-45

Acts 13: 32-45

³² “We proclaim to you the good news. What God promised to our ancestors, ³³ he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it was written in the second psalm, You are my son; today I have become your father.^[d]

³⁴ “God raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be subjected to death’s decay. Therefore, God said, I will give to you the holy and firm promises I made to David.^[e] 35 In another place it is said, You will not let your holy one experience death’s decay.^[f] 36 David served God’s purpose in his own generation, then he died and was buried with his ancestors. He experienced death’s decay, ³⁷ but the one whom God has raised up didn’t experience death’s decay.

³⁸ “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, ³⁹ through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God. ⁴⁰ Take care that the prophets’ words don’t apply to you:

⁴¹ Look, you scoffers,
    marvel and die.
I’m going to do work in your day —
    a work you won’t believe
    even if someone told you.”^[g]

⁴² As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to speak about these things again on the next Sabbath. ⁴³ When the people in the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.

⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word.⁴⁵ When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him.

Reflection:

Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak at the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. They spoke relaying the message of the gospel to all who could hear- Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul and Barnabas received an invitation every guest preacher longs to hear—come back next week! What I am most struck by in this passage is a simple line in verse 43 which says, “When the people of the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.” This is a passage about encouragement. Paul and Barnabas are encouraged by the invitation to return and share more of the gospel message. In turn, they encourage those who are listening to keep the faith. I have a note on my desk that relays a quote from Dave Willis, “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” It is so easy to tear people down, to question decisions, and to criticize judgment calls. It is a lot more challenging to be someone who encouragers others to remain faithful, to take the next step, or to keep going. I wonder if part of why Paul and Barnabas were so successful was their encouraging message and ministry.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: Who has encouraged you in some way this week?

Noon: Who do you think could use a little encouragement today? How might you encourage them?

Evening: In what way are you encouraged by the message of the gospel? How could you share that encouragement this week?