Shepards
David’s heir is now here. It is time to announce the birth of the true king of Israel.
Where would you announce this news?
I probably wouldn’t go to a bunch of shepherds. The shepherds were the lowest of the working class.
Merry Christmas!
It is the second day of Christmas. By now, the excitement of opening presents and eating good food is a pleasant memory. I hope you enjoyed yourself.
Today we conclude our meditation on Luke 2:1-14. On Tuesday and Thursday we were reminded that this is not a sentimental, sweet children’s story. It is a dark story of violence and oppression. Jesus was born as a refugee amongst the animals.
Today we step outside the city walls of Bethlehem to the countryside and read Luke 2:8-14.
Verse 8. On Wednesday we noted that God chose to enter into the world in the lowest possible place: a stinky animal stall with refugee parents. The son of the Promise of God has been born. David’s heir is now here. It is time to announce the birth of the true king of Israel.
Where would you announce this news?
I probably wouldn’t go to a bunch of shepherds. The shepherds were the lowest of the working class. They were one step above the leper and the outcast. They hung around on the outskirts of civilization and smelled like sheep.
Verse 9. Yet, this is exactly where God’s messenger appeared.
Verse 10. The Message: there is good news (aka, the Gospel) of great joy for ALL PEOPLE!
The emperor of Rome brought good news for the powerful people of Rome. He brought great wealth and power to them by oppressing everyone else. The true king of the world brings good news for ALL people.
Verses 11-12. The emperor of Rome sits on his golden throne in the capital city. The true king lies in an animal’s feeding dish, wrapped in strips of common cloth, the child of oppressed refugees. This is your sign that points you to what God really cares about.
Verses 13-14. The word “host” literally means army. The Roman emperor took over the world with an army of soldiers that destroyed the countryside. They invaded, raped, pillaged, and violently stole that which was not theirs.
The true king brings an army as well. Yet, this army does not fight. It sings. It offers glory to the creator of all things. It declares peace on earth to ALL PEOPLE.
This is the promise of Christmas.
Let us pray.
Gracious God. Give us ears to hear the message fresh today. Your desire for this world is peace, not power. Grant us wisdom and courage to strive for these things in the dawning of a new year. Amen.
Go now, my friends, into the remaining days of Christmas. Be filled with the hope that God is with us. God is with ALL of us, and invites us to welcome ALL people into the Kingdom of Peace.
No Place For Them
Think about that for a moment. The infinite creator of the universe chose to become finite and human in this moment. God could have entered into any human space, but this was the one God chose.
It is Christmas Eve.
We continue our meditation on the Christmas story, found in Luke 2:1-14. On Tuesday we were reminded that this is not a sweet bedtime story. Rather, it is a story of oppression and darkness.
I know that’s not what you want to read about on Christmas Eve, but it’s true. Perhaps this year, during all that has happened in 2020, we might be more ready to read the story for what it is.
Today we turn to Luke 2:6-7.
Mary and Joseph have arrived in the house of bread (Bethlehem). Yet, because of the oppressive edict from the Emperor, the small village is overcrowded. Mary and Joseph were forced to sleep in the animal stall.
Why? Because there was no place for them where the people sleep.
Let that line soak in.
NO. PLACE. FOR. THEM.
When I read these words I can’t help but think of the photographs I’ve seen of millions of refugees around the world who have been cloistered in cages, living in unthinkable conditions.
Refugees are people who have been forced from their homes because of violence. They did not choose to leave their beloved home land. External forces of evil pushed them out.
And now, there is NO. PLACE. FOR. THEM.
Mary gave birth to Jesus in the most horrible place I can imagine. She was forced from her home. No one welcomed her. She sat on a stinky floor where the cows and goats do what they do. She was exposed, in that place, in the most vulnerable act a woman can experience.
Think about that for a moment. The infinite creator of the universe chose to become finite and human in this moment. God could have entered into any human space, but this was the one God chose.
Here is the Christmas message we must hear. God stands with the refugee, the outcast, the forgotten, the weak.
Let us pray.
Gracious God, thank you for entering our world in the weakest, most desperate place. Help us to welcome Mary and Joseph into our lives that you may be born in us today. Amen.
As you gather with your loved ones, whether in person or on Zoom today, pray for those who have no place. How might we open our spaces to them, to Christ, today.
in those days…
“In those days a decree went out from the Emperor…YOU WILL BE COUNTED!!
The week has finally arrived. It’s Christmas. Two more sleeps ’til Christmas morning.
Today, I invite us to take a deep breath. Let’s try to unplug from the excitement that we build around Christmas. We typically associate Christmas morning with sentimental thoughts of family being together and the exchanging of gifts.
Take another breath. Let all the gift-giving, egg nog, and warm fuzzy feelings float to the back of your mind for a moment.
Let us look at the story found in Luke 2 once again. We’ll look at it in three installments this week. Today, read Luke 2:1-5.
If you are like me, it is hard not to hear these words in the voice of Linus from the Peanuts. His sweet little voice says, “in those days…” and I am lulled into a warm glow as I hear the familiar words wash over me.
Now, imagine the jarring chords of the Imperial March from Star Wars and the voice of Darth Vader reading these words. “In those days a decree went out from the Emperor…YOU WILL BE COUNTED!! Bwahahaha!”
We must remember that Joseph and Mary were poor people who had just been forcibly displaced from their homeland. An oppressive Empire coerced a pregnant women to travel over 70 miles, on foot, just so the Empire could count them and suck every last ounce of resources from their already depleted lives.
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem. The name means “the house of bread.” It was the ancestral home of David. He was the king to whom God promised there would always be a King from his house.
The Christmas story is a story of promise and hope in the midst of oppression and darkness.
Let us pray. Gracious God, give us the eyes to see all the people in the world today who suffer oppression at the hands of the powerful and greedy. Give us ears to hear the cry of those who have no power to help themselves. Give us courage to walk with Mary and Joseph in the hope of your promises for justice and peace on Earth. Amen.
Go now, my friends, into this week with the feet of Mary and Joseph. Walk with confidence that, no matter how dark things may feel, God’s promises are faithful.
God Bursts In
I think God likes to surprise us, giving us the huge gift of Presence. God loves us so much that being with us, fully in Christ, was the best way to tell us.
STOP
Breathe. Breathe deep. Notice where you are and all the things surrounding you. Know that God is with you and just as close as the things around you.
LISTEN
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23
REFLECT
When I was a kid, my sister and I would play outside in the snow. We were good Minnesota kids, bundled up from head to toe looking like giant marshmallow people: snowpants, jackets, hats, mittens, scarves, boots. I remember one winter we built this huge snow fort and tunnel in our front yard. I was in the tunnel working my way through when all of a sudden, my dog came racing in from the other end, stole the hat off my head, turned around and took off! He was a corgi and small enough to do that. It was surprising! So, I got moving and followed after him as fast as I could on my knees. People are good at making dark places, worlds of cold, (And some of us might feel like we’re living in one long tunnel with no light at the end) but then God bursts in and does something surprising, startling even. God becomes one of us. God becomes human- not only to die for us, but to live with us. I think God likes to surprise us, giving us the huge gift of Presence. God loves us so much that being with us, fully in Christ, was the best way to tell us. And maybe our best response is to follow after Him, often on our knees, living as we were shown in Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.
PRAY
God, thank you for surprising us and bursting into our world and into our lives. Your light shines bright in the darkness and the cold that surrounds us. Remind us that you are present and that is the greatest gift. Amen
CARRY ON
As we follow after Christ seeking to learn and live in a way that reflects God’s love and light to others, remember that much of the time we follow on our knees. Humbly praying for God to change us; for God to mold us and shape us for God’s purposes; for God to be with us and carry us when it’s hard is much of the journey.
Light of Christ
These are the rituals that change things- the practices that come when Emmanuel, God with us enters in.
STOP
Breathe. Breathe deep. Notice where you are and all the things surrounding you. Know that God is with you and just as close as the things around you.
LISTEN
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23
REFLECT
Every year, my family watches White Christmas, Elf and other favorite Christmas shows together. We make lefse, kringla, almond bark pretzels and chocolate crinkles together. Decorating the Christmas tree and pulling out the nativity scenes is all part of the season. Christmas is very much about traditions; these rituals of Christmas joy. Every year the world throws a party that lasts about a month. We light candles and string up lights. We decorate and set up trees in our living rooms. We give gifts. We gather together. We sing songs and put on new playlists full of the season’s music. We share stories. We eat food and make special treats and share cookies with others near and dear. But these rituals of joy can become much more and last all year long when Christ enters in. Instead of simply lighting candles and stringing lights, we shine the light of Christ. Instead of simply decorating our homes, we bring beauty to the world with the kindness and goodness of God. We give to those in need. We welcome the lonely. We sing, we pray and we share The Story of God’s love for the world. We share The Meal of the broken body and blood that heals and brings forgiveness. We share the love of Jesus and maybe some cookies too. These are the rituals that change things- the practices that come when Emmanuel, God with us enters in.
PRAY
Emmanuel, God with us, thank you for being with us in all the ways we celebrate your birth into this world. Help us to go beyond the lights and goodies, to share Your Light and Goodness. May Your story of love permeate everything about this season and our lives. Amen
CARRY ON
Think about the activities and traditions that you normally engage in this season. What is something you can do a little differently to share more of God’s love and light with others?
Emmanuel
God came close. The Christ became incarnate- born in the flesh of humanity.
STOP
Breathe. Breathe deep. Notice where you are and all the things surrounding you. Know that God is with you and just as close as the things around you.
LISTEN
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23
REFLECT
God came close. The Christ became incarnate- born in the flesh of humanity. In the vulnerable packaging of a baby’s skin, God came into our world. Therefore, when the angels say, “Peace on earth” it’s not simply a wish for the future- it’s a proclamation that Peace has come to the earth. When we sing “Joy to the World” it’s because Joy has entered the world. When we say “Come, O Come Emmanuel,” we are calling on God to be with us – And the amazing thing is God came! All throughout the Old Testament, God tells people “I am with you.” -Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Moses, Joshua, David and the list goes on. But now, here in the Christmas story, God decides to be with us in the flesh. Jesus is born and the Christ walks the earth… showing us what it means to love and heal and live a different way. But then God takes it a little further, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence in our flesh, in our bodies- we are the new dwelling place of God. And because Christ lives in me, and Christ lives in you, we can look at each other with the love of God seeing the reflection of God’s Spirit in each other. And God truly is WITH US, in us, living through us. And this is what we celebrate at Christmas.
PRAY
God, we thank you for taking the next step and becoming flesh. Thank you for drawing close to us so that we might know your love. Amen
CARRY ON.
“A weary world rejoices” because God is here! We are weary right now, but we can still rejoice knowing that God is here now. It is God’s presence that fills us up, restores, gives life. God gives so freely to us- simply receive. God is with us. Emmanuel.
Refreshed in the Word
Joy comes when you make the choice to trust God.
This is the 2nd week of Advent take a moment and light your Hope and JOY candles on your Advent Wreath. Printable Advent Materials: Advent Wreath, Advent Words, and Advent Calendar.
Stop
Drink a cup of water. As you drink think about how refreshing it is.
Listen
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Reflect
Joy comes when you make the choice to trust God. How much joy do you have right now? There is a saying that a glass is half full. Is your Joy cup, empty, half empty, half full? When your cup is empty you don’t have joy. This Bible verse tells us Jesus wants our Joy to be full. What in our life makes us have joy? During the Christmas season we might think that buying “stuff” brings joy. But does it? No, we just have more stuff. Stuff is not designed to bring joy. Working long hours to have money to buy “stuff”? Again, that doesn’t bring joy. What brings us joy is our relationship with Jesus. Keep you cup full, worship, sing praises to God, and read the Word.
Pray
Dear God, Help us keep our cup full that we will be refreshed through your Word. Fill us with JOY as we wait the coming of Jesus. Amen
Carry on: Remember God Loves YOU! Have JOY, spread JOY, and serve the Lord!
Do Not Be Afraid
The shepherds were scared but their feelings changed to joy when they heard about the birth of Jesus. What is JOY?
This is the 2nd week of Advent take a moment and light your Hope and JOY candles on your Advent Wreath. Printable Advent Materials: Advent Wreath, Advent Words, and Advent Calendar.
Stop
Take a deep breath, count backwards slowly 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
Listen
Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people”
Reflect
The shepherds were scared but their feelings changed to joy when they heard about the birth of Jesus. What is JOY? Let’s think about that word
J: Jesus
He came to us as a baby. He showed us real love and gave himself to us and changed the world. He is on this journey with us, alongside of us every day.
O: Others
Don’t we all want to bring joy to others? Showing others love and care especially to those who are sad. Hearing others laugh and see them smile brings JOY.
Y: You
God Loves You. YOU are special. You are a gift from God. We can’t forget this, and we have to tell others! It is up to you and me to spread God’s love.
Such a simple word, I hope it gives you JOY.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for sending us Jesus. Help those who are sad and hurting. Help us bring Christmas Joy all year long to everyone we meet. In Jesus name, Amen
Carry on
Remember God Loves YOU! Have JOY, spread JOY, and serve the Lord!
Mary Said Yes
Remember God Loves YOU! Have JOY, spread JOY, and serve the Lord!
This is the 2nd week of Advent take a moment and light your Hope and JOY candles on your Advent Wreath. Printable Advent Materials: Advent Wreath, Advent Words, and Advent Calendar.
Stop
Stand up, reach to the sky, twinkle your fingers like they are stars. Think about how the stars give you JOY.
Listen
Luke 1:38 - “I serve God with my life and want all that you have said to happen.” Mary tells the angel, and he leaves.
Reflect
Wow! Mary listens and Mary says Yes! Mary wants to serve. Her pregnancy is a miracle. Did Mary wonder if this would have caused her to lose her family and friends? Did she worry about what the townspeople would have thought of her? Mary might lose her future husband. What kind of faith does Mary seem to have? Simple loving faith I would say! Mary trusted God. Mary had faith that God would take care of her. God had a plan for Mary. God loved Mary just like God loves you. What are your hopes and dreams for 2021? 2026? and further? Take a few moments and dream! You can have joy because God has a plan for you too. Keep things simple and serve with love.
Pray
God of Joy, help us be like Mary with simple yet confident faith. Help us serve you every day! Amen
Carry On
Remember God Loves YOU! Have JOY, spread JOY, and serve the Lord!
God’s Power
God’s power and strength also work in us when it is time to wait, to endure, to be patient.
Stop.
Spend five minutes meditating on God’s strength. Close your eyes, think about what God’s power means to you, and let it give you encouragement.
Listen.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from [God’s] glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience. – Colossians 1:11
Reflect.
We often think of God’s strength as one of irrefutable force, works of wonder, and mighty deeds. God’s strength gets stuff done. However, this verse reminds us that God’s power isn’t only for times of action. God’s power and strength also work in us when it is time to wait, to endure, to be patient.
One of the main themes of the season of Advent is waiting. This time is a gift, allowing us to slow down and see where God works among us in the slow times, the quiet times, the times of lengthening shadows. The only reason we can wait is because of the strength of God at work in us. Without this time of waiting, we would not recognize the gift it can bring.
Instead of wondering why God isn’t acting, or demanding that things happen faster, or insisting that something must be done for it to count, consider God’s strength at work in times where you must wait. It might feel like nothing is happening, but if you watch, might you see something very powerful at work in your heart and your world?
Pray.
I trust in the power of your work, God, whether things are happening or I am waiting. Make my Advent season rich with the wonders of your strength as I am patient and watchful. Amen.
Carry On.
Try to memorize this Bible verse. Instead of pulling out your phone to distract yourself, recite this verse to yourself whenever you’re waiting for something. Consider how your focus changes.
Waiting
Sometimes, you just need to wait.
Stop.
Breathe in and say, “I wait for the Lord”. Breathe out and say, “I hope in God’s word”. Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. – Psalm 130:5-6
Reflect.
In a recent conversation with a spiritual mentor, I was reminded that it’s okay to wait. We might struggle with these times that require us to be patient, to sit in the shadows, to wonder if day will ever break again. But still, there are blessings in the waiting and the silence. When we rush too quickly to the resolution and the celebration, it’s hollow. Sometimes, you just need to wait.
The Psalms use repetition to emphasize a point. Usually, it employs a parallel repetition that states the same thing two different ways. In this passage, it’s the exact same line. The point is clear: it can be so hard to watch for the morning. Sometimes, we’d just like to skip to the end. But Advent isn’t about wearing out the joys of Christmas. Advent is about letting ourselves wait with expectation for what God will do.
When we practice this waiting, we build hope and patience. We find a deeper and deeper well of trust on which to draw in difficult or challenging times. We know that we can wait for our God because God is faithful. Even after the longest night, God’s radiance rises.
Pray.
God, as I watch for the dawn of your Son in my life, grant me patience. Keep me faithful to you now so that I might live in faithfulness to you always. Amen.
Carry On.
Think of a loved one who is in a time of waiting for any reason. Pause and pray for them right now. Ask God to bring them hope in this long season. Write them a card of encouragement and tell them you’ve prayed.
Prepare and Wait
The church has entered the season of Advent. In this time, we prepare and wait.
Stop.
Practice waiting. Sit quietly and take ten deep, slow breaths. Don’t rush or worry about anything but counting. Let yourself learn to wait.
Listen.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! – Psalm 27:14
Reflect.
The church has entered the season of Advent. In this time, we prepare and wait. Many liturgical purists will chastise those who rush too quickly to put up Christmas decorations and sing Christmas carols. They don’t mean to dictate who gets to spread Christmas cheer and when. The point is to remember that this is a time to wait, listen, and get ready.
What we’re getting ready for is the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ, born a baby in a manger, humble and vulnerable. While there’s a lot of joy in that, it’s not here yet. If Jesus Christ is the light of the world, as we so often sing, then Advent reminds us that we’re not at dawn yet. We still watch and wait through the long hours of the night.
Resist the temptation to be busy, to fill your hours, to tag more items on your to-do list. This year, more than ever, it will be important to remember that this is a time of waiting. As we wait for our Lord, as the psalm insists, we find strength and courage. We find what we need for this long night so that we will feel the joy of the morning.
Pray.
I wait for you, God. I wait for the fulfillment of your promises in Jesus. I wait for the courage and hope you bring. I wait for your goodness to be known not only by me, but for all. Amen.
Carry On.
Build a ritual of waiting into your day. Take five silent minutes at the beginning of your morning. Allow yourself space to rest without anything to do at the end of your day. Give your heart and mind space to wait and hope.
Don’t Rush To The Silver Lining
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
Stop.
Place your hands over your heart. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Let yourself feel and name any pain, regret, anxiety, or fear you have with you today. You don’t need to solve it – it’s enough to recognize it and entrust it to God.
Listen.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
Reflect.
How was your Thanksgiving? Did you see family and now feel anxious about potential exposure? Did you stay home and feel bitter that you appeared to be the only one being safe? Did you try to create something new and special and ended up just missing the way it’s always been? Of course, many beautiful things may have come in this quarantine Thanksgiving, but it’s possible it wasn’t always great.
That’s okay. God doesn’t come just to make us feel happy, or chastise us when we feel cheated, or give up on us when we despair. You don’t have to find a bright side to a hard time. It’s alright for things not to have gone well or to be disappointed. People of faith are still humans, after all.
Don’t rush to the silver lining. Instead, sit with your hard feelings. This beautiful psalm of thanksgiving reminds us that God stays by your side even when your heart aches and your spirit crashes. How beautiful to be reminded that even in our praise there is room for grief!
Pray.
My Creator, you have made me beautifully and well, with a full range of emotions and experiences. In my joy, I praise you. In my sorrow, help me to do the same. Amen.
Carry On.
Without trying to talk yourself out of any hard feelings, what were some of the blessings that came from this Thanksgiving? How did you see God at work even when things seemed disordered and hard?
Thankfulness
As our whole country pauses to consider thankfulness, let your heart be filled with gratitude for God’s abiding presence no matter what you have endured.
Stop.
Think about the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of Thanksgivings past. Release any hurts or anxieties around them. Thank God for the courage and joy these memories can bring.
Listen.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. – Psalm 34:8
Reflect.
Major holidays like Thanksgiving can bring up a mix of emotions. Sometimes, they inspire feelings of hope, comfort, love, and togetherness. Sometimes, they remind us of brokenness, anger, stress, and scarcity. This year, we might identify more with the latter than the former.
And yet, the holiday is here. What can it mean for us? In this psalm of thanksgiving, the worshiper is invited to both taste and see God’s goodness. In other words, the fullness of God’s lovingkindness can be observed and can even be taken in through our daily bread. God’s goodness works powerfully in every single thing we need to live, whether it’s a special day or any day.
Today, no matter what your holiday looks like or what it’s meant in the past, welcome any opportunity to fully experience God’s goodness. As our whole country pauses to consider thankfulness, let your heart be filled with gratitude for God’s abiding presence no matter what you have endured.
Pray.
I give you thanks, God. You have been with me throughout my life, in hard days and in joyful ones, and I know you go with me now. I praise your name and celebrate your goodness. Amen.
Carry On.
This holiday might be a little quieter than past ones. Plan one special thing you’ve never been able to do on Thanksgiving before. How can you make this unusual holiday a way to truly celebrate God’s goodness?
Faith Inspiration
This week, many of us will have Thanksgiving celebrations without much sharing. Because of the danger we all face, we will choose to stay apart from those we love instead of joining together in celebration and gratitude.
Stop.
Close your eyes. Think of someone who inspires your faith. Give thanks to God for this person. Commit to live your faith encouraged by their witness.
Listen.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. – Psalm 34:3
Reflect.
This psalm gets the heading “praise for deliverance from trouble”. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, one meant to be shared, one that invites others into celebration of the good that God does to save people from danger and suffering.
This week, many of us will have Thanksgiving celebrations without much sharing. Because of the danger we all face, we will choose to stay apart from those we love instead of joining together in celebration and gratitude. It can feel lonely and hopeless to hear an invitation to community gathering and worship when we simply can’t do that safely right now.
Instead, let’s use this time to focus on the ways God has saved us in the past. Consider people whose faith gives you courage and hope. Just as this psalm praises a God who has been faithful in trouble, so too can we put our faith into practice in this hard time. After all, we’re not alone – the community of faith will be ready to celebrate with us when it’s time.
Pray.
God, I feel alone at a time when I should feel surrounded by love. I call out to you. Be faithful. Keep me together with other people of faith. Show us hope and keep us safe. Amen.
Carry On.
Who was that person you thought of who inspires your faith? Do they know it? Write them a card right now and thank them specifically for ways they sustain your belief.
Being With God
Jesus lived a life of action. He was constantly moving from village to village, healing the sick, casting out demons, confronting the oppressive power structures. It must have been exhausting.
Stop
Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.
Listen
Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed them, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Reflect
Jesus lived a life of action. He was constantly moving from village to village, healing the sick, casting out demons, confronting the oppressive power structures. It must have been exhausting.
Then we come across a verse like this. The crowd that he dismissed was the 5,000+ people that he fed with five loaves and two fish. That must have been a stressful, long day.
Notice what Jesus does. He doesn’t collapse and take a nap. He doesn’t plop on the couch and scroll through Netflix.
He goes to the mountain to pray. Jesus does this regularly throughout his ministry. He began his ministry with 40 days of solitude in the wilderness. He snuck away to be alone with God on a regular basis. He ended his ministry pleading with God in the garden.
If Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, needed to take time to be alone with God in prayer, then, perhaps we do, too.
In Thursday’s devotional we watched a video on how to spend a quiet time with God. It consists of finding a quiet place to breathe deeply and get centered. Then it consists of:
Trust: Rest in the fact that God is with you and for you.
Investigate: Read scripture to give your mind and spirit something to chew.
Meditate: Chew on what you just read. Let it soak in. Breathe deeply and ask God to speak through words and connect it to daily life.
Express Yourself: Do something that will allow you to actively respond to the scripture. The most basic thing to do is to pray. Talk to God about the text. You might try journaling about it, or expressing your thoughts in a creative way.
Pray
Gracious God, help us to follow Jesus’ example and find time to be with you each day.
Carry On
Before you go into your world of DOing, may you take some time to BE in God’s presence today.
Be Still and Know
Listen: Psalm 46:10–11.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Stop
Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.
Listen
Psalm 46:10–11.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Reflect
Today, I invite you to watch this video. It talks about how to be still and know God.
Pray
Gracious God, grant us the courage and discipline to set aside time each day to get centered in your love.
Carry On
Go now, friends, centered in the love of God. May God’s love overflow into everyone you encounter today.
Holy, Holy, Holy
The word “holy” means set apart; something that is different, out of the ordinary, special. Holy Turtle.
Stop
Take a deep breath right now. Slowly in and slowly out. Take a couple more.
Listen
Read Isaiah 6:1-8
Reflect
Do you remember who used to say “Holy ______” all the time? Robin. Right. As in Batman and Robin.
The caped crusader’s sidekick was technically correct and biblically accurate in his use of the term.
Let’s see how this works. Let’s say you saw a turtle on the ground.
You’d say, “there’s a turtle.” Now let’s say you saw a giant turtle that was the size of a bus. You’d say,
“Holy Turtle, Batman.”
The word “holy” means set apart; something that is different, out of the ordinary, special. Holy Turtle.
Now, if something is bigger than big, far beyond even special, then you would give it a double whammy.
Let’s say you saw a turtle the size of a building. You’d say, “Holy, Holy Turtle” This is beyond turtle.
Have you had any holy moments, or Holy, Holy moments?
Do you remember the first time you saw a breathtaking view. I know, whenever I climb to the top of a mountain I have one. This summer we went to the top of Mt. Evans, near Denver. We were 13,000 up. When you look around, you’re like, “holy, holy landscape!”
Now, if you encounter something that totally blows your mind, that is beyond comprehension, then you would say, “holy, holy, holy”
We read the story of Isaiah this week in chapter 6. He has a holy, holy, holy moment with God and it changes him.
Pray
Gracious God, open our eyes today to see your holiness all around us. Let us be changed by it.
Carry On
As you go into your day, may you find stillness in your heart to be open to the vastness of God’s holiness and God’s love for all creation. May it transform how you encounter it today.
Money is Only a Tool
Money is not an end goal; it’s a tool for loving God and loving your neighbor. When you get that right, you take hold of the life that really is life.
Stop.
Set a timer for three minutes. Close your eyes and meditate on God’s call in your life. Decide to live into what this abundant life might look like for you,.
Listen.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. – 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Reflect.
One common critique of the church is that we always talk about money. I realize that what they mean is that they think the church always asks for money. I try to redirect that assessment. We all know the power money has over our lives and how we spend so much time and energy on it. Why shouldn’t people of faith talk about money? How else do we put God and not money first in our lives?
In 1 Timothy, believers who have financial wealth are instructed to share what they have so they can “take hold of the life that really is life”. Because of the power money wields, those with more money have a special opportunity to make life abound – not just for them, but for others. Their generosity puts money in its proper place while caring for the community. Believers know that talking about and using money is a faith practice.
Money is not an end goal; it’s a tool for loving God and loving your neighbor. When you get that right, you take hold of the life that really is life.
Pray.
Gracious Creator, you have made all things and given me all I have. In you, I have more than enough. Teach me how to use these gifts so that others would be served and I would be freed from money’s power in my life. In these acts, I glorify you. Amen.
Carry On.
If someone asks you why you give to the church, what will you say? Try practicing your ten second speech on the importance of giving in your life. Find a way to give that speech this week!
Love Each Other
Having seen and heard of the one who gave everything for them out of love, they couldn’t help but do the same for each other. When we live our faith, we act generously and compassionately.
Stop.
Take a moment to breathe deeply. As you breathe in, say “One in Christ”. As you breathe out, say “Love each other”.
Listen.
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. – Acts 2:44-45
Reflect.
This passage from Acts is one of my most treasured visions of what Christian community can be. Trusting in God’s abundant gifts, centered in compassion for each other, and dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can also be incredibly generous. The earliest Christian community shared all things; in love, we can live out this truth.
I’ve often heard people dismiss this verse by saying the earliest Christians expected Christ to return quickly. Money wouldn’t matter if you thought the end of time was near. But if that was their reasoning, why take care of each other at all? If Christ was coming soon, why not let him deal with it when he got back?
I wonder if instead they shared everything because their proximity to Jesus inspired them. Having seen and heard of the one who gave everything for them out of love, they couldn’t help but do the same for each other. When we live our faith, we act generously and compassionately.
Pray.
By your love, God, inspire me to care for others like the first believers did. Free me from my own fear and greed. Show me those who need the gifts you’ve entrusted to me. Inspire me to greater acts of kindness and compassion. Amen.
Carry On.
What cause is most important to you? What’s one organization you really respect? Can you offer them a show of financial support right now, even if it’s just $10?