Do Nothing

Stop.

Set a timer for three minutes. Sit quietly for three minutes – no words, no prayers, no interruptions. Focus only on the gift of rest from God.

Listen.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. – Psalm 4:8

Reflect.

Once you get through those first days (or weeks) you’ll be tempted to mark the occasion festively. It feels like it must be time to celebrate, right? Have a party, plan a special event, do something exciting with the kids, right?

Might I gently suggest: no. The first day or week or even month of school is not a time to do things. Now is a time not to do, but to rest. Those first days are a lot, whether you realize it or not. The best gift we can share with our children is the gift of presence and rest.

Writer and speaker Jen Hatmaker has reminded families every year that the key to surviving the beginning of school is to not do a thing else that week. She said the following online a few years ago:

“Your mission should you choose to accept it because you are a Smart Person is to do and plan nothing the first weekend after school starts. Let their little bodies catch up. They are exhausted after their summer of being sloth children who now have to think and pay attention for seven hours a day. Plus, first week of school emotions. Plus, change. Plus, new scenarios and teachers and students and schedules. Plus, that one mean girl. Plus, figuring out where to sit at lunch. Plus, all the new rules…. Trust your friend Jen: couch, blanket, pizza, movie. That's your weekend plan. Cancel everything else. You're welcome.”

The cultural message we frequently receive is to do things. But one of the most revolutionary messages of Christian faith is the invitation to rest as part of a holy pattern of life. We show our children our love, respect, and support by giving them the safe space at the end of the day to let go, to come apart, and to be expected to be nothing other than themselves. Especially at the end of those first days of school, you can give them a space of refuge and protection.

Whether school has already started for you or is about to start, remember: give them (and you!) space to rest, relax, and renew. You don’t have to do. You can just be.

Pray.

God, you made the seventh day of creation holy by making it a day of rest. You have promised us the space and time to be held by you and given the gift of rest. Grant that gift to students as they recover from the transition back to school. Renew their hearts, minds, and bodies so they may continue to learn and grow to your glory. Amen.

Carry On.

You know what to do: nothing! Make sure you structure intentional time for rest this next week, especially if you or anyone in your household is returning to school. Find a way to support another family in their recovery if it doesn’t apply to you.

Be a Partner and Mentor

Stop.

Think of the one word that you most associate with God. Pick just one word. Close your eyes and reflect on that word: what it means, how you see it at work, how it speaks of God to you. Spend a few minutes simply meditating on that truth.

Listen.

Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. – Deuteronomy 6:7-8

Reflect.

In this passage from Deuteronomy, God reminds the people of exactly who God is and who they are. God knows that people can be forgetful and need reminding. In fact, it seems that the things that are most important in life are decisions we need to make daily. We must constantly be reminded of who God is and who we are as God’s people – and that means hearing those promises and reading those truths frequently. 

For students returning to school, there can be competing messages about what to value, what’s important, and who they are. While this is true for any human in the world, the stakes are especially high for young people as they navigate new classes, changing friendships, and an ever-shifting sense of self. It is enormously stressful to return to class, reorient to the world around them, and try to figure out what it all means. 

As a community of faith, we bear a huge responsibility to these young people. It’s why I hope you’ll participate in worship on Sunday, September 26 as we have a Blessing of the Backpacks. We’ll invite anyone going to school this fall to bring their backpack (or other important school item) to be blessed in worship. But in particular, we will invite students starting preschool or kindergarten to receive a special blessing as they start school for the very first time. Together, we can hold them in prayer and tell them the truth of who they are: beloved children of God. 

Together, as we worship, serve, learn, and grow, we remind each other daily that our Creator has made us beautifully and well, and that we are made to love each other.

Pray.

God, we confess that we so easily forget how you love and care for us. Draw us to those who would remind us, teach us, and guide us daily as we stay close to you in our faith. Grant us what we need to daily live in your grace. Amen.

Carry On.

How can you serve as a partner and mentor to a young person today? Can you volunteer to help with youth ministry or one of our service partners?

Ritual

Stop.

Close your eyes. Picture busses, schools, and playgrounds full of children. Breathe. Remember how it feels to send or be sent out into the world.

Listen.

You are always ready before I am,

besting my instinct to keep you close.

Thank God the world beckons you anyway,

and the Spirit whispers a presence

you cannot outlast.

-       From “Ordinary Blessings” by Meta Herrick Carlson

Reflect.

These weeks and days are filled with back to school. Whether it’s commercials for school supplies, news stories about shifting pandemic response plans, or the on-the-ground reality for so many families making the shift to school schedules, the idea of going back to school seems to consume everything around us. Whether that reality applies to you directly or not, you probably get it. At some point, you were sent out to learn and grow and discern God’s call in your life – and in some way, you probably supported someone else as they did the same, as a friend, family member, godparent, or mentor. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the to-do lists and updated calendars. It all feels so pressing and urgent. But it’s not just physical preparation that we need. We also need spiritual preparation. This is a new time, a new space, a new year, and it’s in the midst of an ongoing pandemic that makes everything feel more complicated, risky, and unknown. 

Part of why the church has embraced ritual is because it makes mundane things holy. Through God’s word, bread and wine become the presence of God. Through the Spirit’s presence, water claims us as God’s children. Through the repeated words of confession or prayer, the community unites behind lived promises. Rituals make meaning of our lives and bring our faith into reality. 

However possible, make sure you introduce meaningful ritual into the beginning of this school year. If you send kids out to class from your house, can you offer them a prayer or a simple sign of the cross on their foreheads as they leave? Is there a small blessing you can write on a card and send to a college student who needs it? Whenever you pass a school building or bus on your commute, can you send out a brief prayer for those students and teachers? These small acts can help make meaning of a time that can be chaotic and challenging but also holy and full of hope.

Pray.

God, you are wisdom itself. Bless students, teachers, administrators, and all who return to a cycle of learning this fall.  Bless them with knowledge and truth. Keep them in safety and health. Make our community a place that values learning in all forms. Amen.

Carry On.

Along with a faith ritual, can you add an act of service? Can you donate school supplies to an area school or community program? Can you volunteer your time to an area school?

Daily Bread

Daily Bread

Stop.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and put your hands over your heart. Say the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Repeat as often as you need.

Listen.

This I well know, that if it were Christ or his mother who were laid low by illness, everybody would be so solicitous and would gladly become a servant or helper. Everyone would want to be bold and fearless; nobody would flee but everyone would come running. And yet they don’t hear what Christ himself says, “As you did to one of the least, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40). – Martin Luther, “Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague”, 1527

Reflect.

This week, we are reflecting on Martin Luther’s letter to a church and its leader in Breslau, Germany in 1527 regarding the Christian’s responsibility in the middle of a plague. This letter was printed in Christianity Today in May of 2020. To read Luther’s letter, you can visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/martin-luther-plague-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-flee-letter.html  

Luther’s point here is clear: if you want to serve your Savior, you will serve your neighbor. But not merely your neighbor with whom you agree, or who you find palatable, or your neighbor who acts or lives in a way you prefer – your neighbor in need, especially your neighbor in the greatest need. 

In his letter, Luther contends that you can know exactly where someone’s love and reverence for Jesus stands in the way they treat others. Jesus’ commands to love and serve the neighbor are so deep, and backed up by so much of scripture, that a Christian could never say they love Jesus without living it. Luther even says, “Those are nothing but illusions on your part which puff you up with vain pride, namely, that you would really serve Christ if he were there in person.” 

It’s a humbling accusation. Claiming faith in Jesus without meaningful, even sacrificial love for your neighbor means you’re just looking for attention and affirmation. Faith moves us to action.  

Luther’s words get increasingly polemic as his letter progresses. He does not hesitate to call people murderers, tools of the devil, or worse for their unwillingness to care for themselves and others during a deadly plague. It is obvious that he gets angry at those who won’t answer God’s call to care for the bodies and health God has given them and, still more, care for their neighbors equally well. It can make his words hard to hear. 

Still, we would do well to hear his words even with his challenging tone. He’s not saying anything we don’t pray regularly. When we ask God to “give us this day our daily bread”, we ask God to give us enough for today. That means our needs aren’t greater than another’s needs. It means that we might be how others get what they need. It means God alone provides and it isn’t for us to hoard for ourselves and deny to others. In other words: because we trust God to give us what we need today, we are freed to love and serve our neighbor selflessly today. 

May this call inspire you as you choose how to live out your faith for the good of others today.

Pray.

God, you have given me everything I need. Make me into the means for others to receive those same gifts. Free me from pride, selfishness, and fear so I might truly serve you through faithful acts. Amen.

Carry On.

What needs are most pressing in your community today? Which ones do you find hardest to understand or find compassion for? What do you need to show God’s love in that area today?

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come

Stop.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and put your hands over your heart. Say the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Repeat as often as you need.

Listen.

A man who will not help or support others unless he can do so without affecting his safety or his property will never help his neighbor. He will always reckon with the possibility that doing so will bring some disadvantage and damage, danger and loss…  Anyone who does not do that for his neighbor, but forsakes him and leaves him to his misfortune, becomes a murderer in the sight of God, as St. John states in his epistles, “Whoever does not love his brother is a murderer,” and again, “If anyone has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need [yet closes his heart against him], how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:15, 17). – Martin Luther, “Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague”, 1527

Reflect.

This week, we are reflecting on Martin Luther’s letter to a church and its leader in Breslau, Germany in 1527 regarding the Christian’s responsibility in the middle of a plague. This letter was printed in Christianity Today in May of 2020. To read Luther’s letter, you can visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/martin-luther-plague-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-flee-letter.html

In his long and wide-ranging letter, Luther addresses many all-to-familiar arguments about Christian responsibility in difficult times. If you make the language more modern, it’s almost as if you can hear him speaking to our current circumstances. Replace “plague” with “pandemic” and it starts to hit home, almost uncomfortably. 

One of Luther’s biggest points in his letter deals with the Christian’s responsibility to a neighbor. Luther notes that some people might not have the courage and strength in faith to stick around when a pandemic hits. He says this not to be accusatory, but to state facts: it’s too much for some, and they should care for themselves by leaving if they must. But not everyone needs to leave. In fact, some can and should stay. 

He doesn’t have a lot of patience for those who could help, who should offer their skills and abilities, but won’t. He points out that living in community comes with obligation. Being a Christian in society means you do not support only your own interests and welfare. There will never be a situation where helping others will come at no cost to you. If you are called to are for your neighbor – and you are – then you must accept some sacrifice or inconvenience.  

If you are in a position to live out your confident faith by serving others, even though it means some compromise to your life, it is precisely how God’s will is done here on earth. Refusing to do so is a denial of God’s gift of life to that person. We cannot pray the words of the Lord’s Prayer asking that God’s kingdom would be known here on earth without being willing to live out its counter-cultural message of personal loss for communal gain. 

It is my prayer that we who call ourselves Christians would find our identity not in serving only our personal interests for our individual success, but that we would see our call as to the whole community. In the words of the late Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone, we all do better when we all do better.

Pray.

Carry me past my discomfort, God, as I make meaningful choices for the good of all your people. Show me your will and empower me to do it so that I might make your kingdom known here on earth. Make me a loving neighbor to your glory. Amen.

Carry On.

What is one thing you can do today to make your neighbor’s life more safe, abundant, and free?

Deliver Us From Evil

Deliver Us From Evil

Stop.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and put your hands over your heart. Say the last lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen”. Repeat as often as you need.

Listen.

Ultimately such talk will lead to the point where we abbreviate the Lord’s Prayer and no longer pray, “deliver us from evil, Amen,” since we would have to stop praying to be saved from hell and stop seeking to escape it. It, too, is God’s punishment as is every kind of evil. Where would all this end? From what has been said we derive this guidance: We must pray against every form of evil and guard against it to the best of our ability in order not to act contrary to God, as was previously explained. If it be God’s will that evil come upon us and destroy us, none of our precautions will help us. – Martin Luther, “Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague”, 1527

Reflect.

Over a year ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, Christianity Today published the entirety of Martin Luther’s 1527 letter to Reverend Doctor Johann Hess and the church at Breslau, Germany. It might otherwise have seemed a strange thing to print in its totality, as it is a letter from Luther offering his guidance on whether Christians might be permitted to flee villages hit by the Bubonic Plague. Is such an exodus an act of faithful self-preservation, loveless abandonment of community, or pride-filled show of unnecessary strength? 

The letter might have gained little attention in previous years. During a deadly global pandemic, however, it took on new light – enough that a prominent Christian magazine chose to simply print it in full.

To read Luther’s letter, you can visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/martin-luther-plague-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-flee-letter.html

The language is archaic but worth your time. 

In May of 2020, when the article first ran, we were just a few months into a frightening, challenging, unprecedented time. In May of 2021, we were ready to put those feelings behind us. Effective vaccines, dropping hospitalizations, and reduced spread gave us all hope that considering our obligations as Christians during a plague might again fade into a brief historical footnote. 

In August of 2021, we must ask the question anew. With the delta variant driving a surge in infections that again shuts down hospitals and threatens school openings, we must ask the question: what is our role as people of faith? 

As part of his argument, Luther pointed to the words of the Lord’s Prayer. After all, we pray that God would deliver us from evil. If we’re not willing to likewise defend ourselves – and others – against evil, why even pray for it? Rather than assume we know God’s will and cast off all caution, can’t we use all gifts of health, safety, and health that God has given us? Is it possible that God’s response to our prayer to be delivered from evil is masks, vaccines, and the knowledge that keeping distance matters? 

In our devotions this week, we’ll continue to consider Luther’s letter and let his 500-year-old words bring insight to our current faith and life. We’ll also continue to pray that God will deliver us from evil, as God always has.

Pray.

Your Son invited us to pray that you would deliver us from evil, God. Today, I ask that you would do just that. Show me what I can do to keep myself and my loved ones safe; but still more, to protect and defend all my neighbors who you so love. Amen.

Carry On.

Where have you experienced God’s protection from evil of any kind? In what form did that protection arrive? How can you remind yourself of God’s past action so you can have confidence in God’s future action?

Importance of Rest

Renewing Worship | Importance of Rest

Stop.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. As you rest and breathe deeply, let your body relax. Take a few minutes to reflect on God’s renewal in your life. Give thanks to God for the gift of rest.

Listen.

O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. – Psalm 34:8

Reflect.

We’ve talked about fun, joy, and hope this week. We’ve discussed how important fun really can be for a life of faith, as it shows us God’s love for us and provides much-needed balance to our lives. We also talked about how sometimes fun isn’t possible in the way you’d prefer, so you have to hold on to the promise of God’s providence for your future and reminders of the joy God has brought to your life in the past.  

But there’s one part of life that can’t be pushed off: rest. You need rest now, tomorrow, and always. You don’t earn it. You don’t deserve it. You can’t defer it to a later time. Rest is part of God’s created order for you and cannot be denied. 

Throughout scripture, you’ll hear references to God being a refuge or a shelter. God wants you to know you are protected and safe. God wants you to be able to rest from your work, to recover from your labor, to rely fully and only on God for that which truly brings life. Rest is so essential to God’s intentions for us that God set aside a day of creation where we are supposed to rest because God rested. If it’s good enough for God, it’s good enough for us. 

Too often, we absorb cultural messaging that you don’t need rest, that breaks must be earned, that exhaustion is a sign of success. That’s not what our faith teaches us. Rest is an essential rhythm of faith and life, modeled for us by our Creator, lived out by our Savior who also took naps and time away to recover. Just as you are worthy of fun no matter what, you’re also worthy of rest. 

It is my prayer that you approach the fall and all its planning, coordinating, and scheduling with the renewed intention not to exhaust yourself. May you ensure space for rest, renewal, and recovery. May there be fun and relaxation no matter what the week held. May you trust that your God has made you to enjoy, to celebrate, to rest, to be comforted, and that it is truly part of a life lived faithfully.

Pray.

My Creator, even you rested on the seventh day. Thank you for making that rhythm an essential part of your creation. Be my refuge and safety, a place where I know I am safe and comforted, that I may rest well and live in continuing praise of you. Amen.

Carry On.

What would it look like for you to truly observe a Sabbath rest? Can you set aside a day for faith, family, and rest? How can you make that happen?

Time For Fun

Stop.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. As you rest and breathe deeply, think of things in your life that give you joy. Take some time to rest in gratitude for those activities.

Listen.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Reflect.

In our last devotion, we talked a little about having fun. We discussed how easy it is to schedule fun and play out of lives as if we do not deserve it. We reminded ourselves to make time and space in our lives to do fun things because it is a gift from God.  

But sometimes, fun just isn’t in the equation. Maybe it’s an especially challenging season of your life. Maybe you’re struggling with your mental health. Maybe your work/life balance is completely out of whack and it’s going to take some time to get it back. Whatever causes it, the direction to “just go have some fun!” feels just like one more thing on your to-do list that won’t get done. 

That’s okay. Don’t let fun become a chore. But at the same time, don’t forget what it’s like to have fun. Recently, a spiritual mentor heard me talking about a good time in my life and asked: have you written that down? She pointed out that it can be tough to remember that God comes through, that fun is an act of praise, and that there are joyful moments in faith and life. When you write them down, you can go back to that list during a more difficult time in your life and remember. 

But you don’t just remember that there was once fun in your life – that just feels insulting. Instead, remember that God has brought joy to your life before and God is faithful. Take time to reflect on fun things, exciting times, and joyful events so that you can be grateful but also hopeful. When we remember what God has done before, we are better prepared to watch for what God will do in the future.

Pray.

God, sometimes life feels too heavy. It’s so easy for me to forget the love, hope, and joy you bring to my life. Help me stay focused on your promises to sustain and uplift me. Carry me through this difficult season and bring me to a place of renewed trust and peace. Amen.

Carry On.

You know what to do – write down those fun and happy things! Keep the list someplace you can look back at it regularly and add to it.

Save Space For Rest & Play

Stop.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes. As you breathe deeply, consider your hobbies, talents, or favorite things. Take some time reflect on and give thanks for these activities.

Listen.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Reflect.

It can be easy to get caught up in the things that must be done. We all find ourselves surrounded by a culture that insists on working hard, hustling, grinding, getting things done, getting ahead, working. When you live too driven by that ideology, it can be hard to relax and have fun. Doing things simply for fun can feel a lot like missing out. Aren’t you wasting time that you could be spending reaching a goal making something happen? 

It’s the end of August. Our lists of summer fun activities are looking unobtainable with less and less time in which to do them. School is starting, schedules are returning, and doing fun things can get easily set aside. Maybe it’s easier to tell yourself that you have to earn fun, that it’s a waste of time, that you don’t really have any hobbies or anything anyway. 

As you start to fill up your fall calendar and plan events for the next four (or six, or nine, or twelve) months, I hope you’ll leave some space for rest and play. God did not create us solely for achievement. Our worth in God’s eyes isn’t in our ability to produce or achieve. God made us in love for love. That means we were meant to enjoy our lives and even spend some time on just plain fun. 

You can claim your fun as an act of faith. When you rest, play, and enjoy, you demonstrate trust in a God who provides not only what you need, but what you like. As you plan your weeks and months, make sure you leave space for faith, rest, and fun. It’s worth it.

Pray.

God, you created time itself. It’s so easy for me to think I need to earn even my time. Help me to slow down. Show me the joy of all you have made. Walk with me as I celebrate, rest, and create, trusting always in your goodness. Amen.

Carry On.

What’s one fun thing you’re going to make space for this week? How can you claim it as an act of faith and trust?

Practice Telling Your Faith Story

Stop.

Pause and quiet your heart and mind. Breathe in and say, “You are my peace.” Breathe out and say, “You are our hope.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. – 1 Peter 3:15b-16a

Reflect.

The first reason people give for not sharing their testimony is that they don’t feel like they know what to say, and that’s intimidating enough. Many of us haven’t had much chance to practice telling the story of our faith, or feel like we don’t know enough about the Bible, or are worried we’ll get a question we don’t know how to answer, and any of those things feel pretty scary. 

But the second reason people give for not bearing witness to God’s action in their lives is even more scary. Many people are worried they’ll start a fight. They’ll get pushback from the other person. They’ll be called out. They’ll be condescended to. They’ll be confronted. The situation will escalate, and everyone will get mad, and God will be used as a weapon. If that’s possible, why even try? No one likes a fight. 

And sure, it’s possible that someone will take offense to what you have to say. For many reasons, some people have strong reactions to hearing about another’s beliefs. But rather than quitting before you start, it might be more helpful to framing your testimony in the most natural, comfortable, gracious place. 

Make sure you’re telling your story as a simple part of your identity, not as a belief that the other must adopt. Tell your testimony in the context of a relationship so you can be sure you’re sharing this part of yourself with someone who will interact, not attack. Offer your witness as personal experience, not as sole, objective truth. Testimony isn’t meant to prove that you’re right and someone else is wrong. It’s meant to invite others into an experience of the living God through your words. 

Still, even if you’ve been as gracious, humble, and relational as you possibly can, someone might take you the wrong way. You can’t control what they think of you. But you can control how you respond. 1 Peter reminds us that we can indeed defend our faith, but always with “gentleness and reverence”. We bear witness to our God even as we defend our beliefs. May we do so with respect, compassion, and peace.

Pray.

God, keep me from fear and doubt as I share my love for you. When my words result in another’s anger, grant me peace. Help me to respond with gentleness and reverence as you have called me. May confrontations turn into conversations by your grace. Amen.

Carry On.

What do you notice about arguments around religious belief? How do people tend to react? How can you be a force for gentleness and reverence in the midst of those confrontations?

Words of Faith

Stop.

Pause and quiet your heart and mind. Breathe in and say, “You are with me.” Breathe out and say, “You send me out.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. – 1 John 1:3

Reflect.

This week, we’re talking about the act of testimony. Usually, we think of testimony as something that happens in a courtroom. An eye witness comes to court and gives testimony as to what was seen and heard. For Christians, testimony bears a similar theme. A Christian’s testimony is a public witness to what God has been doing in the believer’s life. Often, testimony takes place in worship as a way to claim and make fully public God’s action. However, testimony can happen in our daily lives as well. In fact, this is where it’s most likely to happen. 

While we know we’re called to talk about our faith, it sometimes feel like we don’t quite understand why. There is often pressure to share faith for the sole purpose of conversion. This can make testimony feel pushy. It gives the impression that you only talk about what you believe to try to convince someone else to believe the same. I often wonder if this is why so many Christians are nervous to share their testimony, as they don’t want to be perceived as someone forcing their own faith on someone else. 

The book of 1 John is one of my most favorite books in the Bible. It talks so passionately about the love we share with each other because of the love we know from God. In the very first verses of the book, the author gives the why for sharing this testimony of love. The author declares this testimony, what has been seen and heard, not to convert or to force, but simply to have fellowship. The story builds relationship. When we know each other more, we connect to each other and have more compassion for each other. And when you know your fellowship is with God, you can share that love by simply being connected to others. 

Take the pressure off yourself. Building faith is God’s work. Your job is only to tell the truth, share what God is up to, build relationships based on love and honesty, and stay connected to others. Others will see and hear about God’s goodness through you.

Pray.

God, let my words of faith and life build bridges. Take away my fear of judgment. Make me a conduit for your Spirit’s power. Let my words and actions be a force for welcome to all people. Amen.

Carry On.

Can you think of people who inspired your faith without ever demanding that you believe? How did they speak or act that helped you better understand what God was up to? Is that something you can model in your life, too?

Faith Story

Stop.

Pause and quiet your heart and mind. Breathe in and say, “You are my savior.” Breathe out and say, “You are in the world.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. – Mark 5:19-20

Reflect.

In our Renewing Worship series on Sunday mornings, we’re talking about elements of worship. Some of them are so rote that we hardly think of them. Some of them are things we’ve never really understood. Some of them might not even be especially familiar to us. Testimony, what we talked about this past week, probably falls into the latter category. Depending on the faith tradition in which you were raised, you haven’t likely seen much testimony in worship. 

Still, you probably know what it is. Someone gets up in front of others and tells them what God has done in their lives. Sometimes it’s a dramatic, life-changing (or life-saving) event. Sometimes it’s the influence of another person. Sometimes it’s a quiet realization of God’s presence or power. No matter the story, the point is the same: God is powerfully at work in our lives.  

It can be intimidating to think about telling our own stories. You might think you don’t actually have a story, or if you do, it’s not especially worth telling. I promise you that’s not true. God’s been at work in your life. Whatever your story – quiet or dramatic, emotional or stoic, remarkable or steady – it will give hope and encouragement to someone else. 

In Mark 5, Jesus heals someone suffering from possession. When the man is healed, and everyone sees the dramatic change in his life, he decides he wants to follow Jesus wherever he travels. Jesus tells him he can’t. Instead, Jesus tells him to go back home and tell others about what Jesus did. In other words, the man wanted his religious experience to be a continuing personal event. But Jesus calls him to instead bear public witness. That way, the healing brings hope to the man and everyone who knows him. Jesus sends you out to do the same.

Pray.

God, in Jesus’ name you have granted me so many gifts. Grant me also the gift of confidence to share his power in my life. Make my faith into something that doesn’t just give me comfort, but also shares that grace and mercy with others. Amen.

Carry On.

What’s your 30 second faith story? If someone asked you why you believe, could you tell the story succinctly? Try it out. Does it make you feel more confident to know that you could give testimony in this way?

Armor Up with Faith and Salvation!

Stop: Our devotions will follow the same scriptures that over 70 children will talk about in Easter’s Vacation Bible School this week. Let’s bring God into our lives with a deep breath….. saying I am a Child of God.

Listen: “Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat.  He walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid.  He began to sink.  He cried out, “Lord! Save me!” Matthew 14:29 -30

Reflect: Peter had to concentrate on Jesus when the storm was all around him.  I really don’t blame him by getting worried on what might happen. The story helps us to remember to be focused on Jesus. It’s hard but we must remember what’s important in life. Spend time praying or reading the Bible. Talk to our friends about Jesus. Listen to worship music. When we are stressed, worried, overwhelmed talk to God. Ask for patience and help. Take time to think about what you need to do next with God’s help.  Distractions only get bigger when we focus on them.  Keep your eyes toward Jesus.

Pray:  Dear God, Thank you for being with us.  Give us the strength to avoid distractions so we can focus on you. We love you God. Amen

Carry on:  Listen to worship songs, join a Bible study to help you stay focused and to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ!

Armor Up with Truth, Justice and Peace!

Stop:  Our devotions will follow the same scriptures that over 70 children will talk about in Easter’s Vacation Bible School this week. Let’s bring God into our lives with a deep breath….. saying I am a Child of God.

Listen: Daniel 3:28-29a (the whole story is found in Daniel 3)

King Nebuchadnezzar -

“‘May the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be praised! He has sent his angel and saved his servants. They trusted in him. They refused to obey my command. They were willing to give up their lives. They would rather die than serve or worship any god except their own God. No other god can save people this way. So I’m giving an order about the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. No one may say anything against him.’”

Reflect: After hearing this story, I often have wondered, wouldn’t it have been a lot easier to bow to the statue and avoid death by a fiery furnace? Why didn’t they just bow to the statue and then tell God we really only worship you? But as I think about it further, if that would have happened, all of the people there would not have the opportunity to see God show up.  God showed up in a powerful way and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego praised God even in the flames.  They believed that God was with them. Three friends alongside of each other.  Friends that stood up for one another and entered the flames together. God showed up even in the fire and is ALWAYS with us.

Pray:  God, help us trust you at all times.  Please give us the confidence we need. Amen

Carry On: Stand strong and surround yourself with people who help you trust God so you can…. grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.

Armor Up!

Stop:  Our devotions will follow the same scriptures that over 70 children will talk about in Easter’s Vacation Bible School this week. Let’s bring God into our lives with a deep breath….. saying I am a Child of God.

Listen:  Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.  Ephesians 6:10

Reflect:  God gives us what we need, to stand strong.  Have you ever felt surrounded by emotions of confusing choices, or stuck in a situation that seems scary?  It can be hard to stand strong for what we believe. God gives us armor to help us. One piece of armor is the belt of truth. The belt is important as it keeps your whole armor together. God wants us to wear the belt of truth to make sure we know what’s true. The Bible is the truth. What is one thing that is true about God?  God loves us, God is always with us, and we are a child of God. Keep that truth around you, holding you together always.

Pray:  Dear God, thank You for the belt of truth.  With your armor we can stand strong and fight against the challenges we face. We love you.  Amen!

Carry On:  Stand strong in truth as you grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.

Giving All

Stop.

Reflect on the last time you shared your money. Why did you give your money away? How did it affirm your beliefs – or not? What message do you want to share when you give money?

Listen.

You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

Reflect.

In this letter to the church in Corinth, Paul tries to accomplish many things. One thing is to make sure that the church in Corinth carries through with their promise to financially support the churches in Jerusalem. The churches of Asia Minor, where Corinth was located, were typically wealthier and more stable than the churches in Jerusalem. Therefore, the church in Corinth had committed itself to support the church in Jerusalem. However, because Paul had lots of crises to attend to in the Corinthian church, he knew he had to assure them of the vitality of this commitment.  

As he reminds them of their intended gift, he doesn’t just point to the need it’s meant to address. He doesn’t just remind them of their promises and hold them accountable. He points to the spiritual practice of giving and how it demonstrates an abundant, gracious faith centered in God’s generosity. In giving, the Corinthians not only support others, they challenge and strengthen their own faith. 

When we think about the blessings that come to us in our financial giving, we have to be careful about equating financial giving with financial blessings. It’s not a purchase transaction, a tangible reward for giving money away. The blessings we receive are spiritual. We practice gratitude and generosity. We see the beneficial effect of our gifts on the lives of others. We stay connected to the truth of God’s providence. We put material possessions in their rightful place by putting them in service to and praise of the God from whom all good things come.

Pray.

God, as I share what you have given me, keep me connected to the truth of your many blessings. Make me joyfully aware of how my generosity makes abundant life for others. Continue to reveal your power in my faith life. Point me always to where you would have me share and serve in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Carry On.

How would you define the spiritual benefits of financial giving? Have you ever thought of it? Try writing about how giving reflects your faith and connects you to God’s work in your life. How could you share this story with someone else this week?

Giving With Gratitude

Stop.

Pause and close your eyes. Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say “God, you are generous.” As you breathe out, say “God, I am grateful.”

Listen.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17

Reflect.

In worship on Sunday, we continued our series “Renewing Worship” by talking about offering. Sharing our financial gifts has looked different over the past year and a half. While we haven’t yet passed an offering plate in worship, we’ve been invited to text to give, give online, or drop our gifts into a basket on our way in or out of worship. The methods may change but the invitation stands. 

No matter how you give or how much you give, I hope you give out of gratitude. I hope you give without any expectation of transaction or return. I hope you give because you want only to praise God and God’s work in the world. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. So many of us give because we feel guilty and think we must. Others of us give because we think giving will get us even more in return. Still others give not out of abundance but out of scarcity, barely able to part with a few spontaneous dollars here or there.  

I do not point these things out to shame or condemn. I point them out because there’s a better, more life-giving, more joyful way to think of our financial giving to the church. We are invited into a life of giving centered in abundance, generosity, and gratitude. As the book of James points out, we celebrate that our gifts come not from us, but from God. We do not hoard what we have, but rather, we share it abundantly just as God does.  

In this light, we don’t give out of expectation, transaction, or obligation. We give because we get to. Thoughtfully and prayerfully, we get to consider God’s many blessings and how we will share them. We are invited into an abundant life of faith that reflects God’s glory in joy and hope. 

The next time you text to give, or set up your automated giving, or make a stock gift, or just drop money in the plate or the basket, I hope it frees you to celebrate God’s gifts and your valuable place in the work God does in the world.

Pray.

God, I am so grateful for all you’ve given me. Thank you for entrusting everything I have into my care. I rejoice that I get to share your gifts abundantly and serve you powerfully in my giving. Amen.

Carry On.

What events or people stand out in your mind when you think about giving financially to your church? How do they make your idea of giving positive or negative? How will you choose to continue your giving story?

Giving to God

Stop.

Hold your check book, credit card, or cash in your hand. How do these objects make you feel? Pause to consider the power they have in your life and how you use them – or don’t use them – as objects of faith.

Listen.

All tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from the tree, are the Lord’s; they are holy to the Lord. All tithes of herd and flock, every tenth one that passes under the shepherd’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord. – Leviticus 27:30, 32

Reflect.

This past Sunday, our worship series led us to talking about offering during worship. This one act can stir up so many emotions in worshipers. They might feel shame, pride, fear, judgement, anger, or grief, all depending on their relationship with money and their relationship to the church. Because there’s such a wide range of emotions, and because so many of them are often so tough, people have often wondered why money is part of worship – or faith – at all. 

Simply put, it’s because there’s nothing in our lives that doesn’t reflect our faith. All of what we have, all of what we are, everything belongs to God. Money is arguably the most powerful thing in our lives and even money belongs to God first. When we share our money in the context of worship, we redirect money’s power over us and put it in service to the God we worship and praise.   

Not long after God’s people were freed from slavery in Egypt, God gave them rules to help structure and guide their lives. One rule was about how to use and share what God had given them. God encouraged them to tithe, which means to give ten percent of what they have back to God. This kept God’s people centered in the reminder that they have everything because of God’s love and providence. In returning one tenth back to God, they put wealth and possessions in their rightful place. 

Maybe a tithe isn’t in reach for you right now. But you can start right where you’re at. God invites you to consider how you will begin committing part of what you have back into service to God. The next time you’re invited to give, whether in worship or online, you can prayerfully respond in joy.

Pray.

God, money is such a complicated thing. Take away all my fear and guilt about money. Instead, fill me with joy and gratitude for all you’ve given me. Open my hands and heart to share with you, your church, and all your people what you have given me. Amen.

Carry On.

How does your check book, credit card statement, or bank account reflect what you believe? How can you restructure your finances to confidently reflect your faith?

Commit to Prayer

Stop.

Close your eyes and quiet your mind. Take some deep breaths. As you breathe in say, “I am in your presence.” As you breathe out say, “I bring this to you.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. – Ephesians 6:18

Reflect.

Maybe you’ve been there before: someone reveals the difficult thing they’re going through. They talk about a diagnosis, a broken relationship, a work conflict, or their personal struggle. You listen, encourage, and share your love. And then, at the end, you say something like, “I’ll pray for you.” 

And then you go on with your day and never actually do. 

We’ve all been there. We know we’re supposed to pray, we know we get to pray, we know it’s something powerful and meaningful that we can offer in a situation when we can do little else, and still, we rarely actually pray. Soon, the offer to pray becomes meaningless, the stereotypical “thoughts and prayers” that people offer when they will do absolutely nothing to resolve a painful situation. Don’t let this make you angry, guilty, or evasive. Instead, consider ways you might recommit to the work of prayer and let others know how much it means to you. 

We are invited to pray for others constantly, the “supplication for all the saints” that Ephesians mentions. Knowing that we’re forgetful, busy, and sometimes nervous about prayer, we have to do what we can to help support that work. Instead of saying you will pray for someone, what if you offer to pray for them right then and there? Then you join with them in prayer, you don’t put the prayer off, and you ensure that you’ve put in the time and work that you know you can. If the conversation is not in real time, like through email or text, can you stop right away to pray for that person, and then respond that you have prayed and will keep praying? Long term, can you keep a prayer journal? All you need is a notebook and a pen that you keep close by. You can write the request on a page, include the date, and then pay attention for when that prayer might be resolved.  

If prayer for others is an essential part of our faith lives – and it is – then we can use whatever tricks and tools we need to ensure our prayer is just as constant as it needs to be. Keep offering prayer for others. Keep connected to the needs of God’s world. Keep showing up. It’s always worth it.

Pray.

God, you know all the people, places, and things on my mind right now. Help me name them specifically. Help me remember to bring them to you often. Help me be an agent of your power through my prayer. Thank you for this holy responsibility. Amen.

Carry On.

Today’s the day! No more promising yourself you’ll remember to pray next time. What tool do you want to use to help make you a more engaged person of prayer? Commit to it today.

Prayer In Community

Stop.

Close your eyes and quiet your mind. Take some deep breaths. As you breathe in say, “You know me.” As you breathe out say, “You hear me.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

[Jesus said] “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” – Matthew 6:7-9

Reflect.

Since our series on worship talks about prayer this Sunday, it makes sense to talk about the prayer we hear most often in worship: the Lord’s Prayer. It is so called because our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the one who taught it first to his disciples and by extension to all followers. Both Matthew and Luke have a version of Jesus teaching this prayer. In both cases, Jesus teaches the prayer as a response to other teaching on what prayer is and how to do it. 

In Matthew, Jesus teaches the prayer in the midst of many cautions on how not to pray. Jesus tells the disciples that they should avoid showy, dramatic acts of piety intended mostly to show off how important you are, both to God and other humans. Instead, Jesus offers a prayer that assumes our God knows what we need and doesn’t need to be coerced. 

In many ways, this prayer serves as a powerful model for our own prayer, in worship or otherwise. It praises God’s name. It recognizes the power of God’s will first. It asks that God would continue to provide and forgive as God has always done – and that we might do the same for others. It begs for God’s ongoing protection. All these things are excellent foundations for any prayer. 

Because the Lord’s Prayer is known by Christians around the world in all traditions, it also makes a powerful center point for our weekly worship. These words unite all believers. We might say them in different languages, translations, or versions, but the words and intent remain the same. From this prayer, taught to us by Jesus himself, we not only come together as a praying community but also receive support and encouragement for how to build a prayer life of our own.

Pray.

Jesus, our Lord, you have taught us to pray and revealed God’s will to us. Thank you for this gift and how it unites us with you and each other in faith. Continue to guide and teach us as we pray, worship, and live as you call us. Amen.

Carry On.

Do you have the Lord’s Prayer memorized? If not, try to memorize it this week. If so, do you have more than one version of the Lord’s Prayer memorized? Understanding that different traditions translate the prayer in different ways, can you have other styles at the ready? How does it expand your understanding of the Lord’s Prayer?