The Spotlight

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Bible reading: Romans 5:1-11

We all know people who love to hog the spotlight. Even when we are more modest, we like to recognized for our accomplishments. As our reading in Romans makes clear, we have nothing to boast about save Christ. Our achievements pale in comparison with the great work that Jesus undertook on our behalf.
From an early age, Jesus understood that his ultimate destiny was betrayal, suffering and death on a cross. He gave up His position in Heaven, at the right hand of the Father, to take on the form on a man and enter into time and space. He gave up His life willingly so that we could be brought back into a right relationship with God.
Our sins (and anyone who says they have no sin is blind and foolish) separated us from God in this life and they result in eternal separation from God in the next life.
Yet, even while we were still lost in our sins, Christ died in our place.
This Easter, let's put the spotlight off ourselves and back on Christ. "Behold the man," our redeemer and friend. When Christ arose from the tomb he brought life and light into a dark, lost world.

All Kinds of Help

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Bible reading: Genesis 41:46-57

As Joseph's story illustrates, God often puts us in circumstances to help other people. Joseph endured years of imprisonment before Pharaoh learned of his abilities and put him in a position to save many lives during a severe famine.
So to, God prepares us to be able to help others. Sometimes we are born with certain talents or abilities: compassion, hospitality, artistic and creative capability, intellect or organizing powers. All of these can be used to help others.
Sometimes, however, we go through some type of difficult trial: pain and sickness, addictions, financial ruin. After God brings us through these challenges, we are better prepared to help those who face similar situations.
If you haven't already, sit down today and make a list of all your God-given extraordinary talents and abilities. Then search for ways to put those special gifts to good use. Find a ministry or organization that would benefit from your experiences. Be ready to give all kinds of help.

Joining the Family

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Bible reading: Galatians 3:36-4:7

At age 11 months I was adopted. As my parent's adopted daughter, I received all the love and attention that a natural child would have gotten. When my parents died, I was entitled to an inheritance.
In a similar way, when we accept Christ as our savior, are 'born again' in the waters of baptism, we become members of the family of God. All other Christians become our 'brothers and sisters in Christ.'
As today's scripture in Galatians makes clear: "You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus." We then receive an eternal inheritance. Jesus' Spirit allows us to pray, using the name "Abba, Father" or Daddy.
As children, we experience all the love, care and attention that God our Father gives to the Son and to all His children. We have a home with God.
Because I was an only child and never had children of my own, I often feel that my Church family is my true family. I give and receive love; I share my life with my Christian family. I've heard some say that they are closer to their brothers and sisters in Christ than they are to their natural siblings.
You have the same opportunity to join the family. Then you can rejoice because you are a child of God.

Spoonful of Sugar

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Bible reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Today's devotion speaks of "realistically optimistic" people. Aren't those the people to whom we are drawn? We like being around those who see the positive side of every situation. Those who are creative and full of joy.
David's Psalm tells us that God's judgements ... His truth ... is "sweeter also than honey." Truth doesn't have to be bitter or harsh. When we are following God's truth, life itself becomes sweeter.
As Julie Ackerman Link says in today's devotion, "Pure truth, untainted by pride, is the sweetest, most refreshing taste to all those who hunger for spiritual sustenance. And we have the privilege of serving it to a starving world." 
As you share God's Truth, don't forget to add a spoonful of sugar.

New Beginnings

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Bible reading:Isaiah 43:14-21

God offers you, as he did the people of Israel, an opportunity to start over. In Isaiah 43:19 God says, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" Any time we choose, we can put the failures and mistakes of the past behind us and begin over again. Every day God gives us new life, new opportunities, new beginnings.
Think of what you'd like to change: your spending habits, your overeating, your overspending, your lack of friends, a disappointing relationship, (your failure here). You can begin anew ... forgetting your past mistakes ... working toward real change. Your life is a Tabla Rosa ... a clean slate. This time you have God at your side, helping you make better choices, helping you succeed.
Whatever your need, seize this offer of a new beginning. Thank God that he forgives all that you regret. Forgive yourself for the times you've failed. Make some new plans and set new goals. It's Spring: a great time to clean out the deadwood and let your life bloom in fresh, new ways.

"Isn't God Powerful!"

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Bible reading: Psalm 29

How big is the god you worship? Did your god make light out of no-light? Did your god create life out of no-life? Did your god bring into being the entire universe? Does your god know the names of each of the billions and billions and stars? Does your god hold the foundations of the world in his control? Can your god tell you the number of hairs on your head?
The God of the Bible does all these things ... and more. His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. We try to limit this God. We treat Him like some cosmic ATM machine: insert our prayers (demands) and out pop the answers we were expecting. Are we too busy working ... working even in churches ... to stop to contemplate the glory and mystery of God?
Are you worshiping a convenient god you made up to suit your own needs? Or do you fall prostrate before the Master of the Universe?

Left Side of the Road

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Bible reading: Galatians 5:1-14

God's laws are for our protection and happiness. Break them and disaster ensues, just as breaking the rules of the road with have dire consequences. However as Galatians 5:14 says, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
In the Church at Galatia, there were those that said that new Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians should be circumcised ... a practice that reverted back to the old covenant between God and the Jews. Paul warns that there is danger of "falling from grace" by teaching that new converts must keep the old Hebrew law. In Christ, we are free from the power of law and death. When we try to set up more "rules" to follow, we are just as bad off as we were when we were sin's captive.
Paul also writes in this passage that we have been "called to liberty" in Christ. We have been set free from both the bondage of the old law and the bondage of sin. But Christ's liberty should not result in our returning to a life of sin ... and becoming slaves again. Our lives are to be lived in a perfect balance between sin and law. We have such liberty that the only "law" we need obey is to love others. When we do that, we will naturally follow all that the Ten Commandments required.
We are free to live by the rule of love. Join Christ in a perfectly balanced life: a life filled with liberty, love, joy and peace.

Loved to Love

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Bible reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book on hospitality as ministry, "Life Together," proposes a radical concept. By bringing others into our circle, we can deeply impact the lives of the lost. By reaching out we can see the spread of Christianity in our world. So many people are searching for connection. We are often alienated and strangers to people around us. I've found that Christians too often isolate or insulate themselves from the world around them. Our only friends tend to be other Christians.
Just think what could happen if we stopped ignoring all the lonely, poor, widowed, incarcerated, sick and sad people we encounter or hear of. If we started sharing what we have found in Christ. A true revolution would take place: a revival of unforeseen impact. So many are just an invitation away from rescue.
Who is lonely? Who is struggling? Who is an addict? Who is unlovable? Who needs help? Open your eyes and hearts to those around you. Share the Living Water with those who are thirsty.
God loves you so you can love others. Invite someone today to learn about Christ.

Getting Beyond Ourselves

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Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
You've probably heard the expression, "Get over yourself." While that may be good advice for the egomaniacs among us, today's lesson shows us how we can "get beyond ourselves."
What a wonderful offer Paul makes in today's scripture: the more we look upon Jesus, His life and teachings, and open ourselves up to His Spirit, the more we reflect His glory.
The term "glory" has a beautiful history from the time when the Israelites  were wandering in the desert and Moses was speaking with God. After being in God's presence, Moses' face shone brightly with God's reflected glory. His face was so bright that the people demanded that Moses wear a veil over his face. This glory or presence of God became to be known as "Shekhinah," a Hebrew word, a grammatically feminine form meaning "dwelling" or "settling" in which the presence of God came to rest in the Jewish tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.
This is the same word used in today's Bible reading. This same Shekhinah can be ours as we reflect Christ's glory.
How could we turn down such an offer? Who wouldn't want to trade their broken, sad, sinful image for the glorious image of Christ? We can go beyond our pettiness, beyond our fear, beyond our jealousy, beyond our greed, beyond our pride, beyond our weakness, beyond our loneliness, beyond our lovelessness to claim the actual Shekhinah or Glory of God. We can then begin producing the fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
Are you ready today to remove the veil of sin and trade your dull image for the Shikhinah of Christ?

Strawberry Mess

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Read today's scripture: Philippians 4:1-5

We have all, at one time or another, 'messed up' in a relationship. We said something out or anger or jealousy. We've been 'out of tune' with those closest to us. Sometimes we've been the innocent party: on the receiving end of another person's gossip or spite. Either way, friendships are soured.

As Christian's we have a duty to try to heal those broken relationships. As part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:23-24 says, "So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift" (Note that the passages says 'if your brother (or sister) has something against you ... not 'if you have something against a brother.' Sometimes we must take the initiative in repairing a damaged relationship. We shouldn't wait for the other person to ask for our forgiveness but instead, when the other person has injured us, we make the first move toward reconciliation.)

Today's scripture tells us that we are to "Be of the same mind in the Lord." That mind includes both rejoicing and having a gentle spirit. When we understand through experience what it means to live in disharmony with another, we are better equipped to help someone else who is going through a similar situation. We can rejoice that we experienced that painful time because we then know how to advise another how to have a gentle spirit. God can use even our worst mistake and our greatest pain to bring His love and comfort to someone else.

Not Counting

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Bible reading is Matthew 20:16

In today's verses from Matthew we have the parable of the hired workers in which the laborers who worked only one hour were paid the same as the men who worked a full 12 hours. The ones who worked the longest felt cheated even though they were paid the wage to which they agreed. Although this makes no economic sense, Christ is illustrating the principle that His grace is a gift, not something we earn. He also points out in verse 16 "The last will be first, and the first last."
It's easy for us to forget that we cannot earn God's favor and that His purposes are sometimes beyond our comprehension.
We complain because He gives an extra portion of talent to others, and overlooks us. The person next to you has a beautiful singing voice, while you are tone deaf. Another is a powerful speaker, but you tremble at the thought of saying anything before a group. Your friend seems to have more than enough money, even as you struggle to pay the bills.
You may never understand God's ways until you meet Him face-to-face. For now, just be thankful for the gifts that God does give you. You may not be able to sing on key, but your prayers are a lovely sound to God. Instead of speaking well, you may be good at writing. You might not be rich financially, but you are rich in friendships. God gives us the abilities that best suit us.
He also shows special grace to widows, orphans, the poor ... those who are "last" in our society but have first place in His heart. Remember that since God was willing to give us the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of His Son, what other gift do we need. Learn to be content ... someday God will reward you, not on merit but faithfulness.

Check the Oil

Read Psalm 5

If you want to keep your car engine in good condition, it's a good idea to check the oil often. If you want to keep your relationship with God in good condition, it's a good idea to check in with Him each day. Many feel that the best time to check in with God is early in the morning: before the rush of the day distracts your attention. Time spent reading your Bible, meditating on the Word, praying and perhaps journaling is never wasted time. This 'Quiet Time' will set the mood for the rest of your day. You will experience God's presence throughout the day, once you've made contact early.
Now that I'm retired, I find it easier to have a morning time with God. Of course, not everyone has this luxury. I know when I was working, I had a hard time being consistent with a morning devotion ... often putting it off until after work or right before bed. Those days never seemed to go as well as the days I checked in early with my Lord.
I would encourage you to make time in your schedule to meet God early each day. As today's reading ... and many other Bible passages ... make clear, it is God's recommendation to meet with Him in the morning. Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
You might need to get up a half hour earlier (which, in turn, means going to be a half hour earlier). You might try to rearrange some tasks (prepare what you'll wear, set the coffee timer, make your lunch) the evening before, so that mornings aren't so harried.
Whatever it takes, just be sure to 'check the oil' every day so that you maintain your Spirit in good working order.

What's In a Name?

(Back from a month's hiatus. Ready to restart this blog but from now on I'll be using devotionals from Our Daily Bread. Please see their website at http://odb.org/ for each day's devotion. You can also subscribe via email, snail mail or use the ODB app. I hope you will read the devotion each day, then come here for some additional thoughts and the opportunity to leave your comments.)

Read John 1:35-42

What's in a name? Before you were born, your parents most likely picked out a name for you. A name of a grandparent or friend; a name with a special meaning to them; or perhaps you're named after the month in which you were born or a quality they liked, such as Hope or Joy.) Whatever your name, you become associated with the name itself.
In the Bible we find many instances where God changed someone's name: Abram became Abraham, Jacob was changed to Israel, Saul became Paul and the Apostle Simon had his name changed to Peter by Jesus. Each time, the new name held some deep spiritual significance and meaning.
When we become a Christian, our identity is also changed. A few actually change their name when they are "born again," but most keep their given names. Either way, this experience means that we are now adopted into the family of God. We begin to develop a family resemblance: we learn to have the 'mind of Christ' and to reflect his qualities.
Once we arrive in Heaven, God gives us a new name. In Revelation 2:17, we learn that God writes a secret name on a white stone. This new name is known only to us: a name we, nor anyone else, has heard before. My own opinion is that each of us has a particular blend of qualities that makes us different from every other person in the world. God knows those qualities because he gave them to us and throughout eternity, God will call us be our special, unique name.
For now, we can be glad if we are God's child. Each day our appearance is becoming more and more like God's son, Jesus.