God's Joy

Devotion by: Steve O'Connor

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

So he told them this parable, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’

In these verses, Luke tells the story of the prodigal son. After demanding his inheritance and then squandering it, the younger of two brothers is left destitute and starving in a distant country. In essence, he has hit rock bottom. At that point, Luke tells us that “he comes to his senses” and makes a decision to return to his father and seek his forgiveness. Does that sound familiar? Why is it that we often have to reach a point of desperation before coming to our senses and recognizing that we have sinned, and that we are in need of God’s forgiveness?

Fortunately for the prodigal son, despite his transgressions, his father still loves him and forgives him. Although the son has treated the father badly, the father nonetheless welcomes his son back with joy and celebration. What an incredible source of comfort for him! (And for us!)

I am sure that we can all recall experiences growing up when we had done something that we knew would upset our fathers (and mothers), and we did not know what the consequences might be. How angry would our father be with us? Would we lose our father’s affection? If so, would we ever be forgiven and reconciled with our father again?

The lesson of this parable is that God will always joyfully forgive our sins. All we have to do to receive that forgiveness is sincerely ask for it. How incredibly fortunate we are! As we reflect on our relationship with God during this season of Lent, remember the story of the prodigal son. And take comfort in knowing that God will joyfully embrace us back into his Kingdom, if we just ask Him.

PRAYER: Heavenly father, thank you for your gracious and ever-present love for us, with which you bless us -- even when we do not deserve it. During this season of Lent, open our hearts to seek reconciliation with you, knowing with certainty that, like the prodigal son, you will welcome us back into your Kingdom. Amen.

Shepherd Me, Lord

Devotion by: Kyle Babirak

1 Peter 5:1-4

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

Peter is talking about how you can follow in Christ’s footsteps to help others. Christ did not put himself first; but instead, he helped others in the hope that they would follow his example. In Scouting, the First Class Scouts have the choice to be leaders for the new Scouts. These older Scouts advise the younger ones and help to make decisions. They do this without bragging or showing off, and they do it willingly to serve them. This can be an example of being like Christ.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help all leaders to be willing to help others by serving.

Drying Up?

Devotion by: Susan and Bill Canis

Luke 16:19-31

‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

As we prepare for Easter, it’s Christmas we should be thinking of right now. That’s when Americans collectively spend billions of dollars showering themselves and their families with gifts of all types. Meanwhile, we read that U.S. food pantries for the unfortunate have bare shelves; many elderly shut-ins are alone; and, overseas, millions wait daily for a decent meal.

This parable in Luke should be a wake-up call to all Christians throughout the year. Its message is that we have a personal responsibility, like the rich man’s brothers who still have time to change their ways. This is not only about the church’s mission work, but also about what we do for others individually, by ourselves.

Several years ago, we decided that we could do better than exchange gifts at Christmas. We volunteered as a family at a homeless shelter on Christmas morning. It wasn’t in an inner city area. It was in Chantilly, a stone’s throw from Dulles airport, where over 80 or 90 men, women and children had slept overnight on the floor in sleeping bags. These current-day Lazaruses are just like us but have stumbled on hard times or unemployment. We cooked them breakfast and talked with them and exchanged all kinds of personal stories. We ate, laughed and prayed with them. This year, we did a similar service in Arlington. We feel we are living truer to Luke’s words with this service, and we’d encourage more Christians to find the spirit of Christ in this way. Let this kind of Christmas service and compassion be our guide at Christmas, Easter and throughout the year.

PRAYER: Lord, as we seek constructive change in our world, keep our attention on the path you have shown us with your Word. Amen.

Be Not Afraid

Devotion by: Steve Wilson

Psalm 31:5-6, 4-16

take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the LORD.
I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have taken heed of my adversities,
and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief,
my soul and body also.
For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
and my bones waste away.

I am the scorn of all my adversaries,
a horror to my neighbours,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
For I hear the whispering of many—
terror all around!—
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

This Psalm, like all the great Psalms, appears difficult to understand, and it makes you think hard about what it means. But as you pick out some key words, it flows together and creates first, in verses 6-8, compelling images of our relationship with and our trust in God: commitment, spirit, truth, rejoice, soul, and spacious space.

Then, verses 10 thru 13 describe the tough circumstances of life -- the pain and suffering we all endure. But a great message of our faith is perseverance and hope (to quote Paul in Romans 5:1-5). Using what David calls the “spacious space” God has granted us, we continue to act, to respond, and to draw less on our own circumstances and rather think and act on behalf of others. What a great antidote to the self-pity described in verse 12, “I have become like broken pottery”, to instead keep steady in faith and follow the message of Christ to live for others.

PRAYER: Lord, we are reminded of the spacious space of life and the great freedoms you give us. Let us commit ourselves to you and then let us rejoice. Let us show our soul and “let your face shine on your servant” as we live through – and respond to – all of life’s experiences. Amen.

The Highest

Devotion by: Jeanne McKinley

Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

In Matthew 23, verse 12, Jesus spoke: “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus spent a lot of time on this point: humility, gentleness, and love are more important than high status. In Jesus’ time, there were many in the church who considered themselves leaders and made a big show of how important they were. They loved to be seen making big decisions, demonstrating their superior knowledge of scripture, and making sure that others understood their inferior positions. Jesus never made a distinction between rich or poor, educated or not, leaders or listeners. He looked only at people’s hearts, and at whether or not they were kind to others. Verse 8 of this chapter is even a warning to those who would call themselves Teachers, reminding them that their gift for teaching is not of their own making. Neither is the ability to lead a self-given gift. All gifts must be used with humility, and compliments acknowledged with gratitude to God for those gifts.

The Lord has given us all gifts, and He has created each one of us for a purpose. When we are doing what He made us to do, we may feel more successful, and others may recognize that we are good at what we do. But it is because of His abundant grace that we have our abilities, so we cannot boast of what we do, nor can we judge harshly what others cannot. Christ’s desire is that we value each other based on our created worth as God’s children, not on earthly ideas of who is more important than another. Earthly measures of “success” are not God’s measures.

When we believe that our success, wealth, status, or knowledge is because of our own efforts, we risk becoming arrogant. When we realize that our success, wealth, status and knowledge are from God, we know humility and thankfulness. Only then do we gain favor in God’s eyes.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us Your formula for greatness: to be a servant to those around us. You know our hearts, You see our souls, and You will give us the strength we need to live our lives. For that, we give You thanks. Amen.

Grateful Praise

Devotion by: Eileen Smith

Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13

Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;
let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for your name’s sake.
Why should the nations say,
‘Where is their God?’
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes.

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.
Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbours
the taunts with which they taunted you, O Lord!
Then we your people, the flock of your pasture,
will give thanks to you for ever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

We don’t think so much about the sins of past generations in our modern society, so perhaps we don’t feel burdened by them. Our focus is on our own transgressions. So what a great comfort it is to know that our sins are forgiven. Thinking about the amazing gift of God’s forgiveness, how are we at forgiving others? Another’s actions or words can cause us anger and hurt, which we carry with us. Sometimes we allow those feelings to grow. One way to praise God during this season is to forgive someone in the way God has forgiven us: no resentment, no reminders, and no retribution.

PRAYER: Dear God we are so thankful to you for forgiving our sins, and we pray for your help and strength to forgive others.

Devour It

Devotion by: Joni White

Psalm 19:8-10, 15

the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19 is one of David’s oldest worship hymns. It praises God the Creator and gives us a glimpse into God’s multifaceted plan for us, His creation. If we devour God’s word by studying and internalizing His life lessons, we will learn how to recognize warning signals, be rewarded for keeping His commandments and discern our hidden flaws. By taking in God’s word and allowing it to abide in us, our own words will have the power to build up, instead of destroy.

PRAYER: PRAYER (Ps. 19:14): “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen, amen!”