Cyber Edition of the Christ the Ling Lenten Devotions Coming Soon
by: Gil Miller
We live in an amazing time in history. Technology allows us to get on a jet at Dulles and be in China or India in sixteen hours. If you are not needed there in person, you can be there in seconds via phone call, text messaging, email, and video conferencing. These technologies present an interesting set of challenges and opportunities to the Christian Church.
At Christ the King, we see cyber technologies as a means to further evangelize the Gospel. Responding to Christ’s direction – “as the Father has sent me, so I send you” – we go forth into cyber space proclaiming the His glory. During the 2007 Lenten season, 1,010 unique individuals visited the Christ the King Lenten devotions site from 50 US cities and 24 international cities on 4 continents. Within the 57 subscribers who receive devotions via an email message were many Christ the King members, former members, and extended family members who no longer reside in the Great Falls area.
As Ash Wednesday rapidly approaches, we wanted to invite all, in the tradition of Lent, to give up 5 minutes of stress each day and give yourself 5 minutes of Christian peace, reflection, and community.
Here is how you can receive the cyber edition of the 2008 CTK Lenten Devotions:
>Bookmark this site now - come back often!
>Or, to receive a daily email, send an email to CTK_Lutheran@cox.net. If you received the devotions last year via email, no email is needed, you are already on the list.
>Or, you can subscribe by clicking on "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)" below.
>Of course, the traditional print copy will be available at CTK also.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Friday, February 1
Tuesday, April 10
Easter People Proclaiming God’s Glory in Cyber Space
Devotion by: Gil Miller
John 20:19-22
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’
Matthew 18:20
'For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’
Here are some final last thoughts as we close the 2007 edition of the Christ the King Lutheran Lenten Devotions.
Nature proclaims the glory of God in so many ways. As Easter and dogwood blooms many times arrive together during April in Northern Virginia, the dogwood has become my favorite reminder of the Christ’s gift of grace to all of us. The legend of the dogwood was first told to me as a boy by my mother and then was enhanced for me last year by Pastor Gysan.
The poetic version of this legend goes like this:
John 20:19-22
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’
Matthew 18:20
'For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’
Here are some final last thoughts as we close the 2007 edition of the Christ the King Lutheran Lenten Devotions.Nature proclaims the glory of God in so many ways. As Easter and dogwood blooms many times arrive together during April in Northern Virginia, the dogwood has become my favorite reminder of the Christ’s gift of grace to all of us. The legend of the dogwood was first told to me as a boy by my mother and then was enhanced for me last year by Pastor Gysan.
The poetic version of this legend goes like this:
In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so
Slender & twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."
Just as Christ overcame death on the cross, so does the dogwood overcome the winter to proclaim the wonder and glory of the Lord. And, just as the dogwood tree proclaims His wonder and glory, so have the Lenten devotions published since Ash Wednesday. And responding to Christ’s direction – “as the Father has sent me, so I send you” – we go forth into cyber space proclaiming the His glory.
>1,010 unique individuals who have visited the Lenten devotions blog site from 50 US cities and 24 international cities on 4 continents
>57 subscribers who receive devotions via an email message each morning
>the many members of the extended Christ the King Lutheran family who read in printed form
>"Thank you! These wonderful devotions are just what I needed. The every changing earthly body wreaks havoc with my contemplative prayer routine. Appreciate you thinking about me and for sending this blessing as well."
>Boy, today's posting surely hit home with me!! I have enjoyed reading them each day, but somehow this one spoke eloquently to me. Thanks."
>"This has been an especially difficult time for us with our congregation going through turmoil so your messages have meant so very much and I have forwarded them on to other members of our congregation. "
PRAYER: Father, as we close the 2007 Lenten Devotion, we again give thanks for the gift of your Son. As you sent your Son, help us in this community of believers to remember that He sends us, like the dogwood blooms, to proclaim your glory in the world. Amen.
Monday, April 9
Epilogue
Devotion by:
I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
In this psalm, the anonymous author sings praises for being saved from certain death. It reminds us that worship is a thankful response to the blessings granted to us by God and not a repayment for what God has done in our lives. The footnote for this verse in my Life Application Study Bible provides us the following guidance: “God is so responsive that you can always reach him. He bends down and listens to your voice.” The psalmist expresses love for our Lord that has grown because he experienced answers to his prayers. Why is it that most of us turn to God in prayer only when we are discouraged? Do we take God for granted when times are good? Do we seem to think that when times are good, we don’t need God as much in our life? We need to remember that God is near, always listening carefully to our every prayer and answering each prayer in ways that we may not immediately understand or realize. But if we do not ask, how can we expect God to hear us?
Sometimes we find it difficult to ask each other for forgiveness. Our sinful pride gets in the way and we are reluctant to ask for forgiveness, fearing that the person from whom we have begged forgiveness will refuse to grant us that forgiveness. We perceive that asking for forgiveness would be interpreted as a sign of weakness, or perhaps we fear the other person will attach conditions upon that forgiveness. Perhaps if we first ask God for forgiveness and ask for his support, we might find that with God’s help, the other person will look upon us with mercy and grace and grant us that forgiveness that God so freely gives to us without asking anything in return.
Later in this psalm, the author asks how he can repay the Lord for all the goodness granted to him. He then responds by promising to fulfill his vows to the Lord, by recognizing that he is a servant to the Lord, and by making a sacrificial thank offering to the Lord. Surely God is responding to the psalmist’s request by providing those answers to him in prayer. Our congregation here at Christ the King has the opportunity to offer a thankful response to God for all the blessings he has granted to us over these past 25 years by making a sacrificial thank offering as part of our Silver to Gold capital campaign. I hope you will join me in asking God for guidance and courage to make that sacrificial offering at this time.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, we offer our thankful response to the blessings you have granted us, the greatest blessing being the sacrifice of your son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of his sacrifice, our prayers have been answered and we are saved from eternal death. We ask that you continue to encourage us to seek you in thoughtful prayer and we ask for you to guide us in serving you. Amen.
Sunday, April 8
Commitment: Easter
Devotion by: Pastor Paul Gysan
Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the
Easter is the greatest festival day of the church year! Christ is risen, He is risen indeed !!!!!!! Let the seven exclamation points after that last statement represent the feast of weeks – seven weeks of celebration. During this celebration we are having our own “Silver” anniversary, with a
Thanks to our crucified and risen Lord Jesus, nothing need ever be the same again. Nothing! We see that in the life of
Paul in verse 33 says, “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing.” Beginning in vs. 35 we read, “In all of this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Following this he knelt down and prayed with them, they brought him to the ship, and he set sail for
Our risen Lord Jesus conquered death! Someday we shall be reunited with our loved ones, along with
PRAYER: Spirit of the Risen Lord, descend upon us we pray! Bless this day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, and bless this week as this celebration and joy continues via many opportunities to gather. Bring us back next Sunday as we worship you and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our congregation. Prayerfully lead each one of us to ask the question, “what can I sacrificially do to further the ministry of Christ the
Saturday, April 7
Commitment: Day 7
Devotion by: Joni White
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?’
Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
Today is Maundy Thursday, when Jesus so elegantly demonstrated servant leadership by washing his disciples’ feet. Today is also Beth Tozer’s 44th birthday. Beth loved all things elegant, whether it was Michael’s generous and considerate nature, the hillside view outside her windows, the furnishings she chose for their home, the sound of David’s British accent, or whenever technologies actually harmonized to make her work easier.
She enjoyed elegant writing, so I think she would appreciate today’s verses by Peter. The NIV translation for verse 16 reads, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” This reading concludes with verse 19, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
Committing ourselves to God, to loved ones, to life goals, to core values—focusing our concentration and effort on such commitments creates elegant facets in our personal characters. At Beth’s funeral, her family and friends shared examples of her commitments to do good. The stories were lovingly recounted. They were inspiring demonstrations of Beth’s elegant character. Many made us laugh through our tears!
The strength of our commitments can carry us though hard times. It wasn’t until after Christ died that the apostles began to really understand what he had been preparing them for. Their commitment to Christ enabled them to build a worldwide religion, which blesses our lives today, some 2,000 years later. Our commitment to our faithful Creator continues to inspire us to do good, even as we work through the process of grief.
PRAYER: Jesus, may we do your will today and be a blessing. If we rely on your strong and powerful grace, we will easily fulfill our commitments. Happy birthday to your new angel, Beth! In praise to your holy name, Amen.
Friday, April 6
Commitment: Good Friday
Devotion by: Pat White
Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
Have you ever struggled with living up to a commitment? It is easy to commit to things we are comfortable with. It’s when we step outside our comfort zone that we start to encounter unforeseen obstacles that cause us to question our commitment. Maybe that is why some folks struggle with making any commitment? It’s too risky. There are just too many unknowns. However, by making commitments, we learn the ever-important concept of follow through. Follow though is critical when honoring commitments. Yes, follow through is the process of actually doing all the work and managing the details that allow you achieve your goal of commitment. The initial idea is easy. It is the follow through that presents the pitfalls and obstacles we must overcome. That’s when the real commitment starts.
Recently, a medical diagnosis led me to drastically change my diet. I had to seriously reduce my sugar and carbohydrate intake. It seemed like an easy thing to commit to. After all, it’s only food and snacks, right? Try as I might, I encountered so many obstacles to eating a healthy diet that I felt overwhelmed at times. Although the struggle continues, I realized I was creature of habit and needed help changing my eating habits. My dietician at
So, do you hear a voice calling you in the night? Are you being lead to commit to something that is bigger than you ever imagined? Regardless of what you choose to commit to, ask JESUS to be on your team and he will walk beside you helping you overcome whatever obstacles you encounter.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage of commitment, the strength to follow through, and the wisdom to know that no victory is complete without acknowledging your good works. In your name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, April 5
Commitment: Maundy Thursday
Devotion by: Lori & Rene Fredette
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Sometimes, a seemingly simple act can have a major significance and lasting consequences. Such an act by Jesus during the last supper, washing the feet of his disciples, would set forth a lasting example of humility to be learned and practiced by His disciples. After the death of Jesus, these disciples and their successors, against impossible odds, successfully convinced (and converted) people from all nationalities to the fact that a Messiah had come to fulfill the Jewish prophecies, died for all of us, and would return at the end of the world to judge everyone, Jew and Gentile. What made this message of love so meaningful, allowing it to take root? Could it be Jesus expanded the meaning of both humility and love?
During the early stages of the spread of Christianity, what compelled these disciples to die for their beliefs? Even more strikingly, what compelled their converts, who had neither seen nor heard Jesus speak (nor experienced the awe of His miracles), to allow themselves to be torn apart by lions in the Roman arena? Surely giving testimony to their faith was an emulation of the commitment of love and humility by their savior, the son of God. Surely, a message of love has greater depth when accompanied by humility for then it is all-inclusive.
There are various interpretations as to why Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. During that time, most of the people wore sandals and traveled along dusty roads. Thus, a need existed for having their feet washed upon entering a dwelling. The rich tasked this act of washing guests’ feet to only the lowest of their servants. Others, not so wealthy, washed the feet of their guests themselves – perhaps in the spirit of hospitality. And so the disciples were shocked that Jesus stooped to wash their feet. When Simon initially refused to accept this washing, Jesus told him “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”. Of course Simon acquiesced and immediately requested to have his hands and head washed as well, which was not granted since he “was clean”.
A common interpretation of the washing of feet is that Jesus urges His disciples (and their successors) to practice a commitment to humility and not to succumb to self-importance. For Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet, for I have given you an example, that ye should do what I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent is greater than he that sent him”.
Among the interpretations of the washing of feet (taken from web sites) is that it was one of the symbols of reaching out to everyone - stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional Jewish laws and expectations. The Messiah did not come to liberate the Jews from the Romans: instead, up would be down, poor would be rich, etc. There would not be a rejection of government, but a foundation of an understanding of power that rejects the notion of violence and control. In Jesus’ words: “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16).
In summary, the important lesson to be learned here is that the Son of God, master of the universe, knelt down in an act of true commitment, washed the feet of those who were to be sent to proclaim God’s glory and to teach others/us. This same loving, humble commitment is portrayed in the powerful Michaelangelo painting of the creation of man: God reaches out “to touch us” and we are invited to touch Him.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, guide us in thoughts and deeds, so that we may continue to strive to be worthy of your commitment and the sacrifice of your beloved son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 4
Commitment: Day 4
Devotion by: Greta Rymal
A generous person will be enriched,
and one who gives water will get water.
When I think of commitment, one of the examples that quickly come to mind is of Beth Tozer and her role in preparing this Lenten devotion book each year. Although I did not know her well, I smiled each year as I noticed the “rabbit…” e-mail address to which we would send our materials. What commitment I knew Beth must have had as she turned around the material, often submitted at the last minute, so that the booklet would be completed on time. I knew she was often ill, but Beth fulfilled her service in bringing the Lenten Devotions to the congregation. She was generous beyond expectations, and I pray that she was refreshed through her efforts, while she was refreshing us.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the generosity and commitment of your servants in this congregation. Let each of us be generous as we refresh others, and help us be committed in our service to You. Amen
Tuesday, April 3
Commitment: Day 3
Devotion by: Antonia Siebert
I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them; so that the Levites and the singers, who had conducted the service, had gone back to their fields. So I remonstrated with the officials and said, ‘Why is the house of God forsaken?’ And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. Then all
Nehemiah made a commitment to “clean house” – the house of the Lord, that is. His tireless efforts restored order, so that the Levite priests could return to conduct services and the tithed treasures could be secure. While others had fallen short of their commitments to the Lord and wavered in their devotion, Nehemiah followed through with passion and integrity.
Every year for the past 10 years I have made the commitment to serve as the Editor of this booklet. I looked forward to it and enjoyed doing it, both because I served my church community and because it was a special project I shared with my friend Beth Tozer. This year, however, I wavered in making the commitment once again. After she passed away in early January, I struggled over whether or not to tackle this project. I already felt overwhelmed with grief and loss. The prospect of doing not only my traditional share of the work, but also the work that Beth had done, simply made the task even more distasteful. I also knew that if I agreed to do the Devotions again, I had to be prepared to fully commit and to follow through. There was no room for half an effort – it was all or nothing.
Even Jesus wavered in his commitment. He prayed in the
As I contemplated the task before me, I remembered how many people in our congregation look forward to the Devotions for Lent. I thought about how the Devotions were planned to support our “Turning Silver Into Gold” Campaign, and how they could serve to help people prayerfully consider what they were called to sacrificially give. With the example of Christ’s commitment to us before me, a commitment made out of love and passion, I knew I needed to approach this commitment in a new light, and do it with the same love and passion that Christ has for us.
And then I called a dear friend in the congregation, someone who had also been close to Beth, just because a little voice in my head said, “call her and see how she’s doing.” One of the first things she said was, “I want to help with the Devotions. I know you and Beth always did it and I know it will be hard for you to do it alone, so I want to help.” Well, that was my answer right there. I resolved to complete this project once again, and to include others who wanted to serve in honor of, and in memory of, Beth. This project has been extremely difficult, as every step of the process brings back memories of the times we shared. But I know that Beth would want me to do it, and that I can approach these Devotions with a sense of service, of gratitude, and of thanks.
PRAYER: Dear God, let these Devotions touch the hearts of those who read them. Let these Devotions serve to uplift, instruct and guide not only those in this congregation who are prayerfully considering their participation in our Campaign, but also those outside this congregation who struggle with decisions of sacrifice and commitment. Bless all those who helped to make these Devotions possible, and remember their good deeds done for your house and your service. Amen
Monday, April 2
Commitment: Day 2
Devotion by: Victoria Wagner
I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.
The subject of commitment has always been one of my favorite subjects because I believe it’s one of the world’s greatest weaknesses. The dictionary describes commitment as an agreement or pledge to do something in the future. I always taught my children that when they promised to do something, they were committed to follow through on it, whether or not they wanted to do it. It wasn’t always a lesson well received!
In these verses from Philippians, Paul is writing from prison. He’s not in prison because he’s guilty of a crime, but rather because he’s advancing the Gospel. But, he obviously has not allowed his circumstances to interfere with his mission, or his life’s purpose. Paul had dedicated his life to Christ, and even being in prison has not kept him from his passion or his life’s mission. Actually, Paul’s not just in prison – he’s chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a trial that would probably end his life. Anyone would certainly understand if Paul took a sabbatical, given his circumstances, but instead of retreating, Paul actually writes one of his finest exhortations on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Paul is committed to his mission as a servant and leader in Christ’s early church. How did he stay so focused? Perhaps Paul’s mission kept him motivated; perhaps Paul kept his priorities straight; perhaps he knew his God-given potential; and, I believe Paul had learned to live in the present, too.
In the words of George Washington Carver, “No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.”
Paul is the epitome of Mr. Carver’s words – Paul is committed to Christ, regardless of the circumstances or outcome. Do we receive this lesson well? What would you do if you knew someone had died to save you – would you commit your life to sharing the story? Let’s get committed to Christ!
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks for the saints who have gone before us and left a legacy for us on how to be committed Christians. Commitment often means sacrifice, Lord, and who was more totally committed than You? Thank you for giving your life so that we may have eternal life with You. Here I am, Lord, let me serve. Amen.
Sunday, April 1
Commitment: Palm Sunday
Devotion by: Pastor Scott McAnally
They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.’
April Fool’s Day and Palm Sunday, on the same day. How ironic. Our text tells us of Joseph, who wishes that what his brothers did to him was an April Fool’s prank. But it was not. And neither was the triumphal journey into
We are entering the final weeks of Turning Silver into Gold. We have heard the words of promise and the words of consequence. As we ponder what it means to make a commitment, we don’t need to look much farther than Joseph and Jesus. Joseph, whose brothers betrayed him, who had more dishonest things done to him than anyone in the Old Testament, remained committed in a God who promised never to leave him. Times got pretty ugly, yet Joseph remained steadfast. God’s promise prevailed.
Jesus is riding into
PRAYER: Forgiving God, we know that your love for us is no April Fools. It’s real, undeserving, and free. For that we humbly give you thanks. Please be with us as we ponder our commitments to your work through “Turning Silver into Gold.” Most of all, we thank you for the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, March 31
Vision: Day 7
Devotion by: Kara Haug
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
I love this passage because it reminds me to dream and to trust in God.
I remember the first time I was introduced to the verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.” I was working at a summer Christian day camp for low-income families called SHARE, sponsored by the Salvation Army. I was out on the playground with around 100 kids and the other nine counselors playing. At a random moment, which we often experienced at that camp, a young boy named Zachary came up to me. He said, “We made these at my church yesterday and I thought you should have it.” He handed me a laminated leaf with the verse 29:11 printed neatly on top.
This was especially poignant to me because one, I am a lover of trees so the leaf itself spoke to me, but also within a few weeks I would be heading off to college, six hours away where I knew no one and to a school that was against my father’s wishes. I like to call that gift from Zachary a “God moment.” I still have that leaf. It travels between my planner and Bible.
Attending that college was one of the best things I have ever done. It was the first place I felt free and it became a place where I started my deep exploration of my faith. It also clarified the knowing I had all along that it was there that I needed to go. It was the silent “yes” that sounds off in your being when you know you are doing the best thing for yourself.
This passage reminds me to dream and trust God. I don’t have a hard time dreaming, I do it constantly. I even wrote poems about it in fourth grade, but I do have a hard time trusting. This is why verse 12 and 13 are so important. “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” I don’t necessarily believe that God has a map for my life, but I believe the plan that is set for me is when my heart, mind, and soul are in full communion with the Holy Spirit, even if it is for a split second.
When I am in constant communication with God is when my “God Moments” usually happen. This communication could fall into the categories of listening, unending prayer of fear and confusion, or giving thanks, or the moments when I am ticked off at God. It is in these times when I am getting close to my core, to that communion, and it was that small laminated leaf that opened me up to this process.
The plans God has for us are those silent “yeses” that quiet our being as if the whole universe aligns and makes perfect sense. Some of these times for me were: serving as a camp counselor; dancing in worship and helping others to move; sitting on a plane heading toward seminary in Berkeley; giving people the opportunity for their voices to be heard by leading a writing group; speaking painful truths to family members; and living daily in my marriage. By seeking God and our dreams, we are lead out of the captivity created by us and by our world. The plans God has for us are to live our dreams and to be our authentic selves while living in communion with God and His/Her creation.
PRAYER: Lord, today may I be in constant communication with you. I pray that I will seek what is inside of my heart to have a better understanding of myself and of you in my life. Thank you for living along side me and being a constant in my life. I pray for moments and opportunities where I can feel our communion. Amen.
Friday, March 30
Vision: Day 6
Devotion by: Greg Maxwell
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
Here at Christ the King, we have begun to see our hope. Through God's grace and the influence of the Holy Spirit, we have a vision to connect the world through God’s Grace. We have embarked on a patient journey to begin a capital campaign of hope for what we do not yet have, a hope that builds on the foundation of our church’s first 25 years of ministry, and prepares Christ the King to do even more in the next 25 years of our ministry. With hope, faith, and commitment, we can all help to achieve our mission by making the sacrificial offering to our ‘Turning Silver Into Gold Campaign for Christ the King”.
PRAYER: Living God, through faith, hope and love, you guide us through our life on earth, we thank you for these spiritual virtues and ask that you strengthen our own faith, hope, and love, and guide us to be instruments of your grace and mercy. Amen
Thursday, March 29
Vision: Day 5
Devotion by: Gloria Rossbach
Lift up your eyes all around and see;
they all gather, they come to you.
As I live, says the Lord,
you shall put all of them on like an ornament,
and like a bride you shall bind them on.
Surely your waste and your desolate places
and your devastated land—
surely now you will be too crowded for your inhabitants,
and those who swallowed you up will be far away.
The children born in the time of your bereavement
will yet say in your hearing:
‘The place is too crowded for me;
make room for me to settle.’
Then you will say in your heart,
‘Who has borne me these?
I was bereaved and barren,
exiled and put away—
so who has reared these?
I was left all alone—
where then have these come from?’
As a teacher I often wonder about former students: where they are, what they’re doing, what further education they may have pursued. I know I had a vision for my career as an educator: it was to be the best that I could be and reach out and help as many children as possible and make them lifelong readers. It’s a vision/goal I had when I began my career and one that I continue to have.
Recently I received an email from a student that I had in second grade twenty years ago. She was living in
The book of Isaiah (my favorite Old Testament book) is full of visions. The first half of the book deals with the people and their sins, and the judgment that will be given to them. But the second half of the book becomes one of redemption and forgiveness. God continues to love his people in spite of the many times they fail to do what they are meant to do and they are frequently unfaithful.
In the verses of chapter 49 the people are discouraged even though they have returned from exile. The city is in ruins, but they are assured that God has not forgotten them. The vision that Isaiah describes is that God has great love for the city and its citizens. The people would see their city restored and people from many nations would come in such great numbers that the city would not be able to house them all. Their faith is alive and well and will sustain them.
PRAYER: Lord, we are grateful for your goodness and care of us. We know that we are not always focused on your vision for our lives and we beg your patience for our failures. We are thankful that your grace and forgiveness are constant and within our reach. Please help us to know the vision your have for us. We pray that through our daily conversations with you we will be able to follow the path to that vision. Amen.
Wednesday, March 28
Vision: Day 4
Devotion by: Joni White
In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Today’s visionary verses were written to Jewish people who had converted to Christianity at a time when Christians were in grave danger of being brutalized by the Romans, two generations after the death of Jesus. At their lowest point, shunned by their families and neighbors, living in fear of arrest and persecution, they could take comfort in these words. They were assured of God’s promise of resurrection, a promised secured by an oath. Knowing of both the promise and the oath, these early Christians had “this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul . . ..”
Only the High Priest of the Levites could pass through the curtain to approach the
PRAYER: Jesus our hope, thank you for being our unchanging anchor, firm and secure. You are our high priest forever! Amen.
Tuesday, March 27
Vision: Day 3
Devotion by: Gale Bobzien
Then afterwards
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female slaves,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
As a little girl, I used to dream of traveling to far away places. One of the exotic places I had read about was Java. Who would have thought that this
God’s visions, on the other hand, are as sure as his promises. In today’s reading, the prophet Joel tells us:
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
And your young men shall see visions.
Those words are repeated by Peter in Acts 2:16-18. According to notes in the Life Application Study Bible, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit predicted by Joel occurred on Pentecost. Just as the promised Messiah was fulfilled in Jesus, so also the prophecy of Joel was fulfilled.
King David, although not a prophet like Joel, was a man of a vision. He wanted to build a temple for the Lord. God let David know that he was not the one; the temple would be built by his son, Solomon. But that did not deter David. He planned; he prepared; he provided building materials. His vision, planning, and foresight benefited others and came to fruition during the reign of his son, King Solomon. May we so share our visions for the benefit of others.
PRAYER: Gracious and merciful God, we thank you for sending your Son to pay a debt He didn’t owe because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay. We thank you for giving us dreams and visions, knowing that we are not limited by the present. Help us to use our God-given vision in the service of Your people. Guide our congregation in its vision of turning silver to gold as we plan, prepare, and provide. This we pray in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Monday, March 26
Vision: Day 2
Devotion by: Ben & Sue Sottile
So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to
Acts 1:6-9 is a good news message as well as wake up call for all of us as we continue to follow the word and works of Jesus Christ. We followed this calling when we assumed leadership roles in our local community homeowner’s association. We had been quietly observing the development of the community and realized that we were not committed to a long-term plan, instead spending extravagantly to maintain a golf course look. Mowing costs alone contributed to 40% of our annual budget with little return on investment. We proposed a multi-year landscaping management plan that consisted of maintenance as well as an investment in trees, shrubs and groundcover to provide permanent enhancements to the beauty of the countryside. The community rallied around this idea and many helped plant 100 pine trees, many different shrubs and much more that still stands today. Many years later, it is especially gratifying to see and enjoy the beautiful park land for all the families there today. In memory of this wonderful experience we offer this devotional to Tosca A. Krug (Our Mother):
Good news in the Salvation of Christ!
Much reason for the joy and celebration
In the Triumph of Kingdom’s Restoration.
Before we can fully carry out His Vision as our mission.
We need His Divine instruction and intervention
Through periods of uncertainty and transition.
He proclaims: The job is not done,
It has just begun!
The salvation of men is still going on!
Apostles, proclaim the Words through Christ, in the Gospels.
He warns: Do not stand looking in the sky,
Asking who, what, when and why.
It is not for you to ask the reasons or which seasons.
That is why Christ returned for 40 days
To instruct the Apostles on His ways.
Prayer:
Oh God, through Your eternal presence,
Help us stay steadfast and true to Your lessons.
Enable us to realize our potential every day
Despite uncertainty and doubts that get in the way
Of living Your word and carrying on Your ministry
Of godly living and service for the Holy Trinity.
Empower us to fulfill Your divine mission
Through our daily faith and Your eternal Vision.
Sunday, March 25
Vision: Day 1
Devotion by: Steve Siebert
his man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
God has always had a vision for mankind. He gave us his son as part of a plan he made to free us from sin and death. This plan involved the promise of a Messiah shared with man through the prophets. Had the prophets, their heirs and descendents not recognized God’s vision, or committed themselves to keeping the vision alive, Christ could not have come, lived, taught and died for us as he did.
PRAYER: Dear God, help me find in myself the strength and resolve to live the vision you have for me. Strengthen my commitment to live a life of faith and love. Help me to be an instrument of faith and love to others. Amen.
Saturday, March 24
Faith: Day 7
Devotion by: LaVonne Gysan
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as
Today’s reading prepares the way to include “all people” for the Lord. Before now the disciples of Christ “spoke the word to no one except Jews.” When Stephen was martyred, many of the followers of Christ were scattered and went to:
The church in
As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of Christ the
On a personal note, my husband and I along with others from Christ the King were privileged some years ago to visit
PRAYER: Thank you, dear Jesus, for our Christian brothers and sisters who made it possible for us to know you –those of centuries ago and those in our lives today. Bless our congregation so that we may be an “
Friday, March 23
Faith: Day 6
Devotion by: Carolyn Saba
He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
This story reminds me of a news story that I saw written in the press and on television in the last year. A high school basketball team was up for championships. There was a young autistic player among the team. I don’t remember much of the story except that the team had fought very hard the entire game and the autistic player needed to replace a teammate that had fouled out. The crowd was skeptical and worried about the final score since they were behind by several points. No one expected to win now that the star player was benched. To everyone’s amazement, the new player scored again, and again, and again!!!!!!! The crowd was thrilled. Every basket was more and more exciting. And yes, the team came from behind and won the game. OFF TO HISTORY.
In many ways, I believe the situation was similar for Christ. Here is a man, the people think they’ve known all their life, performing deeds of great power and interpreting the Word of God in Scripture, better than the rabbis! How can this be? He has no education, no formal training. So his teaching, preaching and deeds are not recognized for what they are; the work of God in their midst.
What they failed to understand is that God is much bigger than our preconceived notions. God chose to live among us as Christ. So the person they thought was just a local carpenter was really the author of the Scriptures he read. And as Scripture shows again and again, faith and belief are the things that open our eyes to God’s work and power. Jesus was always the Son of God. The people’s disbelief prevented them from recognizing what was happening in their midst. Perhaps we need to stop and take another look. For God may be using one among us to do a great thing, and we may not even see it.
PRAYER: Gracious Lord, your work goes on around us all the time. Open our eyes that we may recognize your handiwork. This we ask in the name of the carpenter, who astounded many, Christ our Lord. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
