We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 25, 2019.
Reading Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. So, he set out from there, and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was ploughing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’ Then Elijah said to him, ‘Go back again; for what have I done to you?’ He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them; using the equipment from the oxen, he boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out and followed Elijah and became his servant. (I Kings 19: 15-16, 19-21) Reflection Once again, I find myself in a schedule of travel every other week for a month or so. The suitcase comes out of the closet and goes back in again. I begin to wonder if I should just keep it out. Pack for a trip, go away, come back, do the laundry, and repack it all back in again for the next trip. That would simplify the process and I would always be ready. Packed ahead and ready. Elijah set out to find Elisha to anoint him to be prophet in Elijah's place. Elisha was plowing with his oxen and asked if he could go home first to say good-bye to his family. Elijah took this as being half-hearted, but Elisha did follow and become Elijah's servant and disciple. He was ready. How can we be quick to answer a call to do God's will? We journey best in this life with faith, hope and love, keeping prayer and trust in our hearts always. Packed ahead and ready. -- Ruth Gates Prayer You call us to follow you, Lord. May we be quick to answer and ready to do your will. Amen
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See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. (Malachi 3: 1-4) Reflection This is scripture we usually hear at Advent. As I read this scripture, I immediately pictured John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. He is yelling at everyone to turn from their sins. John is telling them that the Messiah is coming. He is trying to make the people pure, so they are ready to be near God. Usually, I think of the prophet Isaiah telling us about the coming of John and Jesus, but here is the same message in Malachi. Advent is a time we are proclaiming and preparing for the coming of Jesus. We are the people yelling in the wilderness to let everyone know about the coming Messiah. We should not just limit our proclaiming Jesus to Advent. We should shout the Message of God all year long. We should purify our hearts daily as we ask for forgiveness. We need to be a light to others so they can find their way to God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Loving God let us be people who proclaim your name to others. Help us prepare the way of the Lord for all. Helps us be a light in a world of darkness. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Pentecost, all the lessons tell us “God’s will be done.” Reading
Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss. Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8: 26-39) Reflection Why were they afraid? Jesus healed a man who "had demons", wore no clothes, lived in the tombs, was many times seized by demons, was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles. That sounds scary to me but apparently was the status quo and okay with them. When Jesus heals the man, then the people are afraid? I don't get it. Maybe it was the loss of the herd of swine. Were they thinking, well this is better for the man but now we've lost our pigs? Were they wondering, what's next? Who is going to be cared for next but what will I have to give up? Turn it around people. Someone is now safe, secure and has peace of mind. Isn't that more important? One would think so. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, help us to live together in peace. Thank you for healing our hearts. May we trust in the wonders you do and share your love. Amen. Reading
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore, the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:23-29) Reflection Our culture spends so much time and effort trying to categorize people. Think of the “demographic” questions at the end of a survey. Pollsters are always trying to predict how you feel based on which groups you “belong” too. As children of God, there is only one “belonging” that is important. All other categories and distinctions that seek to divide us are washed away when we clothe ourselves with Christ. We are no longer imprisoned; we are heirs according to the promise. Thanks be to God. --Erin Hayes Prayer Christ our Redeemer, thank you for claiming us! May we clothe ourselves with your love and seek to break down all other walls that divide and imprison us. Amen. Reading
But you, O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen, you have rescued me. I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation, I will praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me but heard when I cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. (Psalm 22: 19-28) Reflection This week, as our summer staff is engaged in their annual training, we’ve talked about looking for God in your daily life. In our first verse of this Psalm, we read, “But you, O Lord, do not be far away!” Sometimes, God may be an afterthought, particularly when you think you need to do it all. But God is near! Rely on God as support and be open to the pushing of the Holy Spirit. God can do all things! --Chad Hershberger Prayer You are near, God. May we see you in good times and bad and know that you are helping to direct our paths. Amen. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 18, 2019.
Reading I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am’, to a nation that did not call on my name. I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks; who sit inside tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine’s flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels; who say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.’ These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will indeed repay into their laps their iniquities and their ancestors’ iniquities together, says the Lord; because they offered incense on the mountains and reviled me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions. Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it’, so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains; my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall settle there. (Isaiah 65: 1-9) Reflection An older couple was driving behind a young couple in a convertible. The wife observed, “Look at how close they are sitting to each other. We used to sit that close. Why not now?” The husband replied, “Well, I haven’t moved." God calls out to us, “Here I am. Why do you turn your backs and walk away?” God hasn't moved. He is right here for us all the time. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer Thank you, God, for being near us always. When we feel far away, you haven't moved. Draw us closer to you. Amen. Reading
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself: “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore, I beg of you to listen to me patiently. “All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? “Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. “With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’ I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26: 1-18) Reflection When I led a worship service when I was in seminary, I took our passage today and wrote it in the style of Dr. Seuss. Here is for you to enjoy. --Chad Hershberger Walking down the road midday To Damascus, on the way The man Saul saw a bright light Falling down, knowing not his plight A voice cried out, “Why are you hurting me?” “Who are you, Lord, I cannot see!” “I am Jesus, get on your feet Go tell all that we did meet.” It was part of God’s good plan God wanted badly to change the man Turn him from his old dark ways To a life of better days And the Gentiles, God wanted them seeing That they, too, could be new beings! Live a life of faith and love If they’d turn to God above Paul’s conversion can be a lesson For with God, there is no messin’ Set our sights and set our minds Pray and trust- it’s love that binds Change you can, it’s not too late There’s no need to set a date Start today, be a new you Change your name to Sue or Drew! Jump aboard the “new-me” train Or fly on the “fresh start” plane Drive the “new beginning” truck With determination- you need no luck If your life seems down and out And you always seem to pout Think of Paul and his new start God helped him to change his heart Make your move- it’s yours to make And there is a lot at stake You can make things better, bright And your life will be out of sight So, get started- now’s your chance Collect your cans and not your can’ts!!! Prayer God of Change- as you changed Saul’s heart and helped him to turn from his old ways, help us to be agents of change in our own lives. Help us to make new starts and set our sights on better days. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Pentecost, all the lessons tell us “God’s will be done.” Reading
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16: 12-15) Reflection It sounds like Jesus has more to say to his disciples but now is just not the right time. What will help it be the right time? The presence of the Spirit of truth. Truth coming from the God and declared to us. Then, come what may, they (the disciples) and we can handle the many things. I am not going to hide it. The events of the past few weeks broke my heart. Jesus knew some things are just too hard to bear. Even told us that. Jesus also told us the Spirit will be with us. That Spirit speaks straight from God; just as Jesus would speak to our broken hearts. It just may take time. It could take a long time. What do you need to hear right now? Listen for the Spirit. Listen for words of Truth. They will guide us in time. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, thank you for knowing some things are just too much to bear. Help us hear the Spirit of truth speaking all the love from you through Jesus. Guide us through all times. Amen. We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on June 14, 2017.
Reading Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5: 1-8) Reflection The chain of progression or a string of consequences is what Paul describes happens to us after the realization of whose we are. God does not leave us the way we were. Justification comes first, sanctification happens second. Seeing the process is the meaning of life. The second part is an answer to “Why me, God?” Personally, I think God must have seen something in me that I don’t. God loved each of us before we knew how much we needed the attention. --Andrew Fitch Prayer Gracious God, we thank you for choosing to save us and make us your own. We love you for teaching us a deep spiritual patience for difficulties in live that you can transform into a growth and change for the good. Amen. Reading
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8) Reflection There are two sayings which fit in with this Psalm: “A mother looks through her child’s eyes and sees the future”. “The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of a child into old age...which means never losing our enthusiasm”. While they are present day quotes, they in a way convey the message of Psalm 8. Young children are so trusting, so impressionable, and often more appreciative than we realize. A high school graduate walked up to me and thanked me for the stories I read to him 12 years ago during Story Hour at the library. He is now headed for college. Our children have visions, and the really not too distant future lies in their hands. God speaks to us through our children. Maybe we should listen more carefully. (and maybe we should be abit more careful what we say to them! --Alice Yeakel Prayer Remind us that we are your children, O Lord. Listen to us. Hear our prayer. Amen. Reading
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: ‘To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth-- when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil. When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. (Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31) Reflection Today is our first full day of staff training. As we gather those who will do God’s work at camp this summer, we’ll talk about calling. We’ll hear stories of why our young adults felt that they should be here, doing this work, this summer. When have you been called to do something? When have you felt that you were at the right place at the right time, doing the right work? It can be an incredible feeling to see God’s hand in your life. This Sunday, we’ll celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday. We will look at God- the Three in One. Jesus was part of God’s plan to be in a better relationship with us. The Spirit is around to help guide us into God’s ways. How do you rejoice in the great relationship you have with the one who created you? --Chad Hershberger Prayer Come Holy Spirit into our lives to guide us to where God wants us to be. May be rejoice in the work of Jesus and the model of his life for ours. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46) Reflection Sometimes I get frustrated, frightened, discouraged and the future seems hopeless. The future of life on this planet is in our hands, and I’m not sure we’re doing a very good job. In fact, sometimes it seems to me that we are doing an absolutely terrible job. We are in an environmental crisis from which we may not recover. The earth may change, the mountains may shake, tremble and rise, the waters may roar, the icebergs may calf, the floods may recur more and more, the storms may intensify…you got my point. We really must understand that this is God’s creation. We are the stewards. We need to do a better job. Not because the planet is in peril and soon may not support human life, but because it is God’s creation. And the psalm reminds me that God is our refuge and strength. That is encouraging and reminds me to not give up. Gotta go, the truck is loaded with paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles … I need to get to the recycling center. --Jim Bricker Prayer Lord, help me trust you even in the midst of the earth’s climate crisis. Amen. Reading
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. ”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. ”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14: 8-17, 25-27) Reflection How have you or do you experience the Holy Spirit in your life? In John 14: 16, the Holy Spirit is called an Advocate. In Greek the word is paraclete, which means "one who is called alongside." The word can also be translated "helper," "comforter," "encourager," and "intercessor." (from the margin notes in my Lutheran Study Bible) Today I am feeling the Holy Spirit as one who comes to walk alongside. There is a refrain in a choir anthem we sing that goes, "When times are hard may hardness never turn your heart to stone. May you always remember when shadows fall you do not walk alone." It's from an Irish blessing. I just love that line...may hardness never turn your heart to stone. Knowing we do not walk alone softens the hard times; softens the heart. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit so we do not walk alone. Guide us on our paths with your light of love. With you alongside, we can love. Amen. Reading
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:14-17) Reflection Recently I was able to catch up with some old friends. It was great to be together, to laugh and joke, to relive old times. It was also hard and painful. One person was going through a very difficult time, and as her friends, that was painful for all us. When we truly love someone we celebrate happiness with them, but we also hurt when they are hurting. I think that’s what Paul is saying about being children of God. We share both suffering and glory with Christ, our brother and friend. But how worth it call God our Father! --Erin Hayes Prayer Abba! Father! Thank you for making us children of God. Help us not to fall into fear but to serve our brothers and sisters as we show your love. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Pentecost, all the lessons tell us “God’s will be done.” We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 17, 2018.
Reading O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; may the Lord rejoice in his works-- who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b) Reflection I am a huge fan of taking walks by the ocean, in the mountains, and at camp. I love the sights, sounds, and smells. It is marvelous how what all God created works together. The many and various creatures are fun to look for. I like seeing the creatures scamper through the forest, or in the dunes. One thing I do not like to see is the trash that is scattered in the dunes. One of the walks I take twice a year is on a road side picking up trash. I can marvel at the creation all around me, and also tend it by keeping it litter free. As the Psalmist honors God in his writing/songs so we too can honor God in our songs and writings. We can also honor God by taking care of what God has created so it is around for others to enjoy. --Charlene Rineer Prayer Creator God, we marvel at your wonderful work. Glorious are the oceans, mountains, meadows, and forests. We praise you for all you have given us. May the glory of the Lord abound in our lives forever. Amen. Reading
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Acts 2: 1-21) Reflection I remember reading this passage on Pentecost Sunday when I got confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewistown. I was nervous about reading all those names and pronouncing them correctly. I practiced, practiced, practiced until I felt comfortable with all those names. But the name in this passage that is most important is Spirit. Pentecost is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on earth, being the guide for the followers of Christ. It sounded like a violent wind. It made people speak in different languages. And it caused more to follow God. I like to picture the spirit as a wind which blows across the earth and causes us to do new and exciting things for God. May you think of these things as you celebrate Pentecost this Sunday. --Chad Hershberger Prayer Come Holy Spirit. Come. Amen. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23) Reflection If you get a chance this summer, take the opportunity to go outside on a starry night and lay down in the grass in an opening in the woods, a clearing, or a field and stare into the sky. Look up at the heavens and see the moon and the stars and remember God and the hosts of heaven as you do. Meditate on these words of Psalm 23 and imagine the Good Shepherd watching over you. Viewing the heavens and reflecting on creation while watching the stars can be a moving experience. You’ll undoubtedly feel God’s presence in creation. You may even feel humbled as you think about your place in God’s universe. The stars in the night sky should be a reminder that this summer, you should grow in your love and knowledge of the one who created you and worship God. The awesomeness and majesty of our Lord should be apparent as you take time to “lie down in green pastures.” Use your experience as a reminder that you should always worship God. --Chad Hershberger Prayer The heavens are yours, O Lord. Remind us of the mighty works you do. Amen. Reading
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1: 1-11) Reflection So, who is Theophilus? From the notes in the my Bible I learned the writer of Acts writes to Theophilus, a name that means "friend of God." This may have been a person by that name or the writer's name for all friends of God. Either way, the book was intended for a large audience. It tells the story of God's redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. A message for Theophilus. For you! I like to write cards and notes. A lot. To family and to friends. To the people on the card ministry list at church including a secret sister called my LYLAS (Love You Like A Sister). I greet all by name but I could call them all Theophilus - friend of God. Notes of care, encouragement, celebration, thanks, newsy news and sometimes even jokes and puns (to my 9 year old great-nephew). Behind whatever I write I hope they hear it comes from a heart of love that comes from God. That's my story. Love God. Love others. To Theophilus. To all. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, thank you for your redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. May all may know your grace. Amen Reading
”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17: 20-26) Reflection Have you ever known someone was praying for you? In what you just read, Jesus was praying for you. For YOU. The 17th chapter of John is titled, "Jesus Prays for His Disciples" but in John 17: 20-26 Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for those who will come to believe in him because of the disciples' work after his ascension. Do you ever think about Jesus praying to the Father for you? How does that make you feel? Does his prayer make you think more about your praying? Have you ever known someone was praying for you? Maybe you asked for prayer. That can take trust, courage and humility. Or maybe you hadn't even asked but you could just tell you are wrapped in the love of someone's care and prayer. Either way, it's real. It makes a difference. And your prayers for others are real and make a difference, too. So, as Jesus prayed and prays for us, let's pray for each other. May we be one in Christ and may God's glory be seen. May the world know love from God and through us. May the Holy Spirit speak when we don't have the words. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, hear our prayers for us and for each other. Thank you, Jesus for praying for your disciples then and all through time. May the Holy Spirit intercede when we don't know what to say. Amen Reading
12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. 20 The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (Revelation 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20-21) Reflection Even though most of the book of Revelation is confusing to me I do like the benediction. These last words of the book of Revelation give comfort to me. I hope they bring some comfort to you too. God was there in the beginning and will be there at the end. All who call on the name of God will be together at the end. ALL are welcome. ALL are invited call on the Lord. God sent Jesus to be the bright morning star for everyone to follow. The very last verse is wonderful for all the believers - The GRACE of God is with all the saints. This GRACE is available for everyone. Here is an acrostic that some confirmation students came up with: God’s Redeeming Acceptance Covers Everyone --Charlene Rineer Prayer Gracious God, we thank you for all our blessings. Thank you for sending Jesus to be an example of your gracious redeeming love. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our guide. AMEN We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 3, 2016.
Reading One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” The crowd joined in attacking them and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night, he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. (Acts 16:16-34) Reflection In recent weeks, we’ve been reading stories from Acts about the early work of the apostles. They’ve some incredible acts, including performing miracles like Jesus did when he was on earth. In today’s story, we see two scenes. We see Paul casting out demons in a slave girl that was following him around and we see Paul and Silas in prison, getting out after an earthquake. Seeing that big sign, the jailer rushes to get baptized and his family is baptized as well. Are there big events in your life that has made you want to turn toward God? It may be in the action of another, or it may be something big like a natural disaster. Sometimes, I think God sends us a “wake-up” call to remind us that we need to turn out attention to God. We see that in our story today and we can see that in our lives now. –Chad Hershberger Prayer May your wake-up call help us to turn our attention to you, Lord. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Today, we look at a Day 5 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Boundless: God Beyond Measure.”
Reading [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:22-32) Reflection Listen, Jesus, I watched a bird smack into my office window last week; I feel like we could have a better model of trust and insight than some avian advice. Then again, on the other side of that window, I find myself repeatedly drawn down the cycle of doomscrolling anxiety. It’s easy to sort of spiral these days, isn’t it? One bad headline, one breaking news hour, one new Twitter notification and suddenly I can find myself on an anxious turn that has the power to consume the rest of the day (or week or month or year). I mean, it all sounds well and good when Jesus says “I tell you, do not worry about your life,” but dang it I do. I do worry about my life and about the lives of others. I mean, how can you not? I’ll admit, sometimes those spirals of worry go deep. They leave me reeling, scrambling to find some sure footing underneath me. But every once in a while – on the good days – the world around me actually catches up. Driving in the car and seeing the open fields surrounding me, taking in the mountains standing in the quiet stillness on the horizon, even opening that same often window to hear the birds give rise to their song (even if they are recovering from sudden impact with double paned glass) – these are the things that help to bring me out of the spiral. They are tangible touchstones that reminds me of the God who clothes the grass of the field, who draws up the lilly, and feeds those clumsy ravens. They are the signs that ground me back into the world and set me to the work of being fully present in God’s kingdom. Maybe you can be grounded too. -– Justin Lingenfelter Prayer Grounding God, even amid our well-founded worries and anxieties of the world, you provide for our daily needs. Remind us of our hope in you, that we might find footing in your kingdom and reach back to this world you so love through your Son, Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen. ___________________________________________________________________________ Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man.The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. (John 14: 23-29) Reflection: As I read this scripture I started out with a few questions – Who was Jesus speaking to? What was the question that was asked? So, of course, I had to go back to what was in scripture right before this passage. Jesus was having a conversation with his disciples about God, heaven, faith, and the advocate. Several disciples are mentioned asking questions. The question that was being answered in this passage was by Judas. Judas asked “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”. I do not know if Judas got an answer that satisfied him. I know that as I read it, I was still a little puzzled. I do like that Jesus mentions we get an advocate to help guide us, and that he is giving us peace. I also like that he says our hearts are not to be troubled. So, I came away with that in all our questions we need to not be anxious and that we need to trust God. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you that you sent us Jesus and the Hoy Spirit. Help us trust in you, at all times. When we struggle with questions let us be guided by your Spirit and the word. May our hearts be untroubled and unafraid. May we rejoice in all we have been given. AMEN Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 21: 10, 22-22:5) Reflection In a recent sermon I preached as part of a congregation’s Camp Mount Luther Sunday, I mentioned that for me, what we do at camp is the closest we will come to seeing the Kingdom of God on earth. The community we build, the praise we give to God, and the sense of being apart from the troubles of the world are key ingredients in what I think God’s kingdom is going to be like. What do you think the Kingdom of God will be like? What pictures do you have of heaven? I like the line in this passage from Revelation: “They need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light.” Won’t that be a glorious day for us all? --Chad Hershberger Prayer Let your light shine in the darkness here on earth, Lord. And, help us be the light. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. Reading
To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. (Psalm 67) Reflection When getting ready to write a devotion, I first take out my NRSV Bible, the same translation used in the link to click on above and read the text from there. If I need another translation, I grab my NIV Bible which was a gift from Camp Mount Luther Summer 2006. If the text is a Psalm, I sometimes pull out a book called Psalms/Now in which the psalmists’ prayers are in the words and phrases of today. Psalm 67 is a song of praise to God; particularly praying for help and asking for God’s blessing. So, it caught my eye and stopped my thoughts in their tracks when the Psalms/Now paraphrase contained the line, “God’s blessings are all about us.” Wait. What? That sounds rather self-centered and self-serving. Don’t you think? Seems to be saying it’s all about me, me, me (and you). Oh! Wait. I was looking at it from the wrong direction. It’s not that God’s blessings are all about US (you and me). It’s that God’s blessings are ALL ABOUT (all around) us. See how that can be flipped back and forth? Think about it. Then look all around. Blessed! --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, we praise you for your blessings around us. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. The current season of Easter brings the liturgical and biblical past into the present. |
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