On Mission: Week 2 - Following God Together

On Mission – Following God Together

June 23, 2013

Acts 2:41-47

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.  All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.  A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.  And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.  They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The disciples trusted the Holy Spirit.  They stepped out on faith and spoke the message of Christ.  God honored this.  In one day three thousand people became believers.  A great way for the church to start.  Not only did these people become believers, their lives changed.  They devoted themselves to learning the way of Jesus, spending time in community with other believers, sharing life with other believers, and to prayer.  They gave their lives over to God as disciples.  This wasn't casual.  It took a great deal of time, attention, and money.  They shared what they had.  They sold personal possessions for the good of the church.  They sacrificed in order to live out and proclaim the message of Christ.  The same Spirit and faith that led those first few disciples to step out now became the norm among this larger group of disciples that formed the first church.  It is this Spirit and faith that needs to still be the norm for any group that calls itself “church”. 

This devotion and sacrifice brought great things into the lives of these believers.  Praise, joy, a deep sense of awe, generosity, goodwill, and miracles became standard.  It wasn't easy being a believer, but it was worth it.  When being a believer becomes easy we miss something.  When deep devotion becomes casual attention we miss out.  What would it look like to stand in awe of God as these first believers did?  What would it feel like to worship and praise God as these first believers did?  What’s missing? 

The work of the Holy Spirit gave strength to these first believers.  There was something very attractive about their devotion and lives.  Every day the Lord added to their number.  Every day new faces believed and lives changed.  God at work.  God wants to do this with us.  Will we follow Him?

On Mission: Week 2 - Taking Action

On Mission – Taking Action

June 16, 2013

Acts 2:1-7

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.  At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed.

The disciples had been given their mission.  They were to “go and make disciples of all nations”.  Jesus personally delivered this final command forever answering the question “so now what?” for all believers.  What makes a believer into a disciple?  Doing what Jesus says to do.  You cannot go wrong when following Jesus with an open and humble heart. 

This day of Pentecost is the first significant event following Jesus returning to heaven.  Language is often the focus of these verses.  However, the type of language is less important that what it represents.  At the Tower of Babel, God confused the language of the people and they dispersed.  On this day, language was no barrier and God brought all people together with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  People of all shapes, sizes, and beliefs were able to see and hear the true message of Christ.  The “all nations” part of the great commission is being fulfilled.  What’s more, God is the one who made it possible as the Holy Spirit filled worked through the disciples.  God still works this way.  How much focus do we give the Holy Spirit?  What does God want to do in our lives that we miss because we aren't looking for it?

Everyone came running.  People were amazed.  “What are you doing?”  “How can this be?”  The people are responding.  This isn't an action that was well planned and thought out.  It doesn't take place behind the walls of a church.  It’s real people living real lives going about their everyday business.  It’s disciples who are willing to take a risk and allow the Spirit to work through them no matter the possible cost.  It is action taken to accomplish the mission God has given.  It’s what we are to be about.   How do we need to change in order to be like these disciples and take action?

On Mission:Week 1 - Our Reason

On Mission – Reason & Call

June 9, 2013

What makes a Church a Church?  We can make a list of all the things that are part of a church.  There is a building, instruments, songs, styles, programs, bylaws, budgets, boards & committees, missionaries, Bible studies, communion, small groups, outreach events, fellowship activities, kid’s activities, adult activities, youth activities, women’s activities, and all the other general unwritten parts of belonging to a church.  Beyond the physical and tangible elements there is the work of the Holy Spirit, the message of Salvation, a call to discipleship, personal and communal connection to God, prayer, study of scripture, and a desire to live in the Will of God.  All of these things are part of church.  They are not bad.  Yet each in and of itself cannot fully tell us what makes a church a church.  Underneath all of this is one core concept the drives everything else.

Matthew 28: 18-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This is the Great Commission.  When the church was nothing but a few scared disciples facing a resurrected Jesus, this is what He gave them.  This is the foundation from which every other aspect of the church has been built out of.  It answers the question “what now?”  It gives believers a focus and clear goals by which to live out the salvation they have.  It is nothing less than the Savior’s primary guiding words to those who would follow Him.

So why is it that baptism’s are often few and far between?  Why is it that the world is moving away from Christ instead of towards Him?  How can it be that the commands of Jesus are given less and less authority in the lives of believers than they once had?  How much attention is paid to the ever present Spirit of the Lord? 

When the church trades its primary mission for some secondary and smaller part of what makes a church a church it loses focus and it gets out of step with God’s Will.  It is time to reclaim this central defining call.  It is time to be the Church God created.  It is time to return to the mission.

Message Devotional: Well Done

Well Done!

May 26, 2013

Matthew 25:14-30

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.  He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.  The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.  But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.  The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 

Jesus spends a good deal of time describing the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom of God is that which all followers of Jesus are a part and are to give the highest authority.  Knowing what this Kingdom is like and what is expected will allow us to follow God more closely.  In this present world, God is not physically present.  He is not walking and talking amongst us.  The Holy Spirit gives guidance and God continues to be at work, yet that work is subtle and requires faith to fully comprehend.

  

So the Kingdom of God is like a master who has gone on a trip and entrusted his followers (servants) with the task of doing the needed work while he is away.  We are the servants.  We have work to do.  The Lord trusts us to carry out His mission on earth and He has given us what we need to do it.  Each of the three servants was given tools to use (money) and opportunity to use them according to their skill set.  Two servants took this seriously and did the master’s work while he was away.  One servant was afraid and failed to do anything with that the master had given him.

To those who use what God gives and live out the mission Jesus provides there is great reward.  What better words could be heard from the Lord than “Well done good and faithful servant”.  To the one who did nothing a punishment was given and that servant was cast out.  Which of the servants are we most like?  How can we best use what God has given us?

Message Devotional: Being God's People

Being God’s People

May 19, 2013

1 Peter 2:1-3; 9-12

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.  Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.  “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

A Christian cannot follow God and remain as they are.  Becoming God’s person requires a change of life, attitude, and action.  Peter lists several things that must be “stripped off” (deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, unkind speech).  He also warns believers to stay away from “worldly desires” and to live properly.  The phrase worldly desires cover a wide range attitudes and actions.  Galatians 5:19-21 gives a partial list.  From selfishness, to anger, to drunkenness, to sexual immorality our previous sinful nature will try to reassert itself.  Our behavior maters.  A follower of Jesus must work hard to live rightly and honorably no matter what.

If this is what we are to stay away from, what is it that we are to embrace?  Peter likens us to newborn babies crying out for pure spiritual milk.  A follower of God finds nourishment in God’s word, prayer, worship, and in the company of other followers.  We discover new life in salvation as we partake in these things.  We are given a new identity.  God’s people.  Royal priests.  A holy nation.  We are now citizens of God’s kingdom rather than the kingdoms of this world.  It is a high calling and a high placing.  This identity is greater than any previous understanding of life there may have been.  So we live with wonder and joy inside this kingdom.  It changes who we are, how we think, and how we live.  If we were to take a hard look at ourselves today, who are we living for?  This world or the Kingdom of God?

Message Devotional: The Godly Parent

The Godly Parent

May 12, 2013

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.  And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Proverbs 1:8-9

My child, listen when your father corrects you.  Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.  What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

Just after the greatest commandment is given, the one that sums up the ten, there is a call to teach the way of God to our children.  That’s how important it is.  The people then know what we have been experiencing for two generations in America.  We are always one generation away from stepping out of God’s will.  When we neglect the Biblical command to raise our children on the way and word of God we fail to give them something vital and important to life.  Our children get their morality from us.  In fact, a child will not become more morally solid than their parents or another significant parental figure already is.  When they mature they will make their own choices, but in those vital formative years it is the parent’s faith and morality that matters most.  That faith is to be obvious.  Repeated.  Visible in person and at home.  Not is a trinket sort of way, but in a real and practical way.  A child should not wonder long what a parent believes about God.  Our God is a God of grace.  Should changes need to be made, God can help us make those changes.  How are we doing as parental figures?

Let’s not leave the child out.  It is the child’s duty to listen.  It is a child’s duty to accept the instruction that comes from parents.  When a parent leads a child correctly and raises them in God’s way, that child is given a great blessing.  A crown of grace and a chain of honor.  The child will benefit throughout his or her life and will end up making right choices more often than not.  If the child doesn’t listen then problems come.  Parents can only lead and teach.  May God help us to lead and teach our children.

Message Devotional: Our Inescapable God

Our Inescapable God

May 5, 2013

Psalm 139:1-12; 23-24

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.  I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are the same to you.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Human beings are incredibly complex.  No one is capable of understanding how our bodies work, let alone our thoughts and emotions.  Yet God digs down deep into us.    He sees the depth in our hearts, knows our most intimate thoughts and ideas, and is aware of all we do.  He knows us more fully than we can even know ourselves and this is a great thing.  Blindly loving someone or something can often be tragic.  Loving someone when you know as much as possible about them is powerful and beautiful.  God extends his love to us knowing everything thing there is to know about us.  No one can accept us for who we are more fully than God.

Yet how many of us try to escape?  The Psalmist speaks from experience.  No matter where he (and the people of God) goes, God is present.  There is no hiding from God.  Even while far away, God still guides.  He still gives support and strength.  The goodness of God is never far away from us, despite our efforts to reject, ignore, or escape it.

So the reality of God’s presence becomes a request.  “Search me” says the writer.  He embraces God’s presence in his life.  He accepts the inescapable reality of God and his love.  He desires change.  He wants more.  He wants to be led by God.  May this request be our request today.

Message Devotional: Seeking God

Seeking God

April 28, 2013

Matthew 7:7-11

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.  “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

What is God like?  These verses are a call to prayer.  Prayer is a relational act.  It’s a two way communication between us and God.  That means effective prayer will form and develop a relationship between us and God.  This relationship is the bedrock of the Christian.  It is from this relationship that we understand our purpose, find meaning in life, and discover salvation.  If we are too intimidated to approach God in prayer a healthy relationship will not form.

So how do we break the ice in prayer?  First, Jesus wants us to know something about how God sees us.  He compares God to a parent, calling him a heavenly father.  If God is the parent than we are his children.  As his children, we understand that God wants what is best for us.  So when we come to God we are coming to one who knows us, knows what is good for us, and loves us enough to listen no matter what we might have to say.

Second, God does not play tricks on his people.  Jesus compares a loaf of bread to a stone.  In this time, a loaf of bread and a stone would look similar.  The Lord does not lead us down false paths.  He will not replace bread with stone.  He will not confuse a fish for a snake.  He does not turn a gift into something harmful.  We can trust the Lord.  He gives good gifts.

Third, the Lord wants us to seek him.  He wants us to ask.  He wants us to knock.  He wants us to come after him.  He wants to hear our prayers and he will answer.  He will respond.  The seeker finds, the one who asks receives, and the one who knocks is let in.  Notice that we are not promised to get exactly what we want when we want.  We are simply promised access to God.  This access is sufficient.  The only way to fail here is to not ask, not seek, and not knock.  What keeps us from seeking God? 

Message Devotional: The Fool and the Foolish

The Fool and the Foolish

April 14, 2013

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.  As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.  Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.  It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.  So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.   But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Despite all the best efforts of philosophy and science, God cannot be found or objectively understood.  The very effort to prove God tends to bring about feelings of helplessness and frustration.  Human wisdom and human knowledge cannot reach God.  In fact, today the culture has largely given up the search and settled for “spirituality” or disbelief. 

Why is this?  The path to understanding and knowing God isn't found in wisdom or traditions.  The Jewish people had their traditions and institutional understandings of how the Messiah would come, what he would do, and how he would act.  When Jesus as Messiah did not do as expected they could not recognize him.  To be foolish is to be unaware and remain unaware despite clear instruction.  The Jews didn't recognize the Messiah they had been searching for even when his presence was announced.  To the Greeks who considered thought and argument to be wisdom, Jesus just didn't make sense.  Philosophy alone could not comprehend God.

So how do we know and understand God?  The answer is simply the Holy Spirit.  The message of the cross is a message of relationship.  Salvation cannot be confined to traditions or philosophy.  It must be experienced.  So those the world considered foolish actually spoke a greater wisdom than the world could comprehend.  Is there a traditional or intellectual stumbling block in your life?  Are you willing to open your eyes to the greater wisdom found in Christ?  True power if found there.

Message Devotional: Between Black and White

Between Black and White

April 7, 2013

Deuteronomy 30:11-18

“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach.  It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’  It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’  No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.  “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.  For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.  “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.”

We don’t talk about morality enough.  In today’s world, we resist the idea that there even is a right or a wrong way to live.  We often simply take our voice and the words of the Lord out of the picture and follow along with society.  Our American culture apart from the church is obsessed with morality.  From politics to grade school discussions, our arguments and decisions have at their core a moral dimension.  The culture is looking to understand what is right and what is wrong in a new way.  Yet the church’s input into this conversation is either silent or antagonistic.  We need to talk about morality in the church and as Christian people.

So where do we begin?  First we must understand where morality comes from.  Determining right from wrong is central to the healthy development of every human being.  We all must do it.  This desire was built into us by God.  God is also the greatest authority and help in determining right from wrong.  He does this through commandments and through Christ.  The centerpiece of both is love.  Commandments are not just rules, they are reliable guides to life given in love.  We live in a grey world.  Right and wrong are often cloudy.  God can make it clear.  We need to have honest, non-judgmental discussions about right and wrong.  We need to live moral lives for Christ.  It doesn’t just happen.  It requires choice.  The moral life in Christ is a great life.  What are your morals?  How are you living them out?

Focus 40 Devotional Easter Sunday

Focus 40 – Extreme Love

March 31, 2013

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!  You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Love is a choice.  The Lord puts before us opportunity.  We have the opportunity to live in His grace.  We can accept the reality of the sacrifice of God’s own son Jesus Christ.  We can accept that God has created us to live purposeful and meaningful lives.  We can accept the Lord’s invitation to live connected to Him as children of God.  Or we can choose the opposite.  We can walk away.  We can make our own path or follow the paths others have made apart from God.  The Lord will not remove the freedom to choose that He created us with.  He does not force Himself on anyone.  We have a choice.  You have a choice.  What will it be?

Our choices are not expressed exclusively in words.  This isn’t a vote.  It isn’t a stand up and say yes or no.  It is a choice that we make with our lives.  Saying yes to God means loving, obeying, and committing your life to Him.  Loving the Lord brings out love for others and the world around us.  Love for the Lord is seen as we desire more and more of God in our lives.  Obedience to God brings certain characteristics into our lives.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control just to name a few.  Committing to God makes us part of a larger work that God is doing in the lives of all Christians.  We are part of a community of faith where God enables us to do His own work.  Our commitment is seen when we live and work inside of this community with passion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

This choice is the key to our lives.  It will determine our path into the future.  The way of the Lord is the path we were created to walk.  Walking it gives direction, purpose, and meaning to all aspects of life.  The Lord longs for us to choose this path as a father desires the best for his child.  What path are you walking?  What will you choose today?

Focus 40 Day 40

I Love You More

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice… He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. —Psalm 18:1–6, 16–18

Prior to our son’s placement with us, we brought the house up to higher standards of safety. We installed cabinet latches, wall outlet covers, and other features for our boy’s protection. Because he wanted the security of a nightlight, we provided that for him as well. Our goal was to do whatever we could to make him feel secure and well-protected.

It must be working. At bedtime, we tell him, “We love you to infinity and beyond.” But then he smiles and says, “I love you twice more than infinity and beyond.”

The adoption of our son has parallels with our adoption into God’s family. God’s love is more concerned about our future than our past. It is focused on our long-term well-being and protection. 

The psalmist described God as an immovable rock, a shield, a fortress, a stronghold. As our place of safety and our source of light, God always has our best interests at heart.

Thank you, O God, for delivering us out of death itself. Thank you for showing such extreme love to all of your children.

Kevin A. Clouse is the senior pastor of First Church of God in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Focus 40 Day 39

Love Doesn't Let Go

Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the Lord to anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. In his anger against Israel the Lord handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress. Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the Lord's commands. Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them. —Judges 2:11–18

There was silence in our small group meeting when we learned that Louise was back in prison. We had welcomed her into our group when she was released the first time. She had contributed to the discussions and participated when we prayed. Our group leader had spent much time mentoring her, and a church family had given her a home and hired her to care for an aging relative.

We were full of questions: Why did this happen? What more could we have done? We felt that we had failed, and our group leader expressed reluctance to take on such responsibility again.

In the end, however, we came to the conclusion that Louise wasn’t the first to go back to her “evil practices and stubborn ways.” God had set an example of love and forgiveness for us to follow. So we reached out in love to Louise again and left the results in God’s hands.

Lord, I’m so glad that you have never forsaken me, even when I have forsaken you. Give me the kind of love that doesn’t let go of others when they need your love the most.

Bonnie Grau is a writer who lives in Pennsylvania.

Focus 40 Day 38

Love Embodied

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

—Isaiah 53:4–9

We are bombarded by voices that claim to tell us what love is all about. Yet, whether those voices come from television, radio, magazines, or even the classroom, love is often misrepresented. So it is helpful for us to regain a biblical perspective, including a definition and an example of love’s true meaning.

The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:16). Everything God does is motivated by love. This becomes clear as we understand that God sent Jesus Christ, showing that godly love is more than words and feelings: It is the action of giving one’s self for others.

As we meditate on this everlasting love God has for us (Jer 31:3), let us surrender ourselves to become channels of God’s love to others. May we be living sacrifices of service and praise to the Author and Embodiment of love itself.

Lord, as we observe the day of your Son’s suffering on the cross, remind me that your love can overcome life’s most difficult problems. And make me a messenger of your love.

Joe Gregory is the minister of worship arts at First Church of God in Vincennes, Indiana.

Focus 40 Day 37

Pointing to Christ

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:13–17

The mission team spent several days making repairs to a home damaged by the recent hurricane. John and his family could not believe how wonderful the house looked when the team finished. With tears in his eyes, John expressed how astounded he was that a group of people would work so hard to help strangers.

Then the mission team members were able to share the gospel with John. They explained that while they could help meet his temporary physical needs by repairing his home, only God could meet his spiritual needs. John came to understand that it was not just the efforts of the team members he should feel grateful for. He also learned to praise the great, compassionate God who had sent those who helped.

Often our actions speak louder than our words. At such times, we realize again that we can point the world to Christ. What will you do today to show someone God’s love?

Father, let me be a beacon of love in life’s storm today, and point someone to Jesus Christ.

Belinda Elliott is a writer who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Chair Project

Chair Project

After careful thought and research, the church decided to do something about our uncomfortable seating.  To that end we purchased 170 pew chairs to replace our pews.  Padding the pews was an expensive stopgap measure and these chairs will provide comfort, flexibility, and go a long way towards updating the sanctuary. In just three weeks we have raised enough money to reimburse ourselves for 121 of these chairs.  We are excited to introduce the new seating in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday.

Thanks to all the people who worked hard yesterday and today making this happen.  Everything went very well.

Our pews were given to the Southeastern Indiana Campgrounds of the Church of God where they were needed and appreciated.

Check out how things developed.

Focus 40 Day 36

God's Unfailing Love

If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart? Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.  Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love. —Psalm 44:20–26

Sometimes God seems absent, insensitive, or downright vindictive—even to the faithful. We may suffer setbacks and suffering we feel that only the slimy and despicable should have to endure (people whose names we would gladly supply to God, if only he would ask).

So why does all of this trouble come to us, God’s own people? We don’t understand how he could allow such things to happen.

Our confusion is multifaceted. For one thing, not every calamity arrives because God places our name and address on the package and has it UPSed to our door. The Creator does not necessarily draw red targets on our backs and begin launching jagged thunderbolts. Life is such that at times we suffer and God winces as much as we do.

Deep down, the psalmist knew this even as he railed against what felt, in the pain of the moment, must have been God’s capricious spitefulness. In his heart of hearts, he recognized that our Lord is the God of unfailing love, regardless of what we suffer.

O God, remind us that your love never leaves us, even when trouble comes our way.

Sam Collins is the adult curriculum editor of Church of God Ministries, Inc., and lives with his wife Sharon in Anderson, Indiana.

Focus 40 Day 35

A Spirit of Power

I thank God… as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

—2 Timothy 1:3–7

I enjoy training and competing in mostly shorter-distance events called sprint triathlons (300-meter swim, 13-mile bike race, 5-kilometer run). However, the ultimate professional triathlon is an Ironman (2-mile swim, 112-mile bike race, 26.2-mile run). Male and female Ironman athletes are out of my league. I marvel at their passion, power, and self-discipline. While I lack the physical gifts or the mental makeup to pursue a long-course triathlon, a pat on the shoulder and an encouraging “you can do it” from an Ironman competitor always feel great.

The apostle Paul was the Ironman champion of the church. When I feel out of my league, or not up to the task, I let his encouragement buoy me. Whatever course I’ve been called to pursue, I know that the Holy Spirit can supply me with all the love, self-discipline, and power that I need. Again and again, Paul reminds me that God is the source of our spiritual endurance.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the spiritual stamina to face life’s challenges today.

Jon D. Nutter is the pastor of Hucrest Community Church in Roseburg, Oregon.

Focus 40 Sunday Devotional Week 6

Focus 40 – Extreme Love

March 24, 2013

Matthew 23:37-39

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.  And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!’”

Love is not always returned.  This passage is not about judgment.  It is a cry of grief from one who loves completely and has been rejected completely.  It is a very human moment in the life of Jesus.  It is not hard to imagine tears in his eyes as he says these words.  This is near the end of the ministry of Jesus.  Jerusalem welcomed him in with palm branches and rejoicing fit for a king.  Now, in the last hours before Jesus will be arrested the joy of that moment has turned to grief.  God loves his people.  When his people reject him, God grieves.  Have we rejected God and his love?  Do our lives bring joy or sorrow to our Lord and Savior?

Let’s think for a moment about God’s love.  He is patient.  Love is patient.  Prophets and messengers have been sent to the people by the Lord.  God’s desire is to gather and protect.  He uses the image of a mother hen covering her chicks to protect them even though doing so leaves her open to injury.  God’s love is willing to sacrifice for us.  Jesus is the ultimate declaration of God’s sacrificial love for his people.  No one loves like God.  No one will ever love us more.

Yet how have the people God loves responded to his love?  They kill the messengers and prophets.  They reject sacrifice love and protection God brings.  God’s love is not forced on anyone.  Love must be acknowledged and accepted.  God’s people have time after time refused to do this.  We see the offer of love and deliberately ignore and reject it.

So we write our own fate.  Rejecting God will never lead us down a healthy or happy road.  Without God, people lose purpose and meaning.  Pain, hardship, and destruction come.  Yet there is still hope.  If the people will call on the name of the Lord they can yet be saved.  They can yet be restored.  The house doesn't have to crumble.  How will we respond to the love of God?  Call on his name.  Let him into our lives.  His way is best. 

Focus 40 Day 34

Love the Bully

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

—Matthew 5:43–48

Have you ever been bullied? I was bullied in junior high school. For several days, maybe a week (it seemed like years), this boy would give me a daily kick—a hard kick to the seat of the pants. I told him to stop it several times. He did not. I dreaded going to the bus stop before school and coming home at the end of the day.

Then one day, on the way home from school, the bully smarted off to the biggest kid on the bus. The big kid got off at our bus stop, which was the one before his regular stop. After the fight was over, there was my bully on the ground—with his glasses beside my feet. I picked them up and gave them to him, and he snatched them out of my hand as he walked away sobbing. He never bothered me again.

Was it difficult to extend a helping hand to the fellow who had tormented me? Of course. But our relationship was transformed in that moment.

Father, give the courage to love those who take advantage of me and try to intimidate me. Yes, help me show kindness to the bullies in my life, because I know they need love as much as I do.

Jim Kane is the pastor of First Church of God in Kendallville, Indiana.