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.

Focus 40 Day 33

Indestructible Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south… Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. —Psalm 107:1–3, 8–9

With all the advances in technology, why do things seem to wear out so quickly? We can build a space station that lasts longer than our toaster. We can make a major investment in a new home, and a few years later we’re told that we need replacement windows. As we’re about to sign the deal on a new car (priced just below the gross domestic product of Argentina), we’re told that we need to expend even more for an extended warranty to cover parts that could fail.

Relationships crumble. Bodies wear out. Investments fail. Churches split. Governments fall. But there is one thing that is absolutely indestructible. The psalmist declares that God’s love “endures forever.” That’s a long time! Even though everything else will eventually fail, God’s love never does. That is something we can build our hope on.

As an old gospel song says, “Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”

Lord, we thank you for staying with us through “thick and thin,” times of prosperity and want, times of health and decline. We trust you to be our Companion even in the “valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23:4).

David K. Lynch is a retired pastor who lives and writes in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Focus 40 Devotional Day 32

Love at First Sight

Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions' dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards.  You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.

—Song of Solomon 4:8–9

Everyone enjoys a good love story. A man sees a beautiful woman across a crowded room. Their eyes meet, and there is an immediate attraction. A whirlwind romance follows, ending in a wedding three months later. Observers say it was love at first sight.

While events like that make for a good romantic novel, things seldom work that way in everyday life. Love at first sight can quickly turn to “get out of my sight!”

There is a biblical example of love at first sight. The bible declares that God knew us and loved us from the very beginning. That love pursues us throughout our lives. Nothing can separate us from that love. In a world where we often feel alone and forsaken, how comforting to know that God loved us the first time he saw us and has loved us unconditionally ever since.

Isn't it good to know that God’s love never ends?

Lord, you have swept me away with your love. You have consumed me with a passion to serve and honor you. I pledge myself to you, now and forever.

David K. Lynch is a retired pastor who lives and writes in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Focus 40 Devotional Day 31

Paid in Full

As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Romans 10:11–13

It was a warm fall day in the woods of northern Wisconsin when the word went out that a little boy named Eddy was lost. Immediately, resources from the surrounding community were put into action. A national guard unit joined in the search with men and women from the school community and the sheriff’s department. Whatever the price in money and time, it was willingly paid.

Searchers combed the wooded area where Eddy was last seen. It was nearly dark, eight hours after the search began, when the boy was located, safe and sound. What a celebration was set off that evening when the word spread that the lost had been found!

When humankind was lost in the terrible darkness of sin, God did not spare any of the resources of heaven to rescue us. The price of our salvation was paid in full. God lovingly paid what we could not.

Lord, how can I ever thank you enough for paying the ultimate price to rescue me? You spared nothing, not even your firstborn Son, to bring me back into your family. My heart is full of gratitude for your amazing love.

John Little is a retired pastor and former adult curriculum editor for Warner Press, who now lives in Anderson, Indiana.

Focus 40 Day 30

Millions of Reminders

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

—Ephesians 4:1–3

I had had a hard day at work. Piles of assignments with impossible deadlines had dampened my spirit. And then one of my co-workers, herself stressed out from overwork, vented her frustration on me. I was feeling low, insignificant, and unable to do anything about it. With slumping shoulders, I made my way out the door.

But then a minor miracle occurred, one of those “ah” moments of God’s grace that the Lord so freely bestows. I stepped out into the cold night air, looked up, and suddenly my eyes were treated to the twinkling of millions of stars. I recalled that the Creator of the universe, who made all the stars in the heavens, also made me—and chose to call me his daughter. I didn’t have to be discouraged.

I straightened my shoulders, whispered a thank you, and resolved to honor God’s love with my best efforts.

Thank you, Lord, for every reminder of your love. As the psalmist said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps 19:1 niv1984). Even on my down days you lift me up, so please use me to do that for others.

Lisa M. Konzen is a seminary student serving an internship in South Dakota.

Focus 40 Day 29

Remembering Who You Are

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” —John 13:12–17

My mother urged me, “Remember who you are and act accordingly.” She did not want me to lose myself in the crowd of kids at school, to stoop to the lowest common denominator of behavior. Her gentle chiding worked, for I did remember who I was (a child of God), and I behaved accordingly.

In a world full of people who are trying to find themselves, many of us wonder who we are and why we exist. Secular society tells us to focus on ourselves, to reach for the top, to accumulate as much stuff as we can. And yet, do we remember who we are?

God is our Father. We are God’s children. And as God’s children, we are called to serve just as Christ came to serve us.

Remember today that you are a child of God and act accordingly—like a servant.

Father, it’s so easy to forget that you have called me to serve others. So easy to be distracted by the drive to “look out for Number One” that I don’t look out for the last and least around me. Forgive me for being self-centered, and keep before me the image of your Son washing his disciples’ feet. Give me the humble spirit of a servant, I pray.

Melodee Martin Helms is a writer who lives in Southern California.

Sunday Devotional Week 5

Focus 40 – Extreme Love

March 17, 2013

Romans 12:14-19; 21

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.  Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Love extends to all the people we come into contact with.  Some will be against us.  Some will be for us.  Some will be happy and some will be sad.  The duty of a Christian is to love people as God loves them.  God loves those who are against him.  God rejoices with those who rejoice.  God weeps with those who weep.  God does not treat people poorly.  He does not gossip or play favorites.  He always acts in grace, truth, and love.  The only one who can judge the world and everyone in it sent his one and only son as a sacrifice of love to save the world.  Our words, actions, and thoughts should have the same motivation.

We must be careful in how we respond to what is happening around us.  We recognize the sorrow and joy of life.  We walk side by side with those experiencing the sorrows and joys of life.  But we never repay evil with evil.  We change the pattern.  Where we see evil, we respond with good.  While our instincts may tell us to fight fire with fire, our faith leads us down a different path.  Our task is not to hurt, harm, or even to defend.  It is to reconcile.  We are to live in peace and harmony with others as much as we can.  God wants us to be unified with each other.  He wants us to love and support one another.  He does not want the evil of this world to get in the way of Christians living life well.

So we need to be on our guard.  We need to guard our hearts, minds, thoughts, and actions.  Acting in revenge or trying to repay wrong with wrong will not lead us closer to God.  Instead it will lead to our own destruction.  So we trust God.  He ultimately is the judge.  Leave the punishment of wrong to God.  Let us follow him by focusing on doing good as he has called us to do.  This action will never lead us astray.

Focus 40 Day 28

Doing Good to the Bad

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

—Luke 6:32–36

What is the difference between a do-gooder and a child of God? According to this passage, even despicable people know how to love, do good, and lend to others who are good to them. But the Lord has a higher standard for Christ-followers. We are to do good to people who oppose us.

When I worked in retail, I discovered that customers had a variety of complaints. But a listening ear and a kind response often helped diffuse a customer’s anger.

One of the difficult things about obedience is that it often requires a depth of commitment we are reluctant to make. It goes against human nature to reach out to those who don’t like us. Often my reaction to opposition is to lash out at the other person. But God calls us to be patient, kind, and merciful.

Lord, help me be an agent of your mercy to those around me. Challenge me to go beyond charity and neighborliness to sacrificial love.

Sally Ferguson is a writer living in Jamestown, New York

Focus 40 Day 27

A Touch of Divine Love

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” —Luke 6:20–23

A group  from my church traveled to Atlanta to work with Pastor Kurt Salerno and the Church on the Street. The people we encountered slept in alleys, scrounged for food, and wore the same clothing month after month. The heartbreaking circumstances that brought them to the street had left many of them in a cloud of despair.

One of our jobs at a women’s shelter was to sort through clothing donations. It was touching to watch women from our group select outfits that would look nice on our “customers.”

What does it take to affirm someone’s dignity? In some cases it may take something as simple as a nice outfit for a job interview, an armload of free clothing, and a kind word. In reaching out with God’s love to those who had no home, our church women felt more blessed to be at home in the family of God.

O Lord, show us how to touch others with your divine love, even by sharing simple things like an article of clothing or a cup of cold water.

Sally Ferguson is a writer living in Jamestown, New York.

Focus 40 Day 26

Called Into Action

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. —Luke 4:14–15

She had no formal training, just a deep caring for people in her old neighborhood. She felt compelled to return there and find ways to minister to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Though she feared rejection from those who had known her while she was growing up, she boldly approached business and corporate leaders for assistance. She shared her vision. Out of a storefront with an attached apartment, she began the lifelong task of meeting the needs of people and pointing them toward God.

We often feel less capable among those we know best: family, friends, members of our home church. We may keenly feel that we are unqualified or untrained to do what God is calling us to do. Yet it’s important to remember that the Spirit of God can enable us in ways that formal training cannot.

Lord, I feel you calling me to serve others with the same extraordinary love that you extended to me through your Son, Jesus Christ. I feel so inadequate to the task, but I know that your Holy Spirit can fill me and lead me, just as he led Jesus. So I surrender myself to you. I ask that your Spirit will guide and energize me to reach others for your name’s sake.

Becky Dreger Fauntleroy lives in Anderson, Indiana, where she coordinates the work of volunteers at Church of God Ministries.

Focus 40 Day 25

A Loving Covenant

Others became priests without any oath, but he [Jesus] became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant…Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. —Hebrews 7:20–22, 25

As a writer, I enjoy dreaming up characters, settings, and scenes. Then I put my characters on stage to act out the words I’ve written. Hopefully, I’ve also included dramatic conflict and a satisfying ending for the reader.

In the novel I wrote last year, my main character fell in love with the young carpenter hired to restore her grandmother’s old house. When I wrote the wedding scene, I set it in a rose garden on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in southern California. Next I did some research on wedding ceremonies and decided that my characters would want to write their own wedding vows.

My characters’ vows have something in common with the new covenant God gave us in his Son, Jesus. The new covenant is God’s promise to us that, through Jesus Christ, we can be everlastingly united with God in the bond of love.

Promises made and promises kept: These are daily demonstrations of our love for another person. Extreme love prompts us to promise all that we have and are to the person we love the most.

O God, you are the greatest Promise Maker of all—and the most faithful Promise Keeper! Help me today to keep the promises I make to the people I know, because that will reflect the integrity and faithfulness of the Lord I serve.

B. J. Bassett is a writer who lives at Muscle Beach, California. Her first novel is entitled Lily.