WHAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?

 

August 30, 2024


On this final devotion for our week let us read Romans 15:1-13.
Read our verses for today slowly and stop and reflect when a word or statement stands out to you. 
What does God’s Word seem to be saying to you, in prayer ask God to direct your thoughts toward what you have discovered. Take these thoughts into your weekend.


Romans 15 

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

GRACE to YOU, GRACE to ME

 

August 29, 2024

Honoring one another involves grace. Romans 12 says, “Take delight in honoring each other.” I understand that to mean that “each other” means each other. No exceptions. I’m going to honoring you. You are going to honor me. Remember, what we said about honoring others that we are talking about treating people like they have value and like their life matters.

Honoring one another involves grace in several ways.

• Honor involves grace because of people. People struggle with sin, they also have weaknesses. But that does not disqualify them from being honored. Their life is still important. They are still valuable. And it takes grace to honor one another, especially the people who make it hard to honor them. I think we all have some of those challenging folk in our lives. Even so, what a witness to God’s life in us when we Show honor to others. It is an act of grace.
• You cannot show honor to someone enough. We are told to outdo each other in honor. There is no limit to our placing honor on others. God is saying go all out when it comes to honor. Don’t hold back. So go ahead and honor your spouse. Go ahead and honor your teacher. God ahead and honor your parents. Go ahead and honor your brother or sister. God wants you to do this.

A TAKE AWAY

Let us think about two things:

• Who do you need to honor? Is there someone in your life that God is prompting your heart to honor in some way?  How does God want you to show honor to them? Speaking with more respect,  a word of appreciation, or an act of kindness?
• Is there anyone you have dishonored by the way you spoke to them in front of others or even privately? Is there someone you have been cold toward, rude, and distant when in reality who should have shown honor to them? By speaking with respect toward them.

Those are tough questions aren’t they? Searching questions. They made me uncomfortable wrestling with them. Let’s sit with those a little while today. Let the Holy Spirit direct your thoughts and assist you toward being a person of honor by showing honor.

IT'S AN HONOR

 August 28, 2024

Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the Potter;
I am the clay
mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still. …
AMEN.

 Adelaide A. Pollard

Romans 12:10 (NLT)

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

.... Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)

Today lets think about honoring one another with enthusiasm. Romans 12 encourages us to "Take delight in honoring each other." This means we should be enthusiastic and strive to excel in showing honor to one another. It suggests a positive kind of rivalry where we aim to surpass each other in giving respect and recognition.

Can you imagine that? Think about this for a moment. What would our life be like if we were driven, motivated, inspired, enjoyed, and enthusiastic about honoring the people in our life? What if they reciprocated? Imagine!!

What would happen in relationships if it was the practice to try to outdo each other in honoring one another?

What would it look like if brothers and sisters enjoyed honoring one another?

What would it look like in our neighborhoods if we were motivated to honor one another?

The power of honoring one another has the potential of revolutionizing every relationship in your life.  So lets take delight in each other and be eager to show honor to others.

LET US PRAY

O God, help me to "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above" myself. Amen

(Philippians 2:3)

RESPECTING ALL

 August 27, 2024

I have one deep, supreme desire.
That I may be like Jesus.
To this I fervently aspire,
That I may be like Jesus . . . .
Amen.

Thomas Chisholm

Romans 12:10 (Good News Version)

Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another.

Honoring one another involves respect. The Good News Version you just read says, “Be eager to show respect for one another.” Honor and respect go together. You cannot separate them. It’s the two sides of the same coin. To show respect for someone is to give them your special attention. Respecting someone is to listen to them even if you disagree with them. Respecting someone is to not be rude toward them.

Showing respect to another person is something we rarely encounter these days. Have you noticed how people speak to one another in our culture? How they speak about one another in our culture? If respecting someone is to not be rude toward them, then I feel like our culture has lossed grasp of what it means to show respect. You may not agree, but I can't help but notice the disrespect that opposing politicians have for each other, name calling and "character assassination" is rampent. I have watched, as you have, the disrespect toward Prime Ministers/Opposition Leaders, Presidents/former Presidents, and Law enforcement .... I wish I could point the accusing finger at "the world" and say see how disrespectful they are!! but I cannot because the same disrespect rears its ugly head in the church too. I have watched the way that more conservative christians attack, thats the right word, those who are brothers and sisters in Christ but think differently, and vise versa. All of this troubles me deeply because I too have a difficult time being consistant and living up to 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

1 Peter 2:17 states, "Respect everyone." As followers of Jesus, who believe that God created each person with a purpose and significance, we ought to be the most honoring and respectful individuals around. It is a way of being salt and light in the world. Demeaning others, belittling, or engaging in rude sarcasm should never define us. Matthew 7:12 keeps going through my mind “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

LET US PRAY

Sovereign Lord, in reverence to You, let me honor and respect all that You have created.

I admit that I sometimes fail to respect Your most incredible creations—human beings. 

I ask You to replace my self-centeredness with a loving kindness that allows me to view others as You do—as invaluable treasures deserving of gentle care and respect. 

Remind me to uphold respect in my interactions with my spouse, my children, friends, and neighbors, yes even strangers. Forgive me for the times I've set a poor example of respect. Amen.

YOU TAKE THE SHOT

 

August 26, 2024

Grant me, oh Lord, to know what I ought to know, love what I ought to love, to praise what delights you most, the value what is precious in your sight, to hate what is offensive to you. Amen.

Thomas `A Kempis in Little Book of Prayers

Romans 12:10 

 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” 

In last Friday's devotion, we suggested that valuing one another is a key ingredient of honor. Today, let's explore the idea that honoring each other involves humility. One interpretation of Romans 12:10 expresses it as, "Honor one another above yourselves" (NIV). It's about serving others, giving them the place of honor instead of seeking it for ourself, and helping them to succeed .

The other day I read a confession of sorts from a man named Brent. He was an exceptional pianist. He recalled that when he was a young man, he had the honor of accompanying a famous singer at his church. Brent saw this as a chance to showcase his keyboard ability. During a rehearsal, he dazzled everyone by gliding his fingers across the keys in true showman fashion, complementing the opening verses of her song.

After the rehearsal, the singer paused, turned to Brent with a grin, and exclaimed, "You know, Brent, I'm quite the wonderful accompanist for you!" Brent said, with her words something clicked for him . He realized his role – he was the accompanist. His job was to back her vocals, never outshining her or drawing attention to his own talents. Simply put, his mission was to do all he could to enhance her performance and make her shine.

To honor each other is to be each other's "accompanist," helping one another to shine. The Message paraphrase of Romans 12:10 captures this beautifully with the phrase, "Practice playing second fiddle." To mix metaphors, it's about knowing when to pass the ball and let someone else take the shot.

So, let us "take delight in honoring each other."

LET US PRAY

Oh God, I thank you that I can stand before you neither above or below any person. Help me to take that privilege and give it to every other person. Amen.

THAT IS VALUABLE

 

August 23, 2024

Oh God, let me live this whole day for the purpose for which it was intended, in works of mercy and necessity; in prayer, praise and meditation; and let the words of my mouth in the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in your sight. Amen.

Romans 12:10 

 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” 

Think about a time you were honored. When someone spoke of your value to the family, how significant you were to the company, or how important you were to the team. Maybe they thanked you for something you did for them.

How did it make you feel? Did it inspire you to do more of the same? Did it make the sacrifice worthwhile? Did it give you confidence? Was it uplifting to you on the inside? That’s what honoring others does.

Honoring others can motivate, inspire, uplift, and energize. It transforms feelings of insignificance into significance, obscurity into remembrance, and the urge to quit into renewed determination.

Honoring each other is a significant act. It holds more importance than we may realize, and God can utilize it to foster profound internal transformation in both our lives and the lives of those around us. This is the reason, I believe, that God instructs us to honor each other.

To help us understand this, let’s start with Romans 12:10 which says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other”. Here are some thoughts from the Bible about honoring one another.

Honoring one another is to value one another. One of the ingredients of honor is value. Learning how to place value on people. This is where you see others as important. Significant in some way.

Jesus was teaching His disciples one day when He asked, “What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31). Another way of saying this is "you can’t put a price tag on how important people are to God."

Our Heavenly Father regarded all people with such importance that He "gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). What more could God do to drive home to us our value to the creator. Recognizing the worth of others is a core aspect of biblical love.

The first step in honoring others in our life is to see them with value, to see them as important to God and therefore, as important to us too.

To honor someone is to value them through our words and deeds, a practice demonstrated by Jesus. He honored Matthew, a tax collector who was scorned by many, and Nicodemus, who initially misunderstood Him. He even honored Judas, aware of the impending betrayal, and Pilate before His crucifixion. Jesus showed honor to friends and foes alike, setting an example for us to follow in our deeds and speech towards one another.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, your love for us is more than we could ever imagine. Fill our lives with your love, our minds with your thoughts, our mouths with your truth, so that every part of our living is touched by your grace. Amen.

OUR CHIEF END

 

August 22, 2024

Oh God, fill me with confidence and trust that in knowing your will, I may follow it, and that in following your will, I will find joy, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Romans 15:7

“Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory”.

"That God will be given glory," is a consistent theme in all of scripture. Here are a few examples:

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

The Westminster Shorter Catechism opens with the question "What is the chief end of humankind?" (Man) The answer given is that our chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. The Heidelberg Catechism says God created us in his own image, so that we might truly know God our creator, love him with all their heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, to praise and glorify him.

Our focus today is that last statement in Romans 15:7 that reminds us what all this One Another-ing, this acceptance of each other is about ... "so that God will be given glory”. 

What the Apostle Paul desires for us to comprehend in this verse is that when we follow the Jesus example in receiving each other in love and without judgment or condescension, you give God glory. You bring honor to His name as one of His followers. When you accept others you are demonstrating God’s acceptance of them. You accept others so that God will be given glory.

When we read the opening chapters of the Book of Acts we see how the spirit powered community glorifies God in many ways. However, for me I am drawn to their unity, their acceptance of each other, their welcome of all people. Remember, on the Day of Pentecost the disciples declared the wonders of God in multiple languages, and many believed. This was a mixed group of people with many differences, language being one of them, we also know that the gathering community was made up of slaves and the free, wealthy and poor, some even sold properties to care for the needs of others. We read in response to this that this community of Jesus followers was well thought of by society at large. They may not have believed what this growing community believed but they were glad they were at work in Jerusalem. They brought glory to God. How? Well who else but God could bring such a mixed group together in unity, acceptance, care and welcome?

That is what Paul is getting at here in Romans 15:7. The acceptance of others, and doing life together, loving on them, and caring about them, is a witness to the culture around us of what God by his spirit can do, and when this occurs God's name is honored, glorified and praised. 

LET US PRAY

God, strengthen the hearts of your church in all your servants. Give us grace to concentrate ourselves faithfully and entirely to your service. Help us to encourage one another in love, and grow together as your people, through the merits of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

OUR REFLECTION

 

August 21, 2024

God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. Through Christ my Lord I pray. Amen.

Celtic Prayer

Romans 15:7 

“Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you” 

There we have it. All this "one another-ing" should mirror the way Christ accepted us. It is God"s desire that we embrace others with the deepest and most complete sense of acceptance. This includes accepting them with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, just as Christ has accepted us.

Let's consider today how it is that Christ accepts you and me.

First, Jesus accepted you with joy. Luke 15:3, “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:3-7). We are to accept others just like Christ accepted us, with rejoicing.

Secondly, Jesus embraced us despite our sins. His love was unwavering even when we were rebellious. His affection remained while we were disobedient. His care persisted even as we ignored Him. Romans 5:8 puts it this way, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”. Acceptance!!

1 Timothy 1:15 puts it this way, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ – and I am the worst of them all” . Jesus accepted us, that my friends is GRACE.

Third, Jesus accepted you impartially. Put another way, there was no favoritism here. God didn’t say, “If you start acting like so and so I will accept you.” Listen carefully to what Jesus said in John 6:37 to a crowd of people, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!”. Jesus is talking about salvation, but notice the word “anyone.” Impartial.

In Romans 2:11 we read, “For God does not show favoritism”. That’s being impartial. No favoritism. God accepted you, accepted me, and anyone who comes to Him. Thats Good News isn't it?

Fourthly, think about this. Jesus welcomed you and me for the glory of God. In accepting others in Christ's name, we bring glory to God. Just as Christ's acceptance of us honored and glorified God, our acceptance of others does the same.

Look at this from Ephesians 3:20, “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!” (v.20-21, Msg). Notice that the presence of the Spirit within us signifies God's acceptance, and this leads to glory. Similarly, when we embrace others as Christ did us, we honor God.

Here is the message for us today. I believe we hear that our initial instinct should be to welcome and accept people, rather than to dismiss or overlook them. I am not sure about your story, but in my story, when Jesus accepted me… I sure didn’t have everything figured out, I didn’t understand a lot of things in the Bible, I did not know God’s purposes and plans about a lot of things. Truth is when Jesus accepted me, He received me and my sins. He received me and all the mess that came with me. Does that resonate with your experience?

So, we are instructed to "accept one another, just as Christ accepted us." This principle, found in Romans 15:7, encourages unity and acceptance among the people in our lives, and this welcome reflects the acceptance Christ has shown.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me so love … where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Amen.

Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

ACCEPTING ... BUT WAIT?

August 20, 2024

O Lord, govern my life by your wisdom, so that my soul may always be serving you as you desire, not as I may choose. Do not grant what I ask if it offends your love, which always must be living in me. Let me surrender my own will, that I may serve you; let me live to you, for you are the true life. Amen.

Romans 15:7

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Let us think a little further on this call that God places on us to "accept one another."



To accept one another does not mean overlooking each other's behaviors and attitudes. Their "Sin" we used to say it. Here is the thing we often struggle with, I hear this in many conversations, if I am accepting of others am I not approving of those actions that are unchristlike? Accepting someone does not mean you approve of everything they do, believe, or stand for. There are going to be times that the people who you love and accept are going to make choices that you may not agree with, and that perhaps have dire consequences, and you are going to need to confront this. 

Jesus said, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back” (Matt. 18:15, NLT). Acceptance of one another does not imply overlooking each other's actions. It is possible to accept someone while also addressing their behavior.

Paul would tell Timothy,“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2, NLT). Simply because someone addresses a sin in your life doesn’t mean they are rejecting you, they may be accepting you… but just wanting to help you because they love and care for you. They want the very best. I believe, "correct, rebuke" without a patient delivery and encouragement can be the wrong approach. My Dad, would often counsel, "Son, we have to be careful to not try to do the work of the Holy Spirit." That means, that to "patiently correct and rebuke and encourage", ought to be entered into prayerfully.

God’s Word tells us how to do this.

One statement is found in Galatians 6:1 which says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” (NLT). When another believer is overcome by some sin… they are overcome by sexual immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition, dissension, envy, drunkenness and some other sin (see Gal. 5:19-21) you are to accept them by gently and humbly helping them back onto the right path. When they are overcome by some sin, it is not a time for rejection, ridicule, and humiliation.

Let's look at one more. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone” (NLT). Take a look at this word “lazy” (ataktos). It refers to anyone who did not perform his duty or follow through on his responsibility as a follower of Jesus. They would become apathetic toward their spiritual growth and using their spiritual gifting and resources for the kingdom of God. God’s Word says we are to “warn” (parakaleo) this person when they are being lazy about who they are in Christ and the purpose of God in their life. The term "warn" implies offering support and guidance to help someone become motivated, inspired, and to address any tendencies toward neglecting their walk with Jesus.

The point is this. Accepting each other does not mean accepting them and ignoring everything in their life that may be harmful to them or others. Accepting them is loving them enough to welcome them in your life and to confront them when necessary because you care deeply that they experience "abundant life" in Jesus.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of the thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope. Amen.

Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME

August 19, 2023

Teach us, good Lord, to serve as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; the fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, except that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Accept One Another! In our verse above, accepting one another is not just a suggestion; it's a command. God's vision for his world and the witness of the community of Jesus, is that we will be accepting of others. As I often say, the community of Jesus ought to be known for what they are for, rather than what or who they are against. Instead of earning a reputation for exclusion, God desires His followers to be known for their acceptance and love, urging us all to embrace each other with open hearts.

Accepting each other might seem simple at a glance, but it's our differences that actually make the concept of acceptance really challenging. Well think about differences for a moment:

We are different in personalities.
We are different in gender.
We are different in our spiritual growth.
We are different in how we were raised.
We are different in our convictions and beliefs about various things.
We are different in our interest.
We are different in how we communicate.
We are different in our own weaknesses and strength.
We are different in our preferences.
We are different in some of our values.

When we handle our differences poorly that can lead to division, causing us to reject rather than accept one another. However, the message from God is straightforward. Romans 15:7 instructs us to "accept one another just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God".

Accepting one another involves embracing others with genuine care, not the reluctant acceptance of rolling one's eyes and saying, "Fine, you can be on my team." A vivid example is Onesimus, the focus of nearly the entire book of Philemon in the Bible. Onesimus, a runaway slave, encountered Paul, who guided him to faith. During their time together, Onesimus chose to return to his master, Philemon.

In his letter to Philemon, Paul urges him to take back Onesimus. In verse 17, he writes, "So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me" (Philemon 17). The term "welcome" here is synonymous with "accept" as used in Romans 15. Paul's message is clear: he desires Philemon to regard Onesimus with the same importance and value as he would Paul himself. To accept one another means to receive someone with special attention, care, and appreciation. It's about welcoming others into our lives, treating them with the importance they deserve, and acknowledging their worth and dignity.

If you are anything like me, reading that last paragraph resulted in someone coming to mind that is a real challenge to welcome and accept into our lives in this way. That's where the amazing work of the Holy Spirit comes in, God through the spirit enables us to welcome and accept not just those who are like us, but even those people whose differences we may magnify and tend to push away. This certainly is what we see in the book of Acts, the tremendous mix of people in the growing community, that except for faith in Jesus and surrender to the Holy Spirit, would not be in the same room together. This reality was a huge part of their "witness" to the world.

So, God encourages us to embrace one another, despite our differences. That the World may Know.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love . . . O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood, as to understand, to be loved, as to love. Amen.

Words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

BEING AN ALTERNATIVE FAMILY

 

August 16, 2024

 

Father, it is so easy for me to live automatically, so that nothing touches me or moves me. Give me the fullness of living in the now. Teach me to rejoice in the present. In the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

Galatians 6:10 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone ….

 

Just for a moment, try to picture a world where everyone around you is kind, caring, encouraging, and willing to help when you need help. Everyone. Spouses, family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, bosses, political leaders, prime ministers. They are for you. Picture a world where people are quick to try to understand, quick to apologize, and quick to forgive. Imagine that everyone around you is healthy and thriving, fully who God made them to be, passionate about their work but with plenty of time for rest and fellowship and celebration. Imagine a world where people love God, where everyone is confident and pleased with who they are and each person works hard to love the people around them.

We don’t live in that world. We will. Rest assured, it’s coming, the redeemed world. The kind of world our text today envisions. One that people take the opportunity, to do good to everyone …. But, in honesty our world today is quite different than the world described above.

Our world seems engulfed in darkness. Just open any news outlet and look around. You'll see corruption, atrocities, and hatred. There's relentless competition, selfish cruelty, and brutal callousness. Everywhere there's killing and lying. It's as if, like John Eldredge wrote, "The world has gone completely mad."

This darkness is not physical, of course. It’s spiritual. Do you recall Jesus words in John 3? There we read Jesus assessment of the world, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” 1 John 5:19 says “whole world lies in the power of the evil one”. An enemy is at work in the world. An enemy who wants only to “steal and kill and destroy”, Jesus noted in John 10:10. A friend of mine put this way: “An enemy who wants nothing more than to pillage and plunder our hearts, our lives, and the entire world.”

The world can be hard to navigate sometimes alone. That’s why the biblical idea of “table” speaks to us so well. Yesterday we noted that the table in scripture is a symbol of unity, equality, and the interconnectedness of all people and things. We called the table, in light of the Bible, a sacred space where individuals can find comfort, connection, and spiritual nourishment. It represents a place where God’s presence is felt, and where faith and love are shared.

One of the powerful things that I read about lately was that the safety net of the ancient world was the family, immediate and extended. It was the kinship system. The clan. The tribe. The village. To survive their own troubled times, people gathered together and relied on one another. They relied on parents. Siblings. Aunts and uncles. All manner of cousins and close friends. They relied on community. It wasn’t a perfect system but, I would say it was much better than facing the world’s darkness alone.

When Jesus arrived, though, everything changed. People who came into contact with him got to experience up close how God keeps people safe. They got to see with their own eyes the way God loves, the way God cares. And they came away changed. With new energy and strength and faith. With hearts burning with love.

Jesus took the idea of family to an entirely different place and a wholly new level. N. T. Wright called it an “alternative family.” A supernaturally strong safety net. One that can stand against any darkness, because God is the father in this one. He’s the head of this new kinship. And it’s not only him. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are involved, too, and just as deeply.

That is the power of Christian community, an "alternative family" that stands together to face the hardships of living. That is the why of table fellowship.

I pray that this week, the devotions have caused us to think about who is at our tables, and conversely who is not. I have been relearning the power of table fellowship through our community meals, I think many of us have. We, from the start said, we wanted to create a place, a table(s) that represented that ALL ARE WELCOME, that this is a place of safety, friendship, togetherness, and God's presence. God is building that.

So, lets keep imagining that table and who we invite to sit at it with us.

THE TAKE AWAY

Let's notice the people that come into proximity to us this weekend, within two or three meters.

And then, keep imagining a large table with seats for each of them.

Do what you would do with anyone sitting at a table in your home, learn their names, and treat them with care and give them the gift of listening to them.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help discern what they need most, connection, belonging, kindness, mercy, understanding, encouragement, ….. Then faithfully pray for them asking God to open paths where you might be a small part of meeting those needs.



LET US PRAY

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours
to be called to share in the loving, healing, and reconciling mission of your Son, Jesus Christ, 

may your Spirit make us wise;
may your Spirit guide us;
may your Spirit renew us;
may your Spirit strengthen us
so that we will be
strong in faith; persistent in good deeds
and courageous in witness.

This we ask through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

THE BLESSING OF SACRED SPACE

 

 

August 15, 2024

Loving father, teach me to love and care for those that need you today. May Jesus love for others be felt through me today. Amen.

 

Psalm 119:105

“Come to the table and feast on the wisdom of the Lord, for His words are life and truth.”

Matthew 25:35

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

John 21:12

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord.”

 

 

The “Table” is a significant biblical image that has tremendous spiritual application. I always find it interesting how God’s profound message can be embodied in the rather simple things of life. Things we value but don’t think about that much. Things we just take for granted; I suppose. The table is one of those things.

Tables in the Bible represent the values of community, family, and steadfast presence. They serve as a place where people gather to understand and appreciate one another. The table is a visible representation of God’s dwelling with His people and His provision for them.

The table also symbolizes hospitality and service. In the Bible, we are called to extend kindness and care to others, mirroring God’s own hospitality. The table becomes a place where we welcome strangers, offering them a seat and a meal. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate God’s love and provision to those around us.

Furthermore, the table teaches us the importance of serving one another. Just as Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the table, we are reminded to humble ourselves and serve those in our community. The act of serving at the table reflects the selflessness and sacrificial love that Christ exemplified throughout His ministry.

The table is a powerful symbol of community and sharing. Breaking bread and dining with others carries deep spiritual meaning. Jesus highlighted this during His time, often sharing meals with those society shunned. It's a gesture of inclusiveness, love, and the bond formed when people come together over food.

The Hebrew word for table, “Shulchan,” is used repeatedly in the Bible, emphasizing its importance in Hebrew language and culture. According to Hebrew culture the table represents community, compassion, and love. It serves as a gathering place where people come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The table is a symbol of unity, equality, and the interconnectedness of all things. It embodies the values of hospitality and inclusivity that are deeply rooted in Hebrew traditions. There is a teaching in the Talmud (a central text of application of the Scriptures) that says “Let your table always be laden, so that the poor may eat and be satisfied, and let the name of God be blessed.”

So, this week we have been thinking about our own “tables” who we sit with. Now, on Monday I suggested that we imagine a table where the people we see and meet are seated, and we suggested that our interaction with people around us, known or unknown, might be characterised by similar conversations we might have if we were seated at a table in our homes with them.

The table in Hebrew culture is a sacred space where individuals can find comfort, connection, and spiritual nourishment. It represents a place where God’s presence is felt, and where faith and love are shared. It is a reminder of the importance of community and the blessings that come from coming together around a table.

We need that sacred experience. Don’t we? Our families need that, our neighbors need that, our city needs that, … our world needs that. Doesn’t it?

I wonder what a difference it would make in our relationships and encounters if we began to think of these moments as “Table” meetings, as Sacred Space. Who might be at our tables?

 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

 Matthew 25:35

LET US PRAY

Our fast-paced, always on the run, society results in us passing by people every day without asking God or ourselves, if they could use a compassionate word or action.

Today ask God how you could be more compassionate and caring to those you meet.

WALK slow. GO easy. And LOVE well

 

August 14, 2024

Let me know you, oh Lord, who knows me; let me know you as I am known. Enter into my soul and fitted for yourself so that you may have it and hold it without spot or wrinkle. This is my hope. Amen.

St. Augustine in Confessions

Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mark 12:30-31

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

There is a sign I have been seeing increasingly around our city that I find troubling. I am not troubled by what the sign says, but I am troubled by the circumstances that make this sign necessary. Perhaps you've seen the sign perhaps you have the same reaction I do. The sign on referring to is being posted in grocery stores, local take outs, restaurants, corner stores, and hospitals that reads:

Have you seen it or some version of this message?

The very need to post such a sign saddens me, and also says something about our culture. Please note I said OUR culture. I am part of that culture, you are too.  I am not suggesting that the sign is directed to everyone reading this. But, whats the old saying “if the shoe fits then wear it”?  Own the responsibility. I am, I get impatient in the check out line, the way I speak has at times been … shall we say not seasoned with love.

An analysis of our culture is not the intent here, but I am interested in reflecting how we as followers of Jesus ought to carry ourselves. I have witnessed this angry trend, haven’t you? Somehow we have come to a place where the norm seems to be just keep arguing, keep raising your voice louder and louder, throw a few disparaging remarks at the person and you will get what you are after.

Monday, our Bible verse opened with “Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.” There is great wisdom in those words. A school sign I drive by reads  “In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.” More good advice.  Jesus says the commands of God can be boiled down to Love God, Love neighbor. Jesus also invites us to be salt and light in the world, and the reason for such an invitation …. to GLORIFY our Father in Heaven. In other words, the followers of Jesus can lead by example, by their actions, by the way they treat people around them. In doing this we may just bring about change in culture the way salt seasons the food we eat.

My own self examination on this reveals that when I am harsh, or unkind to staff at a store etc., it rarely has to do with the person in front of me. It is always about something in me, I have crammed so much in my day that I am rushing, the anxiousness and pressure that brings makes me selfish, and grumpy. Do you understand this? Does it happen to you?

Maybe for starters in such moments we should take a deep breath and, as Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers encourages us in one song, “try very hard to … “Walk slow. Go easy. And love well.”

What does that sentence mean to you? “Walk slow. Go easy. And love well.”

Today let us prayerfully contemplate those seven words and what they could mean for your life and who finds a welcome at your table.

 

 LET US PRAY

Father, protect me from the onslaught of things, that bid for your attention. Give me your peace. Amen.

 

IT WAS VERY GOOD

 August 13, 2024

God, thank you for this new day. Would help me to find my joy and strength in you today. To walk in your way of love. My keep my eyes focused on you and off all the struggles and chaos of this world. Let your peace replace worry. Help me to choose kindness over hurrying and forgiveness over disunity and resentment. Help me to surrender to your Spirit-filled power over-relying on my own strength and ability. Amen.

 

Genesis 1:26-27

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

²⁷ So God created humankind in his image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

 

In Genesis' opening chapter, God breathes life into His creation. Amidst the many refrains, one stands out: "And God saw that it was good."

The remarkable creation of light? "And God saw that it was good." The splendor of mountains, meadows, rivers, beaches, and oceans? "And God saw that it was good."

The bounty of trees, plants, and fruits? "And God saw that it was good." The awe-inspiring sun and moon, stars and planets? "And God saw that it was good." The birth of birds and fish, whales and dolphins, lions and tigers, bears and gorillas, deer and elk? "And God saw that it was good."

“But then God did something crazy. He created something higher than any mountain peak, more beautiful than any white-sand beach. He created something he could love way more than he ever could a rhinoceros. Or even a golden retriever. He created something he could love with his whole heart. He created someone he could love. Outrageously. He created human beings—his beloved. He created you and me.” 

And so, for the first time, we encounter the words, "God observed all that He had created, and indeed, it was very good." Exceptionally good. In the vastness of the universe, nothing can match the magnificence of you, or of me, or of all the individuals in our cities, nations, and every part of the world.

Humankind is the pinnacle of God’s creation and the focus of his extravagant  love. And because of his intense feelings, God can’t help being generous. He loves giving his sons and daughters gifts. Even in hardship, he blesses us with his love and care and rescue.

Our devotions this week is asking the question “Who is at Your Table?” In other words, who do welcome in? Who do you avoid? How do we welcome others at our Table?

The creation account in Genesis 1 speaks about the unity of all humankind, every person or people despite their differences are united in one very key way, all bear the Image of God. Meaning that  in God’s view all the people around us are part of the “very good” creation.

If we believe that, it makes a difference in how we engage with people around us doesn’t it? I know, I know, you are maybe thinking some people make it very hard to invite to my table, even if we all bare the image of our creator. I have met some of those people too.

Many years ago, I received advice, good advice I think, that when encountering seemingly difficult people, ask the question in your mind “What Happened?” For example, God created motivations, passions, pleasures, and thinking power in us all that mirror his own, what happened in a person’s experience that distorted such gifts from being evident. It’s helped me, that advice, to be more patient and caring. (just so you know, I sometimes forget to ask that question)

I was recently at an event and sitting at our table was a guy who is a photographer, he called himself an amateur but I think he was selling himself short. We were talking about pictures in nature and he pulled out his phone and was sharing some of his recent pictures. He held up one for us all to see, and it was a picture of a Hummingbird hovering near a plant. I looked at the picture and thought to myself “that's a Hummingbird”, I've seen pictures of hummingbirds, it didn't seem all that special or spectacular to me. But then we were told the story behind the picture, what it was about, the context of the moment this photographer was able to catch such a sight. The more he expressed his patience and passion and excitement of the moment  to get that particular shot, I began to see the picture differently. You see his passion and love for getting this picture changed how I saw that Hummingbird, no longer was it just a picture of just a Hummingbird. I began to see that photo through the eyes and heart of the one who took the picture.

I wonder if that is what this idea of the image of God, that we all share, is meant to do for us. That as we look at the people around us, those who we know well, those who we barely know, and those we do not know at all, with an understanding of the passion and love that the creator has for all people. What if we saw in the many faces, someone that God created that he could love with his whole heart. Someone he could love and be generous to. Someone he could love and be generous to through us!!

I wonder what this understanding  might do to who is at our tables.

 

LET US PRAY

O God, help me see people as you see them. I pray that you will soften my heart, help me to see others as your beloved children, and give me the courage to set aside differences and come together for the good of all.  

 

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3:14