DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017
For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God. (HEBREWS 12:2 (NIV))
While living in eastern Kansas, I often traveled across the state to its western side. Driving in that area is like driving on a giant pool table. Only rarely does a tree break up the flat horizon of the prairie. Many people view this hours-long drive as something to endure. However, some truly admire the beauty of the prairie. After a few such road trips, I began to look forward to driving across the state because the trip, formerly a chore, had turned into an opportunity to spend time with people who matter to me. As a Christian, I try to view life the same way. Though we trust in God’s promise of the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) of heaven, earthly life is not something to be merely endured. Yes, work can be difficult; people can be difficult; and so can health, finances, and a host of other issues. If we focus on and
complain about what is unfavorable, then ours will be a long journey indeed. Instead we can appreciate the beauty both in the world around us and in other people. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured the hard parts of life because he anticipated the joy God offered. So we don’t have to just endure life; we can relish life in all its God-given beauty.
Comment on Today's Devotional
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Dear God, help us to fill our minds with thoughts of your presence and promises. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
* * *
Ecclesiastes 5:12 (13) Here is a gross evil which I have seen under the sun: the owner of wealth hoards it to his own hurt.
13 (14) Due to some misfortune,
the wealth turns to loss;
and then if he has fathered a son,
he has nothing to leave him.
14 (15) Just as he came from his mother’s womb,
so he will go back naked as he came,
and for his efforts he will take nothing
that he can carry away in his hand.
15 (16) This too is a gross evil, that in every respect as he came, so will he go; thus what profit does he have after toiling to earn the wind? 16 (17) All his life he eats in darkness, in frustration, in sickness and in anger.
17 (18) This is what I have seen to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, drink and enjoy the good that results from all his work that he engages in under the sun for all the days of his life that God has given him, for this is his allotted portion. 18 (19) Also, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, along with the power to enjoy it, so that he takes his allotted portion and finds pleasure in his work — this is a gift of God; 19 (20) for he will not brood over the fact that his life is short, since God keeps him occupied with what will bring him joy.
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Today, I will look for God’s joy on my journey.
Those who journey with me
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Thursday, 14 December 2017 " Nobody Special" by Sandra Vaughan (Pennsylvania)- 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017
Paul wrote, “I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me.” (PHILIPPIANS 4:13 (KJV))
I have always struggled with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Now that I am in a wheelchair, my sense of self-worth has declined even more. Due to my disease, I have lost some of the abilities I once had and sometimes have a hard time seeing how I can be of any use, even to God. Eventually I began to think of the many instances in the Bible where God used ordinary people. Even Jesus was born in a stable to a young, inexperienced couple. Lowly shepherds played an important part in the Nativity story. The disciples were hardworking people: fishermen, a tax collector, tradesmen of one sort or another. Yet look at how they had a part in spreading the story of salvation! God created each one of us with our own individual talents. We are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). God understands our limitations and shortcomings and can use us if we make ourselves available. We don’t have to be “somebody special.” We each have worth in the eyes of our Creator, and God can use each of us to help build the kingdom.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
I have always struggled with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Now that I am in a wheelchair, my sense of self-worth has declined even more. Due to my disease, I have lost some of the abilities I once had and sometimes have a hard time seeing how I can be of any use, even to God. Eventually I began to think of the many instances in the Bible where God used ordinary people. Even Jesus was born in a stable to a young, inexperienced couple. Lowly shepherds played an important part in the Nativity story. The disciples were hardworking people: fishermen, a tax collector, tradesmen of one sort or another. Yet look at how they had a part in spreading the story of salvation! God created each one of us with our own individual talents. We are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). God understands our limitations and shortcomings and can use us if we make ourselves available. We don’t have to be “somebody special.” We each have worth in the eyes of our Creator, and God can use each of us to help build the kingdom.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
1 Corinthians 1:26 Just look at yourselves, brothers — look at those whom God has called! Not many of you are wise by the world’s standards, not many wield power or boast noble birth. 27 But God chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise; God chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the strong; 28 and God chose what the world looks down on as common or regards as nothing in order to bring to nothing what the world considers important; 29 so that no one should boast before God.
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God uses all types of people to build the kingdom.
People who need wheelchairs
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 13 December 2017 "Like Thomas" by Frederick Heitman (Florida) - Matthew 14:22-33
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017
Dear Lord, help us to know you better and love you more fully. Use our doubts to strengthen our faith. Amen.
[Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into
my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27 (NIV))
My road to becoming a Christian was not easy. It was certainly not an experience such as Saul had on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:3-8). I had no glorious epiphany. I was much like Thomas — a doubter.
I wanted to believe, so — my doubts not withstanding — I did what Christians do. I went to church, volunteered to help at church events, read the Bible, and prayed for help to find faith so as not to be “discovered” as a doubter. But I always felt like my doubt might surface in a group of Christians and that I might be discovered.
As time passed, I began to realize that as someone who struggled to have faith, I was in pretty good company. Moses doubted his ability and questioned God’s decision to have him lead Israel. (See Exod. 4:1-17.) Several soldiers at the foot of the cross rejected Christ’s divinity until they witnessed the events at Calvary. (See Matt. 27:38-54.)
These stories teach us that doubt can lead to questioning, which in turn can lead to a deeper understanding of faith.
My road to becoming a Christian was not easy. It was certainly not an experience such as Saul had on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:3-8). I had no glorious epiphany. I was much like Thomas — a doubter.
I wanted to believe, so — my doubts not withstanding — I did what Christians do. I went to church, volunteered to help at church events, read the Bible, and prayed for help to find faith so as not to be “discovered” as a doubter. But I always felt like my doubt might surface in a group of Christians and that I might be discovered.
As time passed, I began to realize that as someone who struggled to have faith, I was in pretty good company. Moses doubted his ability and questioned God’s decision to have him lead Israel. (See Exod. 4:1-17.) Several soldiers at the foot of the cross rejected Christ’s divinity until they witnessed the events at Calvary. (See Matt. 27:38-54.)
These stories teach us that doubt can lead to questioning, which in turn can lead to a deeper understanding of faith.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
Matthew 14:22 Immediately he had the talmidim get in the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away. 23 After he had sent the crowds away, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night came on, and he was there alone. 24 But by this time, the boat was several miles from shore, battling a rough sea and a headwind. 25 Around four o’clock in the morning, he came toward them, walking on the lake! 26 When the talmidim saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said and screamed with fear. 27 But at once Yeshua spoke to them. “Courage,” he said, “it is I. Stop being afraid.” 28 Then Kefa called to him, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come!” he said. So Kefa got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Yeshua. 30 But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink, he yelled, “Lord! Save me!” 31 Yeshua immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “Such little trust! Why did you doubt?” 32 As they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 The men in the boat fell down before him and exclaimed, “You really are God’s son!”
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My doubts can lead me to deeper faith in God.
Those who doubt
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Tuesday, 12 December 2017 "Viewpoints" by Beverly Taylor (Colorado) - Isaiah 61:8-11
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
Dear God, help us celebrate the diversity in the body of Christ. Amen.
[God] has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10 (NIV))
As my family of seven gathered in the restaurant parking lot, our conversations came to an abrupt stop. We heard screeching brakes and skidding tires as we watched an accident happen seemingly in slow motion in the nearby intersection. Other drivers stopped, witnesses dialed 911, and police arrived. Later as we discussed the incident over dinner, we were surprised to find that even as first-hand observers we each described the events in a different way.
Believers have experienced and witnessed God’s salvation, forgiveness, and unending mercy throughout the centuries. And like our dinner conversation, Christian viewpoints about God’s saving redemption and deliverance are diverse. It is important to recognize that our outlook on the nature of God is distinctive and our expressions of devotion and worship are developed by our God-given uniqueness. As I grow in maturity as a Christian, I have learned the importance of recognizing and accepting that divergent viewpoints exist in our faith communities. Our methods of commitment to the calling of Christ vary from individual to individual, from church to church, but we are all part of the body of Christ.
As my family of seven gathered in the restaurant parking lot, our conversations came to an abrupt stop. We heard screeching brakes and skidding tires as we watched an accident happen seemingly in slow motion in the nearby intersection. Other drivers stopped, witnesses dialed 911, and police arrived. Later as we discussed the incident over dinner, we were surprised to find that even as first-hand observers we each described the events in a different way.
Believers have experienced and witnessed God’s salvation, forgiveness, and unending mercy throughout the centuries. And like our dinner conversation, Christian viewpoints about God’s saving redemption and deliverance are diverse. It is important to recognize that our outlook on the nature of God is distinctive and our expressions of devotion and worship are developed by our God-given uniqueness. As I grow in maturity as a Christian, I have learned the importance of recognizing and accepting that divergent viewpoints exist in our faith communities. Our methods of commitment to the calling of Christ vary from individual to individual, from church to church, but we are all part of the body of Christ.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
Isaiah 61:8 “For I, Adonai, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offerings.
So I will be faithful to reward them
and make an eternal covenant with them.”
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations,
their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them will acknowledge
that they are the seed Adonai has blessed.
10 I am so joyful in Adonai!
My soul rejoices in my God,
for he has clothed me in salvation,
dressed me with a robe of triumph,
like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban,
like a bride adorned with her jewels.
11 For just as the earth brings forth its plants,
or a garden makes its plants spring up,
so Adonai, God, will cause victory and glory
to spring up before all nations.
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How can I celebrate diversity in the body of Christ today?
Church lay workers
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Monday, 11 December 2017 "A Widow and a Willy Wagtail" by Bill Gosling (Western Australia, Australia) - Luke 18:1-8
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to persist in prayer, even when the situation seems hopeless. Amen.
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them
that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1 (NIV))
During my lunch break, I often go for a walk by the Swan River. One time, in late spring, something caught my eye. Up in a nearby tree a willy wagtail (a small, native Australian bird) was harassing a rather large, black crow. I assumed that the willy wagtail was concerned for the safety of its nest and was defending its territory in the most aggressive manner possible. By contrast, the much larger crow seemed rather nonplussed by all the commotion. However, eventually the crow became tired of the harassment and took flight to a neighboring tree, hotly pursued by the willy wagtail.
Upon reflection, I realized that I had just witnessed an example of persistence against seemingly insurmountable odds. I also realized that, just like the willy wagtail, we can be confronted by situations that seem insurmountable. In today’s reading, Jesus uses the example of a persistent widow to remind us not to give up on bringing our requests to God. Our heavenly Father stands ready to answer our cries for help.
During my lunch break, I often go for a walk by the Swan River. One time, in late spring, something caught my eye. Up in a nearby tree a willy wagtail (a small, native Australian bird) was harassing a rather large, black crow. I assumed that the willy wagtail was concerned for the safety of its nest and was defending its territory in the most aggressive manner possible. By contrast, the much larger crow seemed rather nonplussed by all the commotion. However, eventually the crow became tired of the harassment and took flight to a neighboring tree, hotly pursued by the willy wagtail.
Upon reflection, I realized that I had just witnessed an example of persistence against seemingly insurmountable odds. I also realized that, just like the willy wagtail, we can be confronted by situations that seem insurmountable. In today’s reading, Jesus uses the example of a persistent widow to remind us not to give up on bringing our requests to God. Our heavenly Father stands ready to answer our cries for help.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
Luke 18:1 Then Yeshua told his talmidim a parable, in order to impress on them that they must always keep praying and not lose heart. 2 “In a certain town, there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected other people. 3 There was also in that town a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me a judgment against the man who is trying to ruin me.’ 4 For a long time he refused; but after awhile, he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God, and I don’t respect other people; 5 but because this widow is such a nudnik, I will see to it that she gets justice — otherwise, she’ll keep coming and pestering me till she wears me out!’”
6 Then the Lord commented, “Notice what this corrupt judge says. 7 Now won’t God grant justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Is he delaying long over them? 8 I tell you that he will judge in their favor, and quickly! But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all?”
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God rewards my persistent praying.
Widows
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More from Bill Gosling
More from Bill Gosling BY BILL GOSLING (WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA)
Family life can be challenging at the best of times. With four adult children our prayer lives are still kept busy. When the children were much younger my wife and I could pray into a situation, but at the same time we had a significant direct influence in their lives. We could implement environmental controls and discipline, hopefully in a prayerful manner. As my children have progressed into adulthood that direct influence has diminished and at first I found this disconcerting. We had to increasingly rely on prayer alone. The amazing thing that we discovered was just how effective prayer alone can be. This should not have surprised us since God knows our children even better than we do and can see the whole whereas we see only in part. This was an immense relief to us, as we did not have to stress about ‘fixing’ things in their lives.
The process of praying for our adult children, often on our evening walks has drawn us closer. We have become excited to see God working in their lives. Life does not stand still and neither should our prayer life but whatever stage of life we are in we can have confidence that God is at work in our lives and our children’s lives.
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Sunday, 10 December 2017 "Second Sunday of Advent" by Anne L. Kole (New Mexico) - John 1:1-14
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
Dear God, help us to enjoy the Christmas season and to remember that we celebrate the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior. As he taught us, we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
The Word became flesh and made
his dwelling among us. (John 1:14 (NIV))
Each December I look forward to participating in the Christmas music program at church. The words and melodies lift my spirits and are a gift to our congregation. The church is beautifully decorated. I remember thinking in the past, “It wouldn’t be Christmas without this music!” This year I became ill and had to stay home during the time of our special music. I couldn’t bask in the sounds, the decorations — and the compliments at the end of the program.
At first I felt sorry for myself. Then I realized that, while uplifting and inspiring, the external delights of Christmas are not the essence of this holy celebration. The power of Christmas is God sending Jesus to live among us, die for us, and rise from death. The true gift of Christmas is the assurance that Christ will come again! Even when we have to miss some of the ways we usually celebrate, we can know that all we really need is Jesus Christ. He lives in our hearts through faith — and is more than enough.
Each December I look forward to participating in the Christmas music program at church. The words and melodies lift my spirits and are a gift to our congregation. The church is beautifully decorated. I remember thinking in the past, “It wouldn’t be Christmas without this music!” This year I became ill and had to stay home during the time of our special music. I couldn’t bask in the sounds, the decorations — and the compliments at the end of the program.
At first I felt sorry for myself. Then I realized that, while uplifting and inspiring, the external delights of Christmas are not the essence of this holy celebration. The power of Christmas is God sending Jesus to live among us, die for us, and rise from death. The true gift of Christmas is the assurance that Christ will come again! Even when we have to miss some of the ways we usually celebrate, we can know that all we really need is Jesus Christ. He lives in our hearts through faith — and is more than enough.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing made had being.
4 In him was life,
and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not suppressed it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was Yochanan. 7 He came to be a testimony, to bear witness concerning the light; so that through him, everyone might put his trust in God and be faithful to him. 8 He himself was not that light; no, he came to bear witness concerning the light.
9 This was the true light,
which gives light to everyone entering the world.
10 He was in the world — the world came to be through him —
yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own homeland,
yet his own people did not receive him.
12 But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God.
14 The Word became a human being and lived with us,
and we saw his Sh’khinah,
the Sh’khinah of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
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Jesus Christ is always with me, and he is enough.
Those who are ill at Christmastime
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday, 9 December 2017 "Hope in Chaos" by Stephanie Sánchez Belén (Puerto Rico) - Matthew 6:25-34
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017
Loving God, may your Holy Spirit grant strength and peace to your people in the midst of troubling times. Amen.
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 (NIV))
Recently, while my husband was hospitalized, I looked out the window of the hospital room and saw litter on the sidewalk and part of the roadway. I thought, Everything looks chaotic and messy.
But I also saw something else. Birds were feeding on food scraps on the sidewalk, and abundant plant life was available nearby. What I deemed a mess was useful for the birds. I was reminded that even in the midst of chaos, God brings hope. While littering is never appropriate, I have learned that in the midst of the struggles we experience, God continues to nurture and support us.
During my husband’s illness we were blessed to witness our brothers and sisters acting on their faith by calling us with words of encouragement, bringing meals to the hospital, and staying with my husband to allow me an opportunity to rest a bit and care for our children. In the midst of our chaos, the fellowship of Christ embraced us, bringing us hope and healing.
Recently, while my husband was hospitalized, I looked out the window of the hospital room and saw litter on the sidewalk and part of the roadway. I thought, Everything looks chaotic and messy.
But I also saw something else. Birds were feeding on food scraps on the sidewalk, and abundant plant life was available nearby. What I deemed a mess was useful for the birds. I was reminded that even in the midst of chaos, God brings hope. While littering is never appropriate, I have learned that in the midst of the struggles we experience, God continues to nurture and support us.
During my husband’s illness we were blessed to witness our brothers and sisters acting on their faith by calling us with words of encouragement, bringing meals to the hospital, and staying with my husband to allow me an opportunity to rest a bit and care for our children. In the midst of our chaos, the fellowship of Christ embraced us, bringing us hope and healing.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
Matthew 6:25 “Therefore, I tell you, don’t worry about your life — what you will eat or drink; or about your body — what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life?
28 “And why be anxious about clothing? Think about the fields of wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread, 29 yet I tell you that not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these. 30 If this is how God clothes grass in the field — which is here today and gone tomorrow, thrown in an oven — won’t he much more clothe you? What little trust you have!
31 “So don’t be anxious, asking, ‘What will we eat?,’ ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘How will we be clothed?’ 32 For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. 33 But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow — tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris already!
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God brings hope in the midst of chaos.
Those in the hospital
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Link2Life - December 9
Link2Life - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 BY STEPHANIE SÁNCHEZ BELÉN (PUERTO RICO)
Stephanie with her husband, Milton---
The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Friday, 8 December 2017 "Soon" by Mike Medeiros (California) - Isaiah 40:1-5
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
Dear Father, thank you for offering us hope through your son, Jesus. Prepare our hearts this season of Advent. Amen.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. . . .
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness
prepare the way for the Lord." (Isaiah 40:1, 3 (NIV))
I know how hard it is for me to wait patiently for something. I remember as a child how I longingly looked out the window one day, watching for my cousins to arrive from the east coast. We had exchanged letters and pictures, but we had not met in person. For hours I gazed intently from my window, asking, “When will they arrive?” “Soon,” my mother replied at least 20 times. Despite the long wait, I held out hope for their arrival. Sure enough, they made it just as promised — later than I wanted, but surely as I had hoped — and I was not disappointed.
In today’s reading, God spoke through Isaiah to comfort the people, letting them know that nothing would prevent their coming salvation. In the midst of their pain and desperation, God provided hope. But they also had to be patient as they eagerly anticipated God’s arrival.
God promised that salvation would come to Jerusalem. We hold on to this hope and we are not disappointed. Celebrating Advent reminds us that God has indeed sent us a Savior.
I know how hard it is for me to wait patiently for something. I remember as a child how I longingly looked out the window one day, watching for my cousins to arrive from the east coast. We had exchanged letters and pictures, but we had not met in person. For hours I gazed intently from my window, asking, “When will they arrive?” “Soon,” my mother replied at least 20 times. Despite the long wait, I held out hope for their arrival. Sure enough, they made it just as promised — later than I wanted, but surely as I had hoped — and I was not disappointed.
In today’s reading, God spoke through Isaiah to comfort the people, letting them know that nothing would prevent their coming salvation. In the midst of their pain and desperation, God provided hope. But they also had to be patient as they eagerly anticipated God’s arrival.
God promised that salvation would come to Jerusalem. We hold on to this hope and we are not disappointed. Celebrating Advent reminds us that God has indeed sent us a Savior.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
* * *
Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort and keep comforting my people,” says your God.
2 “Tell Yerushalayim to take heart; proclaim to her
that she has completed her time of service,
that her guilt has been paid off,
that she has received at the hand of Adonai
double for all her sins.”
3 A voice cries out:
“Clear a road through the desert for Adonai!
Level a highway in the ‘Aravah for our God!
4 Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill lowered,
the bumpy places made level
and the crags become a plain.
5 Then the glory of Adonai will be revealed;
all humankind together will see it,
for the mouth of Adonai has spoken.”
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We eagerly anticipate the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
Those who need hope
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Link2Life - December 8
Link2Life - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 BY MIKE MEDEIROS (CALIFORNIA)
Mike with his cousins in 1980Margins
Margins BY MIKE MEDEIROS (CALIFORNIA)
A piece of paper has taught me how to live my life. It started in elementary school when I was able to use the paper the big kids had — college-ruled, lined paper. It had defined margins on the top and left sections along with a faint view of the right margin seen through the back. These became the writer’s guide and boundary. Just like being told to color inside the lines, we were exhorted to keep within the margins. Not paying attention to the margins made one’s work messy, overwhelming, and way too busy. Margins are there for a reason. Having some blank space around all that writing makes the paper look nicer. Rather than being restrictive, they prove quite beneficial. Both practically and aesthetically, margins provide a buffer and some breathing room – not only on a piece of paper, but in life. Life is so busy and full. It is easy to fill our days to the max and exceed our limits. We routinely push past any margins in an effort to pack everything in. We fool ourselves into thinking that multitasking and continuous activity are good things, not realizing the margins we erase or blow past are there to provide balance and pause for our benefit. Yet just like margins on a sheet of paper, our lives need sacred space that protects against intrusion and acts as a buffer. To respect the margins in our lives leads to better living, allowing us breathing room in the midst of frantic and full schedules. It takes courage to mind the margins because we have become so accustomed to productivity that we dare not cut back. As counterintuitive as it seems, to create and maintain margins make us more effective in whatever we do. Rather than being legalistic, margins are liberating – we have clarity to see the important things while keeping room on the edges so we maintain a quality of life that is free and not frantic. I only have to look at an old piece of paper to be reminded of my need to mind the margins in my life…
How about you? Do you have clear margins in your life? How do margins enable you to pause and rest from the busy pace of life?
Read more from Mike on his blog: https://mikemedeirosblog.wordp...
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Thursday, 7 December 2017 "True Grace" by Belle Todd (Texas) - Ephesians 1:3-7
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Thank you, God, for sending your son to take away our sins and for freeing us to live abundantly with you. Amen.
In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance
with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7 (NIV))
As Christmas approaches I find myself grappling with grace again. For years I have sought to understand the true concept of grace. I love the sound of it — I long to embrace it — but I struggle to fully understand it. Grace says that we do not need to live only by a set of rules but also by the love and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The blood of Christ was shed for us, and when we receive Jesus as Lord it is as though we had never sinned. This seems too good to be true.
When I was a new Christian, I hoped that I would be a perfect woman of God by the time I reached my current age. Instead I sense my weaknesses acutely and am more dependent on God’s forgiveness than ever. I wonder if I misunderstood God’s expectations for my life as a Christian. Over time I have realized that I don’t have to be perfect to fully receive the love of Christ and find rest in him.
I am finally making peace with my inadequacies. I have realized that none of us will get it right every time. We can simply remember that we belong to the One who does. This is the true grace that was born at Christmas.
As Christmas approaches I find myself grappling with grace again. For years I have sought to understand the true concept of grace. I love the sound of it — I long to embrace it — but I struggle to fully understand it. Grace says that we do not need to live only by a set of rules but also by the love and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The blood of Christ was shed for us, and when we receive Jesus as Lord it is as though we had never sinned. This seems too good to be true.
When I was a new Christian, I hoped that I would be a perfect woman of God by the time I reached my current age. Instead I sense my weaknesses acutely and am more dependent on God’s forgiveness than ever. I wonder if I misunderstood God’s expectations for my life as a Christian. Over time I have realized that I don’t have to be perfect to fully receive the love of Christ and find rest in him.
I am finally making peace with my inadequacies. I have realized that none of us will get it right every time. We can simply remember that we belong to the One who does. This is the true grace that was born at Christmas.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
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Ephesians 1:3 Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5 He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons — in keeping with his pleasure and purpose — 6 so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.
7 In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace
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Through God’s grace, I can live life abundantly.
New Christians
---The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 6 December 2017 "Practice, Practice, Practice" by Gary B. Swanson (Maryland) - John 17:15-19
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017
Grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18 (NIV))
One of my loved ones is not a Christian. He often says that his aversion to Christianity comes from his personal observation of hypocrisy in the lives of too many Christians. I have noticed others who point out mistakes that Christians make and say, “If that’s what Christians are like, then I want no part of Christianity.”
To me, becoming a mature Christian is like learning to play tennis. We might say, “I play tennis miserably, but I still enjoy it. I get out there on the court and swing at the ball. Even though I make mistakes, I know that if I keep at it I will improve. Good or bad, I am still a tennis player.”
Just as taking up tennis doesn’t automatically make a person a tennis star, becoming a Christian does not make a person sinless or incapable of making mistakes. Both will increase in self-confidence and ability as they practice. This is what is meant by discipleship. To a tennis player, practice means going out on the tennis court and hitting the ball. To a Christian, practicing means spending time with God through prayer and Bible reading and transforming into the image of Christ a little more each day by loving those whom Christ loves.
Dear Jesus, come into our lives so fully that others may be drawn to your loving care for them. Amen.
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John 17:15 I don’t ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your word is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness, so that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the truth.
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I’m not a perfect Christian, but I will get better with practice.
Those who have been hurt by Christians
The Upper Room®
Copyright © The Upper Room 2017, All rights reserved.
Header Photo Credit: "Harvested Land," Beth Shumate. August 15, 2014. (link)
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