1/29/22

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 20:1‭-‬16. 

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. “He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ “ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Jesus uses the illustration of a landowner hiring workers to teach us about God’s blessings for us. In this story there are workers who have been in the vineyard all day and some who have come late to the job. The landowner makes an agreement with each for a single specified wage. When all the workers are paid the same, those who worked longer are disappointed. 

This is a lesson on God’s love for all of us and the huge difference between human standards and eternal blessings. In our economy, when you work longer, you generally receive more compensation. In God’s economy there is only one level of “payment” – everlasting life. All who claim Jesus as their Savior are promised this. 

Do we sometimes think there are levels of blessing from God as there are different repayments on earth? This is the mistake that Jesus points out to us in His parable. God can’t love us any more than He already does! His love fills all creation and is given to all of us without measure, no matter how long we have been faithful.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when we squabble among ourselves, seeking more than others receive. Help us to see the joy of a relationship with You that knows no limit. Amen.

1/28/22

Our scripture this morning is Acts 19:1‭-‬6.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

In yesterday’s scripture we heard of Peter bringing the Good News to those who had not yet heard it. Today we read of Paul visiting a community of believers who aren’t quite there yet. He encourages them and when he lays hands on them, they receive the Holy Spirit.

These Ephesians had been baptized for repentance but had not heard the story of Jesus and accepted Him. When they did, they were blessed to become part of His ministry. Turning from our sin is necessary, but there is more to a life in Christ.

Church father John Wesley said first, do no harm, then do good. Not sinning is obviously important but doing good is the next step. God wants us to be active in the kingdom work He has for us, using His gifts for the good of the world. 

Heavenly Father, we are humbled and grateful to be part of Your eternal plan. Bless us to go in Your name, spreading the Gospel everywhere. Amen.

1/27/22

Our scripture this morning is Acts 10:44‭-‬48.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Peter was called by God to go to a Gentile community and minister to them (Acts 10:9-23). While the Hebrews knew God’s promise to Abraham that all nations were blessed through him, they were not an evangelical faith, in that they did not reach out to those who were not Jewish. Converts were accepted but they had no missionary activity.

We know that Paul was called as the apostle to the Gentiles but in this passage it is Peter that learns God’s plan is for everyone to receive the Holy Spirit as the disciples have (Acts 2). Through a vision from God and the request of the Gentile group, he goes to their community to teach them. Some of the Jewish believers accompany him and during their visit the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles. 

We should never be surprised at anyone receiving God’s Spirit, it is a free gift offered to all His children. It is our task to share our faith and rejoice with those who accept God’s promise. May we be the disciples of today, reaching out to all the world.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your blessing and the call You place on our lives. Help us to reach those who do not yet know You and make them part of the faithful. Amen.

1/26/22

Our scripture this morning is Luke 4:40‭-‬44.

Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Jesus shows us God’s love by healing the sick. He demonstrates His devotion to God through His prayer practice. He models obedience to God by going from town to town, telling the people “I was sent for this purpose” (v. 44).

Jesus does all this because He has been called to do so by the Father. By being faithful to His given task, He teaches us about the nature of God and our connection to Him. God has kingdom work for us as well.

Sharing God’s love by loving others, a relationship with Him through prayer, and obedience to the call He places on our lives all build our faith and help others see the blessing of being part of God’s plan. Our discipleship has an effect on our world. Ask Him to strengthen and bless your efforts in His name.

Wise and wonderful God, thank You for choosing us to be Your children. May we follow Christ’s example to bring our brothers and sisters to You. Amen.

1/25/22

Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 7:8‭-‬12.

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

Paul teaches the Corinthians (and us) about repentance in this passage. He speaks of “godly grief”, the feeling of sadness for disobedience which “produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (v. 10). This is different than “worldly grief”, sadness over earthly things that lead us away from faith.

We hear that godly grief brings us closer to the Father in our desire to be forgiven. Paul apologizes for his letter which caused their grief but tells them it wasn’t about human issues of wronging someone or being wronged. Instead it energized them in their repentance.

We need this godly grief in order to be made right with God. If we feel no sadness over sin, we cannot be saved. The old hymn I Want a Principle Within says we need “A sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near”. May we turn from our failures to joyful obedience.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when we fall away and don’t follow Your word. Help us to see the right, and to go in Your name to all the world. Amen.

1/24/22

Our scripture this morning is Psalm 119:89‭-‬96. 

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

This passage reminds us that God’s law is eternal and extends to all things. He is the Creator of everything that exists and His commandments apply to all creatures, objects and situations. There is nothing not covered by His word.

The psalmist speaks of delight in God’s law, that we may find joy in obedience and comfort in the wisdom we are given. God wants us to know and live by His commandments. He tells us “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul” (Deuteronomy 11:18), that they are to become part of us.

In order to live God’s law, we must first know God’s law. We hear His words given in scripture, we see the example Jesus showed us and we are called to be in communication with Him through prayer. Then we may understand the call He places on us, to share His love with everyone. 

Loving Lord, we are humbled that You call us to be part of Your kingdom work. Bless us to be faithful servants, sharing the Gospel message and making disciples of all the world. Amen.

1/23/22

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 12:4‭-‬11.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Paul explains how we are all part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and different duties in the kingdom of God. He writes “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone” (v.4). We have been given various abilities and skills to be used for the good of all God’s children. 

How do we know what we are good at and what we are called to do? We learn through prayer and listening to God, by following the example Jesus showed us, and by our connection to the Holy Spirit. We hear other people encourage us, affirming our spiritual gifts at work in God’s world.

While God needs no help to accomplish the work, He delights in our participation in His eternal plan. We all have a part in kingdom work, and filling that role is essential to us and to those who are blessed by the effort. Seek to use your gifts and be thankful for them, God has called us each by name in His service. 

Gracious God, we thank You for the gifts You give. Help us to be good stewards of Your blessings, using our skills and resources wisely for the good of all people. Amen.

1/22/22

Our scripture this morning is Luke 4:14‭-‬19.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus returns to Nazareth soon after beginning His public ministry. Going back home can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be difficult when people still remember you as you were, not as you are now. Jesus experiences both sides of this when He reads in the synagogue at Nazareth. 

He recites a passage from the prophet Isaiah that pertains to Him directly. It speaks of Him being sent to bless and save us, to set us free from sin’s oppression. In the next section of this passage He tells them “this scripture has been fulfilled today in your hearing” (Luke 4:20).

While Jesus had been well received initially, this statement causes people to wonder “is this really the boy we knew?” Some will come to believe, others will be part of the mob who cry “crucify Him!” It is up to each of us to choose which group to follow.

Loving Lord, sometimes living our faith can be difficult, but Jesus taught and showed us the path would be hard. Strengthen us in adversity and may we share the truth of Christ with the world. Amen.

1/21/22

Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:31‭-‬39. 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul writes of the certainty of God’s love for us. The simple statement “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31) eloquently expresses His eternal and unchanging love for all of His children. In God we have all we could ever need.

Paul wants us to understand that God’s love is not something we can earn through any effort of our own, nor is it able to be broken by anything people do to us. His love for us is a gift, always available for us to accept. This is his point, that it is up to us to say “yes Lord” and receive the blessing of a relationship with Him.

There is a long list of earthly things that have no effect on God’s love for us. The sad truth is the only thing that can separate us from God’s love is us! God is always ready to wrap us in His loving arms and renew the connection we have been promised since the beginning. 

Gracious God, we are humbled that You are willing to welcome us back, no matter what our circumstances. Renew a right Spirit in us and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen. 

1/20/22

Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:9‭-‬14.

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Paul teaches that if Christ is in us, we have the Spirit to overcome sin (v.10). He explains that we are God’s children because we follow the guidance of His Spirit. Our own human desires can lead us to disobedience, but the Spirit of the Lord will protect us when we choose Him.

This is the most important point – that we choose Him. God waits to welcome us with open arms, but we must go to Him on our own. We are given free will to decide for ourselves. God will never force us to worship Him, it is always up to us.

The necessary gifts to live according to His law are within us, waiting for us to accept and use them as God intended. Jesus came to show us that a life in obedience to God was the only way to salvation. Each of us has the opportunity and the ability to be part of His eternal plan.

Gracious God, we are humbled and grateful for the blessings You send. Help us to grow in faith and share Your love with our brothers and sisters everywhere. Amen.