Tag: devotions

Advent: Think Small

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Day 6: I’ll Take a Side of Crumbs

I watched in amazement as the Thanksgiving crowd devoured the spread on the dessert table. As they dispersed, I realized there was nothing left for me—just crumbs

My daughter walked up to me, a smudge of frosting betraying her part in the feeding frenzy. “Mom, I’m sorry. We didn’t think about you.”

I wiped the frosting away, and smiled. “That’s okay. I like the crumbs.” Then I reached for a spoon and began to scoop up the remnants of carrot cake and cream cheese frosting.

Later, while I was scraping the dishes, getting them ready to wash, I came on the cake plate—and I remembered the earlier conversation. How often do I settle for the crumbs? We usually think of that in a negative, limiting, settling way. But a woman came to Jesus one day and those around were disgusted with her presence. She was a foreigner…a Gentile. 

She came right up for Jesus and begged for a healing for her daughter. Jesus picked up the disgust around them and played along. Why should he give her anything? The spiritual food he was sharing was meant for his people. But she reminded him even the dogs were entitled to crumbs.

Eating the crumbs had become my way of enjoying what was left and watching my family enjoy the rest. For the woman, anything she could get from Jesus would be enough.

This holy season, what is our “enough”? Can we appreciate the moments, the gifts, the time with family and friends? And most of all will we find enough in the manger?

TO PONDER: Have you ever settled for less than you wanted? Have you ever had to persist in your faith journey when others doubted or gave up? 

TO DISCUSS: Psalm 23 paints a picture of God as our all-providing shepherd. One of the verses declares his provision is completely adequate: we have everything we need. Is there a difference between our wants and needs? Do we have everything we need?

PRAYER: God, you loved us enough to be born here on earth. Show us how much that is. Help us to persist in our love for you…and always find you to enough for our every need. Amen

Advent: Think Small

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Day 5: Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man

The door slammed as my young grandson ran past me to his desk in the office. No hello. Just a blur oozing distress.

I followed him to the office and stood in the doorway. Before I could ask, out it poured. One of the boys in his class called him Zacchaeus all day. Then to add insult, the boy would walk by his desk and whistle the Sunday School song, “Zacchaeus was a wee little man…”

Our grandson was clearly behind on the growth chart. All his peers were head and shoulders beyond him. And by law, because of his size (not his age) he was still sitting in a booster seat in the car.

My heart ached for my little man.

“Honey, did you know that song was about Jesus inviting himself to Zacchaeus’ house? Zacchaeus climbed that tree so he could see. He was determined to not miss out on seeing Jesus. And Jesus rewarded him by going to his house that day.”

He looked up, and we went on talking about the things that matter to Jesus. How it isn’t about outward appearance—even David learned that: “But the Lord told Samuel, ‘Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see.Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7)”

Tears gone, and with a new resolve, my grandson shared, “So when he sings that song tomorrow, I should just sing along and thank him for the reminder—I may be short, but I’ve got big heart for God!”

Yep. Remember: it’s all about the heart!

TO PONDER: In a world that values stature and looks, the stories of Zacchaeus and David remind us that what really matters is that our heart is for God. Have you ever felt badly about your looks? In Psalm 139, David states that we are fearfully and wonderfully made—inside and out!

FOR DISCUSSION: When God examines our heart what does he see? Are there feelings or actions that we need to remove so God can be even nearer to us?

PRAYER: Creator God, you made me. And you know my heart. Forgive me for not always valuing how I’ve been created. Help me to love you more and more. Help me to not let anything stand in the way of seeing you each and every day. Amen.

Advent: Think Small

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Day 4: Widow’s Mite

I smiled a mother’s proud smile as I watched my daughter put a quarter in the offering plate. I knew the money was the last of her money, earned the hard way—working to pick up apples before her father mowed the lawn.

Gathering for lunch with friends, the conversation drifted to a discussion about a large gift that had come from a wealthy church member’s estate. Everyone around the table expressed their appreciation and joy for the money and what it could be used for.

Everyone, except my young daughter. 

She excused herself from the table and disappeared into another room. Suspecting something was wrong, I followed after her. I found her standing by the open front door, tears streaming down her face. She was quick to explain how sorry she was that she could only give such a small amount—sure that God was displeased with just a quarter.

Quickly, I moved to her side and began assuring her how God loved her gift. I reminded her of the story of the woman who gave her last mite—all that she had—and how Jesus praised her for giving so generously.

The truth took a moment to sink in, but she slowly turned, and with a smile let me know she got it. “It’s all about giving what you can, isn’t it?” 

Yes, that’s what is about.

TO PONDER: The widow gave generously…sacrificially. What sacrifice could you make this Advent and Christmas season to bless someone else? Think outside the box—it’s not always about money.

FOR DISCUSSION: Coupon books have always been a hit for kids who want to give when they don’t have money. But giving isn’t just for kids. As a family make a list of practical ways you can bless others.

PRAYER: God, in this season of extravagance, teach us how to give and give…and give some more. Teach the joy of giving, especially when it may not seem like much to us. Show how to bless someone else. Amen.

Advent: Think Small

Day 2: Five Smooth Stones

He took his shepherd’s stick and then picked up five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag. With his sling ready, he went out to meet Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40, Good News Translation).

I couldn’t believe I left my tennis shoes back in my dorm room. This was the most important match I faced, and my team needed me to win to place first in the tournament. There I stood facing my opponent with no shoes.

Quickly one of my teammates began to unlace her shoes and offered them to me, and while they were a close fit, they weren’t mine. They pinched in places where mine didn’t and were more of a distraction than if I had played barefoot. I lost the match, but I learned a valuable lesson.

On the bus on the way back to the school, the coach looked at me. She could see the shame and frustration I was feeling. She came back to my seat and asked me if I knew the story of David and Goliath. I shrugged my shoulders and mumbled a half-hearted yeah. She didn’t let my lack of interest or enthusiasm dissuade her from what she saw as an excellent teaching moment.

She explained how Goliath had taunted and ridiculed the Israelites, shaming them and their God. Still no one wanted to take on the giant. David, had been sent to check up on his brothers and was incensed at the abuse being spewed from the giant. He decided to take him on.

King Saul, in an attempt to make the fight more fair, tried to put David in his armor. I think there was more than just protection being offered. Perhaps Saul knew there really was a chance David could win and being dressed in the King’s armor would make him look good. The problem was the armor didn’t fit—like my teammate’s shoes and David knew it.

He thanked the king and went with what he knew: his staff and his sling, readied with stones from the creek. The simple things that had been his comfort and protection while out watching the sheep would be what he would rely on to defeat the giant.

And defeat him he did! 

I got what the coach was saying. Her words had little to do with forgotten shoes and everything to do with trusting God with the talents and gifts he entrusted me with. 

I never forgot my shoes again. And I carry a smooth stone with me wherever I go.

TO PONDER: What are the giants you are facing? What tools has God prepared for you to use to defeat those giants?

FOR DISCUSSION: If you were to choose five stones to help you remember the gifts God has given you, what would those stones be? 

PRAYER: God, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me to use in facing down the giants in my life. Sometimes I feel so small and can’t even image how or if you’ll use me. Help me to be ready. Help me to trust you. Show me my five smooth stones. And though I am small in the grand scheme of things help me to do great things for you. Amen.

Hopefully Devoted: Who is my neighbor?

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One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25, NLT)

When the expert in the Law asked Jesus what he MUST do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asked his own question: What does the Law tell you? (Answering a question with a question makes my husband crazy!)

The man quickly demonstrated his knowledge: Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And, love your neighbor as yourself.

Ding, ding, ding.

He probably should have stopped there, but…endeavoring to find out the least he had to do with the least amount of people…he asked the question of clarification: and just who is that?

So Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan.

Readers Digest version: A guy heads out on a business trip. Robbers attack him, beat him, and leave him to die. A couple of religious types avoided getting involved by passing on the other side of the street—can’t get too close!

Jesus then introduced the most unlikely of heroes, a despisssssssssssssed (hiss like a snake when you say that) Samaritan. And he does everything to care for the man—he hows him mercy.

Who is your neighbor?

A.N.Y.O.N.E. And everyone you can extend the hand of mercy to.

And how do we love that neighbor?

This afternoon while I took (yet again) the grandson’s dog out to do his business, a thought popped up through my grumbling. He says he love the adorable mutt, but only puts words to that love when it’s convenient or fun. He’s nowhere to be found when there’s puke or poop to clean up, or when it crimps his plans.

Love isn’t conditional or convenient. Love costs. Love changes the lover and the beloved.

There is no how or who, why or when—Our neighbor is everybody else and we love them by seeing them, not avoiding them, and offering them the amazing love of the Father.

Prayer thoughts: God, I confess I don’t always leap to love. Sometimes I wish someone else would do the tough stuff. But you never fail to love me—no matter what mess I’m in. Thanks. Sink your love deep into my awareness until I don’t worry about the least I have to do, but live into your fullness until that’s what people see in me. Amen.

Hopefully Devoted: No Fear

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The doctor looks down. Clears his throat. Then slowly looks up.

You look up and are surprised to see the plant manager at your machine, he’s holding an envelope and looking very somber.

As the door opens, the first thing you see is two suitcases.

The phone rings. It’s never good news at 2:00 in the morning…

Bad news comes in so many ways. Some days it feels like you can barely catch your breath before the next discouragement finds its way to your door.

I have friends who are awaiting surgery, hoping for good results from medical tests and court cases. Others are looking for work…still. A few haven’t been able to sleep for the anxious thoughts invading their dreams.

God has a word for us today as we fear the bad news knock on our door: They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them (Psalm 112:7, NLT)

The LORD is our shepherd, our healer, our door, our guide, bread, water, hope and light. No matter what it is we fear that could be waiting around the corner—God’s got it and you!

You can be confident in his care of and for you.

Hopelessly Devoted

Thursday brings new thoughts from my devotions this week.

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Today’s devotion challenged the way I look at work. One of the scripture references comes from Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (NIV).

The phrase that jumped out at me is “with all your heart.” In the myriad of translations, you might read: heartily, willingly, enthusiastically, or with all your soul.

My husband is quite exceptional. I know a lot of wives feel that way, but Nelson knew about my calling before he married me, but nothing could have prepared him for this journey. And I will admit some of my choices have made things considerably more challenging than they needed to be.

One of the most difficult things has been finding meaningful employment that also provides the necessary financial support with each move. I knew I was probably never going to be paid enough to support our family.  I didn’t answer this call thinking it would make me rich in worldly possessions.

Right now Nelson is traveling weekly to the Buffalo/Niagra area to work. That’s about five hours from home. He works long days: 3:00am to 6:00pm. Monday through Friday. And it’s a job he used to do and hated.

So why would he go back to that work? Why would he do leave family and home?

Because God provided.

And because he decided long ago to live his life—which includes his work—for God.

This “with all your heart” is not a mushy, sentimental thing. The apostle Paul is speaking about a matter of will, of choice. Being willing is like in the marriage ceremony when the officiant asks, “Will you take this man/woman?” And the response is “I will.” It’s a choice, a commitment of the will.

So today, will your commitment be to rejoice in your work? Not because it’s your dream job, or you love what you do—but because whether it’s wonderful or drudgery, it’s a gift from God.

May your grind be grand today as you go through it with God.

(And don’t think you’re off the hook just because you’re “retired.” Paul is very clear this is about “whatever your hand finds to do.” Not punching a time clock doesn’t buy you a free pass 😉)

 

 

Thinking Devotionally

(In an attempt to increase my online presence and my writing in general, I have assigned a writing topic to each day of the workweek. On Thursdays I will share a thought that has beeen meaningful or challenging from my devotional reading. I pray it will bless you as much as it does me.)

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A friend loaned me this book for my devotions this year. She felt it had enriched her life. So far, I’m agreeing with her. From the back of the book:

Take My Heart, Oh God will do more than motivate you to make intimacy with him a part of your daily discipline. Its rich reminders will help you offer yourself to the one who understands you best and loves you most.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used that phrase, but with a slight twist. God has always been the one “who knows me best and loves me most.” A God wink? It was for me.

Yesterday I read: Our soul thirsts; he alone can satisfy. We hunger to know the depths of God’s love; he fills us to overflowing with nourishment from his Word.

And I wondered, “How hungry am I, how thirsty?”

Then last evening I was reading a book recommended by a blogger/writer I follow, No More Faking Fine. In the introduction she describes her desperate hunger for God. She wrote about how she would go to sleep on the Bible in hopes of absorbing truth for her aching heart.

Odd? Perhaps. But being desperately hungry can bring us to unnatural places and actions.

A dear friend of mine, many years ago, was going through emotional warfare that rocked her soul, threatened the foundations of her faith. She kept a small Bible in her car, and would read it at stop lights: gulping down the promises and soaking up the grace.

It would have been easier to sit at the light and ruminate on her crumbling marriage and the potential disasters waiting around the corner. She could have focused on the problems and pain, and easily shut God out. Where was he when all this started falling apart?

But instead, she chose to fill her mind and her heart with his promises: to never leave her, to make all things work for good, to do exceedingly above and beyond all she could ask or imagine.

One Sunday, right in the middle of all this chaos, she was scheduled to bring the special music during worship. I still don’t know how she did it. She stood in front of the congregation and sang, “And whatever it takes to draw closer to you Lord, that’s what I’ll be willing to do.” 

We can’t get to that place running on empty.

How hungry, how thirsty, are you?

I invite you like the Psalmist, “Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).”

Fill up on him and his Word.

Book Review: The Message 100 Devotional Bible

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Each time a new Bible is printed, the question that typically gets asked is, “Why?” Do we really need another Bible?

In our Twitter crazed, cut to the chase world, it’s not easy to convince people to take or make the time to study a book that’s centuries old. They struggle just maintain a 30 second devotion—how will they ever commit to 30 minutes?

Enter The Message 100 Devotional. Readers are invited to partake of a story: the Story of God. The point, of this devotional, according to the introduction, is to draw the reader in, right into the unfolding Story of God.

At the beginning of each reading there is an intro or explanation. They are inviting and encouraging. They seemed conversational and I liked them.

Many are looking for a new and fresh way to read scripture, and The Message 100 provides both. Reading out of the traditionally presented order is challenging. It’s enough of a jolt to push the typical Bible reader out of their familiar rut.

People often resolve at the start of the year to read the Bible all the way through, but burn out by the end of March. The beauty of this format is that readers will be almost done at the end of three months. A double accomplishment! Not only will they have realized a goal, but they will also gain knowledge and growth in their faith.

That’s a win-win in my book!

I highly recommend this Bible devotion.

I was given a copy of the The Message 100 in return for an honest review.

 

Rebuilding With Nehemiah, Chapter 13 Day 1

Monday: What Happens Without Leadership?

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Text: 6 But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission 7 and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God.

Teach: As promised, Nehemiah returned to Babylon. While he was gone the people lost sight of the promises they had made. Nehemiah was mostly likely gone for ten to twelve years. That’s a long time to be without leadership.

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Take: When I read of the behavior of the people, their spiritual amnesia, I wasn’t surprised. It reminded me of when Moses went up to the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God. He was only gone forty days, a little over a month, and look what happened: the people created their own god to worship made from gold. The hymn writer put it well, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.” (Come Thou Fount)

Task: Godly leaders hold us accountable. We may not always like it, but we need it. Today let’s pray for those whose responsibility is to keep us on track spiritually.