Devos of the Week: Acts 1:20-21

“It is written…therefore it is necessary for us…” Jesus’ first followers were committed to obeying the word of God.  They waited, as Jesus commanded them to do and as they wait they are reading and reflecting upon the scriptures and how they call them to follow God faithfully.  When they discern God’s will, they do it.  Are you inclined to follow and obey?  How is the Word of God guiding your life and actions these days? May we be doers of Your Word Lord Jesus, not just those who hear. Amen.

Devos of the Week: Joshua 1:2

“Now proceed…” Joshua 1:2 is reminder to the “next generation” that God’s purpose transcend the generation that is aging and dying and that he calls leaders from the next generation to “proceed” with faithfulness with God mission and purposes in sight.  How does this verse compare with Jesus’ words “Go into all the world,” in Matthew 28:18-20? God, what is it that you are calling me to “proceed” with and to “go” to these days.  Strengthen me to live for you and your purposes. Amen.

Devos of the Week: Psalm 12

“Help Lord, for no one is faithful anymore…” Many have experienced it, others have heard about it on the news or in social media; no one is faithful or so it seems.  Broken marriages, difficult neighbors, police, and politicians; seems like it impacts almost everyone.  Yet the Psalmist reminds us, when humans are faithless, God “arises and protects” the needy, the poor, and the powerless. Do I need his care?  Am I faithful in all my relationships?   Lead us O Christ our Savior to be faithful even as you are faithful. Amen.

Devos of the Week – Galatians 5:22-26

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”  Often the church focuses on the “gifts of the Spirit” and the abilities to get tasks accomplished with giftedness and excellence over the “fruit of the Spirit” and the character and heart of God’s people.  Are the gifts effective outside of the fruit?  Why are we tempted in the church  to favor gifts? How might this be connected to the original temptation of Adam/Eve?  Let the image of Christ himself be formed in me. Amen.

Devos of the Week: Psalm 12 – Simple Prayers

“Help Lord, for no one is faithful anymore…” Many have experienced it, others have heard about it on the news or in social media; no one is faithful or so it seems. Broken marriages, difficult neighbors, police, and politicians; seems like it impacts almost everyone.  Yet the Psalmist reminds us, when humans are faithless, God “arises and protects” the needy, the poor, and the powerless.  Am I faithful in all my relationships?   Lead us O Christ our Savior to be faithful even as you were faithful. Amen.

Devo of the Week: 1 Peter 1:10-25

“Therefore, prepare you minds for action; be self-controlled; set you hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  Peter reminds us that active waiting and intense searching has always been part of faithful following of God.  We should not be surprised that we do not have all the answers and fulfillment of our faith right now.  What would you like God to reveal to you right now?  How are you waiting in mind, heart, and spirit these days?  – Spirit of God, prepare my mind and control my emotions; set my hope on you.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” The fruit of the Spirit produces Godly heart, character, and behaviors.  Fruit is singular; it all comes in one package.
We pick love, joy, and peace and decide self-control isn’t for me.  How is
self-control necessary for all these other characteristics to be displayed in
our lives?  Does self-control characterize my life? Lord Jesus, forgive me for times when I desire to lead with my choice of godly characteristics. Develop the full fruit of the Spirit in me and my ministry. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Matthew 6:12

“Forgive us our debts…” Prayer for forgiveness reveals our understanding that relationships are central to life.  It also recognizes our human condition in which we fall
short in our faithfulness to the obligations of our relationships toward God, others and all of creation as well.  When I fall short or sin, do I deny my sin, blame others or flee in fear of God’s judgments?  Jesus gives us another way; trust God’s mercy and love.  Forgive me for my sins and shortcoming Lord, both the wrongs I commit and the things I leave undone.    

Leadership Devo of the week: Galatians 5:22-26

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”  Often the church focuses on the “gifts of the Spirit” and the abilities to get tasks accomplished with giftedness and excellence over the “fruit of the Spirit” and the character and heart of God’s people.  Are the gifts effective outside of the fruit?  Why does leadership in the church seem to favor gifts?  Let the image of Christ himself be formed in me. Amen.