Devos of the Week: 1 Peter 1:3 – EASTER SUNDAY

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…The writers of the New Testament see the resurrection as a central truth of Christian faith. Is the resurrection seen by modern Christians as the center of our faith?  Why or why not?  Is there a new birth or a living hope without the resurrection of Jesus Christ?  How important is resurrection to the faith?  May your church Lord, give testimony to the risen Christ!  

Devos of the Week: Joshua 1:1

“After the death of Moses…the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’assistant…” The promises of God transcend my life and generation.  In an individualistic culture and society we are tempted to look for how God’s promises relate and are “relevant” to our personal lives. God’s promises from the beginning have reached to all people on the earth, through all times.   Why does this truth matter?  Who assists in my life and ministry today, who are the ones the Lord may speak to about leading his work and ministry next? Lord, help me to trust your eternal promises and invest in the people of the next generation. 

Devo of the Week – Acts 2 – Pentecost Sunday

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place…All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”  God chooses the time. His people come together in one place for His purposes. God’s Spirit empowers.  It is so easy for us to want the power of the Spirit for our purposes like Simon (Acts 8:8ff); without a thought for God’s timing and the unity of the body of Christ.  How is this a temptation for me?  Why is the time and common gathered place essential and prerequisite?  Forgive us, Fill us O Lord.

Devos of the Week: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

“To the church of Thessalonica…Grace to you and peace.”  Paul’s begins with “grace and peace.”  There are many longing for grace and peace to be a reality in their lives.  Imagine if our church gatherings started with a welcoming “grace and peace” both in word and action. Imagine if running the sound, rushing to do the program, and recruiting a new volunteer gave way to welcoming everyone with grace and peace.  How would this change our churches and worship?  What could you do to offer grace and peace to others? – Holy Spirit, give us grace and peace in Jesus. Amen.

Devos of the Week: Psalm 103:1-5

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.”  Christian leaders are often tempted to focus completely on the future.  We need to get somewhere.  The pressure is, “where are we headed”.  Yet, the scriptures often instruct us to remember, to not forget, where we’ve been and what God has done in the past. When we are not praising God, is it possible we are forgetting something?  -Bless the Lord, O my soul, and help me not to forget all your blessing O God.

Devos of the Week: Acts 1:6-11

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?” Acts 1 shows clearly that disciples of Jesus can get caught up with trendy questions (vs. 6) or with miraculous showings or desired endings (vs. 10-11).  Jesus however, called his people to a mission (vs 7-8).  How do we stay focused on doing God’s mission?  – Guide us, Holy Spirit, to live your mission. Empower us to be your witnesses. Amen.

Devos of the Week: John 17:1-19

“I am not asking that you take them out of the world, but I ask that you protect them from the evil one.”  Jesus prays that his followers will be protected in the world. Do the ministries of the church and Christian sometimes favor pulling us away from the world?  Are we called to protect ourselves and our family, or is that God’s job?  Where do I see myself pulling away from the world?  What does Jesus’ prayer call me to today?  –  Lord Jesus, who prayed for all who trust in you, help us to trust you as we live for you in this world amongst people who need to trust in you.  Amen

Devos of the Week: Psalm 47

“For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great King over all the earth.”  The Holy Spirit is given to encourage, empower, and embolden the church in its witness to Christ in the world. The Spirit is given to increase the Kingship of God over all the earth. Are we ever tempted to take God’s resources to build our own kingdoms rather than His?  Is our ministry under the great King? – Forgive us O Lord for building our own kingdoms that give us control; help us to surrender to the true King and Your will and ways. Amen.

Devos of the Week: John 20:21-23

“Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven…” Many Christian pastors preach on “keeping the main thing the main thing.” What is the main thing for Jesus as he leaves the disciples in John’s gospel? What is the meaning and the significance of Jesus giving the promised Holy Spirit?  How is this connected to the forgiveness of sins and the ministry of Christ’s church/disciples? Do I keep Jesus’ main thing in my life and ministry? – Give us your heart for your world, Lord Jesus.

Devo of the Week: Mark 14:3-9

“…what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Wow, would we not love Jesus to say a remembrance of our work and ministry will be told right alongside of the Gospel?  It is the temptation of many leaders and ministries to be “known.” But what is the woman known for? Why do we know of her, but not know her name? What might this mean for my leadership in the church and in ministry?  – Jesus, forgive my foolish pride and teach me to be satisfied with your love and with loving in return. Amen