Humility Month Day 31: We’ve Been Shown a More Excellent Way

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

Love is love – except that it’s not. The Bible uses many words for love. Certainly, the most excellent of them is agape. It’s the word for God’s type of love. It’s more familiar and faithful than friendship. It’s more passionate that erotic love. It’s more tender and lasting than parental love. It’s more sacrificial and dedicated than love between a husband and wife. It is the love all the other forms of love would aspire to. This is the day that the Lord, in his love, has made. Let us find ways to rejoice in it. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Almighty God, your love for us and for all people is powerful beyond measure.
Your love is so vast that nothing will prevail against it.
We know this love is trustworthy because of Jesus Christ:
his life of compassion, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead.
In life and death we belong to you,
holy triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is one of the most widely read portions of scripture. The Greek word for love here is agape – God’s love. It comes in the middle of a section of the letter in which Paul is giving instructions about worship. They were excited about the powerful, showy gifts of God. But he tells them the gift they should want the most, the one available to everyone, is God’s love. He presents it, as if to say, if you get this part right, the rest will fall into place. It’s a good passage to read aloud wherever you are. Then, in humility, answer the questions.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to remember who we are and who you are!
I Corinthians 13:1-13 Faith, hope and love, these three abide, but the greatest of these is love.

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
God, through these words you invite us to see everything differently. That’s daunting. By the grace and power of your Spirit, pour out your love on us and let our lives reflect your love to the world. In the name of Jesus who modeled this for us, Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
If I, deeply in love with another, begin describing with passionate appreciation what has been unnoticed or ignored by everyone else for years, some people around me are sure to dismiss me, “Love is blind.” They mean that love diminishes my capacity to see what is actually there so that fantasy, tailor-made to fit my desires, can be projected on another and thus make him or her acceptable as a lover.
But the popular saying, as popular sayings so often are, is wrong. It is hate that is blind. It is habit, condescension, cynicism that are blind. Love opens eyes. Love enables the eyes to see what has been there all along but was overlooked in haste or indifference. Love corrects astigmatism so that what was distorted in selfishness is now perceived accurately and appreciatively. Love cures short sightedness so that the blur of the distant other is now in wondrous focus. Love cures farsightedness so that opportunities for intimacy are no longer blurred threats but blessed invitations. Love looks on one who had no ”form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” and sees there the fairest of the sons of men…anointed with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”
If we could see the other as he is, as she is, there is no one we would not see as “fairest… all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.” Love penetrates the defenses that have been built up to protect against rejection and scorn and belittlement, and it sees life created by God for love.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
May God, the Holy Trinity, make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.—

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(2) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(3) From Earth and Alter, Where Your Treasure Is, 1993, Eugene Peterson
(4) From 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.

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Humility Month Day 30: What’s at Risk in our Lawsuits.

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

We live in a litigious age. Billboards and TV ads encourage us to hire a lawyer to “get your fair share”. The Bible clearly speaks to this, and through it God warns us that we risk losing his Kingdom when we do. This should give us pause. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it and humbly trust God’s word over our feelings. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
God of life, thank you for calling us to belong to something so much bigger than ourselves.
Thank you for your church in all times and places.
May our thoughts, words, and lives today bear witness
to the kind of love and unity that your desire for your people,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Chapter 6 of 1st Corinthians was written to a church of recent converts. They were struggling to leave their previous worldly, pagan ways behind them. Paul addresses the problem in his letter. Would they be, would we be, humble enough to receive the rebuke? With this in mind, read the text and answer the questions.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to see what’s at stake and live more wisely.
I Corinthians 6:1-11

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit, do what ever work you need to do in us such that you are our first love and our primary obsession. From that place of devotion, with the help of our brothers and sisters in church, lead us to live differently than the world. Help us to accept your word and to imitate your ways so that we might do your works and demonstrate your great love for this world. Amen

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
Also, beware of desiring anything other than God. Jesus said, “If your eye remains single your whole body shall be full of light.” Do not allow the desire for tasteful food or any other pleasure of the senses, the desire of pleasing the eye or the imagination, the desire for money or praise or power, to rule you. While you have the ability to feel these desires, you are not compelled to feel them. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free!
Be an example to all of denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. Let others see that you are not interested in any pleasure that does not bring you nearer to God, nor regard any pain which does. Let them see that you simply aim at pleasing God in everything. Let the language of your heart sing out with regard to pleasure or pain, riches or poverty, honor or dishonor, “All’s alike to me, so I in my Lord may live and die!”
Do not even give a single thought of separating from your brethren, whether their opinions agree with yours or not. Just because someone does not agree with everything you say does not mean that they are sinning. Nor is this or that opinion essential to the work of God. Be patient with those who disagree with you. Do not condemn those who do not see things just as you do, or who think it is their duty to contradict you, whether in a great thing or small.
O, beware of touchiness, of testiness, of an unwillingness to be corrected. Beware of being provoked to anger at the least criticism, and avoiding those who do not accept your word.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
May the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together— spirit, soul, and body— and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he will do it! Amen.
—
—
Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(2) Original
(3) From Loving One Another, John Wesley
(4) From 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, The Message, as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.

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Humility Month Day 29: Submission to Governing Authority

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

Politics. We are in the middle of an election. How should a Christian relate to governing authorities? Does the Bible say anything about this? The answer is an emphatic “Yes”! But I’m afraid this section of scripture can be very unpopular when your preferred political party is out of power. However, this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it and humbly trust God’s word over our feelings. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Lord God, the words “Jesus is King” come easily to our lips,
yet we often fail to grasp the significance of what they mean for us.
At this hour, help us worship you in spirit and truth,
and give us a vision for how we may live in homage to you every day of our lives,
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Chapter 13 of Romans may be one of the least read portions of scripture. It is very countercultural during seasons of political tension. As you read this scripture, recall that Rome was an harsh ruler. Recall that the New Testament was written during the reigns of the unstable Caligula, the unjust Claudius who expelled all Jews from Rome, and the infamous Nero, who burned Christians as scapegoats. Then, in humility, answer the questions.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to remember who we are and who you are!
Romans 13:1-7

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all.
We confess that we have not bowed before him and are slow to acknowledge his rule.
We place our trust in the powers of this world and taste the corruption of justice and love.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Raise us to trust in Jesus him as ruler of all, to whom rulers must ultimately bow.
Let us be loyal ambassadors of your kingdom,
obeying your commands and trusting in your sovereign rule
through Jesus Christ the Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
If Christianity is true at all, it is a truth of universal application; all things should be done in the Christian spirit and in accordance with Christian principles. “Then” say those who want reform, “produce your Christian solution for unemployment.” But there neither is nor could be such a thing. The Christian faith does not by itself enable its members to see how a vast number of people within an intricate economic system will be affected by a particular economic or political idea.
“In that case”, say those who want to uphold the status quo, “keep off the turf! By your own confession you are out of place here.” Here the Church must reply, “No; I cannot tell you what is the remedy. But I can tell you that a society with chronic unemployment is a diseased society. If you are not doing all that you can to find the remedy, you are guilty before God.”
The church is likely to be attacked from both sides if it does its duty. It will be told that it has become “political” when in fact it has merely stated its principles and pointed out when they have been breached. The Church will be told by advocates of particular policies that it is futile because it does not support theirs. If the Church is faithful to its commission, it will ignore both sets of complaints and continue as far as it can to influence all citizens and permeate all parties.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
Now to the King eternal,
immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—
Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(2) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.
(3) From The Church’s Impact on Society, William Temple
(4) From 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.

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Humility Month Day 28: Life Together

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

Pride versus humility: Our world certainly celebrates pride. In Google’s definitions, pride is associated with achievements and awareness of competence and dignity. The Bible associates pride with conceit, with giving ourselves credit that should be given to God. Pride is associated with foolishness. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it – somehow. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Mighty God,
We do not yet see the glory you plan for all humankind, but in faith we do see Jesus.
We thank you for the humility and holiness in which he lived and died.
We praise you that he freed us from our sin, that he comforts through our struggles, and that he gives us courage to follow him.
For this, we now join with all creation and shout for joy:
Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord! Amen

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: With the first 11 chapters, Paul moves us from division and despair to unshakable unity and hope because of Jesus. In chapter 12, he challenges the reader to surrender deeply and fully to God and then shifts to what our life together – as sinners justified by God – should be like as a result. Notice how Paul assumes we will be together and know one another well. Notice how the strength of that fellowship extends to the way we interact with the world.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to remember who we are and who you are!
Romans 12:3-21

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Almighty God, you have sent Jesus to take our nature upon himself and to be for us a sign and Savior. Grant that by the power of your Spirit Christ may be born within us today to the end that our work may be pleasing to you and helpful to your people. We pray in the name and Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
The most experienced psychologist or observer of human nature knows infinitely less of the human heart than the simplest Christian who lives beneath the Cross of Jesus. The greatest psychological insight, ability, and experience cannot grasp this one thing: what sin is. Worldly wisdom knows what distress and weakness and failure are, but it does not know the godlessness of man. And so, it also does not know that man is destroyed only by his sin and can be healed only by forgiveness. Only the Christian knows this. In the presence of a psychiatrist, I can only be a sick man; in the presence of a Christian brother, I can dare to be a sinner. The psychiatrist must first search my heart, and yet he never plumbs its ultimate depth. The Christian brother knows when I come to him: here is a sinner like myself, a godless man who wants to confess and yearns for God’s forgiveness. The psychiatrist views me as if there were no God. The brother views me as I am before the judging and merciful God in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
Almighty God, whatever this day brings, we ask for your grace. By your Spirit:
May we live faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ today.
May we live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us.
May we rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is Your will for us in Christ Jesus.
May Your peace, O God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus, through whom we live and pray. Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(2) From A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants, 1983
(3) From Life Together, Deitrich Bonhoeffer
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.

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Humility Month Day 27: Those Who Are Called According To His Purpose

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Pastor Jesse

Where is God when it hurts? It’s a haunting question with many unsatisfactory answers. But in short, God is with us and working. He is with us when we can’t feel it, and God is working to accomplish his purposes in our pain. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it – somehow. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
O God, the author and foundation of hope,
enable us to rely with confident expectation on your promises,
knowing that the trials and hindrances of the present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed,
and having our faces steadfastly set toward the light
that shines more and more to the perfect day,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Nicky Gumble says that if the epistles of the New Testament are like mountains, Romans is like the Himalayas, and Romans 8 is Mount Everest. The words of Romans 8 point profoundly to the reality that God’s ways and thoughts are all tied together in God’s love for us, and all of it is higher, wider, deeper, and broader than we can imagine.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to remember who we are and who you are!
Romans 8:26-39

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Almighty, All Powerful, All Knowing God,
You are sovereign. You hold our future and our past.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our lives are laid open before you and nothing is hidden.
Nothing can separate us from your love. Nothing is beyond your redemptive power.
Nothing will happen or has happened that you can’t use for your purposes.
Your work and your ways are beyond us. Help us to trust you today.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
The fact [of Christ’s death on the cross for us] is something we must always have before our minds. That is a good reason to wear or display a cross. For all the false and misleading associates that may surround it,it still says – even without the knowledge of the one displaying it – “I am bought by the sufferings and death of Jesus and I belong to God. The divine conspiracy of which I am a part stands over human history in the form of a cross”.
The individual disciples must have indelibly imprinted upon their souls the reality of this wonderful person who walked among us and suffered a cruel death to enable each of us to have life in God. It should become something that is never beyond the margins of their consciousness. “God” Paul said, “makes clear the greatness of his love for us through the fact that Christ died for us while we were still rebelling against him” (Romans 5:8).
The exclusiveness of the Christian revelation of God lies here. No one can have an adequate view of the heart and purposes of the God of the universe who does not understand that he permitted his son to die on the cross to reach out to all people, even people who hated him. That is who God is. But that is not just a “right answer” to a theological question. It is God looking at me from the cross with compassion and providing for me, with never-failing readiness to take my and to walk on through life from wherever I may find myself at the time.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all goodness and growth,
pour his blessing upon all things created, and upon us, his children, that we may use them to his glory and the welfare of all peoples. Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(2) Original
(3) From The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.

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