Summer Devotions 2015 Mount Olive Lutheran Church Anoka, MN
Welcome Welcome to the Summer Devotion Book for 2015. The devotions included have been written for weekend worship for individuals and families who are camping, on the road, on vacation or away at a cabin. Each devotion is based on the Scriptures and theme of the weekend worship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Anoka. Our prayer is that each devotion will awaken your awareness of the presence of Christ no matter where you may be. No message is more important than the message that takes us to the cross and empty grave of Jesus Christ. There we are confronted with our brokenness, our sin and our greatest need. It is there where God offers His hope, His joy, His love, His grace that changes everything! Worship and Word Here is a suggested order of service as you set apart time for this devotion: Relax: Read: Before you start, take a minute to pause, relax and quietly ask God to prepare you to meet Him in this time of devotion. Ask one or two people to read the two Scripture Readings assigned for that devotion. Then have someone read the Key Verse and the Devotion for the day. Reflect: Take a few minutes to discuss the devotion. What strikes you? What would you add? What questions do you have? Do you see any applications to your life? Request: Invite someone to read the Closing Prayer. You may want to add personal and family prayer requests at this time. Take time to thank God for who He is and His gifts you are enjoying. Respond: Take a moment to consider the Application Activity. Put it into practice! Close with a favorite hymn/song (Living Praise CD). Work and Witness In John 13:17, Jesus said, Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus also illustrated that the wise person is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice. That person is building His life on the foundation of solid rock. Our prayer is that not only will you read the enclosed devotions, but put what you read into practice, experiencing the blessing that comes from obedience. That is the work of faith and your life witness!
May 31, 2015 The Gospel The Power of God Scripture Readings: Romans 1:1-17 John 3:3-5, 9-17 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes... Romans 1:16 During our weekend services this summer, we will be spending the summer in Rome actually, in the book of Romans written by the apostle Paul. He was writing to the church in Rome, predominantly Gentile but including a minority of Jews. Paul writes to the church in Rome to present his basic gospel, God s plan of salvation for all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike. Paul begins right away in the beginning of his letter saying that this gospel is not something out of the blue that God is doing. This gospel, this good news that the Messiah, the Christ, is coming to bring salvation has been prophesied throughout the Old Testament. From Genesis (3) to the Psalms (22) and Isaiah (53), all the way to Malachi (3:1), the last book of the Old Testament. The Father has been preparing to do this since the very beginning, then Paul begins with that reminder, which is especially for the Jews in Rome who are hearing this letter. Jesus died for your sins by His death and proved His deity through the resurrection from the dead and when you receive Him by believing in Him, you receive life and are empowered to live in this faith. Application Activity: Ask each family member to share what Jesus did for them and what it means to them each and every day.
June 7, 2015 Message Series: Romans: The life of Faith. The Power of Grace. No Excuses Part 1 (The Unbeliever)" Scripture Readings: Romans 1:18-23 Mark 2:13-17 For since the creation of the world God s invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 What are the ways that God reveals Himself to us? Creation think of examples. Conscience knowledge of right and wrong. Revealed knowledge God s Word. How do you know God is real? There is only one unforgiveable sin rejection of the Holy Spirit, or not believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from sin. What are some obvious examples of evil and sinfulness in our world? Al Queda, ISIS, 9/11 and Twin Towers, Oklahoma City, etc. What are some more subtle examples? God is both just and merciful. God hates sin and must punish sin because He is holy and righteous. His wrath (anger) is being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of people. When people face God when they die or on judgment day, there will be no excuse for unbelievers, or those who reject the Gospel of grace. God is also merciful and the Gospel of Jesus is very good news for those who trust in Jesus for their salvation. Application Activity: Look at newspapers and magazines available and look at new stories or articles that show examples of evil or sinfulness in our world today. Discuss local examples you see. Closing Prayer: (Share family and personal prayers.) In Jesus name. Amen. Join together in the Lord s Prayer.
June 14, 2015 Scripture Readings: Romans 1:24-32 Although they know God s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:32 Paul finishes chapter 1of his letter to the church at Rome by listing some of the results of rejecting and replacing God in our lives. 1) Immoral Passions Romans 1:24-25 Examples: sexual impurity, believe in lies instead of God s truth, and worship and serve created things instead of the Creator. 2) Indecent Perversions Romans 1:26-27 Examples: shameful lusts, indecent acts, homosexuality. 3) Irrational Practices Romans 1:28-32 Examples: rejection of God, wickedness, evil, greed, envy, murder, gossips, slanderers, God haters they disobey parents and are senseless, faithless, heartless and ruthless. Instead, as beloved and faithful children of God, in response to what God has done for us, we want to walk in the ways of Christ and living in the power of the gospel as we believe it, live it and share it with others. Application Activity: If you have a catechism review the Ten Commandments. If you have a Bible, read them in Exodus 20:1-17. Closing Prayer: Dear Jesus, keep me close to your cross so that I can spend eternity with you in heaven. Help me to show others your cross. (Add personal and family requests) Amen.
June 21, 2015 No Excuses Part 2 (Religious People) Scripture Readings: Romans 2:1-2, 17-29 Mark 6:1-6 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Romans 2:1 As chapter 2 opens, Paul turns his attention away from the heathens who rejected God who will have no excuse when they face God s judgment, to those inside the church. The Jews in Rome considered themselves religious. Paul now shows them that they were no better in the way they lived. If they were relying on their possession of the law or an adherence to the outward act of circumcision, rather than on Christ and Him alone, they too would be standing before God without excuse. The Jews were all too happy to sit in judgment on others and declare what they were doing was wrong while rationalizing their own sin. After all, they didn t need to worry about what they did because they were Abraham s children and they had a special relationship with God. We, too, have the tendency to be able to rationalize our own sinful behaviors but judge more harshly the actions of others. Are you trusting in your good behavior? Are you trusting in the fact that you were baptized? Without a relationship with Jesus, without the Spirit of Christ working in your heart and life, you are without excuse, and without hope. But, there is hope in Jesus. Thank you, Jesus! Closing Prayer: Close with the Lord s Prayer.
June 28, 2015 Questions & Answers, Bad News Good News Scripture Readings: Romans 3:9-18, 21-31 Mark 5:35-43 There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 Sometimes when we have grown up believing something or living a certain way and someone comes and contradicts what we learned growing up or what we have believed for most of our life, we have a few questions, don t we. Well, Paul has been confronting the Jews with some news that if they did not trust Christ and repent, they too would be facing judgment. The Jews had believed that they were special and that they would not face judgment simply because of their heritage so it did not matter how they lived. Paul tells them otherwise. The bad news is that none of us have any hope in ourselves to live righteously. His Word helps us to recognize how far short we fall and shows us our need for a Savior. But there is a righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. This is very good news. We need to understand the bad news before we can truly comprehend the good news. We trust in Jesus for our salvation and righteousness, not our own righteousness. He now gives us the ability to live a righteous life through the Holy Spirit. Closing Prayer: Share a thank-you prayer with each person sharing one thing they are thankful for. (Include personal and family requests) Amen.
July 5, 2015 Message: Independence Day: Freedom s Walk Scripture Readings: Romans 8:1-4 John 8:21-34 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 Our national liberty did not come cheap. Just over 643,000 American soldiers have given their lives in various wars since the birth of our country. They protected our rights, our freedom, and the rights of others, so that we could have and enjoy freedom in our land. Our spiritual freedom, too, was most costly. We had a debt of bondage that we could not pay....while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We are now called to walk as free people in the Spirit. Walking in spiritual freedom is only possible through the Spirit. To fail to walk in the freedom of the Spirit is to become enslaved again. But God has not called us to be slaves, but His children. Jesus did not die so that we would continue to live as slaves to sin. He died so that we could be free to live, love and serve in His name. Application Activity: Together as a family, come up with a list of freedoms that we enjoy in our country. Also, list those things we are free to do as God s children because of Christ s sacrifice. Closing Prayer: Thank you God for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Help us remember that those freedoms came at a great cost. Thank you also for the spiritual freedom we enjoy in Jesus. Continually remind us that freedom, too, came at the greatest of costs. Thank you, Jesus! (Add personal and family requests) Amen.
July 12, 2015 The Blessings of Justification Scripture Readings: Romans 5:1-21 Mark 6:7-13 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2 One of our foundation stones in the Lutheran church is justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Since we have been justified through faith in Christ, we are blessed with: 1) Peace with God We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (5:1) Because of our sins we are enemies with God. God made peace with us by paying the penalty of our sins through Christ. 2) Access to God Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (5:2) It is only through Christ we have access to the Father. 3) Hope for God s Glory And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (5:2) God has called you to salvation through the Gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4) The Love of God But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (5:8) God has demonstrated His love so we can know it in our minds, and through His Spirit experience His love in our hearts. 5) Reconciliation of God We were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son. (5:10) Closing Prayer: Ask for prayer requests from family members. Close with the Lord s Prayer. Amen.
July 19, 2015 The Christian and the Law Scripture Readings: Romans 7:1-25 Mark 7:1-13 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:25 In chapter 7 Paul turns our attention to the Christian and the Law. In Christ we are free, but that freedom does not give us license to live in a way that is contrary to His will or that does not bring glory to God. 1) The Law does not have authority over us Read verses 1-6. When we trust Christ, we die to the law of sin and are made alive in Christ. 2) The Law does still have purpose for us Read verses 7-13. The law shows us just how sinful we are and how much we need Jesus. 3) The Law does not have power to change us Read verses 14-25. It is God s Spirit that changes us, convicts us, strengthens us, comforts us, and helps us. We cannot become holy by keeping the Law. It is all about being in relationship with Christ. Application Activity: Talk about Martin Luther s three uses of the Law: As a curb, as a mirror, and as a guide. Give examples of each. Closing Prayer: Ask for prayer requests from family members. Close with the Lord s Prayer. Amen.
July 26, 2015 The Promised Blessings of Those in Christ Scripture Readings: Romans 8:1-2, 9-11, 15-17, 26-28, 35-39 Mark 6:53-56 (Nothing) in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 We all want to be loved. Satan wants you to believe that God does not love you. If you sin or do something wrong, God takes His love away from you. That is not true. God loves you and nothing will separate you from His love if you are in Christ, if you have received Jesus as your Savior. Because when you receive Christ, the Father seals you with the Holy Spirit and when He looks at you, He sees His own Son who has sacrificed Himself for you and died for your sins. God s love for you and me is not some emotional feeling that is here today and gone tomorrow. It is an act of His will that is demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son. God loves you and has not just said it, but showed us through His actions toward us. God has not forgotten you, but is working to draw you deeper into relationship with Him so that in any and every situation you can have peace and joy. It all begins with a continual realization that God has loved you greatly and continues to love you and that nothing can ever separate you from His love. Application Activity: List things you can do to get and keep closer to God. Share that list with your family and develop a plan together for getting closer to God. Closing Prayer: Have each family member list two ways God blesses you. Thank God in prayer and close with the Lord s Prayer.
August 2, 2015 The Will of God Scripture Readings: Romans 9:1-33 John 6:25-35 It is not the natural children who are God s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham s offspring...it does not, therefore, depend on man s desire or effort, but on God s mercy. Romans 9:8,16 We learn some important things about God in chapter 9: 1) God is always faithful in keeping His promises. 2) God desires us and all people to be saved. 3) Our salvation has nothing to do with who we are but whose we are. It is not about being a church member; it is not about being a Lutheran; it is about being a child of God who trusts and believes in Jesus through and by His Spirit. Application Activity: Have each member of the family write down a promise they will make to God for this year. Closing Prayer: Join in a thank-you prayer, having each member thank God for one thing. Then ask God to help you think of others and to be generous with our money, time and energy. End in Jesus name and with His prayer: Our Father...
August 9, 2015 The Responsibilities of Man Scripture Readings: Romans 10:1-21 John 6:35, 41-51 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Romans 10:13, 15 Our salvation is completely of the Lord it is His action, once and for all. Paul clearly tells us that there is no thing we can do in regards to our salvation. It only comes through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. However, Paul also tells us that we are not completely passive in the process. We have the option and responsibility to trust in His promises and receive them through faith. Receiving Jesus by faith is not the only responsibility the Lord has given us. He has also given us the responsibility to proclaim Jesus Christ to all. Now when Paul talks about preaching so someone will hear about God s grace, He is not talking about just a person who preaches. This is not just for preachers and pastors, this is for all. Those of us who believe in Christ have the best news in the world to share. And the Lord wants us to share it! He wants us to proclaim it boldly. Application Activity: Have each person in the family think of one person they will befriend and invite to church or Sunday School or a small group Bible study at church. Write those names down on a piece of paper and hang on the refrigerator at home as a reminder. Prayer: Close with the Lord s Prayer.
August 16, 2015 The Christian s Obligations Selected Scriptures: Romans 13:1-14 John 6:51-58 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Romans 13:1 In chapter 13, Paul starts about submission to governing authorities; the Christian s obligation to the powers that be. And one of the first things he says is that we should submit to them. That seems so un-christian since we claim Jesus as Lord and not any man or manmade institution. But Paul tells us here that the authorities that exist have been established by God. As Christians who follow the Lord, we have a public obligation to submit ourselves to the powers that be fully trusting in Christ and His ultimate authority over them unless following the law would put us in clear and direct opposition to God s will. Paul also tells us that we have an obligation to the people by me we should love them. If we, in the power of the Spirit, love people, we don t have to worry about following the law and not breaking the commandments. We will be too busy, glorifying and praising the Lord and living out God s love towards other people. Application Activity: Share examples of human laws that we should follow as citizens and as members of God s family. Share examples of human laws that are in direct opposition to God s will. Closing Prayer: Pick one other church in Anoka or surrounding area to pray for. Ask God to bless their people, their staff and leaders, and for their purpose and vision. Close with the Lord s Prayer.
August 23, 2015 Living Faithful and Free for the Lord Scripture Readings: Romans 14:1-23 John 6:60-69 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8 Paul starts chapter 14 by saying that we should not judge others based on our convictions. Paul gives the example of someone who will eat meat versus someone who will not eat meat, but only vegetables or someone who thinks one day is more holy than another day. But Paul says these are not issues of doctrine that need to divide the church or individuals, but these are disputable matters that each of us should spend time thinking through for ourselves so we can please the Lord fully. But we should be cautious in thinking that our conviction on a matter makes us more spiritual or faithful than someone who does not share the same conviction. We should not judge someone else in regards to our own conviction. Let s ask the Lord to reveal areas where we need to repent and seek to love others and glorify the Lord in our exercise of freedom. Application Activity: List some examples of disputable issues that we should not judge others on (method of educating our kids, playing cards, etc.). Closing Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving me. Help me to respect the convictions of others. Help me not to judge others. Help me live for you. Amen. Join in the Lord s Prayer.
August 30, 2015 Being Ministry Minded Scripture Readings: Romans 15:14-20, 30-33; 16:1-16 Mark 7:14-23 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me... Romans 15:17-18 In chapters 15 & 16 we turn to Paul s closing remarks to the Romans in which we can see his heart for ministry to people. He shares these words with the church so that we can see how to be ministry minded in all we say and do in His name. A God glorifying ministry...shares the Gospel (15:14-16)...serves the people (15:17-29)...prays to God (15:30-33)...is personal and caring (16:1-16)...is for the glory of God (16:25-27) For each of you who are believers in Jesus Christ, recognize that your life is a ministry to the Lord and seek to glorify God in and through your life. Application Activity: Make a list together of things your family can do to be ministry minded in each of the areas listed above. Pray: Father, lead us by your Holy Spirit to live for you in Jesus to give you glory, honor and praise. By the power of your Holy Spirit fill us with Your courage and grow us in our faith Lord! In the name of Jesus, Amen.
700 Western Street Anoka, MN 55303 763.421.3223 www.mtolive-anoka.org