DAILY DEVOTIONS By Pastor Johnson Year A FOR SATURDAY 9/19/14 THROUGH FRIDAY 9/26/14
Dear Reader, I hope you will find these reflections on the Word a helpful tool for you on your spiritual journey. Allow me to give just a few comments about using them: I d suggest a regular time and place for your reflection. It can be most helpful to have a place where you can reflect uninterrupted. This might be early in the morning with a cup of coffee on your back porch or at your desk or late at night in bed just before retiring. A different approach is possible of you have someone to share these reflections with (spouse, family member, co-worker, etc). In this case you might read the devotion of the day and the reflection questions on alternating basis (day by day with a person reading them all or with one reading of the devotion and the other the reflection questions). Keep in mind that happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road. The goal is not to complete the assignment but to open ourselves to the Spirit s leading and wisdom that comes from God. Take your time; read and listen. These devotions are available on a daily basis by e-mail. Simply send a note to sotwnews3@aol.com requesting the e-mail and it will be sent each day to your e-mail address. May the Lord bless our reflections and growth in faith. In Him Pastor Johnson FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 2 of 23
Faith Matters for Saturday, 9/20/14 Here are the lessons for today to read through the Bible in three years: Psalm 145:1-8, Zephaniah 2:13-15, Matthew 19:23-30 Based on the Lessons from next Sunday: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Blessing on your reflection on the Word and devotion; Peace, Pastor Johnson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Lesson for the Day: Psalm 145:1-8 A Song of Praise. Of David. I will extol thee, my God and King, and bless thy name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of thy majesty, and on thy wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 Men shall proclaim the might of thy terrible acts, and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of thy abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Second Lesson for the Day: Zephaniah 2:13-15 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and he will make Nin'eveh a desolation, a dry waste like the desert. 14 Herds shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the field; the vulture and the hedgehog shall lodge in her capitals; the owl shall hoot in the window, the raven croak on the threshold; for her cedar work will be laid bare. 15 This is the exultant city that dwelt secure, that said to herself, "I am and there is none else." What a desolation she has become, a lair for wild beasts! Every one who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist. Gospel Lesson for the Day: Matthew 19:23-30 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 27 Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" 28 Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many that are first will be last, and the last first. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Disciples of Christ, It's pretty easy to understand the surprise and confusion on the part of the disciples isn't it? At least when the parables are deep and simple, perhaps there is a way to see and understand it as hyperbole or less than direct and literal. But this teaching on the Kingdom of God is pretty clear and direct. And it turns upside down every perspective of power and participation in the Kingdom that any Jew (or any person at all) would have held. It is pretty shocking for us two thousand years later in our own setting and in our own desire to be faithful disciples of Jesus. We all agree that Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God and that He did not ask for input from His disciples (or even the power elite, in Rome or in the Jewish leadership) as to its design. He defined and described it and held it up as something to which people could come or which they could flee. Jesus did FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 3 of 23
not request or accept input even from His inner circle of disciples, the twelve who were handpicked by Jesus. It was as if this theocracy was designed by God Himself and established through a plan well thought out beforehand. It's timing and accomplishment was in the hands of the King, the one anointed by the Father to create and rule it. So, though He had the power to change water into wine, "it was not yet His time." Though there were twelve legions of angels (seventy-two thousand, each one filled with the glory and power of God) at His direction, the direction He was going was the cross. Peter could put away his sword because it was NOW time, the Kairos moment, when Christ would be glorified and establish an eternal kingdom by His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. But the topic (or question) of the day for Jesus' disciples is, "How does one enter that kingdom?" Jesus is King and He determines the participants in the Kingdom. What would it require? What would they (and we) need to do to enter it once it was established? What would be the "benefits" of the Kingdom of God especially when the kingdoms of the world still were part of our lives. After all, it seems like it is a "both and" not "either or" proposition. We live in both the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. How are they connected? It is not hard to see how the disciples (and we) might expect the power of God to rule in our kingdoms and benefit us as we live in this world. If (since) He is King of kings and Lord of lords, shouldn't our relationship with Him benefit us in our lives in the world? Since He rules in God's Kingdom, wouldn't we "get ahead" in this world, benefit with riches and power and health? That was the expectation of the Jews, looking for the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. That was the expectation of many who came to Jesus looking for healing (again and again the crowds came with their sick) and feeding (following the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 people were ready for Jesus to be their bread king) and justice (remember the young man who wanted Jesus to force his brother to divide the inheritance with him). But again and again Jesus' reaction was surprising and even stern with those people. When all were looking for healing for the paralytic lowered through the roof, Jesus provided forgiveness of sins. Again and again Jesus told the healed not to tell anyone who did it. Jesus castigated those who were simply looking for a bread king when He came as the bread of Life. He refused to act as an arbitrator about the business dealings of the world. So the disciples should not have been surprised when Jesus describes the difference and disconnect between wealth and the Way of life (participation in the kingdom). The blessed in the ways of the world (wealthy) have no special place in the heart of God. Their wealth is not a sign of God's acceptance of them and therefore their worthiness to enter the kingdom. In fact, their wealth can be an obstacle to their entrance into the Kingdom. OK, that was not strong enough. The whole point of Jesus' message in the lesson today is not that wealth "can be" but that it IS an obstacle to entrance into the kingdom. It's not that some camels are small enough to get through the eye of a needle but that camels just can't do that. And we are wealthy. We have to be honest about this. Compared to 99% of the people coming to Jesus (dropping out a few tax collectors and land owners), we are filthy rich (yep, I used that adjective intentionally). We can be so caught up in life in this world that we wander from the faith. Paul described that in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:10). "For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs." What happens is that instead of using the gifts God has given us to further His Kingdom, the wealthy expect God to use His power to simply further their position in the kingdoms of the world. So God is simply our "backer" and "banker" who provides what we need to get ahead in this world. How foolish is that? And it works consistently in other aspects of our lives. When we (or a loved one) is ill or even deathly ill, we see God's love only in the healing of that person. How many of us how many times used the ploy, "God, if you're really there, prove it. Heal this person." Sounds like the sisters in discussion with Jesus after He delayed coming to heal their brother, Lazarus. "if you had made it, if you had gotten here in time, if you loved him, he would still be alive." Remember which way Jesus takes the FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 4 of 23
conversation (lesson)? "He will live again because I am the resurrection and the Life (John 11:20-16). Sooner or later, almost always earlier than we want, we and our loved ones will die. Lazarus was raised that day only to die again another day. But because Jesus is King of the Kingdom of God, "whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8). The more focused we are on the kingdoms of this world and life in this world, the more we will dread the coming of the Lord to bring us to His Kingdom. Either death is the gate to eternal life or the end of life (as the funeral liturgy puts it). Disciples are called to His Kingdom eternally as all other kingdoms are passing away. 1. Do you pray, "Thy Kingdom come"? Do you mean it? 2. Who gave you what you have in this life? Why did He give it to you? 3. What is the ultimate sign of God's love? Can it ever be taken from you? 4. What will you do with the rest of your time in this world while waiting for His kingdom to come? May God's kingdom come in power and glory in our lives now and eternally. Peace in Him, Pastor Johnson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Referenced lessons from the devotion above. John 11:20-16 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Faith Matters for Sunday, 9/21/14 15 th Sunday after Pentecost Here are the lessons for today to read through the Bible in three years: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Blessing on your reflection on the Word and devotion by Pastor Peacock; they are sent early on Saturday so you can prepare for Sunday's readings and sermon. Peace, Pastor Johnson ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Lesson for the Day: Jonah 3:10-4:11 3:10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it. 4:1-11 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, "I pray thee, LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repentest of evil. 3 Therefore now, O LORD, take my life from me, I beseech thee, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4 And the LORD said, "Do you do well to be angry?" 5 Then Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 5 of 23
under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 And the LORD God appointed a plant, and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm which attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a sultry east wind, and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah so that he was faint; and he asked that he might die, and said, "It is better for me to die than to live." 9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." 10 And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night, and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nin'eveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" Second Lesson for the Day: Psalm 145:1-8 A Song of Praise. Of David. I will extol thee, my God and King, and bless thy name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of thy majesty, and on thy wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 Men shall proclaim the might of thy terrible acts, and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of thy abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Third Lesson for the Day: Philippians 1:21-30 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear omen to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict which you saw and now hear to be mine. Gospel Lesson for the Day: Matthew 20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place; 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. 5 Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing; and he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the householder, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 6 of 23
Dear Disciples of Christ, Six times in his letters does the Apostle Paul speak about maturity. In this case he is writing in his letters he is talking about spiritual maturity, growing in the ways of Christ and in the Gospel. In his letter to the church at Ephesus, a community he started, Paul writes, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Later in this chapter he says, And grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Gifts? Yes, as in the case of faith, spiritual maturity, what some might call holiness (or sanctification using Luther's terms), is a gift of the grace of God. We ardently pray for such gifts, while at the same time, in response to the love and grace of God shown in Christ, we seek to grow in our relationship with God by being attentive to such a relationship. This attentiveness is rooted in the practice of the faith. These practices are prayer, meditation and contemplation upon the Word of God, personal stewardship of our time, our ability and our financial resources, and gathering together with other disciples of Christ in worship which would include hearing the Good News proclaimed, confessing sin and remembering our baptism and breaking bread together around the Lord's table as He calls us to do. These are the central things which facilitate our growth and maturity in Christ, as we seek to imitate our Lord, picking up our crosses and following him (Matthew 16:24-26). We can never out give God and the abundance of his gifts showered upon the church are great. As the people of God, baptized and called and equipped, we are the church. All too often we think of the Church as a building, a place to go and visit once a week. The reality is that We ARE the Church and our reflection is centered around one question, what does it mean to be the church? We have been gifted by the grace of God. Paul speaks further about the gifts God has given in terms of using them to grow into full Christian maturity. Again in Ephesians chapter 4 Paul writes, And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love. Maturity, for Paul means imitating Christ. In other letters to the faithful, Paul even is so bold as to invite the believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Jesus is Lord and he is our Savior and insomuch as he has called us, we are to set our goal to follow in his footsteps. This is the Spirit's work to accomplish this in us and we pray fervently for God's grace to accomplish this. Certainly Paul himself is a model of such maturity and this becomes clear in our third reading today from his letter to the Philippians. For Paul, this maturity is shown forth in his understanding of and acceptance of suffering for the Church. The background of Paul's letter to the Philippians is significant to understanding the challenge he faces. This is a letter Paul writes in chains. The likelihood is that Paul is in Rome, awaiting a hearing to which he was entitled because he was a Roman citizen. You can read of Paul's trials and his journey to Rome in the Acts of the Apostles chapters 27 and 28. Based upon what Paul says in his letter to the Church at Philippi he was likely set free from his first imprisonment and continued to work until he was arrested again during the Christian persecution of Emperor Nero in AD 67. Paul understood what it meant to suffer for the Gospel! In the text of that epistle (a personal letter), Paul is sharing with the faithful how he views such persecution and the benefit of living versus dying in Christ. He clearly can see the personal benefit of death yet also withstands such suffering for the sake of the community. In the preceding verses, Paul writes to the Philippians understanding that his arrest and imprisonment has served to advance the Gospel, seeing this even as an opportunity to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ all the way from Jerusalem, Cesarea Maritima (where he was first tried in Israel by the Roman Governor) and then to Rome, where he appealed to the Emperor himself. Can't you just imagine Paul bending the ear of his jailors, telling them all about Jesus and his love for them? He says that he will rejoice in knowing FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 7 of 23
that the prayers of the Christians at Philippi, along with the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ will accomplish his deliverance. Yes, the same Spirit that accomplishes much for the great Apostle, will too accomplish much in our hearts as well moving us toward such spiritual maturity as Paul demonstrates. Because Paul knows he is in God's hands and trusts in his care and eventual deliverance for the sake of the Gospel. Paul in his spiritual maturity recognizes that his imprisonment does not defeat the Gospel, the exact opposite is true, in fact. By faith and spiritual maturity, Paul knows that the Gospel is indeed growing still by his persecution and gives thanks to God for it. This has profound impact upon our understanding of self-giving for the sake of the Gospel as well. While the world around us seems to be moving further and further away from God's plan, we do not fear, but instead commit ourselves, in the manner of Saint Paul, to the commission God has given us all. This commission is to go forth, make disciples, proclaiming the Good news in freedom and in captivity, in good times and in challenging ones. Spiritual maturity is what Paul speaks of when he writes, Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Walking in love, asking for forgiveness when we sin against a brother or sister, offering it when we offended, clinging to the faith that we who have sinned are forgiven by God. Living daily according to the knowledge which the law provides, namely that we are sinners, the Gospel produces a living faith which trusts and believes that Christ accomplished our forgiveness on the Cross and moves us to share that forgiveness with one another. This is what the world hungers for and which we, like Paul, have been commissioned to share, even to the point of suffering. Maturity moves us to understand and accept this call and grasp hold of it by faith. If God grants us a day in this world, it is because he has called us to serve others by living in such a way that is consistent with the Gospel. Our ability to live this way is a product of the deliverance which comes by faith in Christ, God's Word made flesh, and of his Holy Spirit which gives us such a faith to withstand the trials of life and endure to the end. 1. What does it mean to imitate Christ? 2. Is Spiritual maturity all about my efforts? 3. What is God's commission mean to me?/how do I respond to the call of Christ? 4. What does it mean for me to be able to say with Paul, to live is Christ? Living in Christ means living with the knowledge that we live by grace (God's undeserved favor), in his image, to serve as he did for those around us. It is the Spirit of God that gives us hope for deliverance, faith in the resurrection and a desire to live as Christ did for the sake of others. Peace, Pastor Peacock ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Scripture verses referenced in the text of the devotion: Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 1 Corinthian 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 8 of 23
Faith Matters for Monday, 9/22/14 Here are the lessons for today to read through the Bible in three years: Psalm 106:1-12, Genesis 27:1-29, Romans 16:1-16 Based on the Lessons from last Sunday: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Blessing on your reflection on the Word and devotion; Peace, Pastor Johnson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Lesson of the Day: Psalm 106:1-12 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! 2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or show forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4 Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people; help me when thou deliverest them; 5 that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thy heritage. 6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider thy wonderful works; they did not remember the abundance of thy steadfast love, but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry; and he led them through the deep as through a desert. 10 So he saved them from the hand of the foe, and delivered them from the power of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. 12 Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. Second lesson for the Day: Genesis 27:1-29 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son, and said to him, "My son"; and he answered, "Here I am." 2 He said, "Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat; that I may bless you before I die." 5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, "I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, 7 'Bring me game, and prepare for me savory food, that I may eat it, and bless you before the LORD before I die.' 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my word as I command you. 9 Go to the flock, and fetch me two good kids, that I may prepare from them savory food for your father, such as he loves; 10 and you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies." 11 But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, "Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 12 Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him, and bring a curse upon myself and not a blessing." 13 His mother said to him, "Upon me be your curse, my son; only obey my word, and go, fetch them to me." 14 So he went and took them and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared savory food, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took the best garments of Esau her older son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son; 16 and the skins of the kids she put upon his hands and upon the smooth part of his neck; 17 and she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 18 So he went in to his father, and said, "My father"; and he said, "Here I am; who are you, my son?" 19 Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your first-born. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that you may bless me." 20 But Isaac said to his son, "How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?" He answered, "Because the LORD your God granted me success." 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not." 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau." 23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him. 24 He said, "Are you really my son Esau?" He answered, "I am." 25 Then he said, "Bring it to me, that I may eat of my son's game and bless you." So he brought it to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. 26 Then his father Isaac said to him, "Come near and kiss me, my son." 27 So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed! 28 May God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 9 of 23
grain and wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be every one who curses you, and blessed be every one who blesses you!" Third lesson for the Day: Romans 16:1-16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cen'chre-ae, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aq'uila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks; 5 greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epae'netus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard among you. 7 Greet Androni'cus and Ju'nias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men of note among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplia'tus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urba'nus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apel'les, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobu'lus. 11 Greet my kinsman Hero'dion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcis'sus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphae'na and Trypho'sa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, eminent in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyn'critus, Phlegon, Hermes, Pat'robas, Hermas, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philol'ogus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olym'pas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Disciples of Christ, Do you remember Paul writing about the variety of gifts that God has given the Christian community? I have found that to be absolutely true and proved again and again in the history of my ministry. At each stage of ministry development, the gifts and abilities are available in the community members. Paul puts it this way in his first letter to the Corinthians (12:4-7). "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." I've always said, "If we can identify the will of God for the community and agree to do it, He will provide what we need. He will never ask us to do something without providing the means and ways to do it." I still believe that. So, for example, when we were finding land for our ministry, God provided a member who was a realtor. When we were designing buildings for ministry use, God provided an architect. When we needed to "wend our ways" through codes, God provided a building inspector as a member. When we were looking at developing a school, God provided a member who had served as principal of a school. When we needed teachers, He provided. I could go on, but you get the idea. The opportunity for ministries and the ministers come together in the mission of Christ. If we have the will to serve Him, He will provide what is needed to accomplish the mission. That's what I hear in the lesson above in what seems to be a simple final greeting from Paul to the Romans. He mentions some people (long lost in history) but what I find interesting is the description of their work, their ministry to and for him and for the cause of Christ. I wanted to point to a few (that I have bolded in the text above. First of all there is the mention of Phoebe the deaconess. Let's not forget what a dramatic change was taking place, that there was a "position" in the church called "deacon" (literally servant) and that the deacons could be (and were) women! When Paul said we put on Christ, it is that Christ changes our nature and the nature of our ministry. It is not a man serving or a woman serving or a slave serving but Christ using disciples to serve the common good. From Galatians 3:27-28 we read, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." These are disciples of Christ, Spirit filled on the inside with Christ on the outside, just like us, saints of God. Phoebe was a "helper of many" including Paul. That "helper" was someone who provided FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 10 of 23
care, a protector, a "patroness." I still see that "position" or work in the church today, with people becoming patrons of others. Currently we're soliciting support from patrons for the children in our day school whose parents cannot afford to pay the full tuition of the school. Most of the students at our early childhood location of the school are not Christian. The opportunity to make witness to the faith is extraordinary. The gifts of the patrons make this possible. They are helpers of many. Next comment is about Prisca and Aquila and their willingness to "risk their necks" for Paul's life. I wouldn't have thought that phrase was around so long ago but also wonder what happened to that willingness to suffer for the faith, that there is a cost for discipleship. To be honest, I more often see, in these days, people asking what the church is going to do for them, what the benefits are for membership. Perhaps it's our day and age or our society, but the focus for people today is "what's in it for me" and "what do I get." The suggestion that the faith is really about what we have to offer, what we can give and sacrifice, seems "out of synch" with the day in which we live. Jesus' idea that we would need to lose our lives to gain them seems a confusing parable or hyperbole at best. He really isn't asking us to sacrifice ourselves, is He? Actually, yes, and the witness of those who sacrifice for the cause of Christ stands out today (I guess as it did in Paul's day with Prisca and Aquila. Note also there is a "church" in their house, an assembly of Christians. We are way before church buildings and we have to remember that when Paul mentions "church" he is never thinking of the church buildings we have today. Whereas first the early believers worked in the synagogues to try to convince Jews that Jesus was the long promised Messiah, and even Paul did that, the Gentiles were found out in the highways and byways, like those invited to the wedding feast for the King's son (Luke 14:23). And when the gathered (assembled, became church) it was not in the synagogues, or in church buildings we have today, but in the homes of faithful who risked their necks for the sake of others. At at time when it was dangerous and illegal to be a Christian, imagine using your house to gather those people in worship and praise of God and King Jesus? And so it goes on (in the lesson above). There are those like Mary who worked hard (God bless the hard workers in every church). There are those willing to sacrifice their freedoms (becoming fellow prisoners with Paul). There were the apostles (no, not the 12 but those who were "sent out" - a literal translation of the word, "apostle") who were believers (in Christ) even before him. There were fellow workers and those "approved" in Christ, and those "in the Lord" and "workers in the Lord" and those who "worked hard in the Lord" and the "eminent in the Lord." Do you get the picture and theme going on here? When we were baptized, we were baptized into Christ and His death. We live in Him and He lives in us so we are "in the Lord." May the Lord guide us in our service to Him and His faithful, making witness with our lives as to whose we are. 1. What gifts has God given you for the common good? 2. What gifts are you using for the common good of the community? 3. What difference are you making in accomplishing the mission of Christ in your church? 4. What has it cost you to be a disciple of Christ? 5. How would you see your life being lived "in the Lord" from your baptism? May we join the faithful cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and proclaim in word and deed that Jesus is our Lord. Peace in Him, Pastor Johnson FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 11 of 23
Faith Matters for Tuesday, 9/23/14 Here are the lessons for today to read through the Bible in three years: Psalm 106:1-12, Genesis 28:10-17, Romans 16:17-20 Based on the Lessons from last Sunday: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Blessing on your reflection on the Word and devotion by Pastor Phillips; Peace, Pastor Johnson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Lesson for the Day: Psalm 106:1-12 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! 2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or show forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4 Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people; help me when thou deliverest them; 5 that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thy heritage. 6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider thy wonderful works; they did not remember the abundance of thy steadfast love, but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry; and he led them through the deep as through a desert. 10 So he saved them from the hand of the foe, and delivered them from the power of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. 12 Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. Second Lesson for the Day: Genesis 28:10-17 Jacob left Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place, and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; 14 and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you." 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place; and I did not know it." 17 And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." Third Lesson for the Day: Romans 16:17-20 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. 19 For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; 20 then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Disciples of Christ, How do you say it? Tomato (Toe-maaa-toe vs Toe-may-toe)? Potato (Poe-taaa-toe vs Poe-tay-toe)? That is where my mind went regarding the Romans text above. Sometimes this whole community life thing as the body of Christ can be - well, we'll just say interesting! Whenever two or three are gathered, Christ is present. But, so are the individuals. You can have 2 people together and they may never agree on how FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 12 of 23
to even say the word tomato or potato let alone share in some of the theological and doctrinal things related to the church and faith. This has been around since - well, at least since Romans 16:18!!!!!! That is a long time! Now, good Lord willing you've never had an actual fight in the church over how you say tomato or potato but I'd wager some of you have had some interesting conversations about the paint color or real plates vs paper plates at fellowship! The text above relates to issues of bigger matters but isn't it interesting how divisive a community can be - and there is an explanation for that! Paul is writing to the church in Rome, encouraging them to be vigilant with what they are hearing, saying and experiencing. False prophets are nothing new. False teaching is nothing new but the work of Christ crucified and risen, fulfilling and completing the law of Moses, is a new message to which satan is all to eager to destroy and tear apart. For some, the message was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Protecting tradition, building individual kingdoms (not God's Kingdom) was more important then proclaiming truth. It is no wonder dissensions and difficulties occurred. What is really sad about this is; Paul wasn't talking just about people outside of the church, he was speaking of people WITHIN the church. Paul was talking about those who represented the church and faith. They can speak the language and talk the talk, but they would do so for their own personal gain and building up; not for the building up of God's Kingdom. What I continue to find so remarkable, and I know it shouldn't come to me as such a surprise, is how much satan is working to tear apart what God brings together or seeks to bless. The second that first drop of water went on our forehead at our baptism (or maybe you were immersed) and God took hold of us, satan has been working to lure us away. We are enticed by smooth talking whispers in our ears with phrases like "have it your way". Our heart is attracted to rational explanations and excuses as we ignore things like "to gain our life we must loose it". Our eyes go to the sweet images of Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father, working to prepare a room for us because we don't want to face the grim images of Christ on the cross for our sake. These enticing thoughts can (and does) collectively affect the witness of the church thru the community. That is one of Paul's concerns. Community life can be difficult BUT community life is what has grown disciples as seeds of faith are planted and cultivated. How do people know the love of God unless they have experienced it? How do people come to understand the power of forgiveness unless they have learned about the power of God's forgiveness in their own life? Where might one go to learn about God? To hear His Good News and to be taught His Word? To encounter God's mercy and compassion as well as His teachings and instructions? To learn what it means to be a called disciple of Christ and witness to His redeeming work for our sake? Where does one go? The mall? NO! The gas station? NO! We go to Church, we gather as a community, to worship, study, pray, sing, reflect, receive AND give but we also gather to go!!! To go in peace and serve the Lord! Life together as a community gathered in Christ is a real joy and blessing. Any other reason to gather is simply idol worship. Any other teaching other than the proclamation of the one who IS TRUTH (Jesus Christ) is contrary to the will AND word of God. We pray for the Spirits work in our lives and communities. We pray for wisdom and discernment. We pray for God's power and work in our lives and witness. We pray for truth and preaching of sound doctrine. To know what that is, we need to be in the Word and at worship where we hold each other accountable. But the truth be told, and I know it isn't any secret to you, is that the church consists of sinners. Combine that with satan's tasty appetite to separate what God draws together, and we have a prescription for Paul's warning above! There is a real gift to the community that gathers. In some ways, we practice the most difficult elements of our faith there as a way to take it out in the world as part of our witness. Reality is (perhaps you caught it as I did), when I mentioned the mall and gas station it IS possible for someone to come to know and experience Christ; especially if we are bearing the light of Christ wherever we go! But, my point in all of this is Paul's response to the church and the divisive work occurring in the church itself. Satan can disguise false teaching, satan can try to make us become a stumbling block to those coming to faith, but his work is crushed and overcome by God's work. The GOOD NEWS in all of this is we know the power God has vs the power satan has (can I get a great big AMEN!?!?!) and we've been promised victory and deliverance today and into the future. FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 13 of 23
God's presence and power is bigger then the challenges we face individually or as a community. The Spirit is more present and powerful in drawing together the faithful than satan is in his attempts to destroy the unity and peace in the church. We gather to build each other up, encourage one another in truth, and strengthen each other in our faithful witness in the world. Sound and truthful teaching is found in the scripture and articulated thru doctrine and in the end our focus, our gathering, our mission is always Christ and his Kingdom. Anything else... well, that is the devil and all his empty promises! 1. Discerning truth can be very difficult at times. Where do you go to find it? Friend, family member, church, Bible, worship, the world? 2. You've often heard us say in Faith Matters that scripture interprets scripture. Therefore, shouldn't doctrine also be interpreted by scripture? 3. Do you sometimes find that the disagreements over things like how you say tomato or potato might just be satans way of working to divide vs unite? May God bless you today in your witness and ministry in the world. May you be a reflection of His truth and a light of hope to those who've not yet heard the Good News. Peace Pastor Phillips Faith Matters for Wednesday, 9/24/14 Here are the lessons for today to read through the Bible in three years: Psalm 106:1-12, Isaiah 41:1-13, Matthew 18:1-5 Based on the Lessons from last Sunday: Jonah 3:10-4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Blessing on your reflection on the Word and devotion; Peace, Pastor Johnson +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Lesson for the Day: Psalm 106:1-12 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! 2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or show forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! 4 Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people; help me when thou deliverest them; 5 that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thy heritage. 6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider thy wonderful works; they did not remember the abundance of thy steadfast love, but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry; and he led them through the deep as through a desert. 10 So he saved them from the hand of the foe, and delivered them from the power of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left. 12 Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. Second Lesson for the Day: Isaiah 41:1-13 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment. 2 Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings under foot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow. 3 He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths his feet have not trod. 4 Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am He. 5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid, the ends of the earth tremble; they have drawn near and come. 6 Every one helps his neighbor, and says to his brother, "Take courage!" 7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good"; and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved. 8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its FM for Saturday 9/19/14 through Friday 9/26/14 Page 14 of 23