December 22, 2009 – People Everywhere
Scripture: Matthew 28:19, Acts 1: 8 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…
…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Devotion:
As I get older the world seems to get smaller. Afghanistan, Iran, Korea, and a thousand other places used to seem so far away but they seem to be right here with us – in our conversations, in our prayers and on our televisions.
I have long been a people watcher. God gave me the gift (sometimes curse) of being sensitive to people – it's very much a part of why I'm where I am in my life. People are interesting – sometimes they are funny, sometimes they make you cry, and sometimes you just want to smack them upside the head! I recently saw a saying, “I love Jesus. People are difficult.” We joke about a lot of things being easier if it weren't for people. But Jesus came for us – the difficult, the whining, the broken, the arrogant, the people. We are everywhere and we are right here.
I've been on mission trips to Mexico and Brazil. I've also been to Mobile and Andalusia. I've worshiped in churches in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mexico, and Brazil. And I've noticed that people are pretty much the same. Sure the circumstances may differ and the color of their skin may be different but basically they are the same – deep down they need the same thing: they need to know that there is hope and that there is a God who loves them. We are called to be His witnesses and we are called to go to the very same people that He came to earth to reach. Yes, they can be difficult and unloving but then again, if we are honest, aren't we also difficult and unloving?
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see”.
Can we, with clear conscience, withhold the gift of this amazing grace from those who need it still?
Father, move us. Let us see the people around us as You see them. Break our hearts for them and open our mouths to speak Your love to them. Lord, remind us of the joy when we first heard of Your love for us and give us a hunger to share it with others until all have heard the good news and come home to You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
December 21, 2009 – Pray for Peace
Scripture: Psalm 122: 6-7 (NIV)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.
Devotion:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. What does that have to do with me here in Pendergrass, Georgia? Or in Atlanta, Miami, New York, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, or L.A.? Or in London, Paris, Baghdad, Tokyo, Sydney, or Beijing? Or even in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the chosen city just as Israel is a chosen people. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem gives something in return – security and peace within our own homes and cities.
Do you find it interesting that Jerusalem is in the very heart of so much violence? This is nothing new but I believe the need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem is part of the key of finding peace for all the other cities and towns of the world. God favors Jerusalem and so we are called to pray (this doesn't mean we have to agree with the politics of Israel as a nation).
Peace and security. Rare commodities in this day but they are within our reach if we only pray.
God, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I pray for the peace and security of the homes and towns of all those who love and pray for Jerusalem. Grant me the peace and security of my city, my home, and my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen
December 18, 2009 – Silver and Gold
Scripture: Acts 3:6 (KJV)
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Devotion:
Okay, how many of you thought of the Burl Ives song when you saw the title? Remember the words?
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold
How do you measure it's worth?
Just by the pleasure it gives here on earth.
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Mean so much more when I see
Silver and gold decorations
On ev'ry Christmas tree.
The lame beggar was wishing for silver and gold but something caused Peter's attention to turn toward him that day and he received so much more. How do you measure the worth of what he received? I don't think you can put a value on it.
What brings you pleasure here on earth? I trust that it is more than silver and gold (unless we are talking about the decorations on your Christmas tree). What brings meaning to your life? What do you hope to receive? What do you really need?
Christmas is just one week away. Really think about your answers to these questions and come up with your own prayer for the day.
“Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee… rise up…”
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