March 2023 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for March 31, 2023 – Jesus KNOWS…and He loves us anyhow!

March 31 ~ Luke 22:21-34
“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you!”

Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Something in this passage jumped out at me today that I had never noticed before…and I’ve read this passage dozens of times. Jesus said to Simon/Peter, “I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.” I really don’t know how I missed this before…but it is truly profound. Jesus prayed for His disciples…and He especially prayed for Peter. He knew what was ahead. Jesus knew that Peter would be questioned and would lie about even knowing Him. And of course, we know this is exactly what happened. We also know that Peter was “the rock” on which Jesus built His church…the one human being He trusted most to serve in ministry and further His Kingdom.

Think about it…what Jesus did for Peter, He does for us. He intercedes on our behalf. He knows that we won’t always get everything right. In fact, Jesus knows that sometimes, we will mess things up terribly with our hatred, selfishness, greed, and desires to fit in, follow the crowd, or satisfy our own whims. And yet, Jesus is ready to not only set us upright again and take up for us…He wants us to serve as His agents on this earth! Christ is counting on us, in spite of our best efforts to disappoint and alienate Him so much of the time!

I don’t know about you, but I am truly humbled by this. My Jesus knows me – and loves me anyhow…and He feels the same way about you! Jesus knows our potential – and the pitfalls that could trip us up and cause us to sin. Jesus knows how persistent the devil can be…and He also knows that like Peter, when we feel our back is to the wall, we are vulnerable to any temptation to save ourselves. Jesus KNOWS! And He loves us and wants us to be His earthly representatives all the same. I don’t consider this a license to do as I please…but more of a reminder of what an incomparable Master I serve. And I am more determined than ever to represent Him to the best of my ability.

This is actually an encouraging scripture passage. The Jesus who was discounted and even denied by His beloved never gave up on them. And He isn’t giving up on us, either! Thank Him today for such “amazing grace,” mercy, and love…and commit yourself to serve Him with faith and obedience – always and in all ways. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 30, 2023 – The view is better in the back seat!

Luke 22:24-30
And they began to argue among themselves as to who would have the highest rank in the coming Kingdom.

Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. Out in the world the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant. Nevertheless, because you have stood true to me in these terrible days, and because my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I, here and now, grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in that Kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Ever since the kids came along, we have had a vehicle with third row seating. This worked out well when Timothy was old enough to fasten himself into his own car seat. We could send him to the back row, and we could help Zola and Nathan with their buckles. As “the littles” (as we used to call them) grew older and more able to be independent, they began to say, “Hey! I want to sit back there!” Even when we were driving somewhere with only one child, this little one would want to sit in the back seat!

Early on, Greg realized that this was because the view was better there. The child was surrounded on three sides by wide, unobstructed windows. Sitting higher up in a car seat, the vantage point was one of the best in the vehicle. You didn’t look straight ahead at the back of another tall car seat – or to the side at the child who shared your row and a smaller window. You had room to stretch and move – and a much broader view!

I thought about this when I read this passage today from Luke 22. This part has always confused me a little. I get that being a servant of Jesus has rewards and blessings. I understand that humility is a virtue. But it had never really occurred to me that the “view” is better, too!

When we humble ourselves before Jesus, we get a better view of what it means to serve Him, and how it blesses us. When we stop trying to have our own way or be right all the time, we can better understand what the other person is experiencing. More importantly, we often can see what Jesus sees.

But the biggest gain is that we can truly see Jesus when we step out of the way and move to the back seat. We can see what He is trying to do in our lives – and in the lives of others. We can see how living for Jesus and serving Him brings glory to His kingdom – and a multitude of blessings.

It is time for us to step aside and stop trying to always be first. It is time for us to humble ourselves before Jesus, and ask Him, “What would you have me do?” It is time for us to gladly take a back seat. After all, the view is better there anyway! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 29, 2023 – God’s table is open – even to a modern-day “Judas”

Luke 22:17-23
Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and gave thanks to God. Then he told the apostles, “Take this wine and share it with each other. I tell you that I will not drink any more wine until God’s kingdom comes.”

Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!”

After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, “This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!”

Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Last week, I made banana nut bread using my mother’s recipe. I always think of her when I make this bread. Years ago, she gave my sister, my niece and me books of handwritten recipes, and Banana Nut Bread is one of them. Mother didn’t make this bread often, and I can tell you why. There are a lot of steps…and I think I used at least six bowls or measuring cups before I had two Bundt rings of batter ready to go into the oven! Still, every time I make this bread, my mother comes to mind. The same can be said for homemade bread and my Mam-ma Polly…or gravy at Thanksgiving made from the turkey drippings and my mother-in-law, Grandma E. We often associate certain foods with a person or an event.

So, it seems logical that Jesus used bread and wine to present His beloved disciples with a lasting memory…a “connection” of sorts to Him. He tells them specifically…”When you eat this bread and drink this cup, remember Me.” I will tell you…I have participated in “Holy Communion” hundreds of times in my life. But I was well into adulthood before I truly made the connection between this “ritual” and my relationship to Jesus. I now fully understand that the bread represents His sacrifice on the cross for my sins – and yours. The wine denotes His blood, spilled across the earth to wash away those sins forever and ever. Now, when I participate in this holy ceremony, I understand that I am remembering Jesus’ sacrifice – and acknowledging my surrender once again.

It is not lost on me that Jesus offered this “remembrance” to everyone…including Judas. Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him to the Roman authorities. He knew that Judas would almost instantly regret this decision and come to his senses – but it would be too late to change the outcome. Jesus knew that Judas would be so distraught that he would hang himself. Still, Jesus offered “the bread and the cup” to Judas and offered Him love and grace.

As the disciples began to argue about who among them might be a traitor, Jesus kept silent. He could have stood up, pointed His finger at Judas, and said, “YOU! You are the one who will be responsible for what happens next. YOU will be fully liable for my suffering and death!” But Jesus didn’t do this…He demonstrated love and affection for all who were there.

We have modern-day forms of Judas among us…people who would figuratively trample us to the ground and walk past if it made them look or feel better. We know people who are willing to take all we will offer them…and then hold us at arm’s length – or treat us with disrespect and/or disdain. We know those who cannot wait to pump us for information, so that they can share the latest “dirt” with others – or paint themselves to look better in some manner. We know people who will look a person right in the eye and say, “You are always welcome here,” and then turn and speak ill of him/her. We know people who will kneel and receive the Holy Sacraments of bread and wine – and indicate complete surrender and commitment to Jesus…then go about their selfish, hateful lives saying and doing everything that glorifies themselves – and little to nothing to serve the One whose body and blood they accepted.

This is the time of year when I do a lot of deep soul searching, because the stories of the cross and resurrection always lead me there. I simply cannot fathom the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. And yet, I want all of it so badly – in multiple doses! I know that at times, I have been a “Judas” in some manner…and so have you. But we don’t have to stay there. And the GOOD NEWS of Jesus and what He did for us is that we can always start over. His table is always open…and we are forever welcome.

This day, spend some time at the table with Jesus. Thank Him for His gifts of salvation and the promise of Eternal Life. Thank Him for walking with us every day in the form of the Holy Spirit. Examine your life and see where you need to make necessary adjustments to follow and serve Jesus better…then do it! God’s table is open, and all are welcome! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2023 – Making the most of every encounter in the name of Jesus…it’s always more than just “sharing a meal.”

Luke 22:7-16
Now the day of the Passover celebration arrived, when the Passover lamb was killed and eaten with the unleavened bread. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to find a place to prepare their Passover meal.

“Where do you want us to go?” they asked.

And he replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, you will see a man walking along carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house he enters, and say to the man who lives there, ‘Our Teacher says for you to show us the guest room where he can eat the Passover meal with his disciples.’ He will take you upstairs to a large room all ready for us. That is the place. Go ahead and prepare the meal there.”

They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and prepared the Passover supper.

Then Jesus and the others arrived, and at the proper time all sat down together at the table; and he said, “I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat it again until what it represents has occurred in the Kingdom of God.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Greg and I were recently invited to share a birthday meal with our cousins. The youngest child in our family will be seven on Thursday. This boy and his sister call us “Aunt” Debbie and “Uncle” Greg, and we love them and their parents dearly. Grilled hamburgers and all the trimmings were served. The little boy’s maternal grandmother made him a cake to his specifications – complete with icing that looked like waves on the ocean and a plastic military aircraft carrier and naval insignia as toppers.

Both my family and Greg’s have always been big on sharing meals…particularly for holidays and birthdays. We treasure memories of time spent with many generations around a table or campfire, eating everything from turkey dinners with all the trimmings to hot dogs and S’mores – and even tuna salad and pimiento cheese sandwiches and potato chips on occasion. It is never as much about the food as it is the people. I have been on both ends of planning – and attending – special family meals (which often included “extended family” and friends). To read about Jesus’ plans for this epic meal assures me that gathering together with loved ones is not only significant – it is Spiritual and holy!

When my mother was on Hospice care, her husband’s daughters (both nurses) and other family members came from Tennessee to help and offer moral support. Craig, the husband of one of the daughters, quickly developed a weekly menu, shopped for groceries, and prepared delicious evening meals for all of us. Even my mother came to the table for several of these, until she was no longer able to get out of bed or eat. I cannot specifically recall the last meal we shared…or what was served. But I know that each time we gathered, we fellowshipped, talked, and even laughed. And it was a precious, holy time for all of us.

We all know the significance of Jesus’ “Last Supper” with His disciples. And in the coming days, we will look at this closer. But for today, I want you to think about the people in your life…both relatives and those who are “loved like family.” Think about how you interact with them. Do you nurture these relationships? Do you make the most of every minute and experience? Sometimes, brief impromptu encounters are as meaningful and significant as elaborately planned events that take days, weeks, or months of preparation. Jesus knew this. Even though He knew that this particular Passover meal was vastly significant, the focus was as much about the people in attendance as it was the food they would share.

Every day, I grow more keenly aware of how fleeting and precarious our life on this earth is. We truly have no time to waste. Someday, we will be able to linger at Christ’s Heavenly table, which I have no doubt will be laden with every delicious dish we could begin to imagine. I believe we will have more than enough time to linger with loved ones over good conversation, praise for our Savior, and hearty shared memories and experiences. But for now, we have Kingdom work to be doing…and every minute is an opportunity of sorts.

Hug your spouses, your kids, your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Make every effort to love one another…all of them. Pay attention to those in your midst and figure out who is hurting or in need of a kind word or loving gesture. Do all you can to be the hands and feet of our Jesus on this earth. Treat others like this might be the last time you are ever together…and live every moment to the fullest as Jesus commands and directs.

I am moved by Jesus’ words that vary only slightly among the scripture translations when He says, “I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you.” I am reminded that each opportunity we have to meet, greet, and maybe share a meal with someone else represents the opportunity for great holiness and ministry. Be thoughtful and loving today. Greet others as if it might be the last time you see them this side of Heaven. Speak and act with great care, and let each person see the love and grace of Jesus Christ in your words and actions. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 27, 2023 – Trusting Jesus to guide and guard us…how far are you willing to follow Him?

Luke 22:1-6
The Festival of Thin Bread, also called Passover, was near. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus, because they were afraid of what the people might do. Then Satan entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve apostles.

Judas went to talk with the chief priests and the officers of the temple police about how he could help them arrest Jesus. They were very pleased and offered to pay Judas some money. He agreed and started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus when the crowds were not around.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Recently, Greg and I saw a television news interview with Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer. During the interview, talk turned to the spring of 2020, when armed demonstrators took over the Michigan state capitol building and threatened to kidnap and kill Governor Whitmer. Thankfully, she was not in the building at the time. The protestors were partly angry at Whitmer over her restrictive policies regarding COVID19 – but the resentments were far deeper for many. I truly believe Satan jumped right in the middle of this situation and stirred up lies and fears – and caused a lot of people to at least prepare to do unspeakable things.

Regardless of what side of the political aisle on which you sit, this is never the correct approach. And yet, it is one that the devil has taken advantage of forever. The priests and teachers didn’t like the words and actions of Jesus and His disciples, so they decided the thing to do was to kill him. Today, we hopefully are not willing to go this far, but too many of us are quick to judge, ostracize, and downright disparage “others” if we don’t like what they are saying – or we disagree with them on some level.

Just last week, a Florida school principal was forced to resign or be fired because a class of sixth-graders was shown photos of Michelangelo’s statue of David. A parent complained that this was pornography. You can look at states throughout the nation where laws are being enacted to, at best, widen the gap between certain people and groups – all in an effort to “protect the children.” Worse yet, many claim the name of Jesus – the very man against whom a plot to kill Him and try to shut Him up for good was developed and brought to fruition – as their justification!

As we approach Passover Sunday, it is time to renew our focus on the cross. We need to make this a year-round habit. But for now, let’s take a couple of weeks and really examine our hearts and minds…and the intention of Jesus and His birth, death, and resurrection. Where are we behaving like the chief priests? Heaven forbid, where have you and I become modern-day Judases – willing to sell our souls to the devil to fit in with a certain group or to further a personal agenda? How are we even unknowingly letting the devil have his way in our hearts and minds?

Spend as much time as you need talking to Jesus about this. Study the scriptures and ask Him to show you how and where you might need to make a shift in thought and attitude. Don’t be afraid of what others will think or do, if you know that Jesus is not in agreement. He will guide and guard you. That’s a big part of why He came for us! It’s time to trust Him completely – and demonstrate our faith and gratitude. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 26, 2023 – Serving the King over all the earth in everything…Jesus is always here with us!

John 11:30-35; Zechariah 14:9
Now Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. When the Jewish leaders who were at the house trying to console Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’ tomb to weep; so they followed her.

When Mary arrived where Jesus was, she fell down at his feet, saying, “Sir, if you had been here, my brother would still be alive.”

When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jewish leaders wailing with her, he was moved with indignation and deeply troubled. “Where is he buried?” he asked them.

They told him, “Come and see.” Tears came to Jesus’ eyes. (John 11:30-35)

And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day there shall be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. (Zechariah 14:9)

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This morning, I heard Rev. Kathleen McMurray, pastor of Connecting Ministries and Worship at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, offer a sermon on the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection from John 11. She suggested several instances in which you and I might have felt as Martha and Mary did…if only Jesus had come, something bad or unpleasant might not have happened. She asked such questions as…“Where is Jesus when someone is diagnosed with cancer? Where is Jesus when tornadoes destroy homes and take lives? Where is Jesus when ‘life’ happens, and we don’t know what to do?” And the answer every time is, “Jesus is here with us.”

Now, this might also beg the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Why do we have illness, natural disaster, death, and heartaches? As Rev. McMurray explained (and I am paraphrasing), we can’t have Easter without the cross and the tomb…and Jesus is always with us, even in the difficulties, sufferings, and heartbreaks. If you read through John 11 and study the entire story of Lazarus, you will see that Martha told Jesus, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one we have so long awaited.” Even in her grief, she trusted Jesus. Mary was less forthright with her declaration, but she also acknowledged Jesus’ power and presence.

This brings me to the verse in Zechariah, which may be more of a prophesy of the Second Coming, but nonetheless, it is valuable here. For those of us who have surrendered our sins to Jesus, He is indeed King over all the earth. His name alone is worshiped, and even on our hardest, most confusing days, we trust Him. You may be at the “cross” or the “tomb” today, but Jesus is with you every step. You may not know how you are going to go forward…you may feel quite lonely and deserted. I assure you…Jesus is here. He is with you and will carry you when you cannot walk. Jesus may not literally raise you from the dead, but He will give you Life Everlasting in His presence if you commit to follow Him.

Most people know this scripture passage because in one translation, it says, “Jesus wept.” In The Living Bible, it says that “Tears came to Jesus’ eyes.” Jesus felt what those around Him felt…He understood the depths of their grief, frustration, fear, and heartache. And Jesus understands us, too…He is with us in all things. Jesus came to earth and endured life as a human being, then He suffered on the cross, was placed in the tomb, and rose again. Because of this, we are assured of His presence and His understanding of our “human condition.” And we are promised Eternal Life in His presence. Hallelujah to the King over all the earth! Amen!

Daily Devotional for March 25, 2023 – Lessons from a thunderstorm and waterfalls…living for the time of “unending day!”

Zechariah 14:6-7
It will be a bright day that won’t turn cloudy or cold. And the Lord has decided when it will happen—this time of unending day.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This morning, I awoke and realized that my sleep pattern has almost returned to “normal” – at least my “normal.” Several friends and I have commiserated that this particular change to Daylight Savings Time really did a number on us. I am not making this up – I whispered a prayer and said, “LORD, let this issue be settled before we have to change again in November!” If you don’t know, there is some talk to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. Wouldn’t it be great not to “spring forward” or “fall back” – or to have to run around changing clocks twice a year?!

Yesterday, we had a couple of lines of heavy thunderstorms roll through our state. Twice during daylight hours, the skies grew so dark at our house that you would have thought it was dinner time! I contemplated turning on lamps – and indeed, streetlights that sense darkness were illuminated for a time. Greg and I got out between storms and took a little trek down to the river below us, stopping to observe some waterfalls underneath our bluff along the way.

Fly fisherman casting across the river from “our” waterfall. See the Great Blue Heron on the rock just to the left of where the water enters the river?!

In heavy rains, a little ditch alongside our house swells and pours over the bluff in this incredible waterfall cascade. We had never seen what this looks like from the river until yesterday – and we were astounded and delighted. It was like this little jewel box gift from God, as the white ribbon of water gushed from the mountainside in cascades of brilliance amongst the thousands of shades of green, accented by the hot pink of the Redbud trees. We walked along the riverbank, watched, and listened. Fly fishermen were casting for rainbow trout, and a Great Blue Heron flew in and landed on a rock at almost the exact point “our” waterfall spilled into the river.

I really don’t mind a cloudy day – especially just as a thunderstorm passes. When I read this passage, I thought about how dark it got yesterday, and how we could hardly tell day from night. I thought of the continual brightness of Heaven – unending day – a perpetual “Daylight Savings Time” of sorts! There are times when my “to-do” list is long, and I wish the day was longer. I also hope that somewhere, somehow, God will allow us a misty, muggy “after-thunderstorm” time or two along the way to revel in that particular beauty.

But this is not for me to decide…nor is the timing of Jesus’ return – or our departures for Heaven! I am learning even now to make the most of every minute. I told Greg yesterday that I was so glad we did not let this “window” between storms pass…that we jumped in the car and went to walk in the woods and soak in all of the soggy beauty of a forest and river being nourished by God’s life-giving water. God is in complete control – of everything! We just have to trust Him and His timing. I don’t know when the “unending day” will begin. I just know it will be glorious – and perfect – and I will be ready. Will you? Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2023 – Waiting on God’s timing and serving in energetic goodness…we have a lot of “Kingdom work” to do!

Titus 2:11-14
God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This morning, my dear friend Lana, a United Methodist pastor, made a Facebook comment about the devotional I wrote a couple of days ago, where I noted that God has declared that His love – and the promise of Eternal Life – are available to all who will surrender to Jesus and follow Him. In part, she said, “I am right there with you in every memory and experience you speak of, and I am right there with Paul and Jesus in all their attempts to build a church universal. All the different divisions we have made throughout history will be the thing that destroys the entire universe…God’s creation. I hope I’m gone before it happens. I’m ready now to go, so I no longer have to witness the hate of humans.”

I replied to Lana and told her that I need her to stick around a while longer – and apparently, so does God! I reminded her that she is doing Kingdom work, because I know how she approaches everything she says and does with the love of Christ and a desire to serve Him wholeheartedly. Don’t assume that this is because Lana is a pastor…her discipleship is borne out of a genuine love of Jesus, and a desire to serve Him in all things. Trust me…she’s “been there, done that,” and she has experienced her fair share of difficulties and challenges, and then some! Still, she serves, loves and blesses. And this is what God wants each of us to do.

I get it…if God calls me Home in the next hour – or a week, month, or year from now – I am ready. I would not be the least bit upset to spend every minute sitting at the feet of Jesus in Heaven – or doing whatever He has planned for me there as one of His “eternal angels.” Some suggest we will have assignments in Heaven. I don’t know if this is correct…but I do know that Heaven will be glorious – and there will be no hatred or divisiveness there.

But as I said, God’s timing is what matters…and for however long you and I are here on this earth, we have “Kingdom work” to do. So, we must get busy! We must turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, as Paul says – and take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. We must speak and act in a way that “makes us a people Jesus can be proud of, energetic in goodness.” We must demonstrate the love of Christ with every breath, to every person. And we must start right now. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2023 – Who do you claim to be?

March 23 ~ Titus 1:1-2
From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.

I encourage God’s own people to have more faith and to understand the truth about religion. Then they will have the hope of eternal life God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction, particularly from the World War II era. I have been reminded of just how hateful, cruel and “unlike our Christ” people can be…often while claiming to know and love Jesus. What saddens me is that we didn’t learn from the mistakes of our past…and we keep repeating them. In many cases, we have made “religion” something so unlike our Christ that it is almost laughable to claim to be a Christian. In fact, I am so disillusioned by this term that, on the rare occasion I am pressed to declare my faith by a label, I say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ.” There are just too many “Christians” speaking and acting in hate and divisiveness these days for me to embrace this term.

I get what Paul is saying to Titus – and to us. He is telling us to study Jesus. Read the Gospels (and even the prophets of the Old Testament) and get a sure handle on what Christ represents…how He leads, teaches, heals, comforts and encourages, and interacts with others. Become so immersed in the words and actions of Jesus that there is no doubt about Who you serve, or the hope of eternal life God promised long ago. As Paul noted, God never tells a lie. And as God in flesh, Jesus has taught us over and over that genuine service in His name involves love for all others – meeting them right where they are and helping them however we can.

I believe God. I believe that Jesus meant what He said – and meant for us to serve and represent Him authentically. We can’t do a good job of this if we are not sure of His commands. This is a clarion call for us all to get deep into the scriptures – and as importantly, to spend time in conversation with Jesus. Ask questions and listen for the answers. Learn to recognize the Holy Spirit – and to follow His lead. And in all things, speak and act in love. We still have a chance to change history and finally get this right. But we don’t have any time to waste. Who do you claim to be in the name of Jesus? Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 22, 2023 – Nobody has a corner on God!

Romans 3:29-30
And where does that leave our proud Jewish claim of having a corner on God? Also canceled. God is the God of outsider non-Jews as well as insider Jews. How could it be otherwise since there is only one God? God sets right all who welcome his action and enter into it, both those who follow our religious system and those who have never heard of our religion.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I don’t personally know the heartache of having to use restrooms and water fountains designated for “coloreds,” but I saw them when I was a child and remember being told that we used the “whites only” facilities.

I don’t have personal experience with being ridiculed, excluded, or publicly condemned because I love someone of the same sex, or I don’t identify myself as the sex I was assigned at birth, but I saw how devastating discrimination and condemnation of my brother was – and how such words and actions have all but destroyed countless others.

I do remember what it was like not to be able to afford to do the things my friends did…to wear designer clothing and participate in summer activities, dance lessons, and more. My parents worked very hard to provide for my two siblings and me. They did all they could…and yet there were times when “society” clearly indicated this was not enough.

I do remember attending worship services where I was not supposed to participate in rites and rituals because I was not a member of that specific denomination. I do remember feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome because of this…in church of all places!

Let me be clear. I don’t care one whit about social acceptance, designer clothing, or monetary wealth. I am not all that concerned with whether a certain church doesn’t want me to “take Holy Communion” with them or not because I am not a bona fide member of their congregation. But like Paul, I do have a problem with those who want to decide that God only cares about certain people. I do have a problem with those who believe Christ practices “selective love,” and only those who look, speak, and act a certain way are “qualified” to serve as His disciples. I do take issue with those who discriminate, disparage, and disregard a single person because of some personal or societal bias. And as Paul indicates in this scripture passage in Romans 3…God apparently has a problem with it, too.

Read Paul’s words again…“God sets right all who welcome his action and enter into it both those who follow our religious system and those who have never heard of our religion.” Search your heart and ask the hard question, “Where have I failed to welcome one of God’s beloved?” Ask where you might have even inadvertently given someone the idea that he/she was not just as precious to Jesus as you and I are. Then prayerfully do whatever it takes to make this right. Alleluia!

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