love – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for April 29, 2024 – Praying, listening, and loving as Christ commands – it’s time to let go and let God have complete control

Psalm 5:1-7
O Lord, hear me praying; listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but you. Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly.

I know you get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore, proud sinners will not survive your searching gaze, for how you hate their evil deeds. You will destroy them for their lies; how you abhor all murder and deception.

But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.

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 listened to three sermons yesterday, and each of them had a relevant message for the days in which we are living. The first was delivered by Dr. John Robbins, Senior Pastor of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. His theme was… “follow God’s instructions.” Dr. Robbins cited several examples where he had stubbornly tried to figure out something on his own, and once he relented and read the instructions, everything fell into place. As I read these verses in Psalm 5, I thought about how God clearly outlines how we are to speak, think and act – and He confirms and energizes these behaviors when we communicate with Him in prayer.

The second sermon was delivered by Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder, Senior Pastor of Pinnacle View UMC – also in Little Rock. Her sermon, titled “Are All Non-Christians Going to Hell” talked about different Christian “heritages” and their specific ideologies…from Pluralism to Christian Exclusion and Christian Inclusion – to Christian Universalism. Each group fosters a different view of what it means to be “Christian” – and the path to Eternal Life in Heaven. Rev. Singleton Snyder suggested that we consider the love of God for all…and His desire that not a single one of us perish. Again, as I thought of this scripture passage, I realized that God does not condone evil…but He constantly strives to correct each of us and return us to a right standing with Him and a position of loving and serving as He commands. And God is plenty capable of handling this on His own – without any “assistance” from us!

The third sermon was delivered by David Clark, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs. Clark’s message centered on Paul’s letters to the Corinthians that admonished the people to stop arguing and fighting among themselves. Again, with a theme that God loves all of us, Clark made the comment that he finds it sad that people who vehemently disagree on an issue cannot sit together these days and have a civil conversation. He noted that there are basic commands given to us by Jesus…love God with all our heart, mind and soul – and “love one another as God loves us.” When we keep these at the forefront and live in them, we should be able to trust God for the details as we strive to get along with others.

Consider what could happen if, we agreed to trust God to sort out our differences, rather than refuse to interact with a fellow child of God because he/she doesn’t approach their faith in God as we do. Imagine what could happen if we prayerfully followed God’s instructions for our own lives – and let others do the same while we showed them the love, grace, mercy, and kindness demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

Envision a world where we stopped judging others and genuinely asked God to show us how to live and love – and represent Him to others in the process – and left the rest up to Him. The possibilities are astounding, Divine, and Eternal – and I think we should all give it a whirl. In my mind, the worst that could happen is that we might have an interaction with another child of God that revealed our Heavenly Father’s true desire – and His capacity to love us all equally. By following God’s instructions, we might actually find a deeper relationship with Him and others – and experience His love in a new, more profound and meaningful way in the process.

Follow God’s instructions. Let Him sort out the judgment and correction. Love God with all your heart – and love others as He commands. If we do these three things, I believe amazing things can happen for God’s Kingdom. It’s surely worth a shot! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 8, 2024 – Buying into the “hype”…it’s time to find our worth in God’s Kingdom – and serve as Christ commands

Matthew 11:7-14
When John’s disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. “What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That’s right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you’ll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, ‘I’m sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.’

“Let me tell you what’s going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God’s kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God’s Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the ‘Elijah’ you’ve all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

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.

It’s finally here – the Great Total Eclipse we’ve heard about for over a year now will happen across a wide swath of North America today. My hometown happens to be directly in the path for almost four minutes of total “darkness.” We’ve got our certified “eclipse glasses” – and we are ready! Let me also tell you that countless communities (including ours) have also prepared for months for this event.

Our city officials and several others warned local residents to shop for groceries several days prior to the event…to fill all vehicles with gas, have cash on hand, and stay home. We were told by those who experienced this event in the direct path of a total eclipse a few years ago in Wyoming that droves of visitors would pour in and overwhelm everything from Walmart to ATMs – to the highways, Internet and cell service. Area residents and retailers raised prices, prepared parking lots for rental of spaces at a high dollar amount in hopes of “making some quick and easy bucks,” and I cannot begin to tell you how many t-shirts were printed.

To the chagrin of many, attendance has been less than anticipated. In fact, many restaurants and businesses are begging the residents to come out and support them. Several said they over-purchased and prepared…and I suspect some “post-eclipse sales” to pop up later this week! All the worry and angst about being overrun with “looky-loos” has come to nothing, and it would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.

Here’s why I am sharing this today…you and I tend to jump on bandwagons. Let someone tell us that an event is going to be “huge” and we get ready. Tell us we can make extra bucks, and many of us are fully invested! And we do the same thing with celebrities, political candidates, public officials – and even church leaders. We elevate mere mortals to positions of greatness and revere them for their accomplishments or stances. We assign many of these people far more importance than they are due…and nowhere is this more prevalent than in the case of “religious leaders.”

Jesus tells us in this passage that yes, John the Baptist is “the best prophet you’ll ever hear.” He likens John the Baptist to Elijah and says that “no one in history surpasses him.” You and I can name great leaders – both secular and religious. But notice what else Jesus says about John the Baptist…“in the Kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.”

In other words, this prophet who baptized our Messiah is no greater in God’s Kingdom than any of us. He is no more important to God than the homeless man, the immigrant mother, or the gay teen who loves and serves Jesus. No pastor, leader, celebrity, or individual is more important to God than anyone else. We all have the same right of Eternal Life when we surrender to Christ. We are all capable of sharing His Good News and leading others to receive Jesus’ gift of Salvation for themselves.

As I illustrated with the story of the eclipse, we humans are often easy marks for hype. We love to jump on a good movement, cause, or trend and tout the latest and greatest person or craze. Look at the frenzy and fanaticism that has surrounded Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce…Beyoncé…and certain well-known athletes and politicians! Jesus is reminding us that you and I are just as significant to His Kingdom as any of these people…and He is counting on us to share His love and teachings with others – no hype or hyperbole, just straight up facts and faith!

If you find yourself in the path of the total eclipse today, put on your glasses and enjoy! Tell your friends all about your experience and revel in the wonders of God’s beauty and His ability to delight us with awe and wonder. Then get back to being the witness that Christ has called you to be. Don’t embellish or adulterate the love and teachings of Jesus – and don’t try to capitalize on your faith. Simply be who Christ has called you to be – His earthly hands and feet…and give Him room to work. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 1, 2024 – Keep it simple, travel light…and live generously as Christ’s disciple

Matthew 10:5-10
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.

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.

Yesterday, our family gathered at the table to share a late-afternoon Easter Sunday meal. Let me just say that twenty years ago, this would have been a much more detailed affair – a family potluck that involved several women (and a couple of men) working for days on a special ham and more side dishes than you could begin to count – much less sample! We would have gathered at the home of one relative or another in our Easter finery, shared a meal, and lingered through the afternoon to reminisce and catch up while the little ones hid and hunted eggs.

But “life happens,” and yesterday our table was set for seven…Greg and me, our niece and her husband, and three of their children. We hid eggs in the front yard for the kids to hunt. But lunch was bar-b-que with all the trimmings from a favorite local restaurant. I made a pecan pie and deviled eggs…but the rest was take-out…and it was delicious.

As we sat at the table, my niece said, “I loved the Easters when I was little…but this is so much better – and much more relaxed.” And I understood what she meant. She remembered the “wardrobe struggle” to get her into the fancy Easter outfit, replete with pantyhose (which she always hated). As a busy working mother, she knows the effort that goes into preparing a big meal for a group – or even getting things together for a holiday celebration. I was enjoying the conversation and laughter with my kiddos…not thinking about a sink filled with dishes to be washed when everyone went home. We were dressed casually in jeans and comfortable shoes. We ate…we lingered…we celebrated the day and lived generously!

Jesus tells us in this passage to look around our own immediate “circle” and see what needs to be done. He is telling us to listen to one another, love liberally, reach out to the neighbors down the street and our own family members, and minister in His name to those right underneath our noses! Above all, Jesus tells us to “Keep it simple!”

This really hit home with me as I visited with a dear “bonus mother” who is nearing her 99th birthday. A few times I have taken her a little gift – maybe even just a small tin of candy. One day, she said to me, “You don’t have to bring me something every time you come to see me – your visit is gift enough!” Let me tell you…not only did this remind me to “travel light” – my friend gave me license to relax and enjoy her without worry about making even the smallest “show.” And this is what Jesus means when He tells us that we are the equipment.

It costs nothing more than a little time to pick up the phone and call a shut-in – or to knock on the door of a friend or neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?” We don’t need a big production to gather with friends and loved ones and share joy, encouragement, memories, and hope. I still remember impromptu picnics with dear cousins that were some of the best family gatherings we ever had…with nothing more than store-bought chips and cookies, and hot dogs – or even tuna fish and pimiento cheese sandwiches. The food was not the focus…it was all about love.

I have fond memories of the lavish family holiday dinners of days gone by…perfectly set and decorated tables with the fine china…and seemingly every side dish and dessert known to man. But I will treasure the memories made at a backyard wiener roast last month – and yesterday’s take-out Easter dinner. Jesus is calling us to be more present…to ask Him to equip us for whatever mission and ministry He chooses for us…and to trust that His strength and power are often enough – with no extra gear needed!

Jesus is calling us to drop the baggage, travel light, and be His hands and feet in our own “circle” and neighborhood. Keep it simple, travel light…and get going in Jesus’ name! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 30, 2024 – Aligning our heart with our words and actions to truly reflect the love of Jesus…it may be time for an “adjustment!”

Luke 6:45
Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts, but bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.

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

Greg and I had a conversation recently in which we agreed that someone we know “has no filter” and often says things that are offensive. But we also agreed that this person has a huge heart and is truly a good person who truly loves Jesus. The mouth just doesn’t consistently match the heart! And let’s be honest…this could often be said of all of us! On the other hand, I can think of several people who are similar to this person, with one exception. Their mouth and heart are both saying and demonstrating the same thing – and it is truly evil and unGodly!

You know who I mean…those who demonstrate at every turn that everything is about them…the ones who have zero tolerance for someone who is “different” in any way…those who surround themselves with like-minded folk that speak and act in a manner that clearly indicates their arrogance, selfishness, bias, and downright hatred for anyone who isn’t in their camp! I am talking about those who hide behind the Bible and boldly declare that God is on their side – and the rest are headed straight for Hell.

I know I talk a lot in this space about how we must not judge others. You may think what I am about to say is hypocritical, but here goes. There are people in my community that I have respected – even revered – for years as faithful servants of God…dedicated believers in Jesus Christ who steadfastly followed His every command. And in recent years, I have seen and heard some of them align with people who represent evil of every kind…and defend this stance with scripture. I have witnessed language and actions that indicate these sentiments are heartfelt. And considering Luke’s words from Jesus, I believe that I am shown what is truly in their hearts…and it crushes me.

A dear elderly friend reminded me yesterday that “You can’t fix some things” – and this is one of them. Thankfully, God doesn’t call you and me to fix others – He just commands us to let Him fix us! And this is my prayer today. As we sit in the silence between “Good Friday” and Easter Sunday, let’s focus on Jesus – His sacrifices, His commands and teachings, and His heartfelt love and desire that you and I would model His behavior to others. Let’s guard our words and actions…but more importantly, let’s guard our hearts! The more we align our heart with God’s, the more our words and actions will reflect that He is there.

Pray for those with hard, evil hearts. Pray that God would cleanse our hearts and root out any evil tendencies that reside there. We don’t have time or energy to waste on the devil…and this is a great day to get rid of him and his influences for good. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2024 – Love is a feeling 𝒂𝒏𝒅 an action – it’s time to feed some sheep!

John 21:15-19
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?”

“Yes,” Peter replied, “you know I am your friend.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon, son of John, do you really love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I am your friend.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

Once more he asked him, “Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?”

Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. “Lord, you know my heart; you know I am,” he said.

Jesus said, “Then feed my little sheep. When you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

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 did not grow up in a “touchy-feely” family. We rarely said “I love you” to each other. My mother declared repeatedly, “Love is an action, not a feeling.” And while later in life, she did become more of a “hugger” and verbally expressed her love more often, she would defend the position that “I show my love every day in countless gestures.” (She would also have probably said, “I don’t have time to stop and give hugs…I have things to do!”) My dad was a shade more affectionate than my mother, but it almost as if the words “I love you” stuck in his throat and could not be released.

We knew our parents and grandparents loved us because they showed us in countless ways. But I have to say, as they aged and became more verbal in their expressions of affection, I was not mad about it! I believe that it is important for us to both show and speak of our love for others. But this must always be genuine – and generally done in tandem. You can tell your spouse you love him/her, but if you consistently put your own needs ahead of his/hers, the actions tell the tale. You can tell your children every day that you “love them to the moon and back,” but if you never have time to so much as sit and share a conversation and a candy bar with them, they probably won’t believe you.

You can declare until you are blue in the face that you love “all people,” but if you laugh at racist jokes, share gossip, glare at the person in the checkout line with purple hair and multiple piercings, or indicate in any way that members of the LGBTQ community – or members of another ethnic group or religious faith – are not fully equal and welcome in your homes, churches and communities, your words are just that – hollow speech that is virtually meaningless.

Just this week, I read about government officials who showed up to a homeless camp in Little Rock, Arkansas, wearing dress clothes. The person posting this account noted…“When you show up in cufflinks trying to spend hours and days means-testing the destitute, of course they won’t respond to you in the weird kiss-your-feet manner you desire.” If you claim to love Jesus, but then you speak and act in a manner that belies His commands, you just as well save your breath.

Jesus was incredibly clear…“Feed my sheep.” This is why He asked this question, “Do you love me?” of Peter so many times. Jesus didn’t want to simply hear Peter say he loved Him – Jesus wanted to see this love in action. (And Jesus knew that Peter had publicly denied even knowing Him three times to save his own hide!) A lot of people know who we truly are because of what we have shown them already. So, when we say, “I love you,” or “I love XYZ,” they are not convinced. Our words and actions must match! Jesus calls us to love one another. He also calls us to “Feed My sheep!” It’s time for us to do both! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 20, 2024 – Life lessons from a third grader…it’s time to “dress for success” as God’s witness – and know your worth in His Kingdom

Jeremiah 1:4-10
The Lord said to me, “I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”

“O Lord God,” I said, “I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!”

“Don’t say that,” he replied, “for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

Then he touched my mouth and said, “See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins, to warn the nations and the kingdoms of the world. In accord with my words spoken through your mouth I will tear down some and destroy them, and plant others, nurture them, and make them strong and great.”

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

CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman shares the best stories – often intended to uplift and inspire. And a story Greg and I recently viewed on CBS Sunday Morning was no exception. Hartman introduced us to 8-year-old third grader, James Ramage, who lives in Chelsea, Maine – just outside Augusta. Ramage loves to “dress for success” – and his regular school attire generally includes a suit and tie – sometimes with a matching vest! James Ramage decided at this young age that this was how he preferred to dress – even as many of his peers expressed everything from skepticism to eye-rolls.

As Ramage persevered in his personal style choices, other children started to give this attire a try…and it caught on big time! Today, many of James Ramage’s schoolmates and teachers participate in “Dapper Wednesdays” by dressing in their finest at least one day a week. The school principal noted that these dress-up days have improved the children’s self-esteem. One little boy said, “I feel like I’m a president!” If you read the website article about this, you will see that the school established a “Dapper Closet” so that clothing can be donated for all children to be able to participate. And little James Ramage notes that not all children want to dress this way – and that’s okay. He says he wants every kid to wear what he/she wants to wear!

Children teach me new things every day, and I am in awe of the “ripple effects” of the acts of one little boy who chose to bravely be who God made him to be. I believe this is a lesson that will serve him well all his life…and one we can learn from, also. The first sentences of this passage in Jeremiah 1 humble me as I think that God designed us even before the womb. He made big plans for each of us…and He is ready, willing, and able to put words in our mouth and equip us to serve as His agents on this earth. Our job is to listen and truly hear what He is telling us – and to act on this. We are not to conform to the world…or twist God’s message to fit our agenda or that of our peers. We are to boldly trust Him to guide and guard us as we go wherever He sends us – and speak however He tells us to speak.

Every day, it seems I become more keenly aware of how many people do not know their own worth – especially in the eyes of God. Too many are so focused on fitting in and “belonging” to a particular group – or striving to elevate themselves in stature with certain claims. As you and I understand how valuable we are to God just as He created us, we can find our worth as His beloved – and genuinely share His message with others. It comes down to a matter of knowing when we are really hearing from God…and when we are letting the influence of others cloud our thoughts, words, and actions.

I don’t dress up every day, but I do find that on the days when I pay attention to my appearance, I feel more confident and capable. But what truly bolsters my self-esteem and joy is the assurance that I am seeking God’s will…and doing my dead-level best to speak and act as He desires, even when this is unpopular and/or not what others want to hear! God wants us to know our worth as He designed us…and to “dress for success” every day as His agents. I pray that you know your value in God’s Kingdom – and trust Him to guide and guard you as you serve as He commands. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 16, 2024 – Making the most of a first impression…it’s time to do as God does – and be like Len!

Ephesians 5:1-5
Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.

You are God’s people, so don’t let it be said that any of you are immoral or indecent or greedy. Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are. Being greedy, indecent, or immoral is just another way of worshiping idols. You can be sure people who behave in this way will never be part of the kingdom that belongs to Christ and to God.

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

Think of a person you know and note the first things that come to mind about him/her. Maybe it is their smile and cheerful disposition…or maybe it is the foul language they seem to pepper into every sentence. Maybe you think of this person as someone who is truly genuine and loving. Or perhaps, the thought of this person “raises your hackles” and makes you all but cringe or groan. The adage that we never get a second chance to make a first impression is often true. And while I have changed my mind about some folks once I really got to know them, I do believe that we should always put our best foot forward right from the start.

Yesterday, I learned that Len Deloney, a man I have known by association for more than a decade, gained his seat at the Heavenly Table on March 14th. I first became Facebook friends with Len in 2016, probably during the illness and subsequent death of his father-in-law, Rev. John Miles, Sr. It is possible that I met Len at some point years before, when his wife’s brother, John Miles, Jr., was our pastor. But I cannot say for sure. I knew Len as “Beka’s husband” – Beka being the sister of John, Jr. She and Len were also Methodist ministers – and seminary educators in Ft. Worth, where they have taught and served – and staunchly advocated for inclusivity in the church and society at large.

As a child in the 1970s, Len spent a lot of time at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, where he received radiation treatments for Hodgkins Lymphoma. About a year ago, he began having complications that were traced to these treatments…and subsequently, he was diagnosed with a non-Hodgkin lymphoma – Waldenstroms Macroglubulinemia. Over the past several months, Len has undergone multiple treatments – not only for the cancer, but also to address issues with his heart, kidneys, and other complications. Through it all, Len and Beka have kept a CaringBridge journal. As I told them more than once, their posts always left me feeling encouraged and uplifted…even when we should have been encouraging and uplifting them!

From posts on Facebook, I have learned that Len was known to many as “Zen Len,” and it fits. From the first time I knew of this man, my impression was immediate and all-encompassing love…for God, for his family, for nature, and for others. Len apparently never met a stranger, and so it was that while on a family beach vacation last week (against the orders of his cardiologist), Len befriended a Dallas-based pastor and his wife – and some young men who were hanging out on the beach. When Len decided to go into the water one more time before a nap, he fell to his knees and reached for Beka. And these “new friends” on the beach rushed to help get his body out of the water…but the angels had come for his spirit. Len and Beka’s children, Beka, and the new minister friend were with him as he left for heaven, and Beka said it was “a totally badass way to die!”

I am grateful I knew Len Deloney, if only through the wonders of an online friendship and the descriptive updates from Beka this past year. While I know that Len was ready to meet Jesus face-to-face, I am sorry that he will not be physically around to spread love and joy to those in his midst. But this doesn’t mean that Len’s impact on the world has ended. We will continue to think of him and be inspired by his witness. We will continue to feel the love and appreciation for nature and all God’s children that “Zen Len” demonstrated. And those of us who were lucky enough to be associated with him in some manner will find ourselves striving to be more like Len.

Paul’s words to the Ephesians are meaty and wise…“Do as God does…and let love be your guide.” Make a good first impression…and keep showing others the love and joy of Christ Jesus in your daily living. When I think of “Zen Len,” I will remember a man of deep faith, gentle spirit, unending joy…and genuine love for others. My challenge for all of us is to take Paul’s words to the Ephesians – and the example of my friend – to heart. It’s time to be more like Len! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for March 1, 2024 – It’s time to observe how Christ loves us – and love like that!

Ephesians 5:1-5
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

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

I saw a truly cute “reel” on social media recently of children imitating adults. Mostly, it was toddlers posing and walking like their parents and grandparents…from children standing with their tummies jutted forward to emulate the posture of a pregnant mother to a little boy who folded his hands behind his back as he walked alongside his grandfather. Then we saw a video of 4-year-old Christopher Bess, whose father, Reggie, is an assistant basketball coach for a high school in North Carolina. Christopher “coaches” alongside his dad at the games…and he has clearly been paying attention!

Here’s the thing…we know our children are watching and imitating what we say and do. Most of us have noted that we better watch our words and actions – or been embarrassed when a child repeated something we said that was better left unspoken. Just yesterday I shared a meme on Facebook that said, “Every family has secrets – until a Sunday school teacher asks a group of kids if they have any prayer requests.” My question is this…if we emulate the words and actions of our parents, when do we begin to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus? Why is it so easy for us to share the words and actions (the good, bad and ugly) of our human parents – and often so hard to be like our Heavenly Father?

Paul reminds us in this message to the Ephesians to watch what God does, then do it…to share the love of Jesus with others rather than seek to always get something from them. We are not to live with the mindset of “What’s in it for me?” or “When is it my turn?” but rather to consider, “What would Jesus want me to say and do?” When we start to live more in the head-and-heart-space of loving as Jesus loves, we draw closer to living and serving as God ordained.

It’s time to start keeping company with God more often – and learning a life of genuine, unconditional love. It’s time to love with extravagance, not caution. It’s time to “walk the sidelines” with our “Heavenly Coach/Father” and say and do what He does. It is time to take our cues not from the world – but from Jesus – and always love like that. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 27, 2024 – Following God’s commands…what He 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 say might be just as important!

Deuteronomy 6:1-9
The Lord told me to give you these laws and teachings, so you can obey them in the land he is giving you. Soon you will cross the Jordan River and take that land. And if you and your descendants want to live a long time, you must always worship the Lord and obey his laws. Pay attention, Israel! Our ancestors worshiped the Lord, and he promised to give us this land that is rich with milk and honey. Be careful to obey him, and you will become a successful and powerful nation.

Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.

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

If you have time, read Deuteronomy 5, which outlines what we commonly refer to as “The Ten Commandments.” We’ve all heard these and read these many times…and in this passage, Moses tells the Israelites to memorize these laws and repeat them frequently to their children – and even write them down and tie the lists to their wrists and foreheads! Clearly, God impressed on Moses how important it is to know – and keep – these laws!

For me, what God didn’t say in these commandments is just as important as what was spoken. God did not say to pick and choose who to love. He did not say to treat some people one way – and others another. God did not say to insist on our own way…or to berate those who believe differently. Nowhere in the “Ten Commandments” does God say to disparage the poor, immigrants, the uneducated, those who practice another religion, or those who are “different” in some way.

God didn’t say it is okay to lie about certain people and groups – or to defraud anyone to line our own pockets. God did not say that certain people were “exempt” from these laws because of their “stature” or perceived position in the world. God did not give pastors, celebrities, and “leaders” at every level a pass on His commands. God did not say it is okay for certain people to disparage His name – and by this, I mean claim to be His servant while you lie, cheat, steal, and treat others poorly.

God was very clear that He is Supreme…that His commands are always to be internalized and implemented in all things. God promised a land of “milk and honey” – and even success and power – to those who follow His commands. These may not manifest as you envision or imagine. God does not intend for us to become arrogant and lord our blessings over others. Still, He promises to guide and guard all who adhere to His commands and honor them.

If we truly love and serve God, we must keep His commandments as He presented them – not as we interpret them. Perhaps it is time for some of us to experience a “reset” on this, and it is not too late to do so. Make this the day that you commit to serving God as He directs – regardless of whether this is popular or offers some sort of perceived “gain.” Make this the day that you truly love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and strength. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 14, 2024 – Mind your business and serve God…lessons for this Ash Wednesday – and always

Amos 2:6-16
The Lord said:
I will punish Israel for countless crimes, and I won’t change my mind. They sell honest people for money, and the needy are sold for the price of sandals.

They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. My holy name is dishonored, because fathers and sons sleep with the same young women.

They lie down beside altars on clothes taken as security for loans. And they drink wine in my temple, wine bought with the money they received from fines.

Israel, the Amorites were there when you entered Canaan. They were tall as cedars and strong as oaks. But I wiped them out — I destroyed their branches and their roots.

I had rescued you from Egypt, and for forty years I had led you through the desert. Then I gave you the land of the Amorites.

I chose some of you to be prophets and others to be Nazirites. People of Israel, you know this is true. I, the Lord, have spoken!

But you commanded the prophets not to speak their message, and you pressured the Nazirites into drinking wine.

And so I will crush you, just as a wagon full of grain crushes the ground.

No matter how fast you run, you won’t escape. No matter how strong you are, you will lose your strength and your life. Even if you are an expert with a bow and arrow, you will retreat. And you won’t get away alive, not even if you run fast or ride a horse. You may be brave and strong, but you will run away, stripped naked.

I, the Lord, have spoken!

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

A few days ago, there was an article in our newspaper about Edith Ceccarelli, a lady who lives in Willits, California. Edith just celebrated her 116th birthday. Edith has outlived two husbands, her daughter, six younger siblings, and three grand-daughters. She has lived through two world wars, two deadly pandemics, and the advent of the Model T. When Edith was born, women still didn’t have the vote. Edith Ceccarelli has lived so long that she knew someone who had lunched with Abraham Lincoln, and she remembers hearing the bells ring to signal the end of WWI on November 11, 1918!

Edith Ceccarelli lived in her own home until she was 107. She loves to dance – especially the waltz and two-step – and she ran an ad in the local paper seeking a dance partner when she was 104. Edith says dancing “keeps your limbs strong,” and she attributes her longevity to “a couple of fingers of red wine with your dinner – and mind your own business!” We could learn a lot from Edith!

I bet you didn’t expect me to use a passage from the book of Amos! This is a rich prophesy…one that certainly has merit for us today. We see at every turn how people are doing as they please while claiming to serve God. The descriptions of hatred, abuse, and pure evil committed by many who declare some sort of “immunity” from consequence astounds me. Turn on the television or read a newspaper, and you will see example after example of this. And don’t even get me started on the banter and bawdiness expressed on social media.

Today is not only Valentine’s Day – it is also Ash Wednesday. The church of my childhood did not mark this day with a worship service and the “marking of the cross” with ashes and oil on our foreheads. I was an adult before I experienced this ritual. Today, I won’t be getting a “mark,” but I will be reflecting on this next 40 days and its significance to us as believers of Jesus. In light of this passage from Amos, I will reflect on how I think, speak and act – and ask myself if I truly represent the love and teachings of Jesus in all things and at all times.

I know that our rebellion and selfishness not only anger God – they outright grieve Him. And while Jesus lived, died, and rose again so that we won’t have to experience God’s wrath – or fear being completely wiped away because of our words and actions – we still are obligated to “mind our own business” and make sure we are following God’s will. There will always be those who want to persuade us that what we are doing is okay – even God-ordained. You and I often know better even as we speak and act.

The time is here to truly commit to God and serve Him in all things. And Ash Wednesday is the perfect day to begin anew. Alleluia!

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