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Monday

Topic:               God uses single people. 

Scripture:          Paul

                        I Corinthians 7:8b

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.

Devotion:

Paul in our verse today encouraged the single people of his time to remain single so they could focus on God and His ministries.  They were living in an exciting and unprecedented time.  Jesus had recently been walking the earth and water; Christianity was growing like wildfire.  Paul believed that marriage, for him, would have required him to devote some of the time he was devoting to God to family duties. 

There’s little doubt that God blessed Paul’s ministry.  Depending on your sources, these numbers may vary a bit, but most agree that that Paul was shipwrecked three times, beaten three times, in prison three times (for a period of about six years), stoned once (and survived) and beheaded once for being a Christian.  He is also credited with writing thirteen epistles, including some while in prison. And God has blessed generations with those writings. 

I was blessed to participate in many roles and ministries when I was single.  God allowed me to work with sound equipment (really heavy sound equipment); attend coffee houses (does that date me or what?); sing in a choir and a small group (and I know that may surprise anyone who has ever stood by me); work with RAs (boys missions group); play and “coach” church league softball; lead bible studies; direct and produce youth dramas; chaperone ski and mission trips; plan spaghetti suppers; and I had an incredible amount of fun doing it.  I only pray that God blessed those around me as much as He blessed me.  He loves to have single people reflect His love and engage with other Christians.  Lead, follow and fellowship!

Today is no different – our Father and our churches need single people to serve.  Do you know someone single who you can help engage?

Tuesday           

Topic:               God uses engaged people.

Scripture:          Mary & Joseph

                        Luke 1:26-28 (Msg)

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin's name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, beautiful inside and out! God be with you.

Devotion

The most famous unmarried couple in the entire Bible is Mary and Joseph.  (Actually, they are the only engaged couple I could find in the Bible except when David took Saul’s daughter Michal from her husband, and you’ll have to look that one up yourself.)  

Engagement has always been a transitional time.  Many things are happening fast and there are so many demands.  Seems everyone wants a piece of the couple and available time is short.  Tensions abound, and temptations are plentiful.  The thought “What am I getting into?” may come to mind.  And in all of that, it’s easy to lose perspective.  It’s easy to rationalize playing married, or at least honeymoon. 

This is a good time to do as Joseph and Mary did.  Listen to what God has to say to you and act accordingly.  Commit to purity in your relationship.  Share time with close friends who can support and nurture you and your relationships – those with other people and the one with our God. 

If you are in this place in life or know someone who is, look for ways to keep God in the center of this exciting relationship. 

Wednesday

Topic:               God uses married people.

Scripture:          Sarah & Abraham

                        Genesis 18: 9:12 (Msg)

The men said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?"  He said, "In the tent."  One of them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man.  Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?"

Devotion

I believe God has a perfect sense of timing, and a real sense of humor.  Abraham was 100 years old (Gen 21) when his son Isaac was born.  I’m closer to half that age, and I can’t even imagine starting my family now. 

As I think about this passage and family, I realize how many ways God has used me as a married man.  He’s used me to minister to my family – trying to be the example God would have me be, and often failing.  Working to model to those I love the most a personal relationship with the creator.  I think one of the highest callings a man can have is to participate in the development of young Christians in his children and to try to always love and unconditionally support his wife as Christ nurtures the church. 

I also think of the wonderful ministries Tracy and I have been able to share together and the ones we have performed alone since we married, but always with support from the other at home.  Those ministries have included meal preparation, committee participation and leadership, deacon ministries, building programs, small group development, prayer ministries, leading classes, church drama, writing devotions, and most recently working with a single person - my sixteen year old daughter, who does sound as I do the multi media at our church.  (She likes being one of the few people who can make the preacher be quiet!)

God did a miracle when he gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age, and they are part of Jesus lineage.  God wants to use married people too.  All we have to do is be available and listen to His call.  Is He calling you to a new and surprising service?

Thursday

Topic:               God uses widowed people.

Scripture:          Ruth & Naomi

                        Ruth 1:3-5 (Msg)

Elimelech died and Naomi was left, she and her two sons. The sons took Moabite wives; the name of the first was Orpah, the second Ruth. They lived there in Moab for the next ten years. But then the two brothers, Mahlon and Kilion, died. Now the woman was left without either her young men or her husband.

Devotion:

My grandfather passed away when I was about five.  I barely remember him, but I have many fond memories of my grandmother.  She took care of me when I was young and both of my parents were working.  She took me to Blue Circle for hamburgers and bought me Icees.  She spent the night with me sometimes when I was little and slept in my bed with me.  Other times I got to stay with her at her house – and I remember getting on my knees with her by the bed every time and saying our prayers.  She was very active in her church.  I remember when I thought she was older than God, but still taking food to shut ins (the “old people” she’d call them).  I remember her wearing out several bibles – the cover in tatters and the margins of each page filled with notes.  She outlived my grandfather by over thirty years, and showed her devotion to Christ continually. 

God used Thelma Cox to help me become the Christian I am today.  I love her and look forward to seeing her again one day. 

God used Ruth and her mother in law Naomi.  As examples of love and commitment, and as part of Jesus family line.  None of us is beyond being a tool for Jesus to use as He continues to build His church. 

Friday

Topic:               God uses divorced people.

Scripture:          Isaiah 25: 6-9 (NIV)

On this mountain, the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain, He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD; we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

Devotion:         

Rosa was the first one in our youth group to get married.  She was still in high school, and we were all a little surprised.  She quickly dropped out of our group and we didn’t see her a lot. 

I grew up in a more fundamental church where there were still sins God didn’t seem to forgive.  Divorce was one of those. 

After a year or so, Rosa came back to church.  Not a lot was officially said, but over time the Baptist grapevine (prayer concerns) revealed she had been an abused wife, and was now divorced. 

I wish I could say we warmly and immediately brought Rosa back into our group.  We didn’t.  She never was as involved the second time as she was the first.  I wrestled with her divorce/sin and how normal she looked - like the rest of us. I wondered why God would treat her differently.

As a young man, I went through divorce.  We were both Christian and had been active in church.  No one was abused or unfaithful, but it happened.  As I struggled with this sin in my life, I remember my friend Chuck telling me God didn’t want me to be miserable the rest of my life, and no matter what, God still loved me and so did he.  

I now understand divorce as a sin – like all other sins.  One Christ died for and wants to forgive.  And for His loving grace, I am very grateful. 

I love how the scripture today says God wipes away our tears, and removes our disgrace.  He restores us to His fellowship and has many ways to use flawed vessels like me.  Are you holding back from Jesus because you think your sins prevent you from being able to participate?  Let His forgiving grace cover you – wiping your tears and pain away – and rejoicing in His love.  

Monday

God appears to me

Isaiah 6: 1-4 (New International Version)

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

At the sound of their voices, the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

How does God appear to you? 

I can’t answer the question the way that Isaiah does here.  God has never appeared to me in that way, but, oh how blessed I am that God has appeared to me in so many ways over the years I’ve known Him.  Some of those ways are:

• I’ve seen the majesty and beauty of His world in the Smoky Mountains where I grew up; in the alpine vistas I’ve seen while skiing; on the beaches at Rio de Janeiro; boating the Amazon jungle rivers; in Mexican towns; in the broad expanse of Texas; and in the Hoosier heartland of America I now call home.
• I’ve held my newborn daughter and seen His purity and known love I can’t describe. 
• I’ve been in worship services where there were hundreds singing and worshipping, in large beautiful buildings, school auditoriums, and in smaller groups much less structured. 
• I’ve heard God speak through wonderful pastors, through listening to His word when travelling alone, and through the honest words of a caring friend. 
• I’ve felt God right there beside me - when I didn’t know what to ask for, what I needed, or how I was going to make it through some of the challenges I’ve faced. 

My list could go on for days, and I hope yours can too. 

My challenge for us today is to just take a minute and think about how God has appeared in the past.  What are the common factors?  During good times or problems?  Directly, or through others?  Daily or rarely?  Then let’s ask God to continue to reveal Himself to us as we seek to know Him more. 

Tuesday

God does for me, what I can’t do for myself

Isaiah 6: 5-7 (Holman Christian Standard Version)

Then I said:    Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.  Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed and your sin is atoned for.

How do you decide whether to do something yourself, and when to call “the guy”?  I can “easily” do limited home and car repair duties (don’t tell Tracy though).  I can attempt more complex repairs, and muddle through with mixed results, but there are some things I won’t even attempt.  For example, I’m not going to try roofing our two story house at this point in my life – it’s too hot up there and too high to fall from.  So for that - I call my “roofing guy”.  I also have an “AC guy”, a “plumbing guy”, and a “car repair guy”.  I tell myself, that even though I have to call for help on some home things, I’m still getting it done (hear the ego there?), and for this kind of duty, it’s mostly true. 

But in looking at our verses today, it is very clear to me – there are things I can’t do.  And my “guys” can’t do.  I must stand right next to Isaiah and say “me too” to his words.  I’m a sinner saved purely by God’s grace and through nothing of my own.  God did that.  Now, I didn’t see a flying coal coming at me, but just as God had to cleanse Isaiah, he has to cleanse me of my sinful traits and fit me for His use. 

Today, and every day, I want to look inside myself and see if there are still things there that I need to ask God to clean out so I can be fit to serve Him in whatever way He wishes.  My challenge for you is to join me in that look inside. 

Wednesday

God speaks to me

Isaiah 6:8a (Message Version)

And then I heard the voice of the Master: "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"

I don’t always pay attention.  Way more often than I’d like to admit, I zone out the “background” noise.  Noise like the doorbell, the dryer buzzing, the microwave finishing, the phone ringing, and even the check engine light.  I don’t hear the cats cries at their dinner time or notice the empty seed cups on the birds cages.  I miss comments from my wife that, were I to pick up them, would make our relationship better.  I ignore emails asking someone to volunteer for something to help others.  I think the landscaping will trim itself. (Know the difference in landscaping and shrubs?  Several hundred dollars.)

But in our verse today – God Himself speaks to Isaiah.  Our Lord and Master.  Looking for someone to use in His plan to expand His kingdom for His glory.  And I believe God is speaking to many people today calling out with a plan to use us.

My challenge today is just to listen – what is He calling me to do?

Thursday

God sends

Isaiah 6:8b (Message Version)

I spoke up, "I'll go. Send me!"

Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed starred in one of my favorite movies - Frank Capra’s Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life.  It’s the story of a young man who grows up with big dreams of travel and professional grandeur that fail to manifest.  Instead, he finds himself pulled into his father’s role in the family business and being “stuck” there for his entire life.  He sees good things happen to others, and bemoans his lot in life.  He felt called to great things, and got a “regular” life.  (I won’t ruin the ending for you in case you haven’t seen it, but I highly recommend you watch for it in December!)

When I was in high school, I remember a long talk with my favorite uncle.  I was pretty active in a Baptist church youth group, and was thinking I would make a good youth director.  All you do is play with kids for a living, right?  Uncle Hubert told me that if God wanted me in professional ministry, there would be no other field I could succeed in and be happy.  But if it was me wanting it, I would not be happy nor succeed in a church vocation.  His counsel was to go to college open minded and train for a profession to support myself and my family.  God would let me know what to do. 

In the script to A Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart was called into the family business.  Today, I believe I’ve been called to my career – I’ve been mostly successful, and I pretty much like what I do for a living every day.  As an engineer, not a vocational minister.  I’ve been called too at different times to serve my Lord in many roles, and I believe I’ve been used to minister to others in multiple ways (choir, teacher, deacon, setting up chairs, serving the homeless, leading groups of professionals, writing devotionals, etc.).  I pray God continues to send me to serve Him.

My challenge today is to be willing to do the work He needs done for His glory, not mine.  Are you willing to be the dishwasher if that’s what God needs?  Try it – I’ve done it, and been blessed. 

 

 

Friday

God Almighty, not happy Jesus

Isaiah 6: 10-13 (Message Version)

"Go and tell this people:

"'Listen hard, but you aren't going to get it look hard, but you won't catch on.' Make these people blockheads, with fingers in their ears and blindfolds on their eyes, So they won't see a thing,  won't hear a word, So they won't have a clue about what's going on and, yes, so they won't turn around and be made whole."   

Astonished, I said, "And Master, how long is this to go on?"

He said, "Until the cities are emptied out, not a soul left in the cities— Houses empty of people, countryside empty of people.  Until I, God, get rid of everyone, sending them off, the land totally empty.  And even if some should survive, say a tenth, the devastation will start up again. The country will look like pine and oak forest with every tree cut down - Every tree a stump, a huge field of stumps.  But there's a holy seed in those stumps."

Did you know if you Google “Happy Jesus” you get over 431 million hits?  Some of those include Happy Jesus-ween (replacing Halloween?), would Happy Jesus save the Dolphins?, a happy Jesus face book page, and a happy Jesus day website!  Google helpfully suggests we also look at funny Jesus, buddy Jesus, laughing Jesus, happy god, happy bible, and happy Jesus zombie day.  When channel surfing, I often see religious broadcasts that seem to cater to those who are seeking to have what appear to me to be worldly habits blessed; or to have someone tell them things they are doing that are “perhaps” wrong, are ok, and God wants them just the way they are.  They are seeking to receive God’s blessings of peace, health, wealth, and happiness – and that’s not all bad.  Invariably, someone (usually with more hair than I have) tells them the things they want to hear, takes their money, and they leave happy, but in many cases they are as ignorant of God’s plan as they were when they came in and they are still sinning.  If you read the verses today, you’ll see that Isaiah wasn’t called to preach happiness.  He wasn’t called to heap riches on the disobedient.  It was a hard message of judgment and tribulation for a deaf and blind people. 

Our world today is filled with job losses, unemployable workers, higher costs, cancer, crime, church membership declining and churches failing, gay marriage, political polarization, war, rumors of war, nuclear weaponry, divorce, strikes, hunger, homelessness, drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, lack of personal responsibility, obesity, lack of respect for others, air pollution, cyber security, and so on (I could have made a longer list, but I’m afraid I’m way past the number of words that can hold your attention).  I think these things come from sin.  My sin, yours, relatives, friends, enemies, strangers, people dead for generations and alive today.  Whether we like it or not, becoming a Christian doesn’t guarantee a happy, healthy, wealthy life from there on.  Being a Christian is not for wimps, and some of the things we have to face are unpleasant. 

My challenge today is to try to be aware of everything that God is trying to say to me.  To teach me the wonders of his blessings, mercy, and grace, and the consequences of living in a sinful world - and to remember that He walks with me through it all. 

Lesson 10 – Failing to be Generous Q3 – 21012 Matthew 25: 31-46

Lesson 10 – Failing to be Generous Q3 – 21012 Matthew 25: 31-46

Monday
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

It was about 20 years ago a small and relatively new church decided to do missions one year in an up close and personal way. It wasn't just a check they were after, but it was to teach members what missions was. Each of the church staff selected a ministry need and developed a project around it that resulted in church members DOING missions. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember all the projects, but I remember Loaves and Fishes.

It was fun meeting at church and riding downtown to one of the areas tourists avoid and sharing fellowship in the small crowded kitchen as we prepared food. I worked on the salad tearing heads of lettuce into small pieces and filling a large bowl. Soon however it became a more serious business as we moved to serve a meal to homeless people. They lined up quietly; most avoiding eye contact. And to my surprise, it wasn't just men. Women, and even children queued up. These were people just like me and my family, who by misfortune or poor decisions found themselves in a situation of need that no parent would ever envision for their child.

It was a sobering honor to serve these people a meal and realize the rich blessing I have and catch a glimpse of how I look to my Savior. In a situation I really cannot control with so little to offer and so deep a need.

I still pray for this ministry, and I can never look at the homeless the same way.

I understand a little bit of what Jesus means when He says feeding them is like feeding Him, but the blessings I received from giving so little has blessed me so much. I pray each of you will have an experience some day where you see yourself as needy as we would be without Jesus.


Tuesday
I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was 23, and just out of college knowing so much more than I do now. But I was almost 1,000 miles from home and separated from my wife and heading towards a divorce. Houston was a huge place compared to my home in Tennessee, and I felt like I didn't know anybody. I slipped into the closest Baptist church and somehow met John. He was an old guy of maybe 40 who was married, had two high school aged daughters and he needed help leading RAs. In being drafted into that service, I gained a family. Before long I was spending time at his home regularly. Sometimes planning for next Wednesday; sometimes tutoring algebra; sometimes changing a ceiling fan; sometimes watching football; and sometimes not doing anything; and it was nice. God greatly blessed me through John and Julie, Melanie and Michelle.

I challenge you to be aware of those around you. At church, work, school, Rotary, home owners associations, and anywhere else you go. There are people all around us that need that home feel that only other like minded people can provide. I know there are some at my church.


Wednesday
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

When we moved to Indiana, one thing I looked forward to was the seasons. Growing up in east Tennessee, I had experienced all four and knew the differences. My Texan family didn't know what they were getting into.

I came home from work one glorious fall afternoon the first year. Blue skies and crisp 50 something degrees. Sun roof open, and singing with the radio, i was surprised to enter the house and find my bride curled up on the couch with a sweatsuit on and a blanket wrapped around her. She welcomed me home by saying "I don't like these Indiana winters at all". My immediate thought was you really won't like January (and we did see 6 below that winter too). We are fortunate in that we turned up the heat and bought appropriate clothes (including shoes with toes for Tracy) and we've adapted pretty well.

But not all are in a position to adapt as well as we did. I have noticed in general fewer homeless people here than I used to see in Houston. Initially I assumed it was due to a combination of things like fewer job opportunities to draw the hopeful, coupled with an atmosphere where it's easier to care for others in a small community. But I think it's also those "Indiana winters".

I don't have an example of sharing with a shivering person, but I pray this lesson will lead to increased awareness of others and action this year to help someone who I may have previously ignored. I hope someone reading this joins me in this quest.

Thursday
I was sick and you stopped to visit,

Sitting in an oncology center with 20 or more strangers going through some form of cancer treatment, you realize one constant in the human condition. None of us have control. Some have a faith anchor and loving family surrounding them, and some even appear to be healthy. But some are alone – in more ways than one. After spending four weeks over four months with Tracy as doctors and nurses worked diligently to drive her leukemia away, I realized what a blessing it was to speak to those in treatment around us. To hear their stories, see some fear, reassure some, and be reassured by others, and realize how fortunate we are, but knowing my face is showing them the same concerns and worries that they are feeling in times like these.

I challenge you today and into the future to be aware of the health challenges your friends, neighbors and acquaintances are facing. Make the time to go and see them, to be with them as they undergo treatment. Don't leave them to unknown strangers to share their journey. They may need you to remind them of the faith they have, or give them a hope to lean on. You make a difference when you give yourself.


Friday
I was in prison and you came to me.

The boy, now a man, had made mistakes. He had made poor choices in friends and in his studies. He made the same choices some very successful people have made in regards to drinking, smoking and youthful experimentation with illegal substances. But his experimentation became a habit, and he was caught. He managed to get probation, but didn't keep up his part of the deal and ended up surrendering several months of his life to the county jail. And every week his mother made the trek to see him. No one else on earth was as committed to staying with the young man – to striving to encourage him and set him on the right path.

This young man could be most any one of the first offenders or regular guests in a county jail by you. And I have not gone to visit him (or his parents, for they are also in a prison by their own son's making.)

God calls us to care for those in prison, but I don't know if I can be that minister. Can you?




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