Week Twenty – Verse by Verse Devotional Series – Pentecost – Acts 2: 16, 17

Note: On Pentecost Sunday we take a look at the beginnings of the Church. 

Adult PM Bible Study – T – O – U – C – H – Acts 2: 1-8, 14 – 17

See also: Joel 2: 28; Isaiah 40: 5; 49:6; Ezekiel 39: 28, 29; Zachariah 4: 6; Acts 1: 4, 8; John 15: 26; Matthew 28: 19; Ephesians 1:13

T – Together v. 1 Jesus had given the disciples the directive to stay in Jerusalem.  There were ten days between the ascension and Pentecost.  They were to sit in place for ten days.  Sometimes we have to do just that to serve God.

O – Outpouring v. 2 The promise was fulfilled.  There was an outpouring.  There is no shortage of the Spriit, but you must be in the place where God intended for you to be.

U – Unique v. 6 Something unique was happening.  Apostles were speaking, but those who listened heard in their language.  This was a gift of known tongues.  Pentecost was not the gift of “angelic” tongues.  Those who promote tongues should learn and follow the Biblical practice.

C – Countries vs. 5 – 8 Many nations were represented in Jerusalem during Pentecost.  God wanted the good news to go to all.  Today Bible translators would bring the good news to nations that have not heard.  We must help those faithful servants.

H – Holy vs. 14 – 17 Some wanted to discredit the nature of the miracle.  That was a grave error. This was the work of the Holy Spirit.

Exemplary story:  When I surveyed a list of defendants in the famous Nuremberg trials opening in 1945.  I was surprised to see how many wore headsets.  Reflecting on the times I understood.  Translators were on hand to broadcast the proceedings in many languages.  The defendants could hear the verdicts in their own language as prosecutors read them aloud in different languages.

Sunday

Acts 2: 1, 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Prayer:  Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may you find us in place to receive the blessing you would send to us.

Thought for the day: Some blessing are for those who know their place.

Monday

Acts 2: 3, 4 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them all of them were filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Son of God, we give thanks for all the times you have kept your promises to your disciples.

Thought for the day:  Jesus is the first and best promise keeper.

Tuesday

Acts 2: 5, 6 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.  When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Prayer: Lord God, may we be open to hear the message you are sending to us.

Thought for the day: The best sound equipment is not beneficial for those who will not hear.

Wednesday

Acts 2: 7 Utterly amazed they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?”

Prayer:  Jesus, Son of God, may we hear your message rather than critiquing the messenger.

Thought for the day: Real preaching is not a popularity contest.  

Thursday

Acts 2: 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?

Prayer:  Lord God, thank you for making the message of the Gospel plain for all to hear.

Thought for the day: The Gospel is a message for all and not a message in crypto.

Friday

Acts 2: 14, 15 then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.  These men are not drunk, as you suppose.  It is only nine in the morning.

Prayer:  Lord God, may you forgive us when we have refused to hear you.

Thought for the day:  Confusion is often a bad choice rather than bad communication.

Saturday

Acts 2: 16, 17 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:  In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Prayer:  Jesus, we give thanks for all the times you have sent a Gospel messenger to us.

Thought for the day:  If you are a believer in Christ, you are someone’s Gospel angle.

photo: Lawrence OP on flickr.com

Pentecost Planning – A Sunday Communion Meditation – Acts 2: 23-24

Who doesn’t love a well planned birthday party?

Today believers in Christ have the honor of attending a well planned birthday party? Whose birthday? It’s the birthday of the Church you all. It’s Pentecost. Happy birthday Church.

The best of birthday parties require the best of planning. Time, place, guest list, and menu all have to be planned.

Before the church could celebrate its birth there was a tremendous amount of planning.

When Peter preached his Pentecost sermon he spoke of the preplanning that went into the birthing of the church. Acts 2: 23-24 says:

This man [Jesus] was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge and yu with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But god raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

The bread that we share in our Lord’s supper reminds us of the body of Jesus sacrificed for salvation and the creation of the church. The cup that we share in our Lord’s supper reminds us of the blood of Jesus shed to redeem humanity and create the church. At his table we are invited to celebration salvation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, we give thanks that on this Pentecost Sunday you invite us to your table. We celebrate with you the birth of your church. We give thanks that you have made a place for us in the family of God. Amen.

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Week Nineteen – Verse by Verse Devotional Series – The Noble Woman – Proverbs 31: 25,26

Note: This week in honor of Mothers’ Day we look at the honorable woman of Proverbs.

Adult PM Bible Study – W – O – M – A – N – Proverbs 31: 10 – 27

See: Deuteronomy 15: 11; Ruth 2: 11; Proverbs 12:4; Philippians 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 3: 13: I Peter 2: 12

W – Worth vs. 10 – 12 Money really cannot buy character.  The woman of noble character has a value greater than money.

O – Optimism v. 13 – 15 The noble woman is an optimist.  She is not a nag or naysayer.  She believes that all good deeds are rewarded.

M – Marketplace vs. 16 – 19 The noble woman knows her way about the marketplace.  She knows how to sell and trade.  She knows market value and how to earn wealth and respect.

A – Arduous vs. 20 – 23 It is not the easiest thing to care for those who are in need.  The noble woman knows that the sacrifice is worth the effort.  Investigate the history of major non-prophets.  You will find noble women at the helm or within the planning board.  One pastor said that if he wanted to get anything done he would give the problem to the mothers of the church.

N – Namebrand vs.  24 – 27 Whether it is a recipe or a handstitched garment, the work of the noble woman is a name brand unto itself.  The quality of her work sets apart the handwork of the noble woman,

Exemplary story:  For some years a church in Tennessee was in the habit of holding a Women’s Fall Bazaar. Jams, jellies, and canned goods were part of their wares that always sold out.  A pastor’s widow at the church sewed beautiful quilts for the event.  All who purchased a quilt bragged on the quality of the work.   This pastor’s widow had retired from quilting, but her beautiful quilt designs are still remembered and admired in the community.  She is a woman of noble character.

Sunday

Proverbs 31: 10, 11 A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Prayer:  Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for all the godly mothers and women whose examples lead us closer to you.

Thought for the day:  The wealth of character is earned daily.

Monday

Proverbs 31: 12, 13 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

Prayer:  Jesus, Son of God, thank you for all the godly women who have been your angles bringing us good news.

Thought for the day:  Work is a way of life, and eagerness to work is a way of the heart.

Tuesday

Proverbs 31: 14, `15 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.  She gets up while it is still dark’ she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

Prayer:  Lord God, thank you for all the overtime hours godly women give for family and community.

Thought for the day: Love does not send invoices or overdue notices.

Wednesday

Proverbs 31: 16, 17 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

Prayer:  Jesus, we give thanks for the woman and men whose labors make possible our livelihood and paychecks.

Thought for the day:  If no one writes the payroll, no one gets paid.

Thursday

Proverbs 31: 18, 19 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

Prayer:  Lord God, we give thanks that you neither slumber nor sleep before you create for us another day.

Thought for the day:  Those who love may tire but not grow weary in love.

Friday

Proverbs 31: 20, 21 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; or all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Prayer:  Almighty God, we marvel that the poor are never forgotten in your law or in the gospel.

Thought for the day: In a world of charlatans there are still real needs the noble see and meet.

Saturday

Proverbs 31: 22, 23 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.   

Prayer:  Jesus, Son of God, we pray that we would bring honor to your name by honoring our family name.

Thought for the day:  Reputations are more long lasting and more fragile than many precious antiques.

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Caring at All Times – John 19: 26 – A Sunday Communion Meditation

“Care? Who cares?” Many a person today is skeptical that anyone cares about them.

Those who care step outside a circle of self-absorption and reach into the lives of others.

John tells us of an incident of the care of Jesus for his mother. If ever there was a time to be self-absorbed it was at that time when Jesus was crucified. Not Jesus. He was thinking of someone else.

John 19: 26 says, “When Jesus saw his mother there and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on the disciple took her into his home.

As we remember Jesus’ care for his mother, we can be assured that he cares for each of us. It was his care for our salvation that placed him on that cross. Jesus cared for his mother. Jesus cares for us one and all.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, as we receive this holy loaf and holy cup we are reminded of your body crucified and your blood shed. We are reminded that you do care for us one and all. Thanks be to God.

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Week Eighteen – Verse by Verse Devotional Series – The Post-resurrection Appearances of Jesus – Acts 9: 4, 5

Note: This week we look at a time when Jesus appeared a few months after his ascension.

Adult PM Bible Study – L – I – G – H – T – Acts 9: 3-9 & 17 – 21

See also: Exodus 5: 2; Judges 13: 21, 22; Psalm 48:1; Isaiah 6:5; Luke 4: 18; Titus 3: 5; I Timothy 6:16; Revelation 22: 5

L – Lord vs. 3, 4 The one who appears to Paul is the resurrected Lord.  He now sits high and looks low. He sees how Saul has persecuted him.

I – Illumination v. 5 Bright light and a voice from heaven confirm this is no earthly presence.  It is none other than the Jesus that Saul has disbelieved. He sees what we will all see one day.  He now knows he has been on the wrong side of the dispute.

G – Grace – vs. 6-8  It is only grace that Saul does not receive what he deserves for his wrongdoing. Instead Jesus is prepared to teach Paul the truth and to appoint him to a mission.

H – Humility vs. 8-9 Saul must humble himself.  He must seek the one who is to show him the way of life.  For three days the great pharisee is blind and must rely on others to lead him.  Then he must believe the report of Ananias and submit to Christian baptism.  Humility precedes his mission.

T – Testimony vs. 17 – 21 Now Saul has a real message. It is not a message of hate and violence.  It is a message of forgiveness and mercy from Jesus who is Lord.  This he freely proclaims.

Exemplary story:  Some songs with tremendous messages have fallen out of favor in these times.  One is “I Saw the Light.”  The writer reports that when he saw the light of Christ it turned his life around.  We all need to see that light of Christ today.

Sunday

Acts 9: 3, 4 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me”?”

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Son of God, we pray that those who do not know you will see the vision of your glory.

Thought for the day:  Respect of all God’s children prepares us for heaven.

Monday

Acts 9:5 “Who are you, Lord? Saul asked.  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may we be quick to recognize your children.  

Tuesday

Acts 9: 6, 7 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we ask that you send before us those who may show us the way of life and holiness.

Thought for the day:  When God has a vision for you, do not suppose it was a vision for everyone.

Wednesday

Acts 9: 8, 9 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing.  So, they led him by the hand into Damascus.  For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.

Prayer:  Lord God, may you forgive us when we have lacked the humility to learn your will and your ways.

Thought for the day: If pride goes before a fall, then humility goes before an elevation.

Thursday

Acts 9: 17, 18 then Ananias went to the house and entered it.  Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may be filled with Holy Spirit”.  Immediately something like scales fell form Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized.

Prayer:  Lord God, for all those who have faithfully shared the message of Christ Jesus so could be converted, we give thanks.

Thought for the day:  God’s recipe for salvation is a never-fails recipe.

Friday

Acts 9: 19, 20 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.  Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.   At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer:  Jesus, we join you in praying that the lost shall be saved by the sacrifice you offered on Calvary.

Thought for the day: Those who hate deeply can also love deeply.

Saturday

Acts 9: 21, 22 all those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call in this name?  And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you are Lord of the turnarounds of salvation.

Thought for the day:  The apostles and church fathers could find Christ in the Old Testament scriptures.

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Our Close Call – A Sunday Communion Meditation – Luke 22: 42

“Wow. That was a close call.”

When was the last time you spoke of having a close call? Probably when you had a near disaster or a brush with death.,

Jesus had more than one close call. During his ministry his critics brought him to the edge of the cliff, but he managed to slip away. He could have uttered these words easily.

His close call was our close call, when he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane.

Luke 22: 42 says Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing take this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done.”

Question: You ask why that was a close call?

Answer: He could have walked away. He could have been the dad who walked out on his family, the mother who left her newborn in a dumpster, or the soldier who ran from the battle. He could have walked away. If he had we would be as lost as Cain or Judas.

A student would say to me, “He couldn’t do that.

I would reply, “He could, but he wouldn’t. That is why we call him Savior.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God we give humble thanks that you endured the suffering and the shame of the cross to save us. May you bless this time of communion as we share the loaf and cup in memory of your body and blood. Amen.

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Week Seventeen – Verse by Verse Devotional Series – Post-resurrection appearances of Jesus – Luke 24: 44, 45

Note: This week we look at another of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.  We focus on his instructions given to his disciples after his resurrection.

Adult PM Bible Study – T – A – L – L – Y – Luke 24: 41 – 49

See also: Deuteronomy 18:15; Psalm 22:18; Isaiah 53:23; Malachi 4:5, 6; Hebrews 1: 8, 9; Acts 13: 28, 29; 2 Peter 1: 17-19; Revelation 1:18

T – Tangible evidence vs. 41 – 43 Jesus offers tangible evidence that he is not a specter.  He is alive having raised from the dead.

A – All fulfilled v. 44 Jesus tells his disciples that this is the fulfillment of all the prophesies.  Those not yet fulfilled speak of his return at the end of the age.

L – Lessons vs. 45 – 47 Now Jesus begins at the start of the Bible and moves through the scriptures.  One by one he points to a messianic prophesy and says he has been there and done that.

L – License v. 48 The disciples receive their license to preach.  They are to share the good news that Jesus gives hope of eternal life.  As disciples in our generation, we receive from them our license to share with the next generation these truths.

Y – Yet vs. 49 Even if the disciples are eager to get on the road and to resume life, they must wait. Something is yet to happen that will complete their preparation to share the gospel.  That is the dramatic entry of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Exemplary Story: A few days after Easter I had the opportunity to hear a friend and pastor teaching on encounter of Jesus with two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It is found earlier in Luke 24.  He said he wished to have been at the meeting to hear Jesus speak.  He taught the same lesson again in the passage we are studying today.  He showed his disciples that he fulfilled the messianic prophesies of the Old Testament. 

Sunday

Luke 24: 41 And while they still could not believe it for joy and were marveling, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?

Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the may ways you have provided to encourage us in faith.

Thought for the day:  When you ask for direction in your faith, God will supply that direction.

Monday

Luke 24: 42, 43 And he gave him a piece of a broiled fish and he took it and ate it in their sight.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, son of God, we give thanks for all the evidence of faith you have supplied to us when we earnestly search.

Thought for the day:  If you are sincere in needing evidence for strengthening your faith, ask.

Tuesday

Luke 24: 44 Now he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about me in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.

Wednesday

Luke 24: 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

Prayer:  Jesus, may your Holy Spirit lead us in our sanctified understanding of your word.

Thought for the day:  The Holy Spirit is a trustworthy commentary on scripture.

Thursdays

Luke 24: 46, 47 and he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all the nations – beginning from Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord God, how we marvel that you loved us enough to sacrifice your son for our salvation.

Thought for the day:  God and Jesus knew what it would cost to save us, and they paid anyway.

Friday

Luke 24: 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Prayer:  Jesus, we give thanks for those who serve as our eyes and our ears in bygone days to tell us of you.

Thought for the day:  You can be the witness for another generation.

Saturday

Luke 24: 49 And behold, I am sending forth the promise of my father upon you; but you are to stay I the city until you are clothed with power from on high.

Prayer:  Lord God, when waiting is part of your plan of salvation, may we find the courage and strength to wait on you.

Thought for the day:  Waiting is part of the plan of God when God says so; and doing is part of the plan of God when God says so.

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The Priority of Remembrance of Jesus’ Mercy – A Communion Meditation – I Corinthians 11: 23 – 26

On a scale of one to ten with ten as the highest how important would you rate your remembrance of baseball statistics of the Atlanta Braves? Or on a scale of one to ten how important would you rate your remembrance of your wedding anniversary if you are married?

Unless you are like an elder in Tennessee whom I know the stats for the Braves may get a low rating. The importance of remembering your wedding anniversary may get a high rating, if you want to stay out of the dog house.

So, on a scale of one to ten how important would you rate your remembrance to keep the Lord’s Supper? Jesus didn’t ask us to tie a string on our finger to remember what he did for us. He did ask us to keep the Lord’s Supper.

Old preachers would say in the Bible there are truths to be believed, promises to be received, and commands to be obeyed.

When Jesus said, “do this,” he issued a request and a command. We determine what priority rating we assign to the command. I hope you give it a top rating.

I Corinthians 11: 23-26 says:

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’ death until he comes.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we assemble for your Lord’s Supper, we are her to do what you requested and commanded. We are here to give this a priority in our week and in our life. We give thanks for the loaf that reminds us of your bodily sacrifice. We give thanks for the cup that reminds us of the price you paid for our salvation. Amen.

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Week Sixteen – Verse by Verse Devotional Series – Jesus’ Post-resurrection Appearances – Matthew 28: 19, 20

Note: This week we take another look at a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to the group of disciples.

Adult PM Bible Study – M – A – K – E – R – Matthew 28: 11 – 20

M – Meeting vs. 11 – 16 Others plotted in vain to hide the resurrection of Jesus.  It would do not good.  Jesus had arranged a meeting at a familiar mountain site in Galilee.  I do not wonder that Jesus wanted to step away from the city where he was murdered.

A – Ambivalence v. 17 When the disciples gathered the convinced worshiped and the unconvinced were working through their ambivalence.  If we have ambivalence in our faith  we are not ready to worship.  We must look at the evidence of the goodness of God that will appear before us.

K – Kingdom authority v. 18 Jesus relates to the disciples that he now has absolute authority.  His word will be final.  They must now listen closely to all he commands and promises.

E – Evangelism v. 19 Jesus is not out for revenge.  Jesus is out for salvation.  He wishes that all who would hear, believe, and obey will be saved.  We must become disciples, that is followers.  Discipleship demands a lifetime commitment.

R – Refuge v. 20 For his followers Jesus promises to be a refuge.  We can take refuge in him.

Exemplary story:  As a graduate student I found that the university bus line provided the transportation I needed to travel to and from campus.  There was nothing particularly appealing about the bus stop, but its appearance really did not matter.  The commuter just had to have faith, be patient, and trust the system to get to the destination.  Disciples awaiting the return of Jesus have to have faith, be patient, and trust the system.

Sunday

Matthew 28: 11, 12 White the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.  When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the solders a large sum of money.

Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may we like the women follow the path of belief and discipleship.

Thought for the day:  If you are not following the path to Jesus, perhaps you are just running scared.

Monday

Matthew 28: 13, 14 Telling [the soldiers], “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while they were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, give us the insight and wisdom to see through the lies and deceptions others would speak about you.

Thought for the day:  Those who lie often refuse to live with the truth.

Tuesday

Matthew 28: 15, 16 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.  And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.  Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

Prayer:  Jesus, Son of God, may we always find ourselves traveling on the pathway that leads to you.

Thought for the day:  Jesus keeps his promises to meet with his disciples.  

Wednesday

Matthew 28: 17 When they saw [Jesus], they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Prayer:  Lord God, forgive us when we have seen evidence of you mighty works and have been slow to believe.

Thought for the day: Often there is no lack of evidence that would excuse disbelief.

Thursday

Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, raised from the dead, we do believe you have the authority over life and death.

Thought for the day:  The final word will always be the word of the Lord.

Friday

Matthew 28: 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, may we be busy about the business of making lifetime followers of you.

Thought for the day:  Discipleship does require not only belief but obedience in all Jesus commanded.

Saturday

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Prayer:  Precious Jesus, we give thanks that you have promised to abide with us.

Thought for the day: The next generation will give thanks to God if we fulfill the great commission, just as we can give thanks to God for the generations before that have fulfilled the great commission.  

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Debt Free Service – A Sunday Communion Meditation – Ephesians 1:7

Excitement and newfound enthusiasm spread from the pastor through the church.

I remember visiting a pastor and former student not long after his congregation had a mortgage burning ceremony. On that day the pastor had begun to share plans for expanding service and for missions. Having satisfied their debt they were free to serve in new ways.

On Sundays we should tap into the excitement and enthusiasm of having a debt paid on our behalf. The sacrifice of Jesus brought us the freedom of forgiveness. He paid our debt. We are free to serve God. Like the pastor whose church was freed of its mortgage we should be finding new ways to serve God as we live spiritually debt free.

Ephesians 1:7 says: In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, as we share this loaf and cup, we are reminded of the sacrifice you have made to pay our indebtedness. We give thanks to God for the spiritual freedom you have given us. May we use it to your glory and honor. Amen.

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