Jesus Taken Up into Heaven

PRAYER PRACTICE

Spoken Prayer – Out loud, pray for God to speak to you through your reading. Praise God for giving us His word. Ask the Spirit to help you read with faith, and to live out what you hear from God through the passage.

DAILY READING

Acts 1:1-12    

 

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Our Final Journey

by Diane Ward

Forty days, (Jesus led of the Holy Spirit) walked into the desert to be tempted by the enemy. Forty days the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples and many others to be seen, touched, and worshipped. Luke the historian writes, “In my former book, Theophilus, I

wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” (Acts 1:1-2)

The disciples and followers of Jesus were heartbroken, hiding, and hopeless following the three o’clock hour of Jesus’ words, “it is finished.” (John 28:30). Now, Jesus “unrecognized”, came along side two men on the road to Emmaus as they discussed all that happened over the past hours. Opening to them the prophesies of scripture as they walked, Jesus said to them; “how foolish you are and slow to believe all the prophets have spoken about the Messiah, that he would suffer and then enter his glory.” (Luke 24:25). Then came an explosion of joy! They recognized Jesus their invited dinner quest as he gave thanks and broke bread.

If we are privileged to be with one on the journey home, (if we truly are listening,) we know what to expect. Jesus had prepared his disciples for his death and resurrection, they had been with him at Lazarus tomb, heard his words echo off the canyon walls, “I am the resurrection of the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25). When we stand at the open grave of a loved one Jesus’ question to Martha is for us also, “Do you believe this?”

Consider this: Jesus is walking with us all the way home, even in our darkest moments when hope seems gone, and we may not recognize him.

Jesus Heals and Accused by Pharisees

PRAYER PRACTICE 

Cup Prayer – This prayer will help you pour your heart out to God (Ps. 62:8). Begin with your hands folded together like an upside-down cup. Pour out before God all your fears, anxieties, guilt, sin and shame. Tell Him what troubles you. Take time to be specific. When you feel like you’ve poured out your heart, flip your hands over, folding them like an open cup, ready to receive from God. Sit in silence, asking God simply to fill you with His Spirit. If your mind runs back to sin, shame, anxiety or concerns of the day, flip your hands back over and pour it out to the Lord. When you are finished praying, read today’s Scripture and listen as God shares His heart back with you.

DAILY READING

Luke 5:12-39    

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Jesus Heals and Accused by Pharisees

by Diane Ward

The people longed to be near Him! Jesus’ miracles of healing spread throughout the region and the people laid down their work, their burdens and followed him. The Almighty did not act high and mighty, he had come to fulfill the law of love and mercy, to bear the burdens placed on the people, to show them the Way.

I have felt like a “pack animal” this week a yoke around my neck with work schedule demands, year-end tax filing and managing effects of weather fronts. At day’s end I rested in Jesus’ words. “Come unto me all that labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” (Luke 11:46)

The law was the very air the Pharisees breathed! Despite the transparency of Jesus’ goodness, the arrogance, jealousy and dangerous accusations that Jesus was the devil’s agent, a law breaker convicted him of crimes and offenses for which there was no grace under Pharisaic law. The penalty was death.

Singer/Songwriter Chuck Girard expressed this best in his song "Don't Shoot the Wounded." You can read the words here. The gist of this is, don't shoot the wounded, one day you may be one. 

There is truth in the saying “I see the Pharisee in me.” It is an honest statement for most of us, and a turnaround opportunity if we take it.

You Can't Serve God and Money

PRAYER PRACTICE

Breath Prayer – Take 2-3 minutes today to pray a simple breath prayer. Get somewhere quiet and relaxing. Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out fully. As you breathe in, ask God to fill you with His presence, grace, love, peace, etc. Consider using the list of spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22-23. As you breathe out, offer to God the things you need Him to take from you – sin, doubt, shame, anxiety, fear, etc. Pray this way for just a few minutes, trusting God to work, and then begin reading today’s Scripture.

DAILY READING

Luke 16:1-31

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

You Can't Serve God and Money

by Diane Ward

It is hard to be dispassionate about money, it challenges our emotions of scarcity and abundance. I have often thought of wealth as a burden, its tentacles easily wrap around our hearts and minds. We betray ourselves as did Judas when we give over the sacred place of our spirits. As we make our way back to Jesus’ lordship, we see the signposts of compromise along the way, the distractions that stole our peace. I have been there, and I know the playing field is larger than money.

Jesus warned of the seductive power of money. He used an example of a shrewd manager who knew how to make money work for him to compensate for mismanagement and breech of employer’s trust. Jesus used a powerful example, the scenes vividly pictured of a rich man with everything and poor man with nothing. The rich man failed to remember the words of the prophets asking that Abraham might forewarn his family of the penalty of “money before God.” Jesus said to him, “if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:29-31.)

Are we listening or silent to Jesus’ command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul mind and strength and our neighbors as ourselves? (Luke 10:27.) “And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made, and the sign flashed out its warning in the words that it was forming, and the sign said; The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls and whispered in the sound of silence.” (Paul Simon)

Are we investing in Kingdom currency? “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7.) John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) traveled throughout the Midwest planting seeds 45 years. It is estimated he spread more than 300,000 seeds. He understood the principle of sowing and reaping.

Lord Jesus your last request on earth was for us to feed your sheep, to be harvesters, to be like You!

Birth of John and Jesus Foretold

PRAYER PRACTICE

Lectio – Read today’s passage through once. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word. 

DAILY READING

Luke 1:5-38

REFLECTION

Never Ending Story

by Diane Ward 

In the Gospel of Luke, we have the clearest picture of Jesus’ humanity.  Luke was a cultured educated writer, an artist with words. Luke was a much-loved physician. His stories reflect his wide interest in people, women, children and the sick and helpless.

My sister and I were expectant mothers at the same time. We were excited preparing for the birth of our babies. We shared the events of our nine-month journeys. Our first-borns grew together, played together and in ways were more brother and sister than cousins. During this time, I read Luke’s accounting of Jesus’ and John’s births. I was in awe of these two women, one a teenager and the other middle-aged. I thought about their challenges, Mary’s compromised social status as an un-wed mother, Mary walking the distance to Elizabeth’s home, and Elizabeth’s time of confinement living with a husband unable to speak. I pondered the mystery and miracle of both conceptions.

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth focused on Joseph, “a man’s story. Luke’s account was a different story, “a woman’s story.”  

The humanity of Jesus is not about pregnant women spending time together. It was and is a harbinger, a foretelling of John’s and Jesus” missions, the never-ending story of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. We trust Luke’s account as it was said of him, “he was a historian of first rank.”

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us. Just as they were shown to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

Righteousness Will Last Forever

Those who are tied to the earth will be cast away, and even the earth will wear out. But not the righteousness and salvation of God. It remains and is more permanent than even the heavens and the earth (verse 6). Knowing that the righteousness and salvation of the LORD are permanent and the opposition and mocking of the wicked is temporary, let us stand strong in faith (verses 7-8). We don't have to be afraid that God will change His character (my righteousness) or His mind about us (my salvation). No wonder Isaiah says to us “Listen.”

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Isaiah 51:4-8

For more help use this Bible Study method

 

REFLECTION

Righteousness Will Last Forever

by Diane Ward

During this Advent season I am grateful for a time-out to focus entirely on the gift of Jesus Christ, the promise of God’s covenant with His people.

At my workplace I document mounting cases among school populations of the world-wide pandemic. It weighs heavy on my spirit. I am witness to emotions of fear and sadness I cannot comfort as a nurse is missioned to do. Alongside this sorrow is ongoing strife and dissent of the US 2020 presidential election.

The business of politics is not righteous. Isaiah reassures those who fear the Lord to trust in the name of the Lord. As they sense growing darkness around them, he directs them to guard against self-reliance and cultural dependence. “All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity.” (Isaiah 40:17) 

The longing for righteousness that lasts forever is innate. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Unlike mythical heroes we are followers of a suffering servant who accepted His commission for the restoration of Israel, for the redemption of mankind. He has ensured a righteous forever home for us with His blood sacrifice.

Again, I am grateful for a respite of peace and a place to hide in Him during this Christmas season, forward into a new year!

“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful raise we, let all within us praise His holy name. “

(Music and lyrics: Adolphe Adam and Placide Cappeau, 1847)

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - MONDAY 

HUMILITY: Soften our hearts to one another. Give us eyes to see our common humanity, each of us and all of us created in your image, and give us the gift of empathy, to care deeply about one another.

 

 

 

The Kingdom of Righteousness

The beginning of Isaiah’s prophecy warned Israel of her sin, and spoken on behalf of God about the punishment that Israel was experiencing. While chapter 32 carries a more hopeful tone, this prophecy of God’s faithful ruler serves as a prophetic contrast with Israel’s human leaders. The people are told to trust in God, and not in the human authorities around them. Ultimately, God would provide a King – Jesus – whose reign would never end!

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

 

Click here to access the reading from Isaiah 32:1-8

 

For more help use this Bible Study method

 

REFLECTION

 

Thy Kingdom Come; Thy Will Be Done

by Diane Ward

Childhood forward we long for justice and righteousness. My son was one of many children in the world who read C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, (the battle of good and evil.) When George Lucas’ Star Wars film further set our thoughts on the battle of good and evil, my son stood in line to see it and for days after said “Mom may the force be with you!”

There will be a kingdom of righteousness! “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)

The glass ceiling of the universe needs no telescope. From heaven’s window God sees the sightless, sinless people who do not obey His law. He sees us when we do not practice the greatest law Jesus taught, to love our neighbor as ourselves. Constant threats of war, pandemics, cataclysmic weather, famine, racial hatred, and abortion of the sacred life force prevail. In (Psalm 73) Asaph lamented “why do the wicked prosper and boastful arrogant tongues spread deceit and discord.” Jeremiah lamented, “is there no balm in Gilead for the healing of the people.” (Jeremiah 8:22)

The tsunami of bad news local and world-wide weakens my spirit. My birth sign is said to be, the sign of peace. No matter how I try to avoid insidious news bytes peace is often hard to find. I treasure the time I spent in the Scottish Highlands a few years ago. It was a sabbatical of peace and serenity. 

When we pray, “thy kingdom come,” we invite Jesus to into our world. “Take your throne Lord, be present in my heart, my home, my family, my fears and doubts, occupy every corner of my life with the peace you alone can give.”

“Then the King will say to those on his right, (to the righteous,) “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)

“Thy kingdom come; thy will be done!

 

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER – TUESDAY

UNITY: God of peace, we pray for de-polarized, non-defensive pursuit of truth, unity, and equality. We pray for well engaged minds. Set us free from the competing narratives of our culture wars that funnel us into opposing camps and make of us a house divided. Kindle in us a desire for your truth that is larger than our desire to have been right.

The Israelites Oppressed

While the Israelites had initially come to Egypt for deliverance from famine, they now have fallen into slavery at the hands of a new Pharaoh. Making matters even worse, the Pharaoh begins to use violence against the children of Israel. God knew this moment was coming, but the people did not. And they cry out in response to their suffering, looking for the Waymaker to come again bring salvation to His people once again.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Exodus 1:6-22

 

For more help use this Bible Study method

 

REFLECTION

 

Midwives Ignore Pharaoh

By Diane Ward

Parents innately know and discern the cries of their children. I have cried out to my Father many times. In the greatest despair and grief his help was immediate. Our Father discerns our cries for help, forgiveness, healing, and deliverance. He brings us out of darkness and fear, into light and safety and we are free to be happy and whole. Our prayer is heard!

Nearly 300 years have passed since the death of Joseph. The Hebrews children are now a slave nation under a new pharaoh, their former privileged status is gone. God told Abraham the Israelites would be in bondage and would leave Egypt. Joseph said “when you leave, take my bones along. I don’t want to be left behind.” (Genesis 15:13-14)

The new pharaoh’s aggressive project schedule for building cities and pyramids was dependent on the alien Hebrews. Pharaoh feared their increasing population. His solution was genocidal as he commanded Hebrew midwives to throw all baby boys into the Nile at birth. He expected them to obey his command, and they did not!  They cried out to God fearing him more than Pharaoh. God’s faithfulness was in motion as a baby hidden in the bull rushes of the Nile was to become his appointed one to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Wandering in the dessert 40 years, looking for a place to call home there would be many more cries to God for help.

World-wide travelers continue to wander looking for a home. God commanded Israel not to oppress the traveler, reminding his people of their own historic experience of oppression. We too are wandering through life to our eternal city. The book of Exodus is a reminder for us to be just and compassionate to travelers as we are all resident aliens on earth and citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

Mondays - HUMILITY: Soften our hearts to one another. Give us eyes to see our common humanity, each of us and all of us created in your image, and give us the gift of empathy, to care deeply about one another.

Living By the Spirit

Today we read another one of Paul’s letters to the early church. In the first half of the letter to the Romans, Paul deals with the beliefs of these Christians. He corrects their understanding of the Gospel and urges them toward unity together, trusting in Christ alone. Today’s passage comes toward the end of that half – giving the Christians practical direction for what it looks like to live out the Gospel. This passage is full of both warnings and promises. As you read, note these, and ask yourself, “What warning does God have for me today? What promise do I need to be reminded of?

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Romans 8:1-17

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

Life in the Spirit

By Diane Ward

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit. “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Paul opens chapter 8 of Romans with these words of assurance. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If we are in Christ as true believers, we are not living with a price on our heads. At Calvary God condemned sin on our behalf. (John 3:16) We are empowered to walk in freedom. (John 8:36)

Chronologically, the Spirit’s ministry in earth’s time and space, is staged. First age; God the Father, the law supreme and the Word spoken through prophets, priests, and kings. Second age; God the Son, under grace teaching, healing, dying rising again and glorified. Third age; God the Holy Spirit, the elect, (the called-out people,) the restoration of Paradise and the Holy Spirit’ sanctification through the Church, the Body of Christ.

The mysteries of the Holy Spirit have been revealed to us. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Daily living in the power of the Spirit is another matter, it is one of discipline and desire at a personal level. 

In submission we humble ourselves unto God, setting our minds on things of the Spirit so that His power is displayed in our lives. (Romans 8:5-8) While we often struggle with sin and a guilty conscience, the Spirit of God is dynamically moving toward abundant life in the Spirit. We must let no inferior presence occupy the place in our hearts where God has staked his claim, a place only he can fill.

“Jesus, without you we are orphaned and lonely, come as our Teacher and Guide. Leave us not comfortless, send us the Comforter, come to our hearts and abide.” (Catherine Marshall, The Helper)

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.

The Dead are Judged

In a final act of judgement God condemns death itself – even the grave cannot overcome the Lord! John also shares a vision of judgement, and of the fate of those whose name “was not in the book of life.” As you read, reflect on this judgement – what would happen if God judged you according to your deeds? Allow this vision to stir you toward gratitude for Jesus, who made a way for you to escape justice for your sin.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Revelation 20:11-15

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

The Dead are Judged

by Diane Ward

A service opportunity “Matthew 25” was offered to me. The ministry encompassed Jesus’ words; feed the hungry, welcome strangers, provide clothing, care for the sick and visit those in prison. The ministry at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana was a great blessing for the community and for me.

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” To the sheep he will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” To the goats he will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

At the Great White Throne Judgement where the dead are judged Jesus will conduct the trial. (John 22-27) Multitudes of people of diverse religions will be present; those who believe in God and those who believed in many gods, following their own truth. Every person’s life will be measured against God’s standard of holiness.

Somewhere between heaven and earth, the last judgement will take place. According to scripture, it will not be on earth. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” (Revelation 20:11) It will not be in heaven because no sin can enter the presence of God there. “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21: 27)

One day God will bring perfect justice that all will see as right and good. The sovereignty of God’s character is beyond our understanding. God’s justice and mercy meet at the cross!

As we wait, we serve each other as Jesus commanded, we worship triumphantly, witness urgently, and keep watch expectantly for Jesus’ return.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

MONDAY - MEDICAL PERSONNEL - Pray for our doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals to have strength, wisdom, endurance, and alertness.

The Church at Ephesus

The church in Ephesus is both commended and warned. As you read, look for what is praise-worthy about this congregation. What is challenged in this congregation? How do you relate to the church in Ephesus?

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Revelation 2:1-7

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

The Church at Ephesus

By Diane Ward

The Apostle John is old now, a slight figure walking through jagged rocks on a beach. He is in exile, socially distanced as we are now in this epic pandemic. I dare say what John experienced as a measure of time and memory is petabytes distant from our isolation of 2020.

As Jesus was nearing his last breath, he asked John to look after his mother. Soon after, John and Mary went to Ephesus and lived there 8 years until John was exiled by Roman Emperor Domitian to Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

Jesus commended the church at Ephesus. Through the ministry of Paul, it was firmly established and spiritually discerning in keeping with the Word of God. It was one of the largest churches of New Testament times. The Ephesians had endurance, but their love for Christ and for one another was not what it had been, they had forsaken their first love. Despite Jesus’ commendation, this serious problem afflicted the church. They needed to repent, for a church without love will die.

Jesus loves his church and all who belong to him in faith. He knows when our love and zeal for him grows weak, when we are persecuted and world-weary. He calls us to look to him, to remember his mercy and grace, to remain focused through the lens of his love.

When our love and passion for God and for others chills, we must sharpen our focus on the Word, relating to each other in love, quick to forgive, willing to defer to each other, demonstrating that love is at work in our church.  “Holy Spirit renew our passion with fresh warm love for Jesus, for our church and the peripheral community we are called to serve.”

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” (Helen H. Lemmel)

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - TUESDAY

TRUTH In the midst of all the messages being heard, pray for accurate information to drown out false reporting and click-bait tactics.

Truth and Lies

Today’s text has some echoes of our text from Sunday – Jesus finds himself in a verbal sparring match. During the debate Jesus reveals that the reason His opponents can’t hear the truth is because of their hearts and their commitments. They aren’t willing, or able, to hear the voice of God. As you study today, consider commitments or conditions of your heart that may be keeping you from hearing the truth. 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from John 8:31-47        

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

Truth and Lies
by Diane Ward

Among the binary contrasts of the Gospel of John are darkness and light; those who believe and accept Jesus and those who reject him; freedom and slavery; life and death, those who serve God and those who serve Satan.

Lying is Satan’s primary weapon of deceit and seduction aimed at God’s children. He is the father of lies twisting the truth and distorting reality. He is the author of cynicism, skepticism, mistrust, and despair. Satan has told more lies to more people (including angels) than any being ever created. His success depends on people believing his lies. The apostle Paul tells us that Satan masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Humility is always truth, the blunt acknowledgment that I owe my life and being to Another, and that he cannot and will not have a relationship with pretenders in the Spirit. (The Ragamuffin Gospel: Brennan Manning.)

Jesus defeated Satan at the cross and will ultimately defeat him at the end of time as we know it. Coventry Cathedral in England was severely damaged by bombing during World War II. On an outside wall is a sculpture of Michael the archangel subduing the fallen Lucifer. Jesus came to destroy the works of the Satan. (1 John 3:8)

With Satan’s first “recorded lie” we lost Paradise. (Genesis 3:4) With our adoption into God’s family through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Paradise is restored to us forever in the Father’s house.

As Jesus the light and truth of the world stood before Pilate, truth was on trial as Pilate asked, “what is truth?” (John 18:38) It is not God’s plan for us that our hearts and minds should wander in search of truth, repeating Pilate’s question. We know the truth and it has set us free!

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

TUESDAY – TRUTH
In the midst of all the messages being heard, pray for accurate information to drown out false reporting and click-bait tactics.

As the Deer Pants for Water

 July 7

This Psalm begins “Book II” within the Psalms. This Psalm begins a theme of earnest prayer to God in the midst of struggle and suffering. The Psalmists long for God’s presence to be restored to the Temple. Where are you longing for God’s presence? As you read, look for how you connect to the experience of the people who wrote this powerful Psalm.  

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Psalm 42

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

As The Deer Pants For Water

By Diane Ward

  

Refugee - (hunted, haunted, grieving father, outcast, betrayed, contrite sinner, downcast spirit, stalked as prey by the manic king he comforted with his harp, humiliation of his wife as he danced with joy carrying the ark to the temple.) The words melancholia and moodiness seem lame to me for the anguish of David’s Psalm.

David trusted God’s mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and justice (while living before the redemptive blood of Jesus.) Perhaps his time-traveling soul penned a foreshadowing of Calvary.

We were made for relationship, for intimacy-unable to achieve complete fulfillment in this life. At times we are lonely and insatiable, our restless hearts beat imperfectly. The pain we experience works to our good to keep us focused on the purpose for which we were created.

We may not understand now as did David who poured out his soul, that there is no greater reward in the universe than intimacy with God. I am grateful for David’s vulnerable heart, his raw grief as he mourned the loss of three of his children, and his fugitive life fleeing from enemies.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

“Deep calls to deep”, God waits for us in the depths of our being. When we are ready, he meets us at the place of our brokenness. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER      

Tuesday: TRUTH

In the midst of all the messages being heard, pray for accurate information to drown out false reporting and click-bait tactics.

The Calling of Moses

June 16, 2020

Moses was elderly when he was called by God. He had led a full life, and had been a prince, and a murderer, and a fugitive. Now he was tending flocks in the wilderness, far from the glory of the palace of Egypt. But God sought him out, called him out, called him and empowered him to serve in a way that Moses never would have imagined. 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to read from Exodus3:1-12

For more help use these Bible Study methods.

REFLECT

The Calling of Moses

By Diane Ward

Two things are apparent of the calling of Moses: It was an ordinary tend the sheep workday, and Moses was alone when God revealed himself and declared again his covenant with Abraham.

While wandering alone on the backside of the desert, Moses is halted by the sight of a blazing bush. He turns aside and God meets him with an astounding commission: "be my messenger to Pharaoh and lead my people to freedom." Next God asks more specifically that he lay down his staff, a significant tool of his trade that represented his identity, income, and influence. While having herd God say, "take off your sandals, you are standing on holy ground." Moses contends with God, raising one objection after another. God knew Moses was the one to lead the Hebrew children out of bondage, and Moses remembering the Egyptian overseer he killed doubted his credentials for the job.

When we submit our perceived limitations to God and trust his power to strengthen us, we can accomplish what he has planned for our life's work. "For each one of us there is only one thing necessary: To fulfill our destiny according to God's will, to be what God wants us to be." (The Wisdom of the Desert, Thomas Merton)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the One who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

The burning bush symbolizes our redemption in Christ, the Messenger of the Covenant. Our spiritual identity is established as descendants of Jesus through a great lineage. “For we are God’s masterpiece, he has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)

We are standing on Holy ground!

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER