He is Enough

Dear Readers, We want to let you know that we are moving to a new platform. Your morning reflections can now be found here. You can sign up to have them emailed to you each day, just like you do now on this site. Again, the new platform is located on the UALC website. (https://www.ualc.org/dailyworship) Contact Judy Webb if you have questions (judithannie.webb@gmail.com)

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

 Exodus 16:1-18

REFLECTION

He Is Enough

by Elaine Pierce

The Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt 45 days ago. They witnessed the parting of the Red Sea that saved them from the Egyptians who would have surely captured them, killed many of them, and enslaved them again. God delivered them from Pharaoh. They were headed to the Promised Land. But what are they doing, just 45 days into this trip? They are complaining.

"In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.....If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt!  There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."  Exodus 16:2-3.  

They direct their complaints to Moses and Aaron, but Moses rightly reminds them that he and Aaron are obeying God's commands: "You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord." And then, God himself appears: "There was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud." The rest of this chapter and describes the manna from heaven that God provided for his people.  

Would I have been among the complainers just 45 days into this journey? Unfortunately, I think I would have joined in the chorus of negativity. It's so easy to lose sight of God's promises when there are bumps in the road. When the rain comes, I long for blue skies and sunshine. It's easy to get discouraged when I focus on the problems instead of the Problem Solver. When the people followed Moses' directions, they found that they each had enough food for each day.  

There is a beloved Passover song called "Dayenu, " Dayenu is Hebrew for "it is enough."  Listen to the song and the words, and thank God for giving you enough. He blessed Abraham, and promised to make him the Father of a great nation. He keeps his promises.  We so easily fall into sin and are lost when we lose sight of his goodness and faithfulness.  And yet, he welcomes us back with open arms. I could conclude with many, many verses that focus on God's promises. Here's one that I long for you to hold onto:

Psalm 145:8-9:  The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.  

I am Who I am

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

Exodus 2:23-25; 3:1-15; 4:10-17

REFLECTION

I am Who I am

by Elaine Pierce

As we continue to 'open the book' and engage with God's word, we come face to face with another fascinating character. Moses is one of those people who is well-known outside of the Judeo-Christian world. Everyone knows about Moses saying to Pharaoh, "Let my people go!" We can picture him in his flowing robes, long hair, his staff firmly in hand, as he confronts the most powerful man on the planet and tells him he is not going to obey him any more. And of course we know about how he parts the Red Sea - miracle upon miracle take place as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

But before he does all of that, he has an encounter with God that is almost indescribable. God calls to him from a burning bush - a bush that is consumed with fire but is not consumed by the flames. He meets the one true God in this burning bush, and God reveals his plan to Moses. He is going to use Moses to bring his people out of slavery to a land flowing with milk and honey.  

So Moses quickly agrees to this plan. Well, not exactly. Moses comes up with lots of excuses about why he's not the right guy for this job.  

-I'm not a good speaker.  

-I don't even know your name for sure, God.

-The people won't believe me. They know about my past, and they don't trust me. 

- Send someone else.

God is patient with Moses (until he's not - see Exodus 4:14). And you know how this story turns out:  Moses and his brother Aaron lead the people out of slavery, and 40 years later, they finally enter the promised land. Lots and lots of missteps and adventures along the way.  

So where do we go with this passage of scripture? We can focus on how Moses finally realizes that when he trusts God, God will provide what he needs to be the leader of these chosen people. Or we can focus on the character of God. When Moses asks God to tell him his name, God responds like this:

"I am Who I am." (Exodus 3:14). And then he reminds Moses that he is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. This is a God unlike all other gods. He cannot be controlled; he cannot be fully known. Moses knows the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He knows God's faithfulness to his unfaithful people.  

God remembers his people. He hears their cries. He will accomplish his purposes. And he will use Moses. He will use you. He will use me. We aren't perfect, but when God calls, let us answer.  

God's Promise to Jacob

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

 Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17

REFLECTION

God's Blessing is Yours

by Elaine Pierce

If you haven't read Pastor Dave's Daily Worship post from this past Monday, do that now.  His post focuses on the fact that God uses flawed, sinful people like Sarah and Abraham to do his work:

"God chose to inspire the writing of the real sacred Scriptures with characters who are flawed, yet who grow in their trust in God...if the Biblical record had only shown the favorable sides, I know that I would feel like I could never measure up to such a standard. But as it is, the Bible is full of people who were 'saints and sinners, wimps and winners'"

Today we meet another group of flawed people; in many ways a truly dysfunctional family.  The parents, Isaac and Rebecca, each favor one of their twin sons over the other. Jacob and Rebecca deceive Isaac into believing that he is giving his blessing to Esau, when it is Jacob who receives it. (This is not the first time Jacob, whose name means 'he cheats,' has done this to his brother. There is definitely a pattern here.)  

In ancient times, the father's blessing almost always went to the eldest son, yet Rebecca loved her younger son, Jacob, more, and she plotted with him to steal Esau's blessing. (Be sure to read the rest of the story. You will learn that, despite being denied his father's blessing, Esau prospered, and eventually, he forgave his brother's treachery.)  

Whose blessing do you seek? You may be thinking to yourself, oh, that is so old-fashioned and archaic. In America, there is no hierarchy of 'blessing.' I have earned all that I have on my own; no one blessed me. And yet, deep down, all of us long for favor, whether it is from our earthy father and mother, or from our Father in Heaven - or from both. We may never have had to steal a 'blessing,' but we eagerly reach for approval, for affirmation that we are loved.

The good news is that God longs to bless us! He is eagerly waiting to bless you, and, my dear friends, he is not basing his blessing on whether or not you bring him tasty food like Jacob and Esau did for their father. He only asks that you come, just as you are, and receive his blessing. And in turn, he asks that you bless others. Is there someone who needs your love, your care? A phone call? A letter? A listening ear?  

Take a few minutes and listen to this song, The Blessing.  I first heard this when Covid was keeping us apart, and worship was online only. As I watched my computer screen fill with UALC members who each recorded their parts separately, and were then brought together through technology, I was moved as this virtual choir ministered to my heart and soul. Yes, the Lord will bless us. He will keep us. His face will shine on us. He will give us peace.

God Provides a Lamb

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

Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14

REFLECTION

Abraham Obeys: God Provides

by Elaine Pierce

I'll follow you, Lord, wherever you lead. Except don't ever ask me to give up my.....

....career?

....spouse?

....children?

....beautiful home?  

How did Abraham respond when God asked him to sacrifice his son, his only son?  He responded in obedience. He took Isaac to the Mount of Moriah. He gathered wood for the burnt offering. He laid his son on the altar, on top of the wood. He reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

But God intervened.  

"Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

And the Lord provided a substitute offering, a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.

There is so much to unpack in this passage. What was going through Isaac's mind as his father laid him on the altar? Why didn't Abraham argue with God about sacrificing his son, his only son? Why did God test Abraham in the first place? I don't have the answers. What I do know is that we serve a good God, I claim the promise he made to Isaac's mother, Sarah:  

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised (Genesis 21:1).  

What has the Lord promised you, what has he promised me? Claim this verse in Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  

Abraham's son, Isaac, was spared that day at Mount Moriah. But we know that God sacrificed his son, his only son, on the cross of Calvary. He died for our sins, so that we can stand before the father pure and blameless. Jesus took on our guilt, our shame. We can't earn our place in heaven. But we can, every day, wake anew to the promise that we are children of God. He loves us and asks us to put him first, and to live every day for him.  Thanks be to God for this gift!

God's Work through change

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Give thanks to God for all that He gives. And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

Psalm 16

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Life, a Maze of Choices

by Elaine Pierce

Have you ever walked through a corn maze and wondered how on earth you were going to find your way out? My grandsons and I would have been completely lost if their dad, my son, hadn't downloaded the map on his phone before we enter the maze. The corn was tall - very tall - and there were many paths to choose from. Once we found ourselves doubling back and ending up at the same place we had been just minutes before. Theo, my almost-6-year-old grandson, asked after about 20 minutes of corn maze wandering, if we were lost: "I want to get out of here!" 

His dad assured him that we would find our way. And, after a few more dead ends, we saw the exit ahead, where their mom was patiently waiting for us to emerge.

We had the map, so even though we made a few mistakes, we found our way out of the corn field and back to the open field and the sunshine. My grandsons were never truly afraid of being lost, because they knew their dad would get them out safely.

In Psalm 16, David asks God to keep him safe. He has enemies all around him, but he is confident that God will protect him. He says in verse 11, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Sometimes we may feel like we're in a corn maze and we will never find the path home. The twists and turns seem never-ending. How will I ever get out of this mess I find myself in? When all I see is the corn all around me, I fail to consult the map and find the way forward.  

God has a plan, a good plan, a plan to give you a delightful inheritance. He wants you to trust him, and he will fill you with joy. David says that he praises the Lord and he knows that because the Lord is at his right hand, he will not be shaken (v. 8). Claim that promise today and every day. Allow God to show you the path of life. He is a good God. He is worthy of your trust.  

God's Work in a Time of Fear

DAILY READING

Psalm 23

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Sheep Need a Good Shepherd

by Elaine Pierce

How many times have you read Psalm 23? How many of you have this beloved psalm memorized? It is hard to look at Psalm 23 with fresh eyes, isn't it? And yet, when I ask God to show me what I need, and I listen and wait patiently, he will always bless me. So let's take a look at Psalm 23.

I read that this psalm comes from the time of David's life when Samuel anointed him the new King of Israel (I Samuel 16:10-12). God directed the prophet Samuel to choose a new king, and that king would be one of Jesse's sons. But when 7 of his sons stood before Samuel, he knew he hadn't found the king. Jesse told him that his youngest son David, was away tending the sheep. This was a lowly task given to the youngest child. When they fetched David and brought him to Jesse, God made it very clear that this young man would be King David, and so, in obedience, Samuel anointed him King.  

The job of a shepherd was not considered a career goal for which to aim.  It was hard, lonely work. Sheep are smelly, recalcitrant, and, to be honest, not very smart. The hours are long and the rewards are low. But without a shepherd, sheep would not survive. They are totally dependent on the shepherd for everything

What does the shepherd do in Psalm 23? Here are a few things:

•  He restores my soul. 

• He comforts me. 

• He anoints my head with oil. 

• He keeps me from harms way. 

• He guides me  in paths of righteousness.

This is a shepherd who has my best interest at heart, and this is a shepherd who knows better than I do what is good for me. This is a shepherd who is trustworthy. This is a shepherd who loves me. This is MY shepherd.  

Probably the most well-known shepherds in the Bible outside Psalm 23 are the shepherds who visit Jesus after the angels tell them that a savior is born this day. But Jesus tells his followers that HE is the good shepherd. And he says this: "the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me (John 10)."  

The sheep will encounter trials. There will be enemies along the way. There will be fears to face. But through it all, the shepherd will lead us. Take his hand. Accept his love. Bask in his forgiveness and grace and mercy. Yes, the valleys of the shadow of death will come to each of us, but our shepherd will provide a way out.  Take his hand and allow him to lead you.  

PRAYER PRACTICE

Spoken Prayer – Out loud, pray for God to speak to you through your reading of Psalm 23 today. 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.

God's Work in Ministry

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Not sure what to write? Try using ACTS to frame your prayer. Begin with adoration for who God is. Then move on to confession – being real about where you have fallen short in the last day or two. Give thanks to God for all that He gives (including forgiveness for the sin you just confessed!). And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

Psalm 34:11-18 

Sermon Discussion Starters 

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

How can I Get Through This?  

By Elaine Pierce

David wrote Psalm 34 when he was running for his life. Take a few minutes and skim  through I Samuel chapters 19 - 21. You will read about how King Saul was desperate to kill David - he was insanely jealous of his many battlefield victories, and he was determined to get rid of who he saw as his greatest rival. David hides in caves; he even acts like a madman when he thinks that Achish, King of Gath, will betray him to Saul.  

So this psalm was written in the midst of great personal strife and danger. His life was on the line. Keep that in mind as you read the psalm. When he wrote, 'the Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,' he had first-hand knowledge of what it was like to be in a situation that looked hopeless.

So how did David respond to adversity? He looked to God's promises of comfort and deliverance. He reminds himself that 'the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to his cry.' He recognized that he couldn't solve this mess on his own. He also has practical advice for how to face your enemies: Don't lie. Do good. Seek peace.  

We can say, well, I'm not David.  I didn't slay a giant. I am not anointed to be the King of a great nation. These lofty words don't apply to me. You and I may not be kings, but we are created in God's image. Yes, we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139, yes, it was also written by David). And God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. And when we face trouble - and we will - the only way to get through it is to cry out to God as you are 'crushed in spirit.'  

No problem is too small for him, and certainly no problem is too big. Chances are, no one is trying to kill you right now. But you may be facing a difficult decision at work. Or you may be struggling with a broken marriage. Or you may be longing for a child. Or you may be facing a frightening health diagnosis. Or you may be feeling a lack of purpose and meaning. Whatever you are facing, God is waiting for you. Claim the promises in Psalm 34. His ears ARE attentive. He longs for you to bring your fears to him. He is worthy.  

GOD'S WORK IN COMMUNITY

DAILY READING

 Psalm 133

Sermon Discussion Starters

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

See How They love One Another!

by Elaine Pierce

I love the first verse of this psalm - it's so positive and encouraging:

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Don't we all want life to be like that? No quarrels.....no differences.....everyone happy all the time....but take a look at the second verse: 

It [living together in unity] is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

Huh? If you take a look at Exodus 30:22-30, you will learn more about this 'precious oil.' It was costly, time consuming to make, and rare. It was only to be used for Aaron and his priests.  

So unity is a precious thing. It is not to be taken for granted. And I don't know if living in unity necessarily means a lack of conflict. Look at the last verse of this short psalm:

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.  

We will receive the Lord's blessing - but that doesn't mean we won't experience strife. An ancient Roman Christian, Tertullian, lived during a time of intense persecution against the church. In 197 AD he wrote a letter to the Roman authorities pleading for justice for the church against cruel opposition. It was a very long letter (50 chapters!) but a quote from this letter endures today. He describes how the church cares for its members like this:

See how they love one another!

Is that what our friends and neighbors say about UALC? May it be so! Lord, we pray for unity in the body of Christ right here in Columbus. May we care for one another in times of need and in times of joy, and may we be a witness to the God who loves us and longs to bring others into his kingdom.  Amen.  

Lord's Prayer Conclusion

DAILY READING

Matthew 6:5-13

Sermon Discussion Notes

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.  

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Who do you Trust?

by Elaine Pierce

What a joy it has been to spend the last several weeks studying the Lord's Prayer. If you have been a churchgoer for any length of time, you are very familiar with this prayer, and it can be very easy to recite the words week after week without thinking about their meaning. Today marks the conclusion of this sermon series, but my prayer is that you will continue to find the Lord's Prayer a source of encouragement, challenge, and growth in your Christian journey.

Today I want to spend a few minutes looking at verse 8: Do not be like them [the pagans] for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. When I read that, I immediately think, well, then why should I bother to ask? Who benefits when I pray? Does God need my reassurance that I trust him to give me what I need?

Who do you trust? Do you trust that God knows what you need, and that he will provide it? As I thought about trust, these quotes came to mind:

Don't trust anyone over 30 (Jack Weinberg during the "Free Speech Movement" 1960s)

Trust but verify (Ronald Reagan - originally a Russian Proverb).

Trust the process (originated with the Philadelphia 76ers)

Love all, trust a few (William Shakespeare)

Thanks be to God that he is the only one who is worthy of our trust! Now let's take a look at some biblical quotes that help us remember in whom we trust and why we trust him:

• When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
• You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
• But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation, I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 135:5-6

PRAYER PRACTICE
We know we can trust God. He knows what we need. Take some time now to tell him what you need, and to thank him for always, always, providing what we need. Thank you, Lord, for your word, and for your son. Thank you for the sure and certain knowledge that you are good, and that I can trust you every day and in every way. Amen.

6th and 7th Petitions - 'and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'

DAILY READING

 James 4:1-10

Small Group Discussion Resource

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Temptation and Humility

by Elaine Pierce

Today we are looking at the 6th and 7th petition of the Lord's Prayer: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. The two verbs stand out: lead and deliver. God both leads us and delivers us. So how does this passage in James, which seems to focus on Christians who are fighting with one another, connect to this part of the Lord's Prayer?  

What do you think is at the root of quarreling and fighting? James says that they come from 'desires that battle within you. You want something but don't get it.' Temptation is rearing its ugly head - as it says in 1Peter 5:8 - 'your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.' The devil loves a quarrel - what a great opportunity to sow discontent and dissension. How can we respond to such sinful desires? James urges us to humble ourselves before God. Take a look at the different ways James encourages us to fight against sin:

• God gives grace to the humble
• Submit yourselves then, to God.
• Resist the devil, and he will flee
• Come near to God, and he will come near to you
• Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up

How does this look in your life? Are you asking God daily for strength to resist temptation?  Do you recognize it when it comes? Do you have trusted Christian friends who are praying for you? Are you praying for others, that they would come near to God?  

According the google, the words 'humble' and 'humbled' are used 56 times in the Bible.  James uses them twice in these 6 verses. God is waiting for us to come to him, and he is longing to lead us. We get in trouble when we think we can handle our problems without him. He is a good God, and and faithful God. This praise song may help you cement this truth - take a couple of minutes and allow the words to wash over you and bless you.  

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.

The 5th Petition

DAILY READING

 I John 1:5-10; 2:9-11

Small Group Discussion Points

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Hide and Seek

by Elaine Pierce

Our 3-year-old grandson loves to play 'hide and seek,' and he especially loves to hide in the bathroom with the lights off.  We sit in the dark, huddled close together, and grandpa looks for us.  Leo is delighted when the door slowly opens, and he yells 'boo' as grandpa 'finds' us and floods the room with light.  The minute he is found, he begs to play again, and runs back to the same hiding place, where he waits with 100% assurance that he will be found.  The dark room is scary only for a short while, and Leo looks forward to once again being in the light.  

The apostle John spends a lot of time in this short letter talking about light and darkness, and how as believers we need to walk in the light.  Take a look at the way he contrasts light and darkness:

• God is light; in him there is no darkness
• Walk in the light, as he is in the light
• Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness
• whoever loves his brother lives in the light
• whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness

So what does it mean to walk in the light?  Does it mean to be a good Christian?  Does it mean to serve others?  Those are certainly good things, but I think John is urging us to confess our sins daily - to expose our life to the light of Christ and ask for forgiveness for our sins.  

We are working our way through the Lord's Prayer every Sunday.  Today we are focusing on "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."  What better way to recognize our sins than to walk in the light?  The light of Christ shines a spotlight on our sin, and he offers us forgiveness and grace.  We don't have to hide in the darkness - he knows what we are doing whether we confess or not, but walking in the light offers us hope and grace and mercy.

Our grandson Leo knows that the darkness is temporary, and he knows that we will always find him and bring him back into the light.  My friends, let us walk in the light of Jesus this week - he is longing for us to join him.  Thanks be to God for this incredible gift.  

Give us this day our daily bread

DAILY READING

 James 1:9-16

Sermon Discussion Notes

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

One Day at a Time

by Elaine Pierce

What do you worry about? My guess is that you don't worry about having enough to eat every day. (In fact, most of us worry about having too much to eat!).  And yet, Jesus tells us to ask our father for our daily bread. And in these verses in James, we are encouraged to remember that 'every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.'  The food we eat is certainly one of the good and perfect gifts from God.  

And you will note that our wealth - whether we are rich or poor - is not tied to our status with the Lord. In verses 9-11, he turns upside down our usual perception of rich people having a higher place in society and those in 'humble circumstances' being considered lower. Oh, no - he tells us that the rich man will fade away.  

So what do we do with this information? We recognize that all we have comes from God.  We ask him daily for what we need. We recognize that we will face temptation, but we turn to God and remember that he chose us and he loves us. We put our trust in his good plan for us, not in storing up earthly treasures that will not last.  

I wake up every morning knowing that I will have plenty of food to eat. I need to be reminded that every meal I enjoy is a gift from God. When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, God gave them manna to eat, but just enough for each day's needs. When they tried to gather more than they needed, by the next morning the extra was full of maggots and began to smell (Exodus 16:20). They quickly learned their lesson. God is faithful - trust him.  

So, too, must we as we ask God for our daily bread. Again this week, I am sharing an old hymn with you that I pray gives you strength and encouragement to trust God every day.  Day by day.  

Day By Day and With Each Passing Moment

Thanksgiving and Prayer

DAILY READING

 Colossians 1:3-15

REFLECTION

Hope and Jesus

by Elaine Pierce

Faith, hope and love - how often do we see those three words grouped together in scripture? I'm guessing you thought about I Corinthians 13, didn't you? That's where my mind went. Let's take a closer look at how Paul talks about faith, hope and love in the first chapter of Colossians.   

"We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.' (Emphasis added).

Why must hope exist first? Why do you need hope before you have faith and love? It's so easy to think of 'faith, hope and love' as one entity, but clearly, Paul is telling us that faith and love spring from the hope that is stored up for us in heaven.  

I hope it doesn't rain.....I hope the Buckeyes win.....I hope I get the job.....I hope she says yes to my marriage proposal. This hope isn't the kind of hope Paul is describing. At best, hope without Christ is a confident attitude, an optimistic state of mind - a desire for a positive outcome. But hope based on Christ is far, far more - God is the basis for hope for those who believe in him. I could point you to many, many verses, but let's look at one from both the Old and New Hope and Jesus Testaments as examples of hope based on who God is:

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him. - Psalm 62:5

 

“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” (Romans 8:24)

Hope is not a feeling. Our hope is based on a person. We will recite the Lord's Prayer in worship as we do every week, and today's sermon will focus on the second and third petitions: "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We long for God's will to be done. We pray for that daily. And we do so in the strong assurance that what our hope - for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done - will ultimately prevail. Thanks be to God for this hope.  

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand - it's an old, old hymn, but the words ring true.  Take less than 2 minutes and worship as you hear these truths sung. Thanks be to our Solid Rock, on whom our hope is based.

 

How Should We Pray?

DAILY READING

Ephesians 3:14-21

DEVOTION / REFLECTION 

Deep and Wide

by Elaine Pierce

When I read this passage, I think of the children's song I learned long ago at a neighborhood VBS. I'm guessing you know it, too:

Deep and Wide,

Deep and Wide,

There's a Fountain flowing 

Deep and Wide

I suspect it's based on verse 18 - certainly the 'deep and wide' part is, but I don't know where the fountain reference came from (although there are lots of references to 'fountains' in scripture - here are a few.

Paul, the author of this short book who wrote to the new church in the city of Ephesus, is giving his audience a vivid picture of who God is. As we begin a summer sermon series on the Lord's Prayer, this description of God is a good place to start. Yes, his love is deep and wide, like a fountain overflowing. Look at what else Paul says about God:

• He has glorious riches (v. 16)
• He is one with the Spirit and with Jesus Christ (v. 16-19)
• His love surpasses knowledge - deep, wide, long and high (v. 18)
• He can do immeasurably more than we ask him or even imagine (v. 20)
• We will give him glory forever!(v. 21)

And that list isn't exhaustive, but it is a good start. As we pray to God, the Lord's Prayer starts us off with "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." These verses in Ephesians give us context for the hallowedness of God. We have the privilege of praying to a God who can do more than we ask him, and a God who will reign forever. There is no greater joy. 

Kneel, like Paul did, and come before God with reverence and awe - what a delight and a joy to pray to our Father.  

Christianity and Patriotism

DAILY READING

 I Peter 2:9-17

Sermon Discussion Starters

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Compare and Contrast

by Elaine Pierce

This passage is one of contrasts:  darkness.....light; not a people of God.... the people of God; no mercy.....received mercy; pagans accuse you of wrong...they see your good deeds and glorify God; live as free people....don't abuse your freedom; fear God.....honor the King.

Do you remember writing 'compare and contrast' essays in English class? Your teacher would give you the assignment, and the class would groan. Choose two subjects - say, vegetarians and meat eaters, or conservatives and liberals, to name a couple - and compare and contrast them. What are their similarities? What are their differences? Make a list.....write an outline....be sure to proofread.....you remember, don't you?

Peter is comparing far more than the similarities and differences between meat eaters and vegetarians. What a difference it makes to come out of the darkness into the light. What a difference it makes to be part of the family of God. What a difference it makes when we fear and reverence God, and give honor to our earthly King (in our case, our president and other government leaders).  

I often walk early in the morning, just before the sun is up. As the sun rises, everything comes into sharper focus. The contrast between light and dark is unmistakable. Peter calls God's light 'wonderful.' He invites us to 'live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.'  

Dear friends, we are a chosen people. We no longer live in darkness - we walk in the light.  God's light is wonderful, and his mercies are endless. Yes, we will struggle with sin, and the enemy will not stop fighting the light. But we know who wins in the end, and thanks be to God for his goodness and his victory.  

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Not sure what to write? Try using ACTS to frame your prayer. Begin with adoration for who God is. Then move on to confession – being real about where you have fallen short in the last day or two. Give thanks to God for all that He gives (including forgiveness for the sin you just confessed!). And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

One Anothering Ain't Easy

DAILY READING

Ephesians 6:10-18

Sermon Discussion guide

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

A Standing Soldier

by Elaine Pierce

I have read this passage many times, as I am guessing you have.  I often picture a knight in all his armor, getting ready for battle, when I read verses 13-17.  But as I read the passage today, praying about what I could write for this blog, verse 13 struck me in a new way.  Notice the word 'stand' is used twice in this verse:  

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  

Why would a soldier, after putting all that armor on - the shield, the helmet, the sword, the breastplate - why would he simply stand?  Isn't the point of the armor to protect him while he is in the heat of the battle?  Isn't he wading into the fight?  Yes, he is, and Paul clearly warns us that there are 'powers of this dark world.....spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.'  Satan is very much alive and he will work hard to defeat the truth.  But who is fighting this battle?  Are we fighting it, or is God fighting for us?  

Note how the armor is described.  Look at these words Paul uses to describe the Christian's armor:

• the belt of truth
• the breastplate of righteousness
• feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace
• the shield of faith
• the helmet of salvation
• the sword of the Spirit

It is easy to feel defeated by a world that is hostile to our faith.  It is easy to want to lash out when we feel attacked by a culture that doesn't value truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation.  But responding to hate and anger in kind rarely wins souls to Jesus.  This passage is reminding me that Jesus has given me all I need, abundantly so, and that when I am standing in his armor, in his truth, in his gospel, that even the worst kind of hate, anger, or attacks cannot harm me.  

Romans 12:17-19, is a good reminder that the battle is the Lord's, and he will win in the end:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:  "it is mine to avenge;  will repay," says the Lord.  

What a privilege it is to be in God's army!  To stand with him and to serve others because he first loved us.  Thanks be to God!  

Submit to One Another

DAILY READING

 Ephesians 5:15-21

Discussion Questions

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Be Filled with the Spirit

by Elaine Pierce

What qualities should be exhibited in the Spirit-filled life? Paul gives us some specific examples in verses 18-21:

• Be filled with the Spirit.
• Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
• Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord
• Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of or Lord Jesus Christ.  

(For those of you who aren't gifted with musical abilities, don't despair - these examples aren't all about singing, but I have often wondered if Paul was musical....)

I love that the first way to lead a spirit-filled life is, simply, to be filled with the Spirit. Oh, Lord, make it so! If I start my day walking with you, I will have more opportunities to share your goodness and to give thanks to you for everything.  

Have you taken a few minutes to listen to the song that moved Simon Cowell to tears on "America's Got Talent?" (here is the link - take a few minutes now. Jane Marczewski, who goes by Nightbirde when she sings, composed an original song, "It's OK," and the judges were so moved by her performance that they gave her the Golden Buzzer award, which moves her directly to the championship round. Jane has cancer and her long-term prognosis is not good. However, Jane loves the Lord, and, in her words, "you can't wait until life isn't hard anymore to be happy."

I found her blog online, and I would encourage you to read it. She is honest about her suffering. She is honest about her anger, at times, toward God. But she says in her journal that "I learn a new prayer: thank you. It's a prayer I don't mean yet, but will repeat until I do."

I think that is the essence of our bulleted list above of how to live the spirit-filled life. Be filled with the Spirit. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything. Even the hard things. Don't try to do this on your own power. You will not succeed. But God is ready to receive you - he is waiting with open arms.

PRAYER PRACTICE

Lord, there are times when I don't want to give thanks. I want to yell and scream.  I don't like the hand I'm dealt.  And yet, I come to you again, and I ask you to fill me with the Holy Spirit.  It's only through the spirit that I can draw near to you, and that I can thank you for everything.  I pray this in your name, Amen.  

Love One Another

DAILY READING

 Ephesians 4:17-32

Discussion prompts

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

It's Not Up to Me

by Elaine Pierce

These verses are packed with practical ways  for the Christian to live - in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. (v. 21). Paul encourages the Ephesian church to 'put off' their old selves, and to 'put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' (v. 23).  

So it's a matter of will, right? We just try harder every day? How is that working for you? Human effort, trying harder, will work for awhile....until it doesn't. And, after a time - it could be weeks, years, or it could be a few days - that 'old self' will rear its ugly head, inviting you back into a life of self-gratification, darkness and sin.  

It doesn't have to be that way, and I want you to be sure to notice verse 32:

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, jut as in Christ God forgave you. 

God designed us to be in community. He didn't design us to go it alone. The lone ranger Christian might do well for a season, but ultimately, he will fail. We need each other. We need to share our struggles. We need to experience kindness and compassion from our sisters and brothers. 

Where do you need help? Are you struggling with anger? Are you stealing? Are you bitter? Are you gossiping? Are you grieving the Holy Spirit? First off, ask God for forgiveness - he will readily grant it. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his love and remind you that you are sealed for the day of redemption (v. 30). And share your burdens with the body of Christ. Find a brother or sister who will hold you accountable, and who will encourage you to love and good works. Draw from the well of mercy and forgiveness that God lavishes on you. If you're not in a small group, find one. UALC has lots of them, and you will find encouragement, support and challenge that will help you live out your faith.

Lord, I am a sinner, and yet you call me your child.  You long to bless me, and to lead me in ways that bring glory to you. You forgive my sins, and you lead me to still waters. Restore my soul and prepare me for the good works you have planned for me. Thank you for the body of Christ, and help me to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as you forgave me in Christ.  

PRAYER PRACTICE

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.

One-Anothering

DAILY READING

 Ephesians 2:8-10

Discussion Guide

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Good Works - Thanks be to God!

by Elaine Pierce

One of the members of my small group has pretty much memorized the book of Ephesians, and he often will remind us of these verses, especially verse 8 - it is by grace we have been saved, through faith - not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. He is steeped in scripture, and he encourages our group to be grounded in what really matters (when we so easily get sidetracked). I was excited to see that these verses are our focus of worship today. 

You might say, well, that is nice. But I already knew that. Haven't we spent several weeks in Galatians talking about  how easy it is to fall into the 'performance plan' way of life? We want to earn our salvation through adherence to the law -  And Paul repeatedly tells us, NO.  We can't 'perform' our way in.  

But let's take a closer look at these verses. Yes, verse 8 reminds us that our salvation is only through faith in Christ. But what are we saved for? Verse 10 answers that question: "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Let that sink in. God has good works prepared for you - you who are saved by faith - and he has planned those good works specifically for you. Your good works won't get you a better seat in heaven. But they will bring glory to God:

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16).    

When I approach works this way, the whole 'performance plan' mindset is turned on its head. I don't do good works to impress God. Or my family. Or my small group. Or my church as a whole. God designed me to do good works, and what a privilege it is to bring praise to our Father.  

God is working in each of us to transform us and prepare us for good works. Each of us is at a different place in our faith journey. Who can you encourage today? Where does God want you to work? Come to him in prayer - ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Be open to how you can serve.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."  (Psalm 127:1).

Thank you, Lord, for your word. Help me today to rejoice in my eternal salvation, and to bring praise and glory to you through the good works you have prepared in advance for me to do. I love you, and I serve you with gladness. Amen.  

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.