In an Instant

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. (verse 32)

Death by crucifixion was considered a demeaning way to die. That was surly the Roman leader's intent. The fact that Jesus was hung between two criminals was meant to belittle and dismiss Jesus and His mission.

This fashion of death is also a testimony to how He lived. Jesus could have changed anything about this day; He could have changed everything about this day, but He didn't. Instead, He died as He lived, in the company of sinners. And we can be confident that He would have it no other way.

One of the two criminals was transformed by Christ, right there on that hill. Sometimes transformation takes time, years even. We grow and change over time, and we learn to love Jesus and others as part of our transformation. But, as we witness on the day Jesus died, some are transformed in an instant. We too, can be changed on the spot.

This scene reminds me of a similar scene detailed in Mark 10. James and John were vying for a place of honor - one on His right and the other on His left. Jesus told them they didn't know what they were asking. Now, in Luke 23 there are two men hanging alongside Jesus. They both have opportunity to spend eternity with Jesus...only one chooses life over death, transformation over pride.

Every day we have occasion to make choices too. We can chose to follow Jesus, read the Bible and allow His word to transform us. Or can choose otherwise. Remember, in an instant it can all change.

Luke 23:32-34

Open Hands Heal Broken Hearts

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but wise - making the most of every opportunity." (v 15-16)

Too often, I've looked back at a season and realized I had wasted some amazing opportunities. Opportunities which could have changed my life or the life of someone else. I know we are not to live in the land of "if only," but recognize wasted chances and then do better next time. It is no fun looking back and wishing we had used our time wisely. Let's remember we cannot redeem lost time.

Perhaps we reflect on things we could have skipped in order to attend that game our child was playing in, or maybe we wish we had visited mom and dad more often - now it is too late. This is not an unusual thing, but one we can correct by prioritizing our life...our day.

"Be very careful, then, how you live, might speak to the workaholic who stays at work when they could leave the office in time to share a meal with the family, or celebrate a special occasion. Memory making moments don't come around often, and if we miss them, they are gone forever.

"...making the most of every opportunity." If our eyes are open, there are situations all around to help someone, to give a hand of assistance, or an encouraging word. Taking advantage of moments like this can put a smile on a child's face or insert a bit of hope into the heart of a person who feels hopeless.

Dear Jesus,
Give me eyes to see people all around me. Place a willingness to lend a hand to someone just because it is what you would do, and because it is the right thing.  Amen


Ephesians 5:15-21

The fruit of the Spirit

13 January 

Scripture Reading

Read Galatians 5:16-26 and reflect on the passage.

I’m in a wide expanse of darkness. A light shines down. With every step, the light moves with me and provides sustenance necessary for the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to bloom as flowers around me. Brilliant colors rise up from thistles threatening to ensnare, but too weak to overcome the power I possess in this light. 

Sometimes I peek at shadows lurking in the darkness, and take a step out of the light to get a better look. It’s there that I’m burdened by the conflict of what the Spirit and my sinful nature desire. Afraid and lonely, I panic at what I might run into in the dark. By grace, I step back into the light’s embrace. The longer I spend here, the harder it is to see the shadows in the darkness, and the less I want to.

I used to view the fruits of the Spirit as a source of striving—I’m not worthy if I don’t possess and reflect them by my own efforts. Now I realize that they aren’t markers by which my faith is being graded, but gifts, stemming from the surrender of letting the Holy Spirit guide my life.

The expanse of darkness that once surrounded me dissipates into a distant memory, and the promise of light-sustained paradise is all I can see.

Questions

1.      Do you see the fruits of the Spirit as requirements, or gifts?

2.      How do you picture the Holy Spirit guiding you?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for joy that comes from walking in Your light, and the allowance to “carry out [our] good intentions,” freely and ungoverned. Amen.

—Abby Fullen

The Holy Spirit dwells in us

 January 12

Scripture Reading

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20 and reflect on the passages.

Our Scriptures for today tell us that we were bought with a price. Bought? Bought from what? The metaphor is that we were totally trapped in slavery. Just what kind of slavery was that? It was slavery to pursue every whim and passion of our body and being. We were stuck following everything our body has to do with—food, sex, sleep, pleasure, play, work, and the list could go on and on.

The amazing news is that we were bought out of slavery for an incredible purpose—to become the temple of the Holy Spirit. That is, we are set free from ourselves to have the Holy Spirit dwell within us. Why? It is because our God wants to live, reside, and have intimate fellowship with you.

Is this a life-changing revelation or what? Could any truth possibly be more powerful and transforming? I believe the apostle Paul is telling us that if we understand this, we will naturally glorify God in our bodies. We will become the people we were created to be—creatures created to glorify God in our bodies and subsequently find body, mind, and soul fulfillment beyond our wildest imagination.

Questions

1.      How might consciously being aware that you live life in the presence of God change your behavior?

2.      List some practical things might you do to remember that you are to live in the reality of the presence of God.

Prayer

Give us grace Lord to remember that at all times we live in Your presence and may we glorify You Lord in all we do.

—Lee Miller

The Holy Spirit comes to the Church

 11 January

Scripture Reading

Read Acts 2:1-12 and reflect on the passage.

When our kids were toddlers one of their favorite phrases was, “Do it again!” “It” may have been reading a book, singing a song, or having Dad twirl them around the living room. But they couldn’t get enough. They wanted more.

On Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time, releasing more of God’s kingdom, power, and gifts into their lives. Luke says that, as a result, 3,000 people called on the name of the Lord and were saved. I long to see that kind of power in the church today. And the good news is that God gives refills!

All believers have the Holy Spirit by virtue of baptism, but to be saturated with the Spirit is our ongoing need, because it’s so easy to become filled with other things like fear, and doubt, and anger, and guilt, and temptation. Like a sponge, I need the Holy Spirit to wring out of me those things that hinder my relationship with Him, and soak me again in His presence and power. Not just once, but over and over. The Spirit wants to give us more of what Jesus offers. So “Do it again, Lord!”

Questions

1.      When you think of Jesus, what characteristic comes to mind first and foremost? Wise teaching? Love for others? Power to heal? Holiness of life? Mission?

2.      In what ways might your view of Jesus influence your understanding of the Holy Spirit?

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Prayer

Holy Spirit, fill me today, so that with all the saints, I will be prepared to glorify You and join You in Your work. Amen.

—Jeff Morlock

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit

January 10

Scripture Reading

Read John 14:25-31 and reflect on the passage.

There can be seasons in life where we just feel like we are barely getting by. This is where I was in January of 2006, but didn’t really want to say it out loud, as if uttering this to the world might wipe out my ability to care for my 4-year-old, my almost 2-year-old and our 4-month old baby.  For 10 days that January, Brodie left on a mission trip to Ghana. During that small time-frame my grandmother got sick, died, and we had her funeral.

I arrived at the funeral completely depleted from caregiving and heartbroken at my inability to contact Brodie to even share the news. That morning a woman, for whom I had babysat her children during my teenage years, heard from the Holy Spirit. She listened and obeyed, and opened up the nursery just for my children. She advocated for me to go into the service and grieve. As she swooped up my children she said to me with tears in her eyes, “God sees you and loves you and I am here this morning to remind you of this truth.” To this day, it is an unforgettable example of God’s love for me.

Questions

1.      How does the Holy Spirit want to minister to you today and remind you of the truth of God’s love and grace?

2.      How can you slow down today and listen to the Holy Spirit today so that you might be a conduit of his peace to someone in need?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for knowing my needs and being my advocate. Thank You for speaking peace into my heart. Remind me again today of God’s truth of who I am in Christ.

—Andrea Taphorn

Given

January 1 

This next year, we have the ability to make changes in our lives with resolutions that we can fulfill on our own.  But with Jesus, we have the ability to experience relationship with the only One who can make all things new.

As we begin the New Year, many people have their sights set on newness. We are simply programmed with the assumption that life can and should be different. The Bible gives us a clear account for why this is—we live in a fallen world that cries out for newness, for restoration. So as we enter the New Year, it is great to pursue the hope that comes with our resolutions, but our ultimate hope will come in trusting in our God who came into the world in order to make all things new.

Scriptures for today, Isaiah 9:6-7 and Revelation 21:1-5a, which invites us to look at the ability we have to experience a relationship with the only One who can make things new.

Take time to reflect together on the passage. Read the passage a second time if needed. If you’d like some help in drawing out reflections, share answers to these questions: With the start of a brand-new year, where does the Kingdom of God need to break into your life in new ways? What are things in your life that need forgiveness? Newness? Hope?

Knowing that God is with you, what are ways that you need to grow your relationship with Him?

God’s promise of making everything new is not just a future promise but an everyday promise. How can you live into that promise every day, what little steps can you honestly make that will let you be made new in Christ?

After giving time to reflection, offer up a simple prayer to God. If you aren’t sure what to pray, consider something like this: “Jesus, thank you for coming to dwell

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into practice with this week’s focus of “Given.”

For Adults

As you go through your week, what things need to be made new in your life? Pray that you can give that to God to be made new through Him.

With the promise of everything that is yet to come from God, who in your everyday life could use a new view of Jesus? Start to pray how God can use you to share who He is. Pray every time you think of that person that God would work on their heart.

For Teens

What in your life seems old, tired, or needs to be made new? As you come across those things in your week, stop and pray in that moment to give those things to God and that He would make them new.

For Kids

Take advantage of the time you’ll spend this week doing chores around the house. Weave a faith conversation into the simple act of cleaning up the kitchen or your child’s bedroom. Have your child take mental note of the mess before you begin. When you’re done cleaning, reflect on how the room is new again. How can it be used because of that newness? What are the things that Jesus makes new for people?

—Brittany Timm & David White

Jesus gives rest to the weary

December 31

Scripture Reading

Read Matthew 11:25-30 and reflect on the passage.

If I were crafting a comforting Bible verse about rest, the work of an ox would not be my chosen metaphor. I’m guessing beasts of burden aren’t your picture of rest either. So why is it that Jesus evokes this hard-pressed, driving metaphor when offering us comfort for our weariness?

I propose to you two reasons. First, we are meant for something. Rest for us, is not about inactivity, but about the right activity—faithful activity. Rest for the Christian is about obedience to God’s call in any moment. We may be called to stop at some times, and to go at another. Sometimes obedience will feel easy and sometimes it will be hard. But always it is what is best for us and will lead us toward a source of love and of life that will carry our weariness from us.

Second, a yoke is not taken by just one animal. We are not just taking on Jesus’ yoke, but we are yoked with Him—beside Him. Even when the work ahead seems insurmountable, we are more than conquerors because Christ pulls beside us, and He pulls in our place. We are yoked with Christ and in that there is infinite rest.

Questions

1.      What has you weary right now? Is it something God has called you to, or something else?

2.      What have you been trying to do that Christ can be doing for you? What would it take to convince you that the work you are doing doesn’t really rest on your shoulders?

  

Prayer

Jesus, I want to be yoked to You. Help me to be obedient and to remember that You do the heavy lifting. Amen.

—Aaron Thompson

Everywhere

Everywhere

WEEK 3 - ADVENT DEVOTIONS

December 11

Psalm 139

1. Write out the Psalm passage.
2. What images came to mind when you heard these words?
3. How does this passage stretch your understanding of God?

Have someone close in a simple prayer.

Conclude together by saying “We go now in peace, ending this time in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.” Blow out the candle.

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into 

practice with this week’s focus of  “Everywhere.”

For Adults

Lean into a more conversational tone of prayer this week. Tell God what you ate that day, tell Him how work went, tell him about what your kids did, tell Him what annoyed you, tell Him what excited you, tell Him what you are doing this weekend. Pray to God just as if you are talking to a friend, sharing about everything. Where do you notice God’s presence?

For Teens

Grab a small journal or piece of paper, one that could fit in your pocket or purse. Make tally marks on the page every time you see something that reminds you that God is with you. Start over with new marks each day and see if your tally number goes up throughout the week as you notice more and more moments that remind you He is there.

For Kids

Have your child draw different pictures of them and God throughout the week. Have them pick a normal activity and draw God and them going through life together. Example: Draw a picture at school, doing chores, or playing. Explain to them that whatever they are doing and wherever they are, God is with them.

—Catherine Scurria & David White

Enough

WEEK TWO - ADVENT DEVOTIONS

DECEMBER 4
Acts 17:22-27a

• Write out the Acts passage
• What images came to mind when you heard these words? 
• How does this passage stretch your understanding of God?

Have someone close in a simple prayer.

Conclude together by saying “We go now in peace, ending this time in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.” Blow out the candle.

The Advent wreath helps us get ready for Jesus. Christians throughout history have tried to ensure the busyness of this season does not overtake their focus. Advent can be an incredible time of spiritual refreshment and renewal!

This week is all about seeing God as enough. Emmanuel. God with us. Jesus did not need us nor did He need our love. God is fully, wholly, and completely love. God, out of goodness and generosity, created this beautiful world. And from that same heart, He came down to us to be with us and live with us, to love us, and heal us.

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into practice with this week’s focus of “Enough.”

For Adults

Get outside this week and find beauty. Breathe in the cold air and give time for your eyes to really take in God’s amazing creation. Thank Him for his goodness. Invite someone to join you on a walk, hike or jog to search for what speaks God’s creativity to you.

For Teens

Get outside this week and find beauty. Breathe in the cold air and give time for your eyes to really take in God’s amazing creation. Slow down and thank Him for his goodness. If you like to take pictures, invite a family member or friend to join you on a search for what speaks God’s creativity to you from nature. Post and share it with others if you like. #ualcgodwithus

For Kids

Take a walk with your kids this week. Make a game out of finding things that look beautiful all around you, such as “I spy…” Once you are done, give thanks together to God for how amazing He is for creating the world. God is good and he loves us!

—Andrea Taphorn & David White