Daily Devotions - Week 17
Zion Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
April 28 - May 4, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008—The Call...Then and Now
Our theme texts provide glimpses into the lives and ministries of Peter and Paul, but before we read these, let’s backtrack a bit and consider what happens when God calls people into relationship, or deeper relationship, with himself. Some calls, like Moses’, Isaiah’s, and Saul/Paul’s, are very dramatic; others, like Simon Peter’s, are quite ordinary (Exodus 3:1-6,10-15; Isaiah 6:1-8; Mark 1:16-18; and Acts 9:1-6). What are some ways people are called into relationship, or deeper relationship, with God today? As you read Acts 17:22-31, ponder Paul’s approach to inviting people into relationship with God through Jesus. Let Revelation 3:20 guide your petition or praise.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008—The Sending...Then and Now
Moses, Isaiah, Peter, and Paul responded to God’s call, and all learned that the call was not just to blessing and relationship, but also to service. What moved Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Isaiah to take God’s message to God’s people, and Peter and Paul to travel, preach, write, and die for doing so? Consider that by responding to God’s call and receiving God’s grace, they were also bowing before God’s authority and command to love God and others (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Mark 12:29-31). Read John 17:6-26, Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and for us. How do Peter and Paul live out this prayer (Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 1:1-5)? Pray, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008—The Empowerment...Then and Now
In Acts 17:22-31, Paul is in Athens; he is on his third missionary journey and has suffered rejection, beating, imprisonments, and much persecution, yet he perseveres. Peter also has suffered and writes to people who are suffering; read 1 Peter 1:6-9; 3:13-22. What motivates Peter and Paul? Why are they so passionate in spite of hardship? What and/or who gives them the strength to persevere? Read John 13:34-35; 15:5; Acts 1:8; 2:32-33,38-39; Philippians 4:13,19; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18; and 1 John 4:9-11,16-21. Have you opened your heart and life to the Spirit’s work in and through you? Pray the Spirit will fill you with holy passion and love for God and others.
Thursday, May 1, 2008—[Ascension Day] The Cost...Then and Now
Jesus told his followers they would suffer persecution (John 15:18-21); we see this fulfilled throughout Acts and the Epistles. Today, many still suffer persecution for their faith. For most of us, however, the cost of discipleship is usually subtler: issues in employment because of our integrity or ridicule/rejection because of our beliefs. Today is Ascension Day on the Church calendar; as we reflect on Jesus’ ascension, we remember that there is more to his story, and ours, than our temporal lives tell. This is our confident hope and joy. Read Acts 1:6-12; 17:29-31; Ephesians 1:17-23; and Philippians 3:7-11,20-21. Tell Jesus you have counted the cost and will follow him.
Friday, May 2, 2008—Spiritual Hunger and Spiritual Food...Then and Now
Both Jesus and Paul encounter spiritually famished people who are in need of God’s love and grace. As you read John 4:1-26 and Acts 17:22-31, notice how both Jesus and Paul use the common ground of spiritual hunger to engage others in conversations about faith. Observe their respectful attitudes and sensitivity to their audiences (see also 1 Peter 3:15). Our theme thought this week is “We love our neighbors by meeting them where they are and providing them with what they truly need for life.” Ask Jesus how you might live this out today. Go out in faith!
Saturday, May 3, 2008—Suffering Redeemed...Then and Now
Jesus sent his early followers into the world with a message of grace, hope, and love; they lived and died sharing this message. Are you passionate about telling others about Jesus with your life and with your words? Remember Stephen (Acts 6:1-8:4); because of the general persecution that followed his death, the Gospel was taken to the world. Read Acts 17:22-31 and 1 Peter 3:13-22. How did Stephen, Peter, Paul, and others endure suffering without retaliation; how did they live selflessly in the midst of persecution? They knew Jesus and trusted his unconditional love and ability to redeem even their suffering. Read Romans 5:1-8 and 8:18,28,31-39; pray.
Sunday, May 4, 2008—Reanimated for Loving Others!
Listen to Jesus speak as you read Mark 12:29-31 and John 13:34-35. What do the exhortations in 1 Peter 3:15a and Revelation 2:4 suggest? In 1 John 4:8-16,21, John reiterates the importance of loving God, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the world. How are we able to do this; how are we “reanimated” to love (1 John 4:13)? Has the Spirit kindled this flame of love in your heart? The Spirit also gifts Jesus-followers with boldness, wisdom, grace in suffering, joy, and so much more. Tell Jesus you want him to fill you to overflowing with his abiding love.