Daily Devotions - Week 20
Zion Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
May 19 - 25, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008—The Trinity
Last week, we celebrated Pentecost; yesterday was Holy Trinity Sunday. As we approach new texts and a new series, let’s begin by looking at our one God, who is revealed as Father, Son, and Spirit. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9; John 14:5-11,26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Colossians 2:9. Understanding the triune nature of God is beyond our comprehension, yet the testimony of Scripture is true. Notice also the eternal nature of God as Father, Son, and Spirit, as you consider John 1:1-3,18; 17:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:9b-10; and Hebrews 9:14. Meditate on the greatness, power, love, and glory of God. Pray Heber’s lyrics, “Holy, holy, holy…God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008—Alignment with the God of Creation
Most understand the challenges of driving a car that is out of alignment, but do we consider that our lives might be out of alignment with what we profess to believe? As you read Genesis 1:1-3; Job 38:1-12; Psalm 8; John 1:1-4,14; and Revelation 4:11, ponder the holiness, glory, power, and majesty of God. Now spend time seeking God’s heart as you look at your life, actions, thoughts, and priorities. Is your life in alignment with your belief in God, who is worthy of all worship, honor, and praise? Bow in humble repentance and submission to the One we hail as eternal Savior, Lord, and King. Thank God for loving you.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008—The Trinity in Creation
Look for evidence of God (Father, Son, Spirit) in creation as you read Genesis 1:1-2:4a [in 1:26, note “us/our,” and ponder a plural unity]; John 1:1-5 [notice the word light here and in John 8:12; also consider that light floods the world before the creation of the sun, moon, and stars: Genesis 1:1-5,14-19]; Colossians 1:15-17 [firstborn can mean unique or preeminent in rank and authority; it does not necessarily indicate birth order]. Exalt and praise God as you observe the power and authority of God’s voice (Genesis 1:3,6,9…; Isaiah 55:10-11; John 1:1-4,14). Does this lend insight into Jesus’ authority (Matthew 7:28-29; 9:6; 28:18-20; John 17:1-5)? Praise our glorious, creator God!
Thursday, May 22, 2008—The Music of Creation: The Rhythm of Grace
Read Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Job 37:1-7a; 38:1,4-7; Psalm 8:1-9; 139:1-18,23-24; and Romans 1:20. Some of the creation narratives are expressed poetically; did you hear the rhythms of God’s grace in the poetry or music of the pictures of creation? We have spoken of God’s power and glory made manifest in creation. Do you also see God’s intimate love and grace? Consider how perfectly God suits creation to the needs of humans. Ponder the tenderness of God’s grace and love (Psalm 8:5; 139:13-14). Worship God as you respond to God’s love, glory, and grace.
Friday, May 23, 2008—Created for Purpose: Relationship
In the creation accounts, we see God’s power and majesty; we also see God’s loving-kindness. Genesis 1 gives us a view of creation as through a telescope; in Genesis 2, we see as if through a microscope. As you read Genesis 1:26-31 and 2:7-8,15-25, notice how people are created for relationship: fellowship with God and with one another. We see affirmations of this throughout Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Micah 6:8; Mark 12:29-31; John 13:34-35; and Colossians 3:1-4,12-14. Pray about how your relationships with God and others align with God’s purposes.
Saturday, May 24, 2008—Created to Care for God’s Creation
Many align their lives with the philosophy expressed in Henley’s Invictus: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” But God’s Word tells us to align our lives in accord with God’s purposes. What do you learn about these in Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7-8,15-25; Psalm 24:1; Ephesians 2:10; 5:8-10; Colossians 1:16; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; and 1 Peter 4:10? We are not owners, but merely stewards, of God’s creation, and we are to care for the earth and for each other. Do we respond to God’s goodness with the obedience of faith, or, exercising free will, do we spurn God’s goodness and grieve God’s heart. Pray for wisdom as to how to align your life with God’s purposes.
Sunday, May 25, 2008—Created for God’s Glory
Begin with prayer, opening your hands and your heart; ask the Spirit to guide you into new understandings of what it means to live with God on the throne of your life. Meditate on the grandeur of God as witnessed in creation; ponder what it means to align your life with God’s purposes. Ask yourself if God is your greatest treasure and your heart’s delight. Consider how you can reflect glory back to the One who is totally worthy of all worship and praise. Read Psalm 8:1-9; 36:5-9; 40:5-8; 115:1; Isaiah 26:8-9a; 43:7; and Romans 11:36. Pray these lyrics attributed to Francis of Assisi: “Let all things their Creator bless, and worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him! Alleluia!”