Daily Devotions - Week 22
Zion Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
June 2 - 8, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008—The Measure of God’s Love
To begin, let’s consider the measure of God’s love for us as we read John 3:16; Romans 5:8; and 1 John 4:9-10, 19. Now ponder Jesus’ triumphant words from the cross: “It is finished.” Jesus finished/accomplished the work of salvation; we cannot add to it. Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we can only run into the arms of our loving heavenly Father, who longs for us to be in relationship with him, dwell in his presence, and feast at his table. Do you view God’s Word as an abundant feast that is set before us? Through the Word, God feeds our hungry spirits and shares his heart of love. Thank God for his abiding love and life-giving word (1 Peter 1:23).
Tuesday, June 3, 2008—God’s Love Letter
When you hold your Bible, what do you see: something inscrutable, a treasure, a book of rules, a love letter? Pray you will view Scripture as a treasure, God’s love letter to you. When you read words like obey or do or do not, do you respond with a rebellious spirit or with the sure knowledge that these instructions or limits are rooted in ineffable love? Do you trust that the One who created you knows best what will bring real joy and fulfillment? Cradling these thoughts in your heart, read Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28; Psalm 19:7-9; and Matthew 7:21-29.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008—“Ancient Words, Ever True”
Begin by praying DeShazo’s lyrics: “Holy words, long preserved, for our walk in this world; they resound with God’s own heart, O let the ancient words impart…we have come with open hearts…”(2001, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music). Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-21,26-28. These words were originally spoken to the nation Israel as they were about to enter the Promised Land; as such, some promises/warnings are for the nation. But the exhortation to allow God’s words to permeate our hearts is for all time. Read Psalm 63:1-8; 119:9-16,18,32,43-48,105,111; Jeremiah 31:31-34; and Ezekiel 36:26-27. Dwell in the Word, so the Word can live and abide in you.
Thursday, June 5, 2008—The Solid Rock of God’s Word
Our Gospel text is the conclusion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount; to hear Jesus’ words in context, read Matthew 5-7. In Jesus’ teaching immediately preceding our theme text, Jesus warns of false prophets and tells the people they can recognize false (or good) prophets by the fruit of their lives. Read Matthew 7:21-29. Jesus speaks using images his listeners will understand; the people know that homes built on sand are vulnerable during flash floods. What characterizes someone who builds his/her life on a solid rock foundation (7:24-27)? Is the foundation of your life grounded in God’s Word? Pray the Spirit will teach you as you ponder Jesus’ words today and in the next days.
Friday, June 6, 2008—Is Our Commitment to Jesus Authentic?
Read Matthew 7:15-29. We are to discern and avoid false teachers (7:15-20), but the verses that follow don’t give us license to judge how others are doing in their faith walks; instead, they challenge each of us to build our lives on the foundation of the Word. But this isn’t works righteousness! Ponder the truths of Day 1 again. If we trust God’s love, how will we respond? How authentic is our commitment to the One who died for us? Read Mark 12:29-31; John 6:28-29; 8:31-32; 10:27-28; 14:23; 15:9-11; and 1 John 1:5-2:2. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the inclination or alignment of our hearts! Tell Jesus you want to be a true and authentic follower who loves him.
Saturday, June 7, 2008—Hearts Shaped by Love and for Love
We don’t love and obey in our own strength; our hearts are shaped by God’s love, cleansed in Jesus’ blood, and transformed for loving obedience by the Spirit, who dwells within us. Ponder this as you reflect on Hebrews 10:5-7,14-17. Do we trust God’s love and believe that such love and grace demand nothing of us that is not for our benefit and joy? Consider Barclay’s words (The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1, 1975 Westminster Press, pgs. 289-290): “There is only one proof of love, and that is obedience. There is no point in saying that we love a person, and then doing things which break that person’s heart.” Pray your life will bear testimony to the love God has put in your heart.
Sunday, June 8, 2008—“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
As you read and reflect on Deuteronomy 11:18-21,26-28 and Matthew 7:21-29, ask yourself the question, “Is the foundation of my life aligned with the solid rock of God’s Word?” Embrace the Bible as God’s love letter. Yield to God’s love. Meditate on John 4:10,13-14, 6:29 and on John 4:34 with Philippians 2:5-11. Praise God using the words of Townend’s lyrics: “How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.” (1995 Thankyou Music). Now make Philippians 1:9-11 your prayer.