That’s a good story!

This is good stuff, these daily devotions I mentioned the other day!  Today’s takes seriously our stories of faith and how God uses our stories to bless others.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” – Romans 1:8

Can you imagine someone thanking God for you because your faith – your story – is being shared with people all over the world?  Maybe that is too much too imagine.  How about your story – the story of how your walk with God has helped you not only get through the tough things you’ve gone through but has enabled you to live your life with joy and fulfillment – can you imagine how that story could be of some inspirational value to the people you work with, or your neighbours, or perhaps people within your own family?  You will never know what God can do with your story until you start sharing it.  Remember God uses ordinary people like you to spread His love.  So how about it? Not sure what to share?  Just answer these questions…

What difference has walking with God made in your life, your marriage, your family, your purpose, your joy, your fun, your work, your friends?

What experiences have you had that have reassured you that God is real and that He has a purpose for you?

How has walking with God made thing different for you, your marriage, your family, your life?

For Discussion:  Take some time to answer the questions above, and share those answers with someone(s).  Can you think of some concrete ways in your life that you can share your faith with other people?

Prayer:  Lord our God, we want to share our faith in you with everyone, including our families, friends, co-workers, and neighbours.  Please give us the wisdom and the courage to do that, and to know when to do it. Amen.

– written for CRC Home Missions by Steve Elzinga

Waiting in a “right now” world

We live in a “right now” world.  Overnight delivery.  Microwave dinners.  Fast food.  High-speed internet.  We are forgetting how to wait, forgetting how to persevere.  A week-long series of devotionals in anticipation of Reformation Day begins with speaking about the courage (yes, courage!) it takes to wait…

As we near the end of the first decade of the 21st century, we have witnessed the advent of new and innovative technologies. From iPhones and iPods, to YouTube, MySpace and Twitter, the method of communicating and transferring information has dramatically changed.  It is no secret that it is much easier now than 20 years ago to move knowledge, insight and information around the globe. But at what cost?  The recent economic crisis has shown us that now more than ever we reside in a microwaveable society, where human beings need and want everything right now.  We have to have a house, right now.  We have to have a new career, right now.  We have to have the latest clothes, computer or car, right now.

The Reformation reminds those of us in the body of Christ of the need to develop the courage to wait; and not just wait for new things, but wait for God to renew our minds, body and soul.  The early reformers of the church had a mission: to bring the church back to a Bible-centred approach in regard to its doctrine and practices. Reform was (and is) not easy; but through many trials and tribulations, the reformers did not give up or give in.  They had the courage to wait for renewal to come; to the church, in particular, and the body of Christ as a whole.  As Isaiah 40:31 so eloquently states, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

For Discussion:  Talk about something you thought was important, that you had to wait for.  Was it a new toy?  Summer vacation?  Your favourite TV show season premiere?  Now think about how we wait for something much more important: God’s renewal in our lives.

Prayer:  God, we ask you to give us the courage to wait for You to renew us, in mind, body and soul. Amen.

— written for CRC Home Missions by Ed Rockett

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!

(Thanks, Jenny, for showing me this!)

The story of Jesus’ crucifixion is one of betrayal, brutality, despair, and pain.  Yet we know even before His death that redemption was promised to be coming soon.  We know that the story does not end at the cross.  We know what many did not realize – that Sunday’s comin’…

“I bind myself to Thee…”

I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same the Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river, His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb, His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom I bind unto myself today…

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
the word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force,
the natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar my course;
or few or many, far or nigh, in every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility I bind to me these holy powers…

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Words: St. Patrick; versification by Cecil F. Alexander; public domain.
www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm