Weekly Devotions

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16, NKJV.

Social media has opened a whole new arena for even the most obscure people to have a public platform. Babies, dogs, cats, hamsters, if it moves, no doubt you have seen it on one of your devices. The term used in the social media world for anyone or anything that receives the most attention, “likes,” “hits,” etc., is “influencer.” As the title suggests, onlookers are motivated by whatever activity is being shared and driving the number of views higher for the sake of popularity. One has the potential of becoming known worldwide in a short bit of time. Living in obscurity is almost impossible. With a camera available in the hands of most people today through the technology of cell phones, everyone is but a click away from fame, good or bad.

Self-importance is booming! Why and to what end?

Jesus knew a lot about human nature; after all, He was fully human and fully God. When He spoke the words, that Matthew recorded in chapter 5 in the Bible, the message is clear…you and I are to be “influencers” in the world. “Salt” and “light.” Salt adds flavor and light exposes what is otherwise in darkness. The world, apart from the Spirit of God, has always been a dark place. But unlike worldly influencers who seek self-recognition, followers of Jesus Christ are to reflect the goodness of God by their deeds and actions for the sole purpose of “glorify[ing] your Father in heaven” (v. 16).

Make no mistake, Christian; “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Test everything with the Word of God. Jesus is the One True Light of the world. You and I cannot generate Light; we can only reflect the Light of Christ.

“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36, NKJV

The bus was leaving Normandy France where our family had spent the last couple of hours visiting the physical site where “D Day” took place during WWII, when I noticed a memorial stone at the entrance of the hallowed ground. Almost 4500 soldiers died in one day, June 6, 1944; because of their sacrifice, France and her people were liberated from the hands of Nazi Germany who were ultimately responsible for the deaths of six million Jews. One cannot visit Normandy and leave untouched by the tremendous loss of human life.

Just a few yards from the stone memorial stood a life-size depiction of Christ hanging on a cross. As if my emotions were not already heightened, tears began to collect in my eyes and roll down my cheeks. One corner of the entrance represented the physical liberation of people, and one corner represented the spiritual, eternal liberation of God’s entire creation. Nazis had built prisons made of cement and barbed wire, and Satan holds people prisoner through the power of sin and death. Soldiers fought and died to destroy death camps, and Jesus Christ died to destroy once and eternally death itself. Then, remembering the thousands of crosses marking the graves of the brave men who gave their lives for freedom, I could not help but feel the relief in knowing, that Jesus walked out of His grave to bring liberation to all who want it.

A wall at Normandy lists the names of soldiers whose bodies were never found; however, with DNA technology, over time men are being identified from remains found in the surrounding area where the battle took place and are laid to rest in known gravesites. Psalm 139:7 asks the question, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” Not a single soul is unknown to God! Psalm 139 also states that you and I are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (14). How amazing is this truth?

God, continue to remind me of Your eternal love. Help me never to forget the price You paid so that I might be freed from sin and death. Thank You! Amen. For further and deeper understanding, read Psalm 139:1-24.

For further and deeper understanding, read Psalm 139:1-24. 

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16

Recently, we had our annual Sweet Monday Tea at church, and I used the Laura Ashley tea pot that I bought the first time I traveled to England. I was so excited to be in a “real” Laura Ashley store, as opposed to the ones we had in the states. At the time, I loved all things Laura Ashley, and I loved hot tea, so along with the tea pot, I bought a set of 4 cups and saucers, dinner plates and dessert plates. I do not use them as often anymore, but I still treasure them.

Do we treat God that way sometimes? Do we put Him on the shelf with our Bible or in the cabinet with our favorite teacup? Does your relationship with Him stay hot, as a cup of tea freshly brewed, or does it become lukewarm or even cold when we leave it untouched for a period?

In Revelation 3:14-22, God says: “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Wow! So, because we are lukewarm Christians, He will spit us out of His mouth.

How can we avoid becoming lukewarm? Well, think of your cup of tea. If you do not drink it in a timely manner, it becomes lukewarm or cold and unfit to drink. Have you ever taken a sip of coffee or tea when it is cold? Yuck! So, how do we keep our relationship with God warm or even hot? The same way we do it with any relationship! We spend time with Him, listen to Him, lean on Him, and read His Word. We also spend time with other believers at church, Bible study, small groups, and Sweet Mondays! God wants to be part of our everyday lives. He wants us to talk with Him throughout our days. He wants us to depend on Him for everything. Nothing is too insignificant for Him!

So, how are you doing regarding your relationship to God? Are you keeping your relationship with Him on the front burner? Is He important to you daily? Or have you put Him on the back burner and turned the heat OFF?

God designed us to be in relationship with Him. Our happiest days are when we include Him in them. However, it doesn’t just happen. We must make the effort and it always pays dividends. Just try heating up your relationship with Him if you haven’t already. You will be glad you did!

“They found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening…asking….” Luke 2:46 NIV

School supply sales are happening. New lunch boxes and backpacks are finding new fans. Parents are ready for routines. Teachers are squeezing out the last of summer fun before their wake-up calls are set again! And let’s not forget college orientations and must haves for a dorm room!

Luke 2: 43- 49 reminds us that Jesus was also a student. You know it was the annual family journey to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. And more than just Jesus’ immediate family was in the entourage. Other relatives and perhaps neighbors from Nazareth were also part of the scene. Were Jesus’ half siblings also on the trip? Could that have been another reason why Mary and Joseph didn’t miss their oldest for a day. Maybe there were other little ones to pay attention to and they trusted their obedient pre-teen.

While Mary and Joseph were traveling back home, Jesus was enjoying class with some of the city’s best teachers. (My inner mother voice can’t help but wonder, did Jesus tell his folks he was “going to class” and they missed it? Did he tell a sibling to tell “mom and dad where I am?” No matter.)

Luke records that Jesus sat as a curious twelve-year-old student. Listening, asking questions, and even giving responses. Responses that impressed the scholars. But not his parents when they found him.  Remember his question to them? “Why were you looking for me?” Yes, Jesus was not a typical child. This classroom was a place of holy curiosity. For Mary and Joseph, it was the scene of their exasperated relief.

Let’s consider these ‘classroom thoughts’:
Am I typically a curious learner?

“I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.” Psalm 38:8, NKJV

No compassionate person enjoys the responsibility of disciplining others for any reason. When I was a little girl, if I misbehaved, my father right before the punishment would say something like, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” Perception is everything! I always thought, how is this going to hurt you more than me? Then, as a parent myself, I finally understood what my father, who loved me more than his own life, felt. Discipline is necessary for all of humankind because we, you, and I have a propensity to sin. Earthly parents must discipline their children if they are to be responsible human beings in a world where, “No man is an island entire of itself…” (John Donne).

Every generation since the beginning of time, has endured a rebellious segment of its population. Growing up in the 1960s, I remember well the stand we took as young people against “the establishment.” As stated earlier in this writing, “perception is everything!” In our teens and twenties, we thought we understood it all, only to find out in our fifties and sixties just how much we had yet to learn, and the learning never stops.

When King David wrote the words in Psalm 38, he was feeling the pain of separation from God because of his sin. Sin awareness should not only make the sinner sad, but it should also make him or her do something about it; this is exactly what David did, he cried out to God for help. When you and I sense sin in our lives, do we erect a billboard along the road of our culture demanding acceptance of our sin nature, or do we humble ourselves like David, saying to God, “I am feeble and severely broken…”?

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NKJV).

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:25, NKJV

As my teenage grandchildren mature into young adulthood, I have wanted to find a way to stay engaged in a meaningful way. A few years ago, our family began a tradition of taking vacations to new places. Now, eight of us every year try to visit someplace we have never been. We have been on safari in Africa, climbed the mountains in Italy, twice we have chartered the inside passage of Alaska, and this year, we will visit France. These experiences have bonded us in a special way, that time can never steal. One day, when I am no longer with them on this earth, my grandchildren will have memories on which to reflect for the rest of their lives and share with their children.

In the months leading up to our scheduled trip, the excitement and anticipation of going somewhere they have never been, my grandchildren want to talk about what they might experience once we get to our destination. They try to imagine what it will be like. The more they talk about it, the more excited they get. Their enthusiasm warms my heart in knowing that I can provide for them something new and exciting.

As I am well into my seventh decade of life on earth, I find myself growing more and more eager to see and experience heaven. This is not to be confused in any way as a “death wish!” I love my family and friends and every minute God has given me here to enjoy His beautiful creation, including the wonderful trips to new places with the people I love. But my heavenly Father desires that I look to the time that is inevitable for all of us, with anticipation, so when I leave all that is familiar to join Him in the “place He is preparing for me,” it is with joy and not dread.

Like my grandchildren, when I read God’s Word about where I am going that I have never been before, as the time draws nearer, I am getting excited to see the “streets of gold” and especially, to look into the actual face of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. What an absolutely awesome “day” that will be!

For further study, read John 14 and Revelation 21.