Day 3

Scripture:  Ephesians 2: 1-10

Observations:  1-2: God is at work in ALL people, even disobedient. 3: If we are not currently disobedient at one time we were. 4: But God's love was able to change us. 5-6: Christ lives in us and works through us even when we are sinful, so that we are no longer sinful. 7-10: God works through us in our sinful state so that we might know the extent of God's love.  We do not gain love by our work, but our faith in God and in God's love is God able to help us overcome our sinfulness. 11-13:  We are brought closer to God by Christ's sacrifice not by outward acts such as circumcision.  (OH I got carried away:-)

Application:  What special gift have you received recently?  In terms of physical gifts, I have received a bracelet that a young girl made for me, the time and effort she put into it is precious to me.  In terms of emotional gifts, I have been able to see 2 young Confirmands grow in their faith and commitment to Christ and I have received support in some unlikely places.

      What in your life is due only to God's presence and goodness?  My ability to be a pastor.  God is able to continually work through all my insecurities and inabilities, to minister to others.  I am always shocked at how sometimes I am able to help others when I feel unsure of what I am doing.  As long as I continue to live in Christ's humility, God continues to use me for God's Will.

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for using me who is still a sinner.  May I continue to grow in Your Grace.  May I continue to help others experience Your Grace.  And Lord, never let me sleep until I have stretched my hand over Your village and invoked Your blessing Amen. (Bouttier)

Day 2

Prayer by Pope Gregory I, c. 540-504
 Lo, fainter now lie spread the shades of night, 
     and upward spread the trembling gleams of morn,
suppliant we bend before the Lord of Light,
     and pray at early dawn,
that this sweet charity may all our sin
     forgive, and make our miseries to cease;
may grant us health, grant us the gift divine
     of everlasting peace.
Father Supreme, this grace on us confer;
    and thou, O Son by an eternal birth!
with thee, coequal Spirit, comforter!
   whose glory fills the earth.

Scripture: Romans 9:30-10:21

Observations:  9:30-32 Righteousness is attained by faith not works; works are a fruit of faith.  10:6-9 Faith is in the heart; words alone do not show faith.  With your heart you believe, with your lips you confess.  10:14-21 People can only believe if they hear the Word of God, so people must witness; but just because people witness does not mean that others will hear.

Application:  Because I have faith, I am able to preach the Word of God to others.  I can only preach because I have faith that God is using me.  I cannot be discouraged when it feels like no one is listening because the only way anyone can hear is if someone is speaking the Word of God, but I cannot control what others listen to; therefore I must continue on in my faith.  It sounds a lot like circular logic, but it makes sense to me about persevering.  Believing in Christ is a very personal relationship, but it does not mean that others will listen or follow.  Being Christian does not make my life easier, and actually challenges me everyday.  However, if I continue on with my faith, I allow others the opportunity to believe.

Prayer:  Gracious God, grant me the words and wisdom to share your love with all those I encounter today.  May words not be harmful but encouraging and empowering.  And Lord, help me to not overlook all those who are silent and need Your voice of truth.  May Your blessings fill this community and world.  Thank you Lord.  Amen.

Day 1

I have never blogged and don't really know how this all works so I apologize as I get adjusted to how everything works.  I am starting this blog as a way to help those in my congregation and who are interested in doing daily devotions.  I believe that daily bible study is one of the key elements to growing in a deeper relationship with God.  It usually seems a lot scarier before I get started.  I have decided for my first time doing a blog and devotion that I will use the Serendipity Bible.  I am using the Spiritual Formation plan 43 track 2.  I will supplement my readings with A Time to Pray and the utilizing the S.O.A.P journal method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

Scripture:  Colossians 1:15-23

Observations: When reading this passage I am drawn to verses 22-23.  I am one who believes in Christ's sacrifice for my life and yet I struggle because despite knowing that I am made new in Christ.  Like Paul I struggle with doing that which I do not want to do and not doing that which I want to do.  I find that I find my strength in verse 23 that as long as I continue on in faith and hope with my eyes focused on the gospel I can keep trying day in and day out.  I am also struck with Paul claiming to be a servant, can I joyfully claim my servitude to God?

Application:  Don't give up, don't give in.  Keep focused each day.

Prayer:  Dear God, I ask for your strength in my weakness and your courage in my fear.  I pray that I can be reminded of Christ's love for me despite me.  Help me to not dwell on my flaws but to see your gifts and talents working through me.  May I truly be your vessel for your people.  Thank you Lord. Amen.