Today's reading: Philippians 3-4
Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14 NRSV
Forget the past. Forget what you did, or what you should have done. Let it go. Stop dragging yourself over the coals for past deeds. Don't look back.
Paul forgot his past. He was persecuting the very people he now supports and works with. He was trying to destroy the very Church he is now building up. Paul would never have gotten far in his ministry if he refused to let go of his past. Why can't you and I do the same?
Strain forward to what lies ahead. If we are anxiously looking to the future, our whole outlook will change. We will be more willing to spread the Gospel. We will be more present with other people. We will have a goal. We will know without a doubt where we are going.
Stop looking back. Start earnestly living forward. Press on to the heavenly prize in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Clay
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 4- 6
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 2 Cor. 4: 7 NRSV
There is a community near where I live called "Clay." Folks around there aren't positive how the town got its name. One story is that someone asked a founder what they were going to call it and they happened to be standing near where some clay had been dug into to set a foundation for a building. The person looked at the clay and said, "Clay."
Clay is really not very impressive. It can be pretty hard when the ground is dry and not much really wants to grow in it. Certainly using it for pottery is probably one of man's highest creative use of a natural product. I must admit I don't see any pottery for sale in the Clay area. Mostly folks just try to move it aside for more important things: houses, ball fields, interstates.
If you have a jar made of clay, you have something useful but not particularly precious. It does what it needs to do but is easily broken and quickly discarded. The important thing is not the jar but what it holds.
And that is what Paul is saying. He says that he himself is not the important thing but the treasure or message he shares.
Oh that we could all see ourselves as clay jars!
God, you have given each of us a beautiful treasure. And here we are with our clay jars thinking we ourselves are the important treasure. Open us, break us and help us see what is inside. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 2 Cor. 4: 7 NRSV
There is a community near where I live called "Clay." Folks around there aren't positive how the town got its name. One story is that someone asked a founder what they were going to call it and they happened to be standing near where some clay had been dug into to set a foundation for a building. The person looked at the clay and said, "Clay."
Clay is really not very impressive. It can be pretty hard when the ground is dry and not much really wants to grow in it. Certainly using it for pottery is probably one of man's highest creative use of a natural product. I must admit I don't see any pottery for sale in the Clay area. Mostly folks just try to move it aside for more important things: houses, ball fields, interstates.
If you have a jar made of clay, you have something useful but not particularly precious. It does what it needs to do but is easily broken and quickly discarded. The important thing is not the jar but what it holds.
And that is what Paul is saying. He says that he himself is not the important thing but the treasure or message he shares.
Oh that we could all see ourselves as clay jars!
God, you have given each of us a beautiful treasure. And here we are with our clay jars thinking we ourselves are the important treasure. Open us, break us and help us see what is inside. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Put Aside and Save
Today's reading: I Corinthians 13-16
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. I Cor. 16: 2 NRSV
Paul gives very specific advice on how to raise the money to help the poor in Jerusalem.
1) Do this at the beginning of the week (Sunday). If you wait until the end of the week, you know you will have spent it all. If you begin the week and set some aside, then you will not have to scrape something together later. And do this every week. A little each week can really add up.
2) Each person is to make this part of their weekly tasks. This is not a group effort. Individuals decide how much they are going to give each week. Then the money is pool together.
3) Save what extra you earn. Sure you have to pay bills and put food on the table. But what if you have a really good week? Then the following week you have that extra to put aside for the needy.
4) Plan ahead. With each person doing this every week and all the money being put together, you will have the offering ready when it is needed.
Paul never gives an amount. Paul gives guidance in how to be prepared for when he comes. He trusts that God will provide and if everyone does as Paul suggests, the amount will be bigger than anything he could have asked for from the church at Corinth.
God, you have asked us to give. Help us to follow Paul's advice in how to set aside money for the poor and for your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. I Cor. 16: 2 NRSV
Paul gives very specific advice on how to raise the money to help the poor in Jerusalem.
1) Do this at the beginning of the week (Sunday). If you wait until the end of the week, you know you will have spent it all. If you begin the week and set some aside, then you will not have to scrape something together later. And do this every week. A little each week can really add up.
2) Each person is to make this part of their weekly tasks. This is not a group effort. Individuals decide how much they are going to give each week. Then the money is pool together.
3) Save what extra you earn. Sure you have to pay bills and put food on the table. But what if you have a really good week? Then the following week you have that extra to put aside for the needy.
4) Plan ahead. With each person doing this every week and all the money being put together, you will have the offering ready when it is needed.
Paul never gives an amount. Paul gives guidance in how to be prepared for when he comes. He trusts that God will provide and if everyone does as Paul suggests, the amount will be bigger than anything he could have asked for from the church at Corinth.
God, you have asked us to give. Help us to follow Paul's advice in how to set aside money for the poor and for your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The fountains at Corinth, 2009.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
God's Temple
Oops! I got these two devotionals published on the wrong dates. But you can still enjoy! Amelia
Today's reading: I Corinthians 5-8
For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Paul says that, as Christians, we have become one in Christ.
How are you treating your body?
Do you smoke? Drink excessively? Eat processed foods to the exclusion of fresh foods? Refuse to exercise? Sit in front of the computer/television/game boy....etc. most of the day? Never floss?
I could go on and on. You may have different ideas of what treating your body right means. However, I think most folks would agree on most of the above being not good for our bodies.
Yet, even when we know how we should treat our bodies, how often do we do so?
Even as we know we should love and obey Christ, how often do we do so?
God, you have given me this body. And Christ is one in me. Help me to treat my body and therefore Christ as set apart and holy, dedicated to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Today's reading: I Corinthians 5-8
For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Paul says that, as Christians, we have become one in Christ.
How are you treating your body?
Do you smoke? Drink excessively? Eat processed foods to the exclusion of fresh foods? Refuse to exercise? Sit in front of the computer/television/game boy....etc. most of the day? Never floss?
I could go on and on. You may have different ideas of what treating your body right means. However, I think most folks would agree on most of the above being not good for our bodies.
Yet, even when we know how we should treat our bodies, how often do we do so?
Even as we know we should love and obey Christ, how often do we do so?
God, you have given me this body. And Christ is one in me. Help me to treat my body and therefore Christ as set apart and holy, dedicated to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, October 11, 2010
Winning the Race
Today's reading: I Corinthians 9-12
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. I Cor. 9:24 NRSV
Funny to think that God really does want us to win.
But in order to win, we have to do lots of work. No pain, no gain, as it is said. Paul speaks of punishing or enslaving his body so that after spreading the gospel he himself will not be out of the running. He is rounding out his argument as to why he doesn't eat lavishly, get married or stop working. He does not want to put any kind of barrier in front of anyone who might except the gospel and he also does not want to disqualify himself in the meanwhile. I don't think he is saying this is what every evangelist should do. However, he is encouraging all believers to run to win...even if that means refraining from certain items or behaviors. The prize is the goal, not the race itself.
Are you running to win? Or are you just participating in the race?
Paul challenges you to win the race.
Go for it!
God, thank you for Paul's words of inspiration. Help us to run as though we are going to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. I Cor. 9:24 NRSV
Funny to think that God really does want us to win.
But in order to win, we have to do lots of work. No pain, no gain, as it is said. Paul speaks of punishing or enslaving his body so that after spreading the gospel he himself will not be out of the running. He is rounding out his argument as to why he doesn't eat lavishly, get married or stop working. He does not want to put any kind of barrier in front of anyone who might except the gospel and he also does not want to disqualify himself in the meanwhile. I don't think he is saying this is what every evangelist should do. However, he is encouraging all believers to run to win...even if that means refraining from certain items or behaviors. The prize is the goal, not the race itself.
Are you running to win? Or are you just participating in the race?
Paul challenges you to win the race.
Go for it!
God, thank you for Paul's words of inspiration. Help us to run as though we are going to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Foolishness
Today's reading: I Corinthians 1-4
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I Cor. 1:18 NRSV
Some of us have either been Christians for a long time or at least grew up in the church. We don't realize just how ridiculous our beliefs are to outsiders. We have faith in someone who died for us. Today, folks have faith in people who are powerful and do something for them. Most people look up to heroes -- real or imagined-- that can do super-powered type actions. Heroes don't die for them. Certainly no one looks up to anyone who has been brought to trial and executed. We don't realize how foolish our beliefs seem to others.
Perhaps this is one reason many people, including some archaeologists (although I would not dismiss all archaeologists), have spent their lifetime trying to debunk the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. It is foolish, they think, believing that someone completely recovered after such horrendous torture and death. And no one is even considering the ascension.
But for us, just as for Paul, what we believe in has the power of life for us. In Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we are being saved. It is a foolish message but we know the true power it holds.
God, thank you for Jesus' death on the cross. For the world, it is a foolish message but we know that through his death we are being saved. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I Cor. 1:18 NRSV
Some of us have either been Christians for a long time or at least grew up in the church. We don't realize just how ridiculous our beliefs are to outsiders. We have faith in someone who died for us. Today, folks have faith in people who are powerful and do something for them. Most people look up to heroes -- real or imagined-- that can do super-powered type actions. Heroes don't die for them. Certainly no one looks up to anyone who has been brought to trial and executed. We don't realize how foolish our beliefs seem to others.
Perhaps this is one reason many people, including some archaeologists (although I would not dismiss all archaeologists), have spent their lifetime trying to debunk the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. It is foolish, they think, believing that someone completely recovered after such horrendous torture and death. And no one is even considering the ascension.
But for us, just as for Paul, what we believe in has the power of life for us. In Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, we are being saved. It is a foolish message but we know the true power it holds.
God, thank you for Jesus' death on the cross. For the world, it is a foolish message but we know that through his death we are being saved. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Only Owe Love
Today's reading: Romans 13-16
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13: 8 NRSV
Recently, my church looked out getting out of debt. We did this by looking at what it takes to get ourselves out of owing any people or company money. We used scripture as a basis. But we didn't stop there; we also saw how Jesus has paid our debts for us and asked what we needed to do to be debt free.
One thing Paul is trying to argue in this letter to the church in Rome is that getting out of monetary debt isn't enough for God. We should not borrow from other people. Borrowing money affects our relationship with them. How can you relax around someone else if you owe them money? And can we truly be on equal footing with others if they have "floated us a loan?"
I had an aunt that was always trying to borrow money from my parents. In fact, the only time she contacted us was to ask for money. To say that there was no love between my mother and her younger sister is not exactly true. But my mother dreaded being around her as she knew at some point in the conversation asking for money would come up. And my aunt always said she would pay them back. But, of course, she never did.
The only thing we need to owe others is love. We may still owe them that love but that is okay. We can keep trying to pay up and we may never be 100%. What is important is that God does not want us to owe any other person anything but love.
God, help us not to borrow from anyone. Help us to learn to love others so that the only thing we owe them is our love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13: 8 NRSV
Recently, my church looked out getting out of debt. We did this by looking at what it takes to get ourselves out of owing any people or company money. We used scripture as a basis. But we didn't stop there; we also saw how Jesus has paid our debts for us and asked what we needed to do to be debt free.
One thing Paul is trying to argue in this letter to the church in Rome is that getting out of monetary debt isn't enough for God. We should not borrow from other people. Borrowing money affects our relationship with them. How can you relax around someone else if you owe them money? And can we truly be on equal footing with others if they have "floated us a loan?"
I had an aunt that was always trying to borrow money from my parents. In fact, the only time she contacted us was to ask for money. To say that there was no love between my mother and her younger sister is not exactly true. But my mother dreaded being around her as she knew at some point in the conversation asking for money would come up. And my aunt always said she would pay them back. But, of course, she never did.
The only thing we need to owe others is love. We may still owe them that love but that is okay. We can keep trying to pay up and we may never be 100%. What is important is that God does not want us to owe any other person anything but love.
God, help us not to borrow from anyone. Help us to learn to love others so that the only thing we owe them is our love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, October 8, 2010
Your Heart's Desire
Today's reading: Romans 10-12
Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1 NRSV
What is your heart's desire? What do you find yourself praying again and again to God?
For Paul, he wanted nothing better than the Jewish nation to believe in Jesus Christ. He wanted every one of his people to be saved.
He wasn't asking for wealth or property. He didn't covet power or a particular place to live. He wasn't desiring a soul mate or good friend. He did not even pray for perfect health. What he wanted most of all was for his people to believe in Jesus Christ.
And his actions showed that. Whenever Paul went to a new city, he began by preaching and teaching in the local synagogue. If his message was rejected, he would then go to the Gentiles. But he always began with his own people, in trying to fulfill his heart's desire. He truly believed that some day, somehow, God would include these people. He never discounted his Jewish family nor did he ignore them in favor of the Gentiles. They were his true hearts' desire. Yet, he also never pouted or gave up because they did not believe. He still shared the message of Christ with those who would accept him.
If you don't get your heart's desire, what will you do then?
God, you know our deepest desires and the yearnings of our hearts. We pray earnestly that these desires will be met. In the meantime, Lord, provide ways for us to continue to live as your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1 NRSV
What is your heart's desire? What do you find yourself praying again and again to God?
For Paul, he wanted nothing better than the Jewish nation to believe in Jesus Christ. He wanted every one of his people to be saved.
He wasn't asking for wealth or property. He didn't covet power or a particular place to live. He wasn't desiring a soul mate or good friend. He did not even pray for perfect health. What he wanted most of all was for his people to believe in Jesus Christ.
And his actions showed that. Whenever Paul went to a new city, he began by preaching and teaching in the local synagogue. If his message was rejected, he would then go to the Gentiles. But he always began with his own people, in trying to fulfill his heart's desire. He truly believed that some day, somehow, God would include these people. He never discounted his Jewish family nor did he ignore them in favor of the Gentiles. They were his true hearts' desire. Yet, he also never pouted or gave up because they did not believe. He still shared the message of Christ with those who would accept him.
If you don't get your heart's desire, what will you do then?
God, you know our deepest desires and the yearnings of our hearts. We pray earnestly that these desires will be met. In the meantime, Lord, provide ways for us to continue to live as your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Today's reading: Romans 7-9
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8: 35 NRSV
Paul speaks about himself from his own experience.
Paul has suffered hardship, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and (threat of) sword.
And he knows that nothing and no one has ever divided him from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
What sufferings have you lived through?
Has anything in your life separated you from the love of Christ?
What things in the future could try to separate you from Christ's love?
The good news is that NOTHING can!
God, we praise you and thank you that nothing will ever separate us from your love. Help us to hold on to that knowledge whatever life brings! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8: 35 NRSV
Paul speaks about himself from his own experience.
Paul has suffered hardship, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and (threat of) sword.
And he knows that nothing and no one has ever divided him from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
What sufferings have you lived through?
Has anything in your life separated you from the love of Christ?
What things in the future could try to separate you from Christ's love?
The good news is that NOTHING can!
God, we praise you and thank you that nothing will ever separate us from your love. Help us to hold on to that knowledge whatever life brings! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Resurrection like His
Today's reading: Romans 4-6
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5 NRSV
I don't think anyone wants to die like Jesus.
Yet, Paul suggests here that we must do so in order to participate in the resurrection.
What is he talking about?
Well, Paul is actually referring to sin. He raised the question concerning grace; if grace comes when we sin and are forgiven, should we sin more to receive more grace? Paul says no. In fact, he says we must die to sin just as Jesus died. Then we live to a new self, a resurrected self. If we die to sin, we are free from its power and its propensity to enslave us.
How do we die to sin?
At our baptism. In being baptized, we died to our sin just as Christ died for our sins. Now we are living the new life in Christ Jesus. Now we are alive in Christ. Now we present ourselves to God rather than to sin.
So, let's try to live like resurrected people this day.
God, you have poured out grace upon grace on us. We pray that we will live like those who have died to sin and live in righteousness this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5 NRSV
I don't think anyone wants to die like Jesus.
Yet, Paul suggests here that we must do so in order to participate in the resurrection.
What is he talking about?
Well, Paul is actually referring to sin. He raised the question concerning grace; if grace comes when we sin and are forgiven, should we sin more to receive more grace? Paul says no. In fact, he says we must die to sin just as Jesus died. Then we live to a new self, a resurrected self. If we die to sin, we are free from its power and its propensity to enslave us.
How do we die to sin?
At our baptism. In being baptized, we died to our sin just as Christ died for our sins. Now we are living the new life in Christ Jesus. Now we are alive in Christ. Now we present ourselves to God rather than to sin.
So, let's try to live like resurrected people this day.
God, you have poured out grace upon grace on us. We pray that we will live like those who have died to sin and live in righteousness this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Are we any better off?
Today's reading: Romans 1-3
What then? Are we any better off? No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9 NRSV
Have you ever had denominational jealousy? Have you ever admired the work other Christians are doing in their church or their church structure? Have you ever wished your church would do something similar that another church is doing?
Or perhaps you have denominational superiority. Your faith structure is better, kinder, more Christian. You believe correctly. The other church has missed the point of the kingdom entirely.
But are we any better off?
The point that Paul is making is that Jews, although they have the Law, are not better than Gentile Christians. Both Jews and Gentiles are susceptible to sin. Neither has an automatic pass or out. Sinfulness beats on the door of both Gentiles and Jews. Neither circumcision nor the law can save a person from sin.
Just because you are part of a particular Christian community, that does not mean you have a one-way ticket and that other Christian community has a few lay-overs. We are all susceptible to sin. Not one of us has an advantage over the other. All are only justified through faith, not denominational policies.
God, thank you that we are not any better off than other Christians. Help us strengthen our faith each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
What then? Are we any better off? No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9 NRSV
Have you ever had denominational jealousy? Have you ever admired the work other Christians are doing in their church or their church structure? Have you ever wished your church would do something similar that another church is doing?
Or perhaps you have denominational superiority. Your faith structure is better, kinder, more Christian. You believe correctly. The other church has missed the point of the kingdom entirely.
But are we any better off?
The point that Paul is making is that Jews, although they have the Law, are not better than Gentile Christians. Both Jews and Gentiles are susceptible to sin. Neither has an automatic pass or out. Sinfulness beats on the door of both Gentiles and Jews. Neither circumcision nor the law can save a person from sin.
Just because you are part of a particular Christian community, that does not mean you have a one-way ticket and that other Christian community has a few lay-overs. We are all susceptible to sin. Not one of us has an advantage over the other. All are only justified through faith, not denominational policies.
God, thank you that we are not any better off than other Christians. Help us strengthen our faith each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, October 4, 2010
Doing What God Asks of Us
Today's reading: Acts 25-28
"...but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance." Acts 26 NRSV
Paul has done exactly what Christ commissioned.
As he ascended, Jesus told his disciples what they must do: be witnesses to all that they have seen and heard and to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. They must begin locally, then move out globally.
Although Paul was not present at the ascension, he has taken Jesus' words quite literally. He began his ministry locally, then moved out into the world, preaching the Jews and Gentiles. He has witnessed to what the power of Jesus did to turn his life around and he calls on others to repent and bear fruit.
I wasn't there at the ascension. I imagine you were not there, either. Yet, are we doing as Jesus has asked of us?
I am sure we can use the excuse of not being knocked to our knees on the road to Damascus. But can we truly say Jesus has never brought us to our knees? Has Jesus not been trying to get our attention on our own well-traveled roads?
Jesus wants us to begin where we are, with the relationships we have. Preach the good news, people, live the good news. We are given the task to help others turn to God. Once we have begun right where we are, then we can begin to move outward. The main thing is to be spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ!
That is what God asks of us.
God, you ask us to spread the good news of Christ. But we have many good excuses for not doing so. Forgive us, Lord. May we do deeds consistent with our repentance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
"...but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance." Acts 26 NRSV
Paul has done exactly what Christ commissioned.
As he ascended, Jesus told his disciples what they must do: be witnesses to all that they have seen and heard and to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. They must begin locally, then move out globally.
Although Paul was not present at the ascension, he has taken Jesus' words quite literally. He began his ministry locally, then moved out into the world, preaching the Jews and Gentiles. He has witnessed to what the power of Jesus did to turn his life around and he calls on others to repent and bear fruit.
I wasn't there at the ascension. I imagine you were not there, either. Yet, are we doing as Jesus has asked of us?
I am sure we can use the excuse of not being knocked to our knees on the road to Damascus. But can we truly say Jesus has never brought us to our knees? Has Jesus not been trying to get our attention on our own well-traveled roads?
Jesus wants us to begin where we are, with the relationships we have. Preach the good news, people, live the good news. We are given the task to help others turn to God. Once we have begun right where we are, then we can begin to move outward. The main thing is to be spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ!
That is what God asks of us.
God, you ask us to spread the good news of Christ. But we have many good excuses for not doing so. Forgive us, Lord. May we do deeds consistent with our repentance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Who are you, Lord?
Today's reading: Acts 21-24
I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.'Acts 22:8 NRSV
I have always wanted to know why Paul calls Jesus "Lord," yet doesn't seem to know who he is. Is this like saying, "Who are you, mister?" Why call this voice Lord if you don't know who this is?
I think this Damascus road experience must have been so inexplicable that it could only be the Lord. But Paul is still unsure. He is, afterall, on his way to arrest Jesus of Nazareth's followers. He isn't really the Son of God, is he? Jesus isn't really Lord, is he? We got the lights, the fall and the voice but surely there is some other explanation.
At least that is what we do today. We get the light, the fall and the voice but still we want to find a completely scientific and measurable explanation of what has happened to us. It isn't God, is it? Who are you.....Lord?
Maybe you don't have a conversion story like Paul's but perhaps you have an experience where you have been knocked on your behind, heard a voice speaking to your heart or been temporarily blinded. You may have guessed it was the Lord but were still unsure. I think Jesus does come to us in such inexplicable, unexplainable ways.
God, thank you for getting our attention. May we pay attention and focus on you. In our Lord's name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.'Acts 22:8 NRSV
I have always wanted to know why Paul calls Jesus "Lord," yet doesn't seem to know who he is. Is this like saying, "Who are you, mister?" Why call this voice Lord if you don't know who this is?
I think this Damascus road experience must have been so inexplicable that it could only be the Lord. But Paul is still unsure. He is, afterall, on his way to arrest Jesus of Nazareth's followers. He isn't really the Son of God, is he? Jesus isn't really Lord, is he? We got the lights, the fall and the voice but surely there is some other explanation.
At least that is what we do today. We get the light, the fall and the voice but still we want to find a completely scientific and measurable explanation of what has happened to us. It isn't God, is it? Who are you.....Lord?
Maybe you don't have a conversion story like Paul's but perhaps you have an experience where you have been knocked on your behind, heard a voice speaking to your heart or been temporarily blinded. You may have guessed it was the Lord but were still unsure. I think Jesus does come to us in such inexplicable, unexplainable ways.
God, thank you for getting our attention. May we pay attention and focus on you. In our Lord's name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Life Still In Him
Today's reading: Acts 17-20
But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." Acts 20:10 NRSV
I have had a few folks fall asleep in my sermons but I have never had someone fall out of his sleep to his death. The interesting thing is that this does not make Paul stop speaking! He continues until the sun comes up.
Bringing the dead to life is one of those signs of God's power and presence. Usually it meant that the person through whom the healing occurred was God's own prophet. So, Paul was not just another long-winded preacher but a person of God. Paul was someone people should listened to when he spoke.
Interestingly, Paul does not make a big deal out of this miracle. He does not go around saying, "Look what God has done through me!" Instead, it is no big deal - the boy still had life left in him.
Is there someone you know who seems to be dead? Do you want God to send a prophet to that person today so that this someone you know may be risen from the dead? Do you think there is life still in that person?
Let's pray for them now: God, you know who is on our minds, the person we know that seems to be dead. But you are the God of the Resurrection! We pray for a prophet to be sent in their midst. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." Acts 20:10 NRSV
I have had a few folks fall asleep in my sermons but I have never had someone fall out of his sleep to his death. The interesting thing is that this does not make Paul stop speaking! He continues until the sun comes up.
Bringing the dead to life is one of those signs of God's power and presence. Usually it meant that the person through whom the healing occurred was God's own prophet. So, Paul was not just another long-winded preacher but a person of God. Paul was someone people should listened to when he spoke.
Interestingly, Paul does not make a big deal out of this miracle. He does not go around saying, "Look what God has done through me!" Instead, it is no big deal - the boy still had life left in him.
Is there someone you know who seems to be dead? Do you want God to send a prophet to that person today so that this someone you know may be risen from the dead? Do you think there is life still in that person?
Let's pray for them now: God, you know who is on our minds, the person we know that seems to be dead. But you are the God of the Resurrection! We pray for a prophet to be sent in their midst. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Prayed For
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make know with boldness the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Ephesians 6: 18-20 NRSV
Paul has prayed for the church, instructed the church and now asks for prayers in return.
How do you feel about being prayed for?
I am so uplifted when people pray for me. It is just such a humble feeling yet gives me such energy and affirmation. I find that I need to especially be prayed for before leading worship and/or preaching. In fact, being prayed for by a lay person is one of the most powerful experiences I know.
Now Paul knows good and well that God is going to bring him a message to preach. He doesn't need prayers in order to be filled with the Spirit. He does not seem to have needed prayers for boldness, either.
But Paul also knows the power of praying for someone else and the power of knowing someone else is praying for you. Although you are communicating with God, praying for and being prayed for strengthens your relationship with that other person.
This isn't about getting God to do something. These prayers are about strengthening relationships in the name of Christ.
God, I lift up my preacher to you. I pray that he/she may be given a message that you want to be heard by the congregation. May they preach with boldness the mystery of the gospel. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: Who are you praying for? Who is praying for you?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Paul has prayed for the church, instructed the church and now asks for prayers in return.
How do you feel about being prayed for?
I am so uplifted when people pray for me. It is just such a humble feeling yet gives me such energy and affirmation. I find that I need to especially be prayed for before leading worship and/or preaching. In fact, being prayed for by a lay person is one of the most powerful experiences I know.
Now Paul knows good and well that God is going to bring him a message to preach. He doesn't need prayers in order to be filled with the Spirit. He does not seem to have needed prayers for boldness, either.
But Paul also knows the power of praying for someone else and the power of knowing someone else is praying for you. Although you are communicating with God, praying for and being prayed for strengthens your relationship with that other person.
This isn't about getting God to do something. These prayers are about strengthening relationships in the name of Christ.
God, I lift up my preacher to you. I pray that he/she may be given a message that you want to be heard by the congregation. May they preach with boldness the mystery of the gospel. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: Who are you praying for? Who is praying for you?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I pray that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory. Ephesians 3: 13 NRSV
I'm being held prisoner and it is all your fault! But I am trying to follow God's will for my life - the biggest part being you Gentiles to Christ, helping you all to see that you are a part of this wonderful new structure that God is creating in the world. I don't want you to be left out! So, if I am writing this letter from a Birmingham jail, don't be concerned but rejoice! All this means is that I am doing my job 'cause I got into trouble with local law. I have not lost my faith, in fact I am more in touch with God than ever before. I am strengthened by God's continuous support and grace each and every day. You all need to be celebrating this! I'm suffering on your behalf but you are not to let this get you down.
[My own interpretation of the beginning of Chapter Three of Ephesians]
God, thank you for Paul and people like Paul who suffered and continue to suffer for our sakes. Don't let this get us down, Lord, but help us to rejoice!
Question for the day: Can you name one person who suffered on your behalf so that your faith can be where it is today?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Our Way of Life
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 NRSV
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Where do these fin in with good works?
What are good works, anyway?
Feeding the hungry.
Clothing the naked.
Housing the homeless.
Praying.
Worshipping.
Studying scripture.
Sharing the good news.
Loving God and neighbor.
I think those would top the list. Maybe you can think of a few others.
And doing good works would make us happy, don't you think? Not a blissful, everything is super in my world kind of way but more in a joyful, peace-centered way.
Certainly being free and alive to do good works would be nice but not essential. I've heard powerful stories of people in prison or facing death who truly exemplified good works - the first being Paul himself!
Because of God's gift of salvation we are free to pursue the life-sustaining happy power of good works.
Praise God! Amen.
Question for the day: what would you add to the list of good works?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Where do these fin in with good works?
What are good works, anyway?
Feeding the hungry.
Clothing the naked.
Housing the homeless.
Praying.
Worshipping.
Studying scripture.
Sharing the good news.
Loving God and neighbor.
I think those would top the list. Maybe you can think of a few others.
And doing good works would make us happy, don't you think? Not a blissful, everything is super in my world kind of way but more in a joyful, peace-centered way.
Certainly being free and alive to do good works would be nice but not essential. I've heard powerful stories of people in prison or facing death who truly exemplified good works - the first being Paul himself!
Because of God's gift of salvation we are free to pursue the life-sustaining happy power of good works.
Praise God! Amen.
Question for the day: what would you add to the list of good works?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The eyes of your heart enlightened
I apologize for this not loading yesterday. I set it up to post on Thursday but I think the picture was too much for it. So, today you get two devotionals! A.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the workings of his great power. Ephesians 1: 15-19 NRSV
According to this part of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus (although we don't know for certain that it really was Ephesus as he never mentions the church specifically), Paul has never visited this church. However, their reputation proceeds them. They apparently have such faith in Jesus that other Christians have heard of it and passed the word to Paul. They have also been collecting money to be sent to Jerusalem for the poor, the widows and the orphans. That is the love for the saints that Paul is referring to here. So this church is faithful and generous and has come to Paul's attention so that he is giving thanks and praying for them.
Paul is specifically praying that they may have wisdom and revelation as they come to know Jesus. He is asking God that their hearts may be enlightened so that they have a firm grasp of hope, true riches and God's power.
I love the phrase: "with the eyes of your heart enlightened." What does that mean? A literal reading would tell us our hearts have eyes -but we know that isn't true! Paul is speaking metaphorically. It is more than opening your heart to something. If you have eyes, you can see. If your eyes are enlightened, you can not only see more, you see with truth, greater depth and clarity. In fact, you probably realize things that are not truly visible. What a gift that would be!
Wouldn't it be great if someone was praying for the eyes of your heart to be enlightened?
God, I ask that the person reading this prayer right now would be given the gift of having the eyes of their heart enlightened. In Jesus' powerful name I pray. Amen.
Question of the day: What would be be revealed to you if the eyes of your heart are enlightened?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the workings of his great power. Ephesians 1: 15-19 NRSV
According to this part of Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus (although we don't know for certain that it really was Ephesus as he never mentions the church specifically), Paul has never visited this church. However, their reputation proceeds them. They apparently have such faith in Jesus that other Christians have heard of it and passed the word to Paul. They have also been collecting money to be sent to Jerusalem for the poor, the widows and the orphans. That is the love for the saints that Paul is referring to here. So this church is faithful and generous and has come to Paul's attention so that he is giving thanks and praying for them.
Paul is specifically praying that they may have wisdom and revelation as they come to know Jesus. He is asking God that their hearts may be enlightened so that they have a firm grasp of hope, true riches and God's power.
I love the phrase: "with the eyes of your heart enlightened." What does that mean? A literal reading would tell us our hearts have eyes -but we know that isn't true! Paul is speaking metaphorically. It is more than opening your heart to something. If you have eyes, you can see. If your eyes are enlightened, you can not only see more, you see with truth, greater depth and clarity. In fact, you probably realize things that are not truly visible. What a gift that would be!
Wouldn't it be great if someone was praying for the eyes of your heart to be enlightened?
God, I ask that the person reading this prayer right now would be given the gift of having the eyes of their heart enlightened. In Jesus' powerful name I pray. Amen.
Question of the day: What would be be revealed to you if the eyes of your heart are enlightened?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Letter to the Ephesians
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ....In him you also, when had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1: 1-2, 13-14 NRSV
Paul's letter to the Ephesians begins with a wonderful description of God's chosen people. He talks about being blessed with spiritual blessings, being chosen, holy, and blameless in love, being adopted and redeemed through Christ's blood, and being destined to have a part in the blessed inheritance. However, a closer reading makes one realize he is not addressing the people of Ephesus until verse 13! "In him you also" means that the saints in Ephesus can share in all this good stuff, all because they have the mark of the Holy Spirit. It is almost as if Paul has gotten carried away in describing the saved people that he belongs to and then realizes he has left someone out. "Oh, right, this applies to you as well since you have responded to the gospel."
The faithful in Ephesus must have been used to being left out by this time. They were part of a very large port city (now a part of Turkey) in which they were surrounded by the pagan culture of the Roman Empire. They were no longer part of that culture - which probably effected their income, their livelihood, their families and their homes. They were no longer a part of the Jewish community, either. Paul's letter, despite his rude introduction, was probably a very welcome form of encouragement.
Paul is going to continue his description of this community of faith as well as give them some admonitions of staying in faith and not giving up the life of faith to the surrounding culture.
How often we need to hear this today! We are in need of hearing again our stories of faith as church communities, the wonder of being a part of God's chosen people, the claim of the Spirit on our lives and the firm reminders of staying on God's path. I invite you to join me in the next few days in studying Ephesians, looking at your story and your community's story of faith and reminding ourselves of remaining part of that faithful family.
God, you have called us as part of your chosen people. May we not take your adoption of us for granted and may we live as your people in all times and places. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question for today: Do you know your faith community's story?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
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