Devotionals

“Finish Strong” by Andrew Ellis

It is hard to believe we are entering the final month of 2018. Looking back on the year 2018, we have strived to improve ourselves. We have strived to become the best Christian we could be. While we could marvel at the growth we have made this year, it is not over. There are still opportunities to serve and grow. This is a time of year we show gratefulness for our blessings. We enjoy the company of family and friends, but there are many who are struggling. This presents an opportunity to shows God’s love to others and aid them this time of year.

1 Peter 4:9-11 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Back in the spring, I wrote an article about avoiding complacency when a journeys’ end is in sight. The same principle could be applied to this time of year. Each calendar year presents an opportunity to serve and show God’s love. No matter what we have done to serve in 2018, there are opportunities out there remaining. It is not too late to serve others this year. Let us finish this year strong! Let us continue to show the heart of a servant for the rest of the year and moving forward.

 

“Becoming A Disciple” by Tom Painter

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10

Tucked away in one of the books that we don’t read as often as we should is a great pattern for everyone who desires to be a lifelong disciple of Christ.  As the new year approaches, I pray that we will all commit to a deeper relationship with Christ.  Here are three keys to do that:

Devoted to Study of the Law
Ezra was a priest of God, so he had studied God’s scriptures since he was a child.  But the key to lifelong discipleship is that he studied the scriptures continually.  By so doing he gained insight into scripture as life unfolded around him.  And, he gained insight into life as scripture guided his decisions.

Devoted to Observing the Law
James taught that we should be doers of the Word and not only hearers.  Ezra wasn’t satisfied to know the deep things of scripture, he put them into practice.  His obedience molded his life to become a genuine disciple who never stopped growing.

Teaching the Law
When a person learns to be a disciple, it is the most natural thing in the world to share what you discover with others.  Sometimes it is done in a classroom, but more often it’s done in daily life.

Summit needs authentic disciples of Christ to teach us the way forward.  Will you make that commitment?  Commitments that are kept to yourself are quickly forgotten.  Will you share your commitment to learn-do-teach with someone?

“What We’re Thankful For” by Neville Buchanan

During our midweek Thanksgiving Service, Tom Painter asked the congregation to help put together a list of things we were thankful for. In very short order we said we were thankful for:

 

  1. Our Church Family                     12. Our Soldiers who protect us and give us our  Freedom
  2. Our Physical Family                    13. The ability to pray
  3. Opportunities                               14. God’s Discipline in our lives
  4. Neville & Douwene                      15. Our Challenges
  5. Our Elders                                     16. The Word of God
  6. Memories of past members       17. The Diversity of Talents at Summit
  7. Our excellent Healthcare           18. Hope
  8. Our Returning Families             19. God’s love
    coming in for Thanksgiving      20. Our Physical Blessings
  1. Our Freedom                                 21. The Assurance of Eternal Life
  2. The Christian Family Support   22. God’s Safety for all who are traveling we have at Summit
    23. Our New Brothers and Sisters in Christ
  3. Jesus saying, we can love              24. The Families of Soldiers our enemies

What can we learn about Summit from this list?

  • Clearly, we communicate our gratitude. Not only in the above list, but in
    prayer to God, through texts, emails, cards, calls, and visits.
  • We appreciate the little things. It is so easy to get distracted in this life and not notice: a beautiful moon on a cold winter night; a blood red sun rising or setting; rain falling on a pond; birds chirping in the trees; wind blowing through the cedar pines; or a dog’s smile.
  • We are generous. Our pantry is always being restocked; we collect socks and gloves for the homeless (Natalie Denham); we are collecting totes (Candice Bennington) & toys (Kyle & Alisha Proctor) for this area’s foster children; we collect coins for mother’s and children in crises; and we are adopting Bellevue Headstart Children to brighten their season.
  • We are thankful in all circumstances. Life is not always easy. But it is always easy to find something to be thankful for. As the French novelist Karr wrote: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.”

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. We give thanks to you in ALL circumstances – for this is your will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thess.5:18). Through His Name – Amen.

 

“Strength to Grow” by Brad Herald

Colossian 2:6-7 (NLT) “6And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, you must continue to follow Him. 7Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Receiving Christ as Lord of your life is the beginning of your Christian walk. But you must continue to follow Him by being rooted, built-up, and strengthened in your faith through His Word. Christ wants to guide you and help you with your daily struggles. Just as plants draw nourishment from the soil through their roots, so do we draw our life-giving strength through Christ. The more we rely on Christ and His teachings, we receive more strength from Him. If Christ is our strength, we will be free of worries and full of and thankfulness.

 

“Devoted to Opening Doors” by Neville Buchanan

So small! I could comfortably hold our newborn in the palm of one hand. As Douwene and I looked at our perfect little baby we knew we had been part of the miracle of life. For the next several months we doted over our vulnerable little baby boy.

Similarly, it is wonderful being part of the spiritual birth of a soul. Out of devoted, steadfast, and thankful prayer, Paul has this request from prison: “pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Col.4:3).

He then turns around and encourages all Saints for all time to get on board. You see, without being born again of the water and the spirit, no one will ever be able to enter or even see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).

So, Paul encourages us to: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col.4:5-6).

Dear Father in Heaven, please continue to open doors for all who are devoted to expanding your Kingdom!

 

“Be Strong and Courageous” by Bill Herald

David also said to his son (Solomon) “Be courageous, for the Lord God is with you.” I Chronicles 28:20 

Such encouraging words for a father to give to his son!

In Deuteronomy, chapter 31, Moses knew he wasn’t going to be able to lead his people any longer.  He was 120 years old. The Lord chose Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land.  When Moses was talking to Joshua he told him to Be strong and courageous, the Lord will be with you.  What encouraging words from a great leader to a new leader.

At the death of Moses, we see in the first chapter of Joshua, that God spoke to Joshua and told him to Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!   How encouraging that must have been to hear those words from God Himself!

Brothers and sisters, I believe God still wants his people to be strong and courageous.  I believe God wants and needs his leaders to be strong and courageous.  We should all be talking to our friends and neighbors and our family and co-workers about the good news of Jesus Christ.  If you found out that you were going to be a parent or grandparent for the first time wouldn’t you want everyone to know about it? That’s the way we should be when it comes to sharing our Lord and Savior.  How many people do you know who gave their life for you?  Be courageous enough to let everyone know that Jesus did just that.

Paul told his young church at Corinth to “be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage and be strong” I Cor. 16:13.

 

“Flawless?” by Steve Proctor

So often we think ourselves unworthy.  “I don’t deserve _________.”  “I’m not worthy of ________.”  We look at ourselves and only see our flaws, the things we get wrong, and the character flaws we hope no one else sees. Worse than thinking these things, we let them determine our limits. Unfortunately, these limits are the same ones God put on us.  He calls us to serve him and each other regardless of our flaws.

  • It seems Noah had a problem with alcohol.
  • Jonah was bigoted.
  • David let his lust drive him to murder.
  • Peter was a sucker for peer pressure.

God knew this about these men.   God knows about our flaws.  He didn’t excuse their flaws but neither did he excuse them from service because of them. He used these men anyway and expected them rise above their flaws.   Just as he expects us to rise about ours.

A problem with your temper?  Maybe it’s your tendency to doubt the intentions of others?  Is it possible you’ve an unhealthy penchant for the opposite sex?

Never settle for being flawed.  Rise up and be better.  Great men of the past have, and they did amazing things for God.  He expects no less of us.

 

“Make A Clean Break” by Neville Buchanan

Jesus began His ministry with these words: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Friend, you are either going to keep walking in the same old sinful path or you will turn into God’s path. Ezekiel tells us how to obey God.

First, “CAST AWAY from you all the transgressions that you have committed” (Eze.18:31a). Making a clean break always starts with repentance. Turn or burn because the only sin God cannot forgive is the one you don’t cast away.

Second, “and make yourselves a NEW HEART and a NEW SPIRIT” (Eze.18:31b)! It is God who creates in you a new heart (Ps.51:10-11). It begins when you die to self in baptism (Gal.2:20; Rom.6:3-5). Once you come up out of the watery grave God gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

And third, “Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so TURN, AND LIVE” (Eze.18:31c-32). For the rest of your life, you will need to make course corrections.

Friend, the time is at hand. Your clean break starts now!

 

“Where Is Our Focus?” by Andrew Ellis

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I am sure all of us are slowly preparing for the holiday. Some of us might be hosting the meal for family and friends and are striving to make sure there is enough food. Some of us might be traveling for the holiday and need to reach a destination. No matter the role we play for the holiday, we have our sights set for what we need to accomplish for things to run smoothly. Is it possible that our focus is so narrow that we lose sight of what is going on around us?

Growing up, I attended the McAndrews Church of Christ in McAndrews, KY. Every Thanksgiving, my family and I, along with other members of the congregation, would begin the day by preparing meals for those in need in the community. For weeks leading up to the holiday, names for those who needed meals were compiled, the meals were prepared and were soon delivered to those families. Years ago, there was a member of the congregation who noticed someone in need of a meal for Thanksgiving. A meal was shortly made and delivered to that person in need. What started as a meal served for one person would result in hundreds of meals served over the years to those in need. This tradition continues to this day.

As Christians, we are called to serve others and let our light shine. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

While it is important for us to take care of our responsibilities during the holiday, we should be aware of opportunities to serve others during a time our focus can be narrow. The Thanksgiving tradition at McAndrews Church of Christ became a reality because one person noticed someone in need. Are we showing the heart of a servant? Are we aware of what is going on around us?

 

“Encouraging Our Youth” by Daryl Denham

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Last week, we took 12 of our young people to the Commit Youth Rally.  There were 110 youth and 50 adults in attendance.  What a great time with a great group of young people.  If you ever need to be spiritually uplifted, go with us to a youth rally.  It is so encouraging to see so many young people spending time with God’s people and studying God’s word, and the singing is always incredible.

God’s word gives specific instruction on teaching our young people.  To Fathers, in Ephesians 6:4, “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” To women, in Titus 2:4-5, “train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.” To men, in 2 Timothy 2:2, “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” And so many more.

There are many other ways to help our children be the people that God would have them to be.  We could teach a class. Or, host a devotional in our home.  We can encourage a young person in their school work or their extracurricular activities.  Show up at their game, or their play, or their concert. (It will have lasting effects on them and their parents.)  We can offer to teach them a skill.

It is so important to encourage our young people and there are so many things we can do.  Most of the time, the things we do to build up our youth are going to strengthen us even more. In whatever you do, choose to be the person you needed when you were young.