|
Devotional Tools
For Sunday
SCRIPTURE READING-Matthew 20:20-28
Whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:27-28).
COPY JESUS-SERVE!
It was a warm Philippine day as 24 college students were poised to spend the day distributing food to people who had once lived at "Smokey Mountain," the well-known garbage site in Manila. Although the facility had since been bulldozed and the government had moved the residents who had lived around the site to very small and cramped apartment-like facilities, essentially the people we were to minister to that day were the poorest of the poor; they had no resources by which to better themselves.
I stood back in the corner of the room, taking in the unusual smells as the missionary briefed us about our mission that day. He explained to our students from MidAmerica Nazarene College (now University) that a good percentage of the people they would minister to that day had tuberculosis, many of whom would never venture more than a mile from their humble dwellings. That moment etched its way into my memory as I thought, This is what the Christian life is all about-giving to others without any possibility of repayment. Today's work is true Christian compassion.
Although that warm day in the Philippines was perhaps the closest I have come to serving out of true compassion and love, that one experience in no way resembles the compassionate love so graciously lavished on us by our Savior, Christ Jesus.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
Jesus paid it all;
All to Him I owe.
Sin has left a crimson stain;
He washed it white as snow.
-Elvina M. Hall
"Jesus Paid It All" No. 218
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus didn't throw the cup away in despair. No, he kept it in his hands, willing to drink it to the dregs.
-Henri J. M. Nouwen
For Monday
SCRIPTURE READING-Acts 11:27-30
The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea (Acts 11:29).
I, TOO, MUST DECIDE
One bright and sunny afternoon while serving as a resident hall director at Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego, several of the young men in the dormitory came to me expressing their interest in doing some volunteer missionary work at an orphanage in Cantaber, Mexico. They needed a sponsor or someone to represent the college, and they thought I could do the job. I decided to join them in their mission efforts.
While in Mexico, the students had a clothing drive for those in need. They also took medicines to delouse children's hair at the orphanage. Watching the giving and receiving that went on between the students and our Christian brothers and sisters there in Mexico, I was reminded of how important it is to give to others. During our few short days, we became family with orphans who had no family. It was an extremely humbling and painful experience to leave that orphanage. As we departed with tears in our eyes while looking into those beautiful and sparkling brown eyes of the children in Canataber, we were the more blessed during that short missionary trip.
I was forever changed by that one small act of giving to others. I received so much more than I gave. It's true-it's better to give than to receive. The experience can be life changing.
-Don Welch
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The first quality that strikes one when one looks into the eyes of a child is its innocence: its lovely inability to lie or wear a mask or pretend to be anything other than what it is.
-Anthony De Mello
For Tuesday
SCRIPTURE READING-Philippians 4:14-20
Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need (Philippians 4:16).
HELPING MORE THAN ONCE
It was at my childhood home church in San Luis Obispo, California, that I first learned to do mission work. It was a family tradition-the church family tradition, that is. Periodically on Wednesday evenings the ladies of the church would gather to roll bandages for our Nazarene missionaries.
This act intrigued me as a young boy. Some of the bandages were the old sheets from my own bed. I remember thinking, Wow-someone else will use these strips of sheets; they really do need them. I always tried to imagine the recipients of those boxes of bandages and what they must have looked like. Another person halfway around the world was being wrapped with pieces of my very own bedsheets. I wondered if he or she had just had surgery, needed further treatment, or would use the material for clothing.
On one occasion I was permitted to help roll the bandages. That act of participating in rolling bandages and possibly helping the lives of other persons gave me a hands-on education in the act of missions. That one experience helped me to see that missions is a way of life, not just a Wednesday once a month.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
Ready to go, ready to stay;
Ready my place to fill;
Ready for service, lowly or great;
Ready to do His will.
-A. C. Palmer
"Ready" No. 553
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Gladly would I make the floor my bed, a box my chair, and another box my table, rather than that men would perish for want of the knowledge of Christ.
-Robert Arthington
For Wednesday
SCRIPTURE READING-Exodus 25:1-7
Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give (Exodus 25:2).
IS YOUR PROMPTER WORKING?
During a recent Sunday School lesson, we were studying about how the Holy Spirit still prompts us today. I asked for a show of hands from those who had experienced the Holy Spirit prompting them to do something out of the ordinary. A number of hands went up.
The more we discussed the very important topic that Sunday, the more it became apparent that whenever someone was obedient to act on behalf of our Master, a life was forever changed. By someone acting out of the Holy Spirit's prompting, disasters were prevented, a person received direction, a family stayed together rather than giving up, and lives were given encouragement.
I will be forever grateful to the individuals who throughout the years have taken time to listen to the Holy Spirit and have spoken God's peace into my life. I just pray that I'll listen carefully to God so that I'll hear His prompting as I relate to others.
Is the Lord prompting you today with specific guidance and direction in furthering His kingdom?
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
Of our life's wild, restless sea,
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, "Christian, follow Me."
-Cecil F. Alexander
"Jesus Calls Us" No. 541
MOMENTS WITH OUR MISSIONARIES:
Prayer Request-Pray for Nazarenes in Jamaica who are witnessing for Christ today.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
This is the secret of the holy, / Not our holiness, but HIM: / Jesus! empty us and fill us / With Thy fulness to the brim.
-Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations
For Thursday
SCRIPTURE READING-Exodus 36:1-7
So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done (Exodus 36:4-5).
ENTHUSIASTIC ENABLERS!
Perhaps we've all heard the adage "It's amazing what can be accomplished when we work together." This past spring I was reminded of it as MidAmerica Nazarene University held a workday when all employees were invited to participate in improving the school's landscaping.
It was especially enjoyable to watch the smiling faces of the maintenance crew, who were there encouraging those of us who experience blistered hands just by the simple act of picking up a shovel. From planting trees and flowers to digging up old evergreens, it was an overall enjoyable experience working alongside those who so respectfully care for the landscaping and building maintenance on a daily basis.
During our few hours of work that day, I couldn't help but overhear one of the maintenance specialists saying that the work being accomplished that day would have taken the regular landscaping crew approximately three months to complete. The words of this person rang with high enthusiasm.
Bearing each other's burdens and lightening each other's loads are the results when we lend a helping hand to someone who may or may not request it. Such an effort lessens the load and brings encouragement that often cannot be revealed in any other way, as expressed on that spring day in Olathe, Kansas.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
Take my love-my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself-and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
-Frances R. Havergal
"Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated" No. 455
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
-1 Peter 4:10
For Friday
SCRIPTURE READING-Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to (Deuteronomy 15:10).
UPBEAT GIVING NETS FAVOR
It was years ago while I was serving at Point Loma Nazarene College that the college entered a fund-raising campaign. I still remember traveling to a very small town out in the California desert, where I spoke to an energetic and upbeat church of approximately 25 people. I shared with them the college's plans, dreams, and hopes for the future and how they might be in partnership with their college in San Diego.
On that particular Sunday, when the spirit and enthusiasm were high, the pastor encouraged his people to give generously to "our very important college." I was sincerely impressed by the generous attitude and kind demeanor expressed by this man of God. After having collected the pledge cards, I was overwhelmed by the total amount committed by this very modest church family.
As I drove away from the church building, I couldn't help but notice that the church had no air conditioner. Now having lived in the Midwest for approximately 13 years, where most people don't attempt to live without an air conditioner, I am reminded of that beautiful group of people who unselfishly gave to Christ's mission rather than focusing on their own need.
That modest congregation of people were some of the most blessed people in all the world, for they knew how to give unselfishly and continue to receive God's blessings.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate ev'ry part.
-Howard B. Grose
"Give of Your Best to the Master" No. 540
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When I have any money, I get rid of it as quickly as possible, lest it find a way into my heart.
-John Wesley
For Saturday
SCRIPTURE READING-Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor (Proverbs 22:9).
SHARING: A HAPPY PRACTICE
My sincere suspicion is that generous people live life at a higher level than those who choose not to be as giving. Although I'm not sure how to prove this statement, I can say that my parents represent this observation.
As a young boy, I remember my father giving two years of work to help build the San Luis Obispo, California, Church of the Nazarene. Although my brother and I tried to protest against having to work at the church every Saturday for two years, we now more fully understand the gift and art of giving.
I also remember Sunday meals around our table. A typical meal following morning worship included at least two other guests who didn't have a family with which to share a meal. I recall wondering how much money my dad was making as he worked on our friends' construction projects during summer months when he was off from his college teaching. Years later, I asked him what kind of revenue he made that summer, and he said, "Well, nothing was made in terms of money. But there was great joy in giving of my time."
As I reflect on the giving nature of my parents, I am reminded that the highest level of living was demonstrated by our Lord, who gave to us all He had: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:6-7).
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
"Man of Sorrows"-what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
-Philip P. Bliss
"Hallelujah! What a Savior!" No. 253
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
-Luke 6:38
For Sunday
SCRIPTURE READING-Matthew 5:21-24
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21).
DO NO HARM
It was just another day in ethics, a course at the university where I am a professor. The topic was capital punishment. The discussion took off with vigor and energy as though everyone knew where they stood on the subject. Approximately half of the 80-member class supported the Old Testament Levitical Law of an "Eye for eye, [and] tooth for tooth" (Leviticus 24:20) and appeared a little unsure as they were attempting to persuade the other "conservative folks."
The other half suggesting that, yes, Jesus takes that same Old Testament passage, quotes it in Matthew 5:38, and admonishes people to turn the other cheek and do no harm.
Although Christians continue to debate this issue and have contradicting beliefs about capital punishment, in our personal lives, Jesus is clear that we offer grace rather than bring harm to others. Jesus not only expressed this belief but also lived out a philosophy that we not fight back. He offers grace and forgiveness to anyone who is genuinely repentant.
Certainly, it can be challenging to grasp the far-reaching power of this grace offered to someone who has committed horrible sins. Nonetheless, Jesus stood in the gap for anyone who confesses sin for "He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Amazing grace, indeed!
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
"Amazing Grace" by John Newton
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
-1 John 3:15
For Monday
SCRIPTURE READING-2 Samuel 11:14-27
In it he wrote, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die" (2 Samuel 11:15).
THE KING COMMITS MURDER
She was considered to be one of the leaders in her church, but she was unaware that she was full of hate toward herself and others. The day "Jane" entered my office, she was unaware how she was destroying herself and her relationship with her husband. Like King David, having a murderous spirit was symptomatic of a deep-rooted spiritual problem: estrangement from the power and presence of God.
Jane's father was an alcoholic and abusive. Even though Jane became a Christian at an early age, she could not get freedom from the hateful spewings of her father. She believed that God had enabled her to forgive her father, but Jane did not seem to have release from the pain.
This story is all too common for many Christians; many have forgiven from their minds, but their hearts are still traumatized by past hurts. Unresolved issues can result in internal anger and hate that affects those we love. If not managed appropriately, these destructive feelings and emotions can damage and destroy relationships.
Through biblical counseling and God's wonderful grace, Jane made a full recovery. The chains of bondage had finally been severed. With tears streaming down her face she said: "It feels as though I am saved all over again! I feel alive and free!" She permitted God to bring healing to her life and as a result, the restoration process began with her loved ones.
Our God is a God of restoration and new beginnings!
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
"He Giveth More Grace" by Annie Johnson Flint
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Opportunity . . . often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat.
-Napoleon Hill
For Tuesday
SCRIPTURE READING-2 Samuel 12:7-12
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own (2 Samuel 12:10).
THE CONSEQUENCES OF MURDER
We are all potential murderers. Wow! I cannot believe I said that. But we are. Most people would say: "That is ridiculous!" Without permitting God's grace to permeate our lives and change us, we continue to sin. Like King David, all of us have the capability to destroy.
I was brutally reminded of the results of murder at age 22. I had the opportunity to visit Dachau, an infamous concentration camp in Germany. I could not help but say to myself: "Without Christ in my life, I have the potential of this type of destruction." The existence of Dachau serves as a sad reminder of what kind of atrocities humanity can impose upon each other.
One very reassuring epilogue to this solemn devotional is that God's grace is sufficient in all situations-even King David who issued orders to have Uriah the Hittite murdered. As David became repentant and confessed his sin, God heard, responded, and granted forgiveness to David. Although David and his family would suffer the consequences of his actions, God's grace was granted.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
"Moment by Moment" by Daniel W. Whittle
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
-1 Timothy 1:13
For Wednesday
SCRIPTURE READING-Esther 3:1-11
Then Haman said to King Xerxes, "There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the kings' laws" (Esther 3:8).
HATE LEADS TO A PLAN OF GENOCIDE
Although I had read quite a bit about the leaders of the former Soviet Union, it was not until I was in the Ukraine with a student mission team that I became more familiar with the stories of Stalin and his murdering escapades. During the cold winter months, one leader starved his own people because they did not follow his mandates. By his orders, millions died.
The solemn faces and downcast eyes of the Ukrainian people gave testimony to their history of heartache and destruction. Hiding behind walls of pain and distrust because of such grave sufferings can become a way of life.
But murder is not just physical. There is a silent killer called gossiping and slander that can murder reputations and integrity. Jesus spoke directly to this issue when he said in Matthew 5:21-22, "anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Haman's anger at Mordecai led him to slander and plot the murder of a whole people.
We don't have to inflict pain on others with angry words, wrong motives, and physical abuse. God graciously gives us the ability, through the Spirit, to love and encourage each other as we seek to do God's will in all of life's circumstances.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
Rise up, O Church of God!
His kingdom's task embrace.
Redress sin's cruel consequence;
Give justice larger place.
"Rise Up, O Church of God" by Norman O. Forness
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29
For Thursday
SCRIPTURE READING-Matthew 5:43-48
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).
THE ANSWER TO HATRED AND VIOLENCE
My father taught at the same college for 30 years. During a point in time in his teaching career, Dad encountered another professor who despised the fact that my father openly expressed a faith in God through Jesus Christ.
This other professor would do whatever he could to make my dad's job more difficult: insulting remarks during committee meetings or making fun of my father's Christian belief. One day my dad said that he had had enough of this guy's meanness. The bottled-up frustration was almost triggered to a point where he felt as though he wanted to get back at the guy. My father restrained himself. Instead of taking revenge, he began to pray for the other professor. Even though the other professor did not immediately change, my dad did. He realized it was not his responsibility to change this man: it was God's. Besides, it was hard to be angry toward someone for whom you are praying!
Years later while visiting my home church, during Sunday dinner, my dad asked me if I recognized a certain person singing in the choir. I said, "No. Why did you mention him?" Dad reminded me of the professor who had given him grief for so many years. I remembered. Then, my dad said: "That man became a Christian and is now one of my best friends."
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
Take time to be holy; Be calm in thy soul-
Each tho't and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit To fountains of love,
Thou soon shall be fitted For service above.
"Take Time to Be Holy" by William D. Longstaff
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
-James 5:16
For Friday
SCRIPTURE READING-Matthew 27:11-26
Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" (Matthew 27:13).
CHRIST IS OUR EXAMPLE
Why do we get so upset and hurt when we are misunderstood or mistreated by others? Jesus faced horrible maltreatment. In the face of false accusations, Jesus must have wanted to give into the desire to cry out and defend himself. If that is not remarkable in itself, Jesus accepted accusations that were basically unfounded. Even though Jesus is fully human (and fully God), He did not defend himself. But Jesus trusted His Father!
So what are we to do in situations when false accusations or unwarranted judgments are made against us? Christ is our example. In Matthew 26:42 Jesus said: "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." To learn to completely place our faith and trust in the Lord with all our heart as Jesus did is the right way for Christians to live. (See Proverbs 3:5-6.)
The story of the woman who was known to have great faith helps us to understand Christ as our example. Another woman went to visit the woman who was known to have great faith. As they met, the faithful woman said: "You have it all wrong. I am not the woman with great faith, but the woman with little faith and a great God!"
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD:
O to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave,
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer-others to save.
"O to Be Like Thee" by Thomas O. Chisholm
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Weakness of character is the only defect which cannot be amended.
-Franc—is de La R—chefoucald
For Saturday
SCRIPTURE READING-1 John 4:17-21
In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him (1 John 4:17).
LOVE AS GOD LOVES
Is it possible to love as God loves? I think you may agree with me that you and I can never do it. It is only as God graces us with His love that we can then pass it on to others.
I was gently reminded of this truth during a very troubled period of my life. My life, I honestly thought, was over. I was discouraged, depressed, lonely, and weighed down with a crisis and did not see any hope. A dear friend of mine came alongside and helped to encourage a future that I could not see. This gentleman helped me maneuver the difficulties that life seems to bring to all of us at some point in time. He permitted God to love me through him.
One day, when life was appearing more hopeful and the light at the end of the tunnel was not so far away, I mentioned to my friend that I saw no way to repay him for his frequent conversations of support and prayerful encouragement. He agreed with me and added: "Although you will never be able to repay my gift to you, you will have the privilege to pass it on to someone else."
I can love as God loves, but it is because His love is passing through me to others. As you enjoy God's grace, you are poised to pass on this incredible gift to those who cross your path.
-Don Welch
SING TO THE LORD
Lord, I am pleading; hear Thou my prayer.
Let me Thy blessed fellowship share.
From day to day Thy servant I'd be.
Grant me a closer walk with Thee.
"A Closer Walk with Thee" by Haldor Lillenas
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
-George Washington Carver
* Used by permission of Word Action Publishing Company,
a division of Nazarene Publishing House, Copyright © 1998 and 2001. All
rights to this material are reserved. Materials are not to be distributed
to other web locations for retrieval, published in other media, or
mirrored to other sites without written permission from Nazarene
Publishing House. http://www.wordaction.com
|
