Category Archives: Christian

Christian, Death, devotion, Easter, Funeral, Luke, Gospel of, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 11, 2017

Devotional Reading from the Common Daily Lectionary: Luke 23: 56b-24:12

Text:  “Why do you look for the living among dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (v. 5b)

I have officiated at nearly 1000 funerals and graveside services during my ministry. That is a lot of sorrow, a lot of tears, and a lot of empty places at dinner tables. Without exception, every family has been very kind and gracious to me. At the service I remind the worshipers of the women’s story when they went to the tomb on that first Easter. Today text are the words spoken by  the “two men in dazzling clothes” who stood beside them. Their next words to the women were, “Remember how”.

Remember how …

The greatest legacy that we leave behind as we pass from this Reality into the Next Reality is the memories, the stories that we leave in our wake, the ones that begin with, “Remember how”, or when, or where.

I believe that we create memories every day, either consciously or unconsciously. I believe that more often than not the memories that “stick” come about serendipitously, totally unplanned. I believe that when we wake up each morning we have some power to decide whether we are going to serve God by serving others or serving ourselves, whether we will live large or small lives.

I don’t know a lot because I am rather simple, but I do know that I have officiated at too many funerals to take any day or any one for granted. I know that each day and each moment and each person is a gift and a wonder. Therefore, I am thankful more often than not. How about you?

Lord, teach me to number my days so that I can gain a heart of wisdom, true wisdom. Amen.  (based on Psalm 90, verse 12)

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Christian, devotion, Luke, Gospel of, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 10, 2017

Devotional Reading: Luke 23: 44-56a

Text: Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. (vs. 50-51a)

“Good and righteous”. The words stopped me cold. That is what happens when you read a passage “devotionally”. I pondered those three words for several minutes, mulling them over in my mind and considering my own life and decisions.

Then I read further and saw that Joseph did not agree with “their plan and action.” He went against the crowd! He didn’t “go along to get along”. And what is even more amazing is that he didn’t make a big deal about it. He simply went and did the right thing.

His example reminds me of a biography I read of the Quaker abolitionist, John Woolman. He was a quiet man, a tailor by trade. He was also widely travelled and a welcomed guest in the homes of all he met. He was recognized as a man of impeccable character. One time he was invited into the home of a slaveowner. Seeing the slaves in the role of “finely tailored servants”, he didn’t make a big scene. He just quietly left, totally unnoticed. When the host realized that Woolman was gone, he felt a deep sense of shame for having offended such a great man. It was said that Woolman was more effective in abolishing slavery in New England than any law because he changed hearts and minds.

Joseph of Arimathea did the right thing, even though it was not the popular thing. I hope that I get better at doing that. How about you?

Lord, help me to recognize and do the right thing, even if it is the unpopular thing. Remind me that I serve the Master and am called to do His will. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, Matthew, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 9, 2017

Devotional Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Matthew 22: 1-14

Text: Then (the king in the parable) said (to his servants): “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthing. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you see to the wedding feast.” (vss. 8&10)

Bypass surgery. Those two words strike fear in many a heart–no pun intended. When there is a blockage of one of the arteries to the heart, it is first treated with medicine. But when an emergency arises in the form of a heart attack drastic measures are taken. The chest is split open, a vein is taken from an arm or a leg and reattached to the main artery “bypassing” the blockage. When it goes well–as it more often than not does–health is restored but lifestyle changes are in order.

In today’s reading, a parable, a king sends out invitations to a wedding feast for his child. It was not a general invitation but a very specific one to particular individuals. But they were so preoccupied with themselves that they declined the invitation. So, the king “bypassed” them and invited others to take their place.

I believe that God also practices bypass surgery. When God calls an individual or a church to a particular task God believes that they are well suited for the task. They need to accept the invitation. If they refuse, their place in God’s Purpose will not go empty for God’s Will will be done. Another is simply invited in their place.

I do not pretend to know what the ultimate consequences are for individuals who do not respond to God’s call–God’s nudge, but I do know of many churches that ceased to exist because rather than “serving” they became “self-serving”. As a consequence, they disconnect themselves from “the vine” of Christ, withered and died.

Here’s a question to consider; what is God calling you or your congregation to do? Are you listening? Are you responding? I hope so, if for no one sake but your own.

Lord, I await your invitation. Tell me what to do, show me how to do it and give me the courage to do Your work. Amen.

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Christian, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 8, 2017

Devotional Reading from the Common Lectionary: Acts 9: 10-19a

Text: Now there was a disciple in Damascus name Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” (v. 10)

Prayer is dangerous. True prayer, that is. Prayer involves two things, one of which is listening for God’s answer. And all too often, God’s answer is not the answer that we want to hear.

God told Ananias to get ready to receive a persecutor of the Early Church; a man whose very name invoked fear. I can almost hear Ananias saying to God, “You’ve got to be kidding!” But that is one thing that God never does. God has a sense of humor but God never plays with you. Ananias was to help Saul “see”, truly see. God called Ananias to remove the scales of prejudice, experience, tradition, culture and all the other things that separate us from one another from Saul’s eyes. Ananias was to give Saul, soon to be know as Paul, his “God sight.”

I believe that prayer is still dangerous business. I believe that God still calls us to do things that we would rather not do. I believe that God still uses us to give “God eyes” to the spiritually blind. I believe that there is no greater or more important calling.

God, let me be fearful in prayer and courageous in response as I commit myself to do Your will as I understand it. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, Luke, Gospel of, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 7, 2017

Devotional Reading: Acts 9: 1-9

Text: Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heave heaven flashed around him. (v. 3)

The Scots say that there are “thin places” in this world; places where heaven and earth touch. I believe that there are such places. Often they have been sanctified by generations of prayer.

I also believe that there are mystical experiences; times when we are touched by the Eternal in a very special and inexplicable way. I have had two. I seldom share them because they are simply too holy. But Kweisi Mfume, previously known as Frizzell Gerald Gray, wrote of his mystical experience in his autobiography No Free Ride. In the briefest of moments, out of the clear blue, his life was forever changed. His name change symbolized  a new beginning, a new life. I shared his story with a group of teens in a residential treatment center. It gave them pause and a new vocabulary.

Today’s reading is about Saul’s mystical experience. Over the years I have learned four things about such experiences. They come when you least expect it. They cannot be wished for or manufactured. They change your life for the better. Finally, they can only be validated within a community of faith.

In following Jesus there is no such thing as a Lone Ranger.  God created in plurality. Jesus called individuals into a community. We find ourselves, our true selves, only when we are in communion with others. We cannot go it alone. Nor were we ever meant to.

Lord, guide me to the community in which I can be my true self; the community that will challenge me and help me grow, that will challenge me to use my talents to glorify You. Amen.

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Christian, devotion, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 6, 2017

Devotional Reading from the Common Daily Lectionary: I Samuel 13: 5-18

Text: but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people began to slip away from Saul. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the offerings of well-being.” And he offered the burnt offering. (vss 8b-9)

One of my biggest spiritual struggles is with Patience. I have to constantly remind myself to be patient. I don’t know if I’m worried that I will miss out on something or what the deal is, but I am pretty impatient.

Saul lost his kingship because of impatience. The prophet Samuel told Saul to wait for him to present an offering to the LORD before going into battle. Samuel did not show up when Saul expected, and Saul saw that his army was “slipping away” from him. He had to do something, soooo he presented the offering. Big mistake.

In his “spiritual” autobiography A Way Out of No Way Andrew Young wrote about a lesson in learning Patience. At first he thought that spending time singing hymns, praying and witnessing was wasting time. They gathered to march in an effort to desegregate. But then he discovered that gathering to worship was not a waste of time but a time of spiritual preparation.

Wait for the LORD, the Psalmist wrote. (Psalm 27:14) Wait in Jerusalem until you are clothed from on High, Jesus instructed His disciples.

Some things just cannot be rushed. God may not “come” when we expect but God is never late. God is always on time because all Time is God’s time.

Lord God, teach me the discipline of Patience. Help me to listen as well as speak, wait as well as act so that I may glorify You in all things.

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Christian, devotion, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 5, 2017

Devotional Text: Luke 23: 1-12

Text:  And when (Pilate) learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was in fact in Jerusalem at that time. (v. 7)

Passing the buck. Not taking responsibility. Letting someone else do it. All far too common occurrences today.  In another gospel Pilate ceremonially washes his hands when he’s afraid to do what he believes to be right. He was afraid of the crowd, of being unpopular. (Matthew 27:24)

Buck passing is as old as Eden. When God asked Adam if he ate of the forbidden fruit, Adam answered by passing the buck to Eve saying, “The woman YOU gave me, made me do it.” In other words, it was God’s fault! Eve, in turn, blamed the serpent. And so it went and goes today.

In what we refer to as The Sermon on the Mount Jesus said “let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’.” (Matthew 5:37) Take responsibility. Admit when you are wrong. Confess your sin because by not doing any of these things we are simply fooling ourselves, “and the truth is not in us.” (I John 1:8)

When we live into our call, though, we become truer reflections of the image of God.

Lord God, give me the courage to take responsibility and not make excuses. When I am tempted to “fudge” the truth or “pass the buck”, remind me of Jesus’ example and teachings. Amen. 

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Christian, devotion, faith, Humble Humility, Presbyterian Church (USA), Psalms, Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 4, 2017

Devotional Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Psalm 46

Text: Put not your trust in princes, in whom there is no help. When they die and return to earth, their dreams die with them. (vvs. 3&4)

An international company in the city where I grew up started to build a new factory but a year or two into the project the global economy changed. Construction halted and only a steel skeleton stood against the sky, a silent witness to a plan that never came to life.

This text has been one of my guiding principles in life. It applies to me and to others. It keeps me humble and helps me avoid putting too much hope in any one individual or having too much confidence in myself. It has reminded me that I do not truly own anything in this life. No one or thing is truly “mine”. It reminds me that there is only one Savior, and it isn’t you or me. These are good things for us to keep in mind.

On this national holiday as we commemorate the “birth” of a nation, we can celebrate and, at times mourn, our collective history, but we must also remember that it is “in God we trust.”

Lord, thank you for all that You have given to us. Make us responsible trustees of this portion of Your estate during our short time in this world. Show us how to pass on to those who follow us a better world than the one we inherited. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reminds me who God is and who I am.

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Christian, devotion, faith, Luke, Gospel of, Peter, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 3, 2017

Devotional Reading: Luke 22: 52-62

Text: …but Peter was following at a distance. (vs. 54b)

I once read that the problem with many Christians is that they have been inoculated with the faith; they have been exposed to Christianity just enough not to catch a full-blown case. I refer to these people as “cultural Christians”. In either case, we follow Jesus up to a point; up to the point of finding Jesus hard.

In that way we are a lot like Peter, following Jesus from a distance. When getting too close to Jesus is uncomfortable, we back away. We keep silent in the face of jokes that denigrate others, let alone abuse them. We look the other way and pretend that we do not see the injustice in our midst.  We hope that someone else will do something because we are afraid to do anything. We use prayer as a shield against involvement. In a thousand and one different ways, like Peter, we deny Jesus.

The story of Peter does not end with his following at a distance. Jesus knew that Peter’s faith was weak or less than mature, to be kind. He came to Peter again after the Resurrection. He continues to come to us again and again, always calling, always encouraging and always prodding through the circumstances of our lives to become stronger disciples.

Lord, do not give up on me even when I give up on You. Let me hear Your Voice continually in my faith journey until at the very end I hear your whisper saying “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Amen.

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Christian, devotion, faith, James, Matthew, Presbyterian Church (USA), Uncategorized, United Church of Christ (UCC)

Glimpses of Grace Daily Devotion for July 2, 2017

Devotional Reading: Matthew 21: 23-32

Text: “Which of the two sons did the will of his father?” (v. 31)

What drives your crazier; a person who says that they will do something but never gets around to doing it OR, someone who says that they won’t do something but does it anyway?

Years ago I read a short essay that said the neighborhood bar is often more “Christian” than the neighborhood church. Go into any neighborhood bar and you will probably see somewhere a can for donations that will go to someone in need. Go to most neighborhood churches and will you find that before any special offering can be taken it first has to go through a committee or two and a board.  The neighborhood bar just wants to know if anyone knows the person needing assistance but the church wants to do a background check to make sure that the person is worthy.

Jesus’ in today’s reading is to those who questioned His authority to do the things that He did. He replied with a common situation. A father asks his two sons to do something. One son says he will but never gets around to it and other son says that he won’t but actually does what the father asked.  Which one did the will of the father?

To say that we are a follower of Jesus or to say that we will take Jesus seriously but not to use His teachings as our North Star is to be like the first brother. The neighborhood bar makes no pretense of following Jesus. The church, though, sings about Jesus and hears talks about how Jesus wants us to live but often there is little evidence that anything ever comes of it.

Taking Jesus seriously means, taking Jesus seriously. In the New Testament Letter of James the writer said that faith without works is dead. In other words, don’t tell me what you believe; show me what you believe. Your actions speak louder than all of your words.

Lord, show me Your will but more importantly move me to do it for I am weak. Let me be a light of Your Love revealed in Jesus in this world that has way too much darkness in it. Amen.

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