Already Beginning
Already Beginning
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80
Yearning for God’s shining light in places of darkness is theme that runs through Advent. It is a fitting symbol for those of us who inhabit the earth’s northern hemisphere, where this time of year coincides with a season of diminishing daylight. While there might be excitement about the first snowfall and Christmas parties, many of us also dread the thought of driving home from work or school in the dark evenings for the next several months, and we eagerly anticipate the return of long summer days. The bulk of winter is still ahead of us, with all its dark and icy obstacles, making us perhaps more ready to pray these words of Psalm 80.
Preacher Barbara Brown Taylor would like us to reconsider this imagery, however. She asks, “Where did we get the idea that darkness exists chiefly to be vanquished?” Yes, there’s plenty of biblical support in both testaments for our associations of darkness with confusion, ignorance, sin, judgment, and punishment; and of light with knowledge, truth, and life. But Barbara Brown Taylor writes:
This strikes me as a problematic teaching on the verge of Advent, the church season of deepening darkness, when Christians are asked to remember that we measure time differently from the dominant culture in which we live. We begin our year when the days are getting darker, not lighter. We count sunset as the beginning of a new day. However things appear to our naked eyes, we trust that the seeds of light are planted in darkness, where they sprout and grow we know not how. This darkness is necessary to new life, even when it is uncomfortable and goes on too long.[1]
The way we enter into the season of Advent may remind us that darkness is not to be primarily feared or just suffered through but that in darkness may be the beginnings of mysterious and wonderful new life. We can remember that God is the God of both light and darkness. Christ is present—near to us—in all that we encounter.
Physics tells us that light and darkness cannot coexist at the same time and same place. But faith tells us that we can see with the light of Christ even in the darkest places. I hope that our Advent season together gives us space to practice that different way of seeing, noticing what surprising new life is being formed right now in our world. With the prophet Isaiah we see God gently leading us like a shepherd. With John the Baptist we question the way things are and envision a society oriented to God’s dream. With Mary we see a world turned upside-down, as lowly ones are lifted up in blessing. This is Advent. It is a time for waiting, to be sure, but it is also a time to rejoice in what is already beginning.
I watch for your light, O God, in the eyes of every living creature and in the ever-living flame of my own soul. If the grace of seeing were mine this day, I would glimpse you in all that lives. Grant me the grace of new sight this Advent. Amen.
[1] The Christian Century, November 29, 2011.
Keep Awake
Keep Awake
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down. Isaiah 64
Advent is a season of longing for God’s saving, healing presence. It is also a time for remembering where to look for God.
The prophet Isaiah knows where to expect God’s arrival. While he starts this chapter searching the sky, hoping for some apocalyptic divine intervention, he eventually remembers that God is already as near to us as a loving parent to a child—or as a potter to clay. God is lovingly shaping and molding us to be God’s people and to live into God’s reign. It might take longer and disappoint us when we’re looking for a quick fix, but it is the way that God has chosen.
Advent is a time for waiting, yes, but more than that, I think it is a time for looking in new places for God’s presence. It is a time to wake up to God’s active, guiding, shaping work in our own lives and in the rest of the world.
Years ago, Pastor Heidi Neumark and her congregation, Trinity Lutheran in Manhattan, created a homeless shelter for LGBTQ youth. I heard Pastor Neumark Heidi tell a story about one of the kids who stayed at the church, a transgendered young woman who had grown up in Utah and found her way eventually to New York their church shelter. Heidi heard her one day playing the piano in the basement. She stopped her work and listened a while. When the song was over, Heidi complimented her on the music. As they talked, the young woman said, “This is the only place I feel human.”
That statement is a sad indictment of our culture and the circumstances that such young people face on a daily basis. But reflecting on that conversation, Heidi was hopeful about what God was doing through her congregation. She said that on that day, in that moment, their church basement had become a manger. It was a place where God was present and revealed in a brand new way.
“Keep awake,” the Gospels tell us. God’s coming might not catch the attention of the newspapers, but God comes nonetheless. God comes into the real needs of this world and into our sharing them together.
Come to be with us, O God. Keep us awake to your gracious presence and opportunities to serve you. Amen.
Advent Anticipation
Advent Anticipation
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14
There are few things more frustrating than having to wait. I’ve been known to leave a store because the line at the counter was too long, only to go into another store and find an even longer line. We’re not used to waiting much in our culture, since so much of life today is designed to help us avoid waiting as much as possible. We have fast food, fast-acting cold medicine, and high-speed internet. Getting stuck at a traffic light can sometimes be enough to ruin a day. Most of us would rather skip the waiting altogether. Waiting is uncomfortable. It means giving up control and depending on someone else’s schedule.
But the season of Advent invites us to wait and teaches us that there may be spiritual lessons in the process. Christmas will come, but it is helpful to take some time to prepare for it. Christ will come, but it’s important for us to take time to keep watch.
In faith, we can wait in confidence for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Even in our deepest longings, we can still rejoice in hope.
I enjoy this reflection on waiting by theologian Frederick Buechner from his book, Whistling in the Dark.
The house lights go off and the footlights come on. Even the chattiest stop chattering as they wait in darkness for the curtain to rise. In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has raised the baton.
In the silence of a midwinter dusk there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your breath to listen.
You walk up the steps to the front door. The empty windows at either side of it tell you nothing, or almost nothing. For a second you catch a whiff in the air of some fragrance that reminds you of a place you’ve never been and a time you have no words for. You are aware of the beating of your heart.
The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.
Emmanuel, God-with-us, be our strength in times of waiting. Nurture in us joyful anticipation for your saving presence. Amen.
Need For Rest
My first call as a pastor was in a rural area in far west-central Minnesota outside the town of Dawson. It was a decidedly cross-cultural experience for me as I’d never lived in the country or spent much time with farmers, yet my husband and I quickly learned the rhythms of life in an agricultural community. On sunny fall Sunday mornings, the church would be empty as the farmers were diligently harvesting (or they were snoozing in the pews while wearing dusty overalls). I discovered one of the least-attended worship services each year fell on deer hunting opening weekend. I started watching the rain forecast each spring so I knew how to pray for the planting season.
One gray day in March, soon after we moved into our open country parsonage, a local farmer took my husband and me to dinner in a local town. I was still getting used to seeing the open farmland stretch for miles around me. As the farmer drove us through the barren landscape, where I could barely tell the difference between the cloudy skies and the dreary fields, I commented about how lifeless it all looked. The farmer (who was driving well below the speed limit so he could share about histories and inhabitants of each local farm) slowly replied, “The fields aren’t dead or sad. They’re just resting so they’re ready for the next planting season. They need rest just like we do.”
Donald, that wise farmer, is long gone now, but I’ve never forgotten his words about the resting fields. Whenever I’m tempted to assume there is no life in a landscape, I remember his gratitude for the work of the fields and their need for rest. Even if we can’t see hope, it is present.
Let us pray: God of thanksgiving, inspire us to see beyond our own limits and look for life in places that seem barren. Help us to trust your Spirit’s movement in the seemingly empty places in our lives and in our world. May we be grateful. Amen.
Wasted?
In her book Braiding Sweetgrass (that I referred to in the previous devotion), author Robin Wall Kimmerer recounts a story told to her by an engineering student from Europe. When he visited Minnesota, he went ricing with a friend’s Ojibwe family. They got up before dawn and spent all day poling through the wild rice beds, knocking rice seeds into their canoe. It didn’t take them long to collect a good amount of rice, yet he was frustrated by the amount that fell back into the lake. “…It’s not very efficient,” he said. At least half the rice just falls into the water and they didn’t seem to care. It’s wasted.”
As a gift to his hosts, he wanted to design a rice capturing system to prevent the rice from falling into the water. He sketched out a technique that would lead to getting 85% more rice. His hosts listened kindly to his plan, then told him that while they could get more rice that way, it would lead to less seed for the following year. They claimed the rice they left was not wasted; it would feed the animals who enjoy the rice. “Do you think the ducks would stop here if we took it all?” Their teachings were to never take more than half.
Let us pray: Gracious and giving God, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, guide us to live with gratitude for all we’re given. Help us to know when we have enough, and when we need to share our blessings so others may grow, thrive, and eat their fill. Amen.
Honorable Harvest
In her beautiful book Braiding Sweetgrass, scientist and professor Robin Wall Kimmerer has a chapter titled “Honorable Harvest” that explores the deep traditional knowledge of Indigenous harvesters and the principles that guide their exchange of life. The guidelines for the Honorable Harvest are not written down, but they are recognized and reinforced in daily acts. In the Honorable Harvest, the producers have the upper hand; they will continue to give their lives if we follow these guidelines. If the guidelines were written down, Robin Wall Kimmerer writes they would look something like this:
Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.
Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life.
Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.
Never take the first. Never take the last.
Take only what you need.
Take only that which is given.
Never take more than half. Leave some for others.
Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.
Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken.
Share.
Give thanks for what you have been given.
Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.
Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.
Let us pray: God of gratitude, inspire us to give thanks this week for the providers in our world and in our lives—for the plants and animal that nourish and bless us. May we honor their lives with our respectful consumption and our generosity of spirit. Amen.
Thank you, God
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “Thank you, God.” As you breathe out say, “I give you praise.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Reflect.
Last week, in worship, Easter people shared their Statement Of Intent with the church. This document lets the staff and leaders of this congregation know what you intend to give financially to the mission and ministry of Easter Lutheran Church in the year to come. You can find everything you need to participate online: https://www.easter.org/annualappeal
I continue to give thanks for all that God has called you to contribute and all you continue to share. Our stewardship is an act of faith. God’s abundance is made known through our financial gifts. As I watch the Statements Of Intent continue to come in, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. As Paul writes, I feel a great thanksgiving to God for how God’s goodness is made known through your giving. This is a great joy.
But as Paul also says, I also give thanks for the ways I feel enriched by your generosity. Your giving inspires me. It points me to God’s love. It moves me to greater acts of compassion to ensure justice, equity, and hope for our neighbors. Your giving supports this church and its ministries, yes – but it also encourages me in my personal faith and devotion.
It is my great hope that as you hear God’s call to financial giving for the sake of the church that you will look around you. I hope that you will see other faithful givers, whether in this congregation or in your personal life, and be inspired by their faith at work through their acts of stewardship. Together, we do the work of the church to which the Spirit calls us. But even more, we lift each other up and are enriched for greater ministry. We come together in Christ’s name, united by the gospel, for the sake of our church, our community, and our love for each other.
Thank you for what you share in God’s name and the love you share for each other through your witness.
Pray.
God, you have given me models of faith and generosity throughout my life. I praise you for these saints in my family, my church, and my community. By your Spirit’s guidance, move me to generosity for the sake of your church, your world, and any who might know your abundance through my gifts. Amen.
Carry On.
Who taught you about the importance of giving? How can you thank them for their witness to you?
I Serve You
Thursday – 17 November 2022
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “I serve you.” As you breathe out say, “There is always enough.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land. – Deuteronomy 15:11
[Jesus said], “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” – Matthew 26:11
Reflect.
In Matthew 26, a woman anoints Jesus with an extravagant amount of oil. His disciples criticize her for the perceived waste of resources that could have gone to those in need. Jesus responds by reminding them that the poor will always be with them, but not him. Indeed, Jesus will die soon at this stage of the story. However, this text gets removed from this context. Instead, too many believers have heard this verse as an excuse not to use their money to care for those in need.
Jesus is not saying that ongoing need excuses us from doing anything about it. Instead, Jesus is pointing back to this instruction from Deuteronomy. That verse comes in the middle of a long series of laws about caring for those in need. Jesus names the reality that this law in Deuteronomy affirmed: there is no shortage of good we can do for our neighbors. But we do that work in the name of our Savior, as an act of worship and love, realizing that we worship God and serve our neighbor in all we do.
Too often, we try to separate the two things. We assume that our money can only do one thing: worship Jesus or serve our neighbor. We make inauthentic divisions between outreach ministry and internal ministries. We pretend there isn’t enough to support both our worship and our global partners. We lean into scarcity and use this one reference from Jesus out of context to make ourselves feel better.
But instead, what Jesus says is: we can do both. We can choose to glorify God by sustaining our programs, ministries, and worship. We can choose to serve our neighbor by supporting outreach partners, service organizations, and those in need. We can do both. We have enough to do both. I have seen the Statements Of Intent come in, and it is my joy to say: together, we have enough.
Pray.
Jesus, your ministry shows us that you call us to a life of both/and. We want to think we have to be either/or, but you call us into the challenging and liberating news that you have given us what we need to serve you and serve others in freedom and abundance. Thank you for giving us all we need to do this work. Amen.
Carry On.
If you have turned in your Statement Of Intent, how will you continue to pray for the work your giving does? If you haven’t turned one in yet, what ministries, programs, and services does Easter provide that inspire you to generosity?
Matthew 6:24,25
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “I have enough.” As you breathe out say, “You will provide.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. – Matthew 6:24
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? – Matthew 6:25
Reflect.
Far too often, we separate these two verses from Matthew’s gospel. They both come in the context of a much larger teaching from Jesus, so admittedly, we’ve got to break somewhere. But when we pull these two verses apart, we make them into something that doesn’t quite make the whole truth clear.
We hear verse 24 as a caution against loving money too much. We’ve all heard many a bad sermon trying to softball Jesus’ clear statement: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” Or, conversely, we’ve heard this verse as part of a larger request to part with our money in service of a cause. While the verse invites us to consider our relationship with money, this verse can easily be twisted into something like: if you don’t give us your money, you obviously love money too much and don’t love God enough.
We usually hear verse 25 in a completely other context, absolutely divided from its original setting. When we hear verse 25 without verse 24, it becomes part of a “don’t worry, be happy” sermon. Your life doesn’t really matter that much, right? God will take care of you!
Notice the word therefore. You cannot serve God and wealth, therefore, don’t worry about your life. You can’t serve two masters, therefore, remember that life is more than food. The two statements come together.
When we consider our relationship with money and how God calls us to use it, we remember that we walk a delicate but essential line. We cannot and will not worry and obsess about it too much, because money is but one of God’s many gifts and God has promised to care for us. However, we also realize the power money has to glorify God, care for our neighbors, and provide for our own needs. We hold all these things together and recognize money for the meaningful tool and gift from God that it is.
Therefore, we know that we are free to share God’s good gifts – including our money – without fear and in joy. We continue to worship and praise God by talking about, praying about, and maintaining a right relationship with our money. Financial stewardship is an act of bold faith.
Pray.
God, I confess that I get my relationship with money all wrong. I either worry about it too much or make it into more than it should be. By your grace, help me see money as a gift from you meant to do good in my life, my neighbor’s life, and the life of your church. Amen.
Carry On.
We received Statements Of Intent in worship on Sunday. Have you turned yours in yet? Take time to pray and consider how you’ll participate if you haven’t yet.
Romans 12:5
Stop.
On your phone or computer, open up Easter’s webpage. Look at the pictures of our church and read through the many events coming up. Take a deep breath. Pray for God’s action in our congregation. Take time with God to rejoice in our faith community.
Listen.
…we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. – Romans 12:5
Reflect.
Tomorrow, we will hear from the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. We’ve been reading from Sunday’s passage all week in these devotions. Today, we hear the last verse of the passage, reminding us that there is unity in our diversity because we all belong to each other in Jesus Christ.
Sometimes this reminder gets misused. It leans too heavily on the idea of unity and makes people think they must all look, act, or believe exactly the same. Sometimes it leans too heavily on the idea of diversity and forgets that our identity is rooted in our shared love for God. The truth is that it’s somewhere in between: our authentic, unique selves are created and beloved by God, and at the same time, we’re called to a radical level of relationship and compassion even – and especially – when we feel like we have nothing in common.
Sometimes, when we give our money, we think that we’re buying influence or position. The more we give, the more say we get in the work of the church. But that gets it all backwards. We don’t give to get our way. We give to be part of God’s way. When we follow our Creator faithfully, we tune our lives into God’s mission. That means that our money might benefit a program we don’t use, serve a person we consider unworthy, or support work we don’t like best. But “we, who are many, are one body in Christ”. Our giving, our prayer, our service, our worship, and our love all go to the fullness of God’s work among us. It will benefit not just you, but all of God’s beloved.
When you turn in your Statement of Intent tomorrow, you commit to sharing in the work of the church because “individually we are members of one another”, mutually sharing in the work of the church to the glory of God. For the gifts you will share, thank you.
Pray.
God, send me to the side of any in need. Show me that I have everything I need to serve them. Help me to see how we belong to each other through our shared identity in you. It is an honor to be your beloved child. Amen.
Carry On.
Have you filled out your Statement Of Intent yet? You received one in your generosity mailing, or you can fill it out at easter.org/annualappeal. Ask yourself: how will my giving this year reflect my trust in God’s action in my life and my love for all God’s people?
Revelation 21:4, 5a
Stop.
Take a deep breath. Reflect on those who have been a part of your faith life, especially those who have died. Take as much time as you need to thank God for these people and what they taught you.
Listen.
[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.’ And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ – Revelation 21:4-5a
Reflect.
On Sunday, we celebrated All Saints Day in worship. Many traditions celebrate this holiday in different ways. For most Protestants, we recognize that a saint is one who is loved by God and serves God in their lifetime. In other words, all faithful people are saints. On this Sunday, we remember those who have died, especially those who have died recently, we entrust them to God, and we give thanks for their witness and love throughout our lives.
Our theme verse for this year’s generosity appeal comes from the book of Revelation, which is often read at funerals. Because the book deals with overcoming struggle and contains a vision of what life after death might be like, it provides comfort for grieving loved ones and speaks confidence in God’s promises. In the context of our generosity appeal, it reminds us that God has always been at work to renew and bring life, even when it seemed like all hope was lost.
When I think of the saints in my life who have died, I think of faithful people like my Grandma Mary and my confirmation mentor Millie. They held me to a high standard of behavior, showed devotion in their worship and prayer, and lived out lives of deep generosity with their time, energy, and money. I cannot think of the saints who have taught me about Jesus without also thinking about how they taught me to be grateful for God’s gifts and share them freely with my church and my neighbors. I praise God for their witness and continue to hope that I can follow in their footsteps.
Pray.
Even though my heart aches, God, I thank you for your saints who have gone before. I may grieve, but I still trust in your promises for life. May the witness of the saints keep me in your promises, guide me in truth, and release my heart for generosity, all to your glory. Amen.
Carry On.
In worship, we named all those who have died from this congregation. Think about your own life. Who would you want to name in worship? How will you remember them? Take time to light a candle and remember all the saints in your life and all those that loved you into being.
Proverbs 16: 8-9
Stop.
Hold your wallet, checkbook, bank statement, or even some change in your hand. Take a deep breath. Set aside your anxieties about money – especially having enough of it. Thank God for what you do have. Reflect on the ways the gift of money helps you live your faith.
Listen.
Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice. The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. – Proverbs 16: 8-9
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, we will hear from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs shares many faith lessons with the reader, ranging from right worship, piety, and obedience to good business and relationship practices. Some might be a little out of date today, but it still helps us reflect on wise, thoughtful ways for a Christian to live and act in the world.
It’s interesting to see how much of Proverbs talks about our relationship with money. Even when it was written thousands of years ago, it’s clear that humans continued to struggle with how to use their resources wisely, effectively, and faithfully. While many passages deal with a perceived foolishness in using money, this passage focuses on using money with righteousness and justice.
I often talk about ensuring that the way we use our money reflects our faith. If someone looked at your credit card or bank statement, would they know what you believe? Does your use of money reflect your values, especially your Christian faith? What does it mean in your life to let “the Lord direct the steps”? And even if your bank statement doesn’t have lots of big numbers in in, how can you still affirm “better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice”? In other words: how can you reject wealth for its own sake, and instead, live within (or even below) your means as you live righteously?
It's the work of a lifetime to figure out what that means for you. Circumstances change, income rises or falls, needs shift, families adapt. But if you commit to letting your money reflect your faith, you will always have a dynamic expression of your faith at work in your daily life.
Pray.
Thank you, God, for entrusting money to me to use for the good of my neighbor, for the sake of your gospel, and for the care of my life and home. Help me to hear your guidance as I use these resources well. Amen.
Carry On.
Refer back to whatever you held at the beginning of this devotion. How can you use that amount, however big or small, to God’s glory today? Is there something you’ve been meaning to support financially that you can be a part of today, even if it’s just a small gift?
Proverbs 16:2-3
Stop.
Hold your calendar, phone, or weekly planner in your hand. Take a deep breath. Give yourself time to set aside everything that you need to do right now and be fully present with God. Give thanks for all God has given you and the ways you get to serve God through your work, relationships, and responsibilities.
Listen.
All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:2-3
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, we will hear from the book of Proverbs. The book is wisdom literature, a section of scripture that focuses on teaching and seeing God as the center of all wisdom. Because it is also poetic in structure, you often find repetitive phrases in Proverbs. These mirrored statements reinforce important parts of the scripture to encourage the reader into deeper reflection on the intended learning.
These two verses show just such a parallel structure. Take another look at the two sentences. In a way, they say the same thing: it’s not about what you want to do, but about finding success in following God’s will for your life. The first verse emphasizes our own lack of perspective in our intentions, while the second verse reminds us that we commit all we do to God first.
As we talk about our financial generosity during this sermon series, Proverbs remind us to consider why we give. Do we give to have more power? To feel better about ourselves? To demonstrate our own worth? Or do we give so that God’s work can be done among us? Only one of those reasons seems to “commit your work to the Lord”. We give out of joy and gratitude for all God has done and is doing.
But Proverbs also invites us to consider how we give. We can give spontaneously or when we feel so moved. But better yet, God invites us to give in a planned, considered, regular way. Making a plan for our giving ensures that we’ve reflected on and prayed about how we might be a part of God’s work among us and then works that plan. The wisdom of Proverbs is that our plans are part of God’s wider plan, which is good news indeed.
Pray.
God, I praise your wisdom at work in the world. Thank you for your holy word, showing me how to live and act in the world. Make me generous with my time, action, and money. Let me be a part of your plans at work all around me. Amen.
Carry On.
Take another look at your calendar or planner. Does it reflect your beliefs? What’s one thing you can put on your calendar this week that reflects what you believe, gives your faith room for growth, or leaves time for reflection on God’s action in your life?
Romans 12:3
Stop.
Take a deep breath. Think about all the people you’ve been around this week: family, friends, coworkers, classmates, community members, and more. Take a moment to pray for them and ask God to make you a force for grace and mercy in their lives.
Listen.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. – Romans 12:3
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, we will hear from Paul’s letter to the Romans. We’re talking about this valuable epistle all week in our devotions as we lead up to the final Sunday in our sermon series. This Sunday, you’ll also have the powerful opportunity to put your faith into action by turning in your Statement Of Intent and making your financial commitment to the mission of Easter.
It can be hard to talk about money. We’re often surrounded by opinions on what we should do with our money; hearing about it at church as well can feel exhausting. But honestly, that’s exactly why we need to talk about money at church. Otherwise, we lose track of the truth that our finances are another place where we get to worship God and serve our neighbors.
While Paul doesn’t talk specifically about money in this verse from Romans 12, which we’ll hear on Sunday, his instruction helps us consider why we share God’s gift of money instead of keeping it all for ourselves. “I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think,” Paul reminds us. When you make a financial commitment to give to Easter, you put that teaching into action. You recognize that what God has given you is meant to be shared with your community, with your congregation, and to God’s glory. You realize that you don’t need to keep everything for yourself, but because you’re part of a community, you get to give your money away.
It is a responsibility and a joy to think of others, to be a part of the work of the church, and to live out your faith through your giving.
Pray.
God, thank you for all you have given me. Remind me of all those who need your love and care through my giving and service. Guide me to generosity to your glory. Amen.
Carry On.
Have you read the generosity mailing yet? If you didn’t get one, let the church office know. You can also go to easter.org/annualappeal to hear about all we are doing – and hope to do – at Easter. Consider all this information, ask God for guidance, and consider what you will share through your Statement of Intent on Sunday.
Romans 12:2
Stop.
Take a deep breath. After all, it is almost election day, and it feels like the stakes are so high. Take a moment to give voice to your fears and hopes, offering them up to God. Trusting that God will care for you, allow God’s renewing and transforming power to be at work through you.
Listen.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
Reflect.
In worship on Sunday, Nov 13 we will hear from Paul’s letter to the Romans. This is a hallmark epistle, a cornerstone of Christian theology, and especially powerful in Lutheran tradition. It speaks to God’s gift of life given to us in Jesus Christ and the grace we receive through him, even though we can never earn it. When we hear it this Sunday, it will be as our final Sunday in our series All Things New, talking about God’s renewal through us. Everyone will be invited to submit their Statement Of Intent, making a financial commitment to the ongoing mission of Easter.
When we do this work, we make a powerful, countercultural statement. We are not conformed to the world and its insistence that there is never enough, that we need to hustle harder, that we deserve everything we desire, that we look out for number one. Financial giving to our church instead states that all things, even money, belong to God first and that in God there is always enough – for everyone.
I can’t help but dwell on this truth on election day. It is our honor and privilege to participate in democracy, to vote our values, and to be inspired by our faith to influence the affairs of the world. However, too often, we misunderstand what this means. We think it means we deserve power, must impose our faith on others, or consider some “true Americans” while others are pushed aside. This is hardly what Paul would say “is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect”. It is difficult to discern God’s will, but we should always be cautious when we let others equate God’s will with our success or superiority.
Whether you’re voting, making your financial commitment, or doing any number of daily things that ask you to live your faith, consider: are you being conformed to the world? Or are you being transformed by our God who makes all things new?
Pray.
God, I want to do your will. I want to be transformed by your holy word. Sent your Spirit to me, grant me wisdom, make me generous, let me share your compassion, and in all things, make me an agent of your gospel. Amen.
Carry On.
Have you voted yet? If not, go do it! Being an engaged citizen is our responsibility as Christians. If you’ve already voted, thank you for putting your faith into action for the good of our neighbors.
Let Me Go
Let Me Go
following the JAM curriculum from Orange/©2022 Parent Cue
Read Exodus 14:13-14
13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”
Imagine you’re an Israelite. One day, Moses shows up and (after a lot of back and forth) finally convinces Pharaoh to let you go free. You gather up your family and you leave Egypt. Then suddenly, Pharaoh changes his mind and leads his powerful army to chase you down. Now you’re standing with the Red Sea in front of you and Pharaoh’s army coming up fast behind. You’re trapped.
The Israelites did what we often do when things seem out of control. They complained, saying, “Why didn’t you let us stay back in Egypt?” But Moses knew God was in control. Moses didn’t tell them to fight or run or even panic. He told them to be still and trust.
Sometimes when things are out of control, we want to take matters into our own hands. But really, the best thing we can do is just stop and ask God for help, because God knows what’s best. We can trust God and hold on with grit because God is in control.
Be Still
Grab a marker and write “Be Still” on your hand or on an index card to keep as a reminder to stop and pray. Trust God to help you keep going with grit.
Prayer: God, I can hold on because you are in control. Help me be still and trust you so I can boldly walk with you every day of my life. Amen.
Faithful
following the JAM curriculum from Orange/©2022 Parent Cue
Faithful
Read Lamentations 3:22-23
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
What does the word “faithful” mean? Write your answer on a piece of paper.
A person who is faithful is someone who does what they say they will do. God is faithful. If God makes a promise, God keeps that promise. God never says, “Oh, I’m sorry! I’ve been so busy running the entire universe I completely forgot about that!”
That means you can put all your trust in God! God loves you and will help you keep doing the right thing even when everything around you seems to be out of control. God can help you grow grit so you can keep going even when the going gets tough. God’s love never fails.
Every Morning
Write today’s verse on a card and put it by your bed. Every morning this week, read the verse out loud as a reminder that God loves you, is faithful, and is in control.
Prayer: God, help me be faithful….all the time! I trust that you will always walk beside me in good and in bad. Thank you for every new morning. Amen
Grit
following the JAM curriculum from Orange/©2022 Parent Cue
Read Isaiah 45:5-6
I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Who causes the sun to rise and set? Who put the sun in the sky in the first place? God did that! We can trust in a great big God who does great big things because there is no one else like God. Our human minds can’t even understand just how amazing God is. No matter what happens, God is in control.
Take a moment to walk outside and look up at the sky. Think about sun and the stars, the clouds and even rain – not to mention eyes to see all these wonderful things. God did all of that! God is big enough to handle anything we face in life.
When things seem out of control, stop and look up at the sky. The same God who takes care of the world also takes care of you. You can keep going with grit, you can hold on because God is in control.
Prayer: Thank you God for taking care of us. Keep giving me the GRIT to refuse to give up when life gets hard. Amen
Psalm 94:19
(In September JAM kids learned about Grit - Refusing to give up when life gets hard. with Orange)
Read Psalm 94:19
19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Do you ever worry? Do you worry about school, about friends, about your soccer game on Saturday? The problem with worry is that it doesn’t change anything. In fact, worry usually just makes things worse, because worry focuses on “what if’s” that are totally beyond our control.
But there is someone who knows what will happen at school, with your friends, and on the soccer field on Saturday. God knows what you’re worried about and wants to take the worry and replace it with joy. God doesn’t want you to spend one more minute thinking about all the things that could happen. Instead, God can help you hold on with grit because He is in control.
Joy Not Worry
Write the word WORRY in large block outline letters on a piece of paper. Write down all your worries inside the letters. Stop and remember that God is in control. Then flip the page over and write the word JOY in large block letters on the back. Write the words of today’s verse inside the letters and decorate it any way you choose. Hang it up as a reminder to turn your worries over to God and replace them with joy!
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for knowing us so well and always knowing what we’re going through, especially when we’re going through stuff that’s hard to tell others. Please help kids all over the world feel Your presence and know that You are with them. Remind each of us to show Your love to everyone we meet and help others know that You can help them push through whatever hard thing they’re going through. We love You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Exodus 14:13-14
(In September JAM kids learned about Grit - Refusing to give up when life gets hard. with Orange)
Read Exodus 14:13-14
13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.
Imagine you’re an Israelite. One day, Moses shows up and (after a lot of back and forth) finally convinces Pharaoh to let you go free. You gather up your family and you leave Egypt. Then suddenly, Pharaoh changes his mind and leads his powerful army to chase you down. Now you’re standing with the Red Sea in front of you and Pharaoh’s army coming up fast behind. You’re trapped.
The Israelites did what we often do when things seem out of control. They complained, saying, “Why didn’t you let us stay back in Egypt?” But Moses knew God was in control. Moses didn’t tell them to fight or run or even panic. He told them to be still and trust.
Sometimes when things are out of control, we want to take matters into our own hands. But really, the best thing we can do is just stop and ask God for help, because God knows what’s best. We can trust God and hold on with grit because God is in control.
Be Still
Grab a marker and write “Be Still” on your hand or on an index card to keep as a reminder to stop and pray. Trust God to help you keep going with grit.
Dear God, thank You that You love us SO MUCH. Thank You that You are ALWAYS with us. When we don’t know what to do next, help us HOLD ON and follow Jesus. Help us HOLD ON and love You. Help us HOLD ON and love others. We love You SO MUCH, God. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.