Out! Out! Out!

SCRIPTURE

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Luke 4:21-30 (NRSV)

The prophet Jesus not accepted

Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.



DEVOTION

Today's scripture reading really puts a-hurtin' on us humans, doesn't it? I would like to pretend that I cannot relate to this story in Luke, but that would be a lie.

There have been times in my life that I have become angry with Jesus, disbelieving of spirit, and desirous of "throwing" him out of my life.

Like the folks in the synagogue at Nazareth, these crises of faith came when Jesus did not do what I asked him to do, rescue me in the way that I saw fit, or allowed hardship to come into my life for reasons that I did not understand.

Like Jesus' community of faith, I have whined, "Why did you do that miracle for Sister-So-and-So and not for me? Since you blessed Brother-So-and-So like that, surely you are obligated to do the same for me?"

It is amazing how quickly the spirit of disbelief and/or covetousness can rear up and bite you in tail.

Now, I'm sure you're shaking your head and saying, "I have never felt that way..." (giggles) But, you know that you have, because we all have.

It is part of the human condition that we experience dark nights of the soul. Whenever I feel this way I pray the Daddy's prayer found in scripture, "Lord I believe; help thou my unbelief (Mark 9:24)!"

I also remind myself that even if I am angry or disappointed with God, I am completely unable to hurt Him. I can ask my questions, huff and puff, even cuss and shout and GOD will still be GOD and GOD will still be in control of all things.

No matter what we say or do in anger, sadness, loss or grief, know this...We cannot out sin, out run, or out fox the love of God that has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus!

God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! Furthermore, Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected on the third day, just as He promised that he would!

God is all powerful!

Just as the folks in Nazareth could not touch him, neither can we! We can do our worst, but Jesus will still be King of Kings and Lord of Lords and God will still love us.

When we conclude our pity parties and tantrums and come to our senses, let us resolve to fall to our knees with hearts full of repentance, make our confession before God, and receive God's gracious forgiveness.

Perhaps we will need to do this less if we remember that God loves all of us equally and Jesus proved it on the cross!

Although it is true that God's love is manifested differently in each unique life, it is also true that God is always--and only--working all things together for our good! That is why we ought to celebrate the blessings of our neighbors, rather than coveting them!


Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, thank you that you love me so much! I am glad that you have not always given me everything that I prayed for. I can see now that sometimes I have prayed amiss. I am glad that you know all things and that you always do what is best for me. Please help me not to be jealous of the blessings of others, but to trust that you know what you are doing on my behalf. Please forgive me of all of my sin. Today I am putting all of my hope in Jesus; I know and believe that He died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life. Thank you for this great gift; I promise to share it with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!

ANYTHING GOOD?

SCRIPTURE

John 1:43-51 (NRSV)

Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)

ANYTHING GOOD?

Can anything good come from that place?

Anyone decent or full of grace?

I’ve heard about people who hail from there

They’re good for nothing, don’t have a prayer

Why would you spend time with him?

Why would you go out on that limb?

Don’t you know he’ll never amount

To anything you’ll want to brag about?

Run right now while you have the chance

Get away from there, without a backward glance

No I say

I’ve already prayed

Come and see

him who makes us free

I’ve truly found, the one I need

Once you meet, you will agree.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html

Move On!

SCRIPTURE

Acts 19:1-10 (NRSV)

Believers speak in tongues

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They answered, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied -- altogether there were about twelve of them.

He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.


DEVOTION

Today I am reminded that it is the Holy Spirit that gives us power to speak boldly and share persuasively about the Kingdom of God. It is because of the Spirit of God at work in Christians, that we are able to share the good news that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to make atonement for our sin and gift us with eternal life!

There is no other name by which we are able to do these things; we should not even try!

As we are sharing, let us remember that evangelism is the work of God. When Paul ran into strong opposition, he was wise enough NOT to dig in his heals. Rather, he moved on to another locale where people were more receptive to the good news message.

Imagine if Paul had stubbornly insisted that he would only preach in the synagogue of Ephesus! What if he had been unwilling to move up the road to the lecture hall of Tyrannus? I believe it is entirely possible that his ministry could have been stymied and the people of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, would not have heard the Word of God!

Lord, have mercy!

As sharers of the good news message, we need to seek God's consult regarding when to stand firm and when to move on; we must also remember that sometimes one plants, another waters, but God always gets the increase!

I have learned through my own life experience that we should never be ashamed to move on when a work is not proving fruitful, for there are millions of people who need to know about the love, forgiveness, and salvation offered to them in Jesus Christ!

Don't let a few people who stubbornly refuse to believe, keep you from ministering to those who will!

Shake the dust off of your shoes and move on to the next "village." Perhaps you will be more productive there!

Won't you please pray with me?

Holy God, I want to go wherever you send me and I want to do whatever you have assigned to my hands. Please help me not to be stubborn or prideful when I notice that a work is unproductive. Please forgive me for those times I have dug in my heals when you have said, "Move On!" I love you and I want to share your love with as many people as possible during my life time. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus”http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

Recieve the Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE

Acts 10:44-48 (NRSV)

Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.


DEVOTION

I have a confession to make; sometimes I feel like a superhero!

Within me is the greatest power to ever exist. By this power I am able to do incredible things! By this power I am able to overcome hate with love, sorrow with joy, warfare with peace. By this power I am able to light up the darkest of nights and situations. By this power I am able to make demons tremble.

What is this power?

It is the living Spirit of God dwelling within me!

WOW!

When we become Christians, putting all of our hope in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. In the Name of Jesus, we are able to do great and wonderful things, advancing the Kingdom of Love, serving those with need, sharing the good news, and showing forth the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I can always tell when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit and I bet you can too!

Every single day I think of my heart like a gas tank. Throughout the day, as I sin and fall short of the mark, I am constantly praying for God to forgive my sin and fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit.

In today's scripture, the Holy Spirit chose to dwell in the hearts of some Gentiles! This blew the minds of the Jewish-Christians who thought it was only for them.

Now we know, that God's Love is for everyone. Jesus' death and resurrection is for everyone. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is for everyone who will believe.

Today, I want all of us to walk like we've got some POWER--because we do!

Scripture says that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us the power that we need!

Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, thank you that when Jesus ascended into Heaven, he promised to send us the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and instruct us! Thank you that because of my relationship with you through Jesus Christ, I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to tap into your power in order to advance your Kingdom on earth, until you come again from Heaven. I love you and I promise to share our love with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus”http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

I Am Yours, Save Me

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 119:89-96 (NRSV)

The law of God gives life

The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my misery.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me
for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your decrees.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.


DEVOTION

I am always comforted whenever I remember that God is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

There is NO-thing that happens to me that takes God by surprise. God exists both in time and in eternity. God sees the beginning and the end of a situation simultaneously. God is the knower of all things.

Whenever I am facing difficult, trying, or life changing circumstances, I feel a profound sense of peace whenever I remind myself that "all things work together for good" when we are in relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28)!

Although I sometimes have difficulty seeing the good, it is because I am standing at ground zero, in the valley, with a very poor vantage point. All around me I see tall mountains and deep valleys and I am afraid.

God, however, stands upon the mountaintops, looks down from the clouds, stands in time and out of it, and sees exactly how all of our lives are being woven together to create a beautiful tapestry which is our life together upon the Earth!

Do not be afraid, saints of God! The Lord exists forever...God's faithfulness endures to all generations...You can trust the word and promise of God.

Since God did not withhold Jesus from us, but gave him up freely to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life, then we can be very sure, that God will not withhold any other thing that we truly need.

In today's scripture passage the psalmist says, "I am yours, save me."


Is that your prayer today? If so, please pray with me:

Eternal God, thank you that you know all things and that you have promised never to leave me, nor forsake me. Although I sometimes face difficult circumstances, you are still in control and you are still working everything together for my good. Please forgive me of those times that my faith has faltered. Please increase my faith today and fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. I need your love, joy, and peace to wash over me today and when it does, I promise to share it with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus”http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

He Would Not Listen

SCRIPTURE

Jeremiah 36:11-26 (NRSV)
Jehoiakim burns the scroll

When Micaiah son of Gemariah son of Shaphan heard all the words of the Lord from the scroll, he went down to the king's house, into the secretary's chamber; and all the officials were sitting there: Elishama the secretary, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the officials. And Micaiah told them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the scroll in the hearing of the people. Then all the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah son of Shelemiah son of Cushi to say to Baruch, "Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come." So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and came to them. And they said to him, "Sit down and read it to us." So Baruch read it to them. When they heard all the words, they turned to one another in alarm, and said to Baruch, "We certainly must report all these words to the king." Then they questioned Baruch, "Tell us now, how did you write all these words? Was it at his dictation?" Baruch answered them, "He dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink on the scroll." Then the officials said to Baruch, "Go and hide, you and Jeremiah, and let no one know where you are."

Leaving the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the secretary, they went to the court of the king; and they reported all the words to the king. Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the secretary; and Jehudi read it to the king and all the officials who stood beside the king. Now the king was sitting in his winter apartment (it was the ninth month), and there was a fire burning in the brazier before him. As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a penknife and throw them into the fire in the brazier, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. Yet neither the king, nor any of his servants who heard all these words, was alarmed, nor did they tear their garments. Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son and Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest the secretary Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. But the Lord hid them.


DEVOTION

Well, I don't know about you, but I have known some folks who are extremely resistant to the good news message.

Like the King in today's scripture reading, they have heard the call to repentance. They have been exposed to a loving God who wishes to forgive. They have been confronted with their sinful behavior and given an opportunity to repent, but they refuse.

To make matters worse, these same people are often violent and hostile in their rejection of God's words--slandering the prophet, and seeking to kill the messenger.

Lord have mercy!

If you've been a Christian, bold in your witness, I'm sure that you have encountered folks like this too.

It seems to me that in the face of this much rejection we have two options. #1--We can become angry, hostile, and rejecting in return OR #2--We can remain loving, peaceful, and calm trusting that God will draw them closer in God's own time.

Obviously, #2 would be the appropriate answer as we reflect on the question, "What would Jesus do?"

Whenever I am frustrated by my inability to successfully share the good news with someone I care about, I always remember Paul's words in 1 Cor 3:7. He says that some plant, others water, but it is GOD who gives the increase!

When I stumble upon a person who will not listen to the good news message that LOVE gave JESUS to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life, I simply trust that I have done my job in "planting" the seeds that will sprout up later.

The work of evangelism is GOD's work. We simply get to partner with God in God's work. As long as we "go ye therefore to all the nations, baptizing, and teaching," we have done our part and we must trust that GOD will do the rest.

Be at peace Saint of God. None of our labors are in vain. Although every person we share with may not choose to believe in Jesus, many will! Our job is not to make them believe; rather, we are called to extend the invitation in love.

God sees all and knows all and I believe that God is well pleased with every effort that we undertake to make Jesus famous everywhere we go!

Please pray with me:

Holy God, please help me to make Jesus famous everywhere that I go! Please help me to share good news with those who will receive it and those who will not. When I--and/or your good news message--is rejected, help me to be at peace, trusting and praying that you will continue the work when I am gone. Please forgive me for being so enraged by those who will not believe in You and please help me to be patient with those who struggle to believe. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html