Devotion
Text: Acts 2:42-47
Theme: Devotion
Thanks be to God, Epiphany is led by a council who continues to see the importance of daily devotions. In a world where there are devotions with many different emphases, written by many different authors, from a variety of faith organizations, the world of daily devotions can be overwhelming.
Perhaps the word devotion has been watered down. The daily devotions I follow have been short stories, tied to a brief scripture passage, that focus my attention on what God is doing in the world now. Rather than an act of orientation and dedication, daily devotions can become an item on a checklist. "I did my devotions for the day, what is next?"
This Acts passage from the fourth Sunday of Easter begins with early Christians and how they were oriented to their world. We weren't there to observe their "lived out devotion," but it is safe to say that the way these followers of Christ acted were a response to transformation that happens in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Evidence of this orientation to the crucified and risen Christ was the head (teaching), heart (prayers), and bodies (fellowship).
As these early Christians lived in the world, awe came upon those with whom they had contact. They lived in community, with one another, under the reality that Christ's life, death, and resurrection changed their lives. They took care of their neighbors, spent time in worship and prayer, gathered around tables for meals, and praised God.
Today, there are lots of things that invite our devotion. Sports, bands, and television shows are just a few examples of the things that seek our devotion. While these things are not bad, they are not the source of our life and salvation. That belongs only to the Triune God!
The last six weeks have brought insight, wisdom, and reflection from your church council. The devotions that have been written have opened eyes and hearts to the way that God works- here and now. Thanks to their faithfulness, the church council will continue to provide daily devotions, so that you, too, can glimpse how God's kingdom has arrived. Thank you, church council, for keeping our orientation on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Questions:
1) What would you consider your current devotions? How have they changed since the beginning of 2020?
2) If you could write a daily devotion for your siblings in Christ, what would you write? Why?
3) What are some of the resources you use for daily devotions? If you don't have daily devotions, why not?
Prayer: Holy God, through your Son Jesus Christ, you have demonstrated your love for this world. Thank you for sending family, friends, and neighbors into our lives to witness to the good news of your Son. Lead us and guide us, so that you remain our first priority- today and every day. In your most Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Song: Thy Word- Amy Grant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_NMSH3hR8
Theme: Devotion
Thanks be to God, Epiphany is led by a council who continues to see the importance of daily devotions. In a world where there are devotions with many different emphases, written by many different authors, from a variety of faith organizations, the world of daily devotions can be overwhelming.
Perhaps the word devotion has been watered down. The daily devotions I follow have been short stories, tied to a brief scripture passage, that focus my attention on what God is doing in the world now. Rather than an act of orientation and dedication, daily devotions can become an item on a checklist. "I did my devotions for the day, what is next?"
This Acts passage from the fourth Sunday of Easter begins with early Christians and how they were oriented to their world. We weren't there to observe their "lived out devotion," but it is safe to say that the way these followers of Christ acted were a response to transformation that happens in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Evidence of this orientation to the crucified and risen Christ was the head (teaching), heart (prayers), and bodies (fellowship).
As these early Christians lived in the world, awe came upon those with whom they had contact. They lived in community, with one another, under the reality that Christ's life, death, and resurrection changed their lives. They took care of their neighbors, spent time in worship and prayer, gathered around tables for meals, and praised God.
Today, there are lots of things that invite our devotion. Sports, bands, and television shows are just a few examples of the things that seek our devotion. While these things are not bad, they are not the source of our life and salvation. That belongs only to the Triune God!
The last six weeks have brought insight, wisdom, and reflection from your church council. The devotions that have been written have opened eyes and hearts to the way that God works- here and now. Thanks to their faithfulness, the church council will continue to provide daily devotions, so that you, too, can glimpse how God's kingdom has arrived. Thank you, church council, for keeping our orientation on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Questions:
1) What would you consider your current devotions? How have they changed since the beginning of 2020?
2) If you could write a daily devotion for your siblings in Christ, what would you write? Why?
3) What are some of the resources you use for daily devotions? If you don't have daily devotions, why not?
Prayer: Holy God, through your Son Jesus Christ, you have demonstrated your love for this world. Thank you for sending family, friends, and neighbors into our lives to witness to the good news of your Son. Lead us and guide us, so that you remain our first priority- today and every day. In your most Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Song: Thy Word- Amy Grant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_NMSH3hR8
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