Daily Devotionals

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I like to think of myself as being pretty generous. My parents taught us that we should appreciate the blessings we have and share them with others. They modeled a modest lifestyle, giving to the church and missions, practicing hospitality – guests were always welcome, and a compassionate heart towards those who had experienced hardship. I’d like to think that I have learned from their example and have modeled the same in our home. 

However, in light of our toxic, polarized, highly anxious, and rage-prone culture, I’m wondering if the call to generosity isn’t needed as much today as in any other time in history. Could it be that the essence of holiness is centered not in separation from the world, but in living out Christ-compelled, Holy Spirit empowered generosity in a hostile world. 

Over the next 40 days, excluding Sundays since the Sabbath is a day of restoration and worship, I would like to invite you on a grace-filled adventure of blessing.  It’s free, but it wasn’t cheap. It’s a path riddled with potholes of prejudice, fear, anxiety, and self-preservation. If we say yes, it will be costly, but the rewards far outweigh the cost. It is also a path of healing hope, forgiveness and wholeness – not just for us but for the world. As you join me, will you pray this prayer:

Lord, Jesus Christ , Son of God, have mercy on me. 

   My desire is to seek first your Kingdom, but I so easily fall into seeking my own comfort.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. 

   You have called me to love as you have loved, but sometimes my biases and fears prevent me from modeling your grace-filled love.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. 

   I long to hear your voice and see others through your eyes, but my hearing is dulled by so many other voices and my eyes, the windows of my soul, have cataracts of anger, division, and confusion.

Lord, I place my hand in yours, and my heart before you as I take this journey with you.

   Fill me with your Spirit and love as I seek to sow generosity.

This is my prayer for each of you as we journey together

Supt. Carl

Daily we will invite you to follow the model of Lectio 365 as we P.R.A.Y.

P - PAUSE, to be still before the Lord and invite the Spirit to speak and guide.

R - REJOICE with a Psalm and REFLECT - on a Passage a Scripture - Listening for a word from the Lord.

A - ASK - for clarity and insight as you reflect on the passage, and intercede for those he brings to mind.

Y - YIELD - Surrender or say Yes to God's prompt for you each day.

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