(Reprinted from Memorial Day 2021)

A Memorial Day prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,

We, your children, come with very grateful hearts for all You have done for us as individuals and as citizens of this great nation. We recognize it is because of Your Grace and the sacrifice of so many that we can call ourselves Americans and can be a part of the most blessed nation in the world.

On this Memorial Day enable us to remember.

To remember those who have given their all for the values we hold as Americans. To remember those who have returned with wounds so physically and emotionally deep, that they may never be the same as before.

May we sympathize with those who will never see the birth of their child, their child’s graduation, see their daughter as the beautiful bride, or stand with their handsome son as the groom. May we also sympathize with the many who will never hold a grandchild, cruise the oceans, or live to see old age.

Your Word says, “No greater sacrifice can be given than to give one’s life for his friends.”

That is what so many have done. They have given their lives for their country, for the freedom and values we hold so dear.

Father, as we remember on this Memorial Day, help us join with the grief-stricken families that live every day with the sorrow their loss has brought. May we who live in freedom bow our heads and grieve for the many that have died in war and out of our grief we urgently pray for peace and the end of war.

Heavenly Father, Creator of this world, as we remember this day, let us also be thankful for the men and women who are willing to lay it all on the line and die so their families and friends can live in freedom.

Help us to remember with sincere gratitude those who’s final resting place may be in one of our beautiful national cemeteries or in a small family plot as well as those whose remains rest abroad or whose resting place has yet to be found.

God Bless those who have given their lives; God bless their families who grieve, and God bless America with a continued freedom to live and share our faith in you. May we hold close and dear the values for which our men and women died.

Lead all who serve in our armed forces to find their hope, peace, and eternal comfort in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so that should their life be given in sacrifice of our country, their soul might live with you forever.

On this Memorial Day we pray for peace in America, and around the world.   We pray for the protection of our soldiers today who are in harm’s way. We pray the world will know You are the True and Living God, the Father who created each of us, the Son who gave his life for all of us, and the Spirit who brings life to our hearts to trust you.

In the Name of our Triune God. AMEN

(Adapted from a prayer posted: https://baptistmessage.com/a-memorial-day-prayer/)

This morning’s devotion is an encouragement first published on June 29, 2021 – Enjoy for your Friday!

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“I’m sorry.  I forgot.”

How many times have you used that phrase?  (More than we care to admit, right?)

When we forget something, it often leads to more work.

You forget something on the shopping list…another trip to the store.

You forgot to put a bolt back in when fixing the car…take it apart and redo it.

You forgot part of your homework assignment…do it over again.

You forgot an appointment…you have to wait to reschedule.

You forget God’s promises…you spend a lot of extra time living in fear, worry and anxiety.

We just do.

Jesus had told his disciples when they got into the boat, “Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)

When the storm came up, the disciples were convinced they were going to drown.  But…Jesus was sleeping.  How could Jesus sleep while the disciples panicked for their lives?  The disciples forgot what Jesus said or didn’t believe what he said.

It seems like a small detail, but when Jesus speaks, we can trust what he says is going to happen.

Jesus doesn’t want us going through life in fear, but rather able to have peace of mind and heart.  He told his disciples and reminds us too:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

What let’s us “sleep in the stern of the boat” when the storms of life rage around us?

Remembering God’s promises.

Here’s a great example from Easter morning.  The women were panicked that the body was missing from the tomb.  Here’s what the angel said:

Luke 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

With a reminder of Jesus’ words, the hearts of the women turned from fear to peace.

What promises of Jesus would help you today?  What promises have you forgotten that would restore peace in your heart and let you sleep through the storm (perhaps even physically getting more sleep!)

Here’s three that might help:

Feeling alone through a challenge?  Remember what Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Facing a challenge bigger than you can handle?  Remember God’s Words to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Anxious about the kids? Finances? Your job?  Remember what Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:25-26)

Apply: Identify what is creating fear in your heart today.  What promise of God will help?  Here’s a website with many promises listed: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/gods-promises-verses-in-the-bible/

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promises and people in my life to remind me of them! Amen.

Reposted from November 26, 2023 – Reaffirming your calling to Christ’s mission!

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Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

For most Christians, these words of Jesus are very familiar.  Known as the “Great Commission” these words give “marching orders” to the followers of Jesus before he ascends back into heaven.

However, I often think about the audience and setting of this conversation.

The timing of the conversation is one that is very close, if not the day of Jesus’ departure. If you knew you had just a short time with a group of people, you would make sure to convey the most important thing or things that you want that person to remember.  These words make sense as Jesus wants to make sure his followers know he has all power, he is calling them to make more followers and they have his presence throughout.

More than likely, this is what we most commonly think of in these verses.

But I think of the audience…

Would I have confidence these words would be trusted, followed, and shared? Hmm…?

Just preceding Jesus words in verse 18, Matthew records this:

17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

The group of followers had doubters.

In the group was Thomas…who had doubts.

Peter…who denied him.

James and John…who wanted power and authority

Matthew…who was a tax collector and perhaps a cheater.

Philip…a bit skeptical at times.

And the list goes on.

Would this be the group you would trust with the next generation of spreading the Gospel?  Perhaps if you were the HR Manager for Jesus, Inc., you would be a bit hesitant to trust the company to this group.

But Jesus did.

And still does.

The fact that Jesus would entrust his work to the group originally there is amazing to consider along with humbling.

He still chooses to use us today…doubters, deniers, skeptics, arrogant, sinful individuals.

He has no plan “B.”

We are his plan “A.”

The amazing nature of Jesus is that his grace extends to his call to communicate grace to others.  On our own we would never be worthy nor equipped, but his grace both makes us worthy (forgiven) and equipped to speak.

Through these lenses I hear his words again…

All authority is Jesus.  That means it’s not my opinion that matters…Jesus’ is the only one that matters.  If he calls me…that’s all the authority I need.

Go and make disciples…Disciples aren’t perfect, they are one’s convinced that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  I don’t have to be perfect, I just need the message of grace firmly in my heart.

I am with you always…I’m going to need it!  But that’s why Jesus promised it.

So leave these words of Jesus allowing them to ring clearly in your ears and stirring deeply in your heart.  Jesus is commissioning you with his power and presence to be part of his eternal work…bring the message of grace to people!

 

Apply: What changes when you realize Jesus is commissioning you because he wants you to be part of the plan to share the Gospel vs. thinking you have to interview and qualify?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the amazing nature of your grace which I get to live and share!  Be with me and equip me to be better at being your representative to others! AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)

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When Jesus calls us to feed and take care of his sheep, it doesn’t come without challenges and risks.

This past week someone asked a question, “If God knew we were going to sin and walk away from him, why did he create us in the first place?

Good question.  It seems to challenge of the omniscience of God or simply question why he made mankind with the choice to sin.

The answer to the question can get deep and philosophical, but perhaps it has a much simpler answer…the same answer that a parent would give if asked, “Why did you have children when you knew they would take so much care, cause heartache, and draw so much of your energy and care?”

Because you had a heart of love that desired to share life with a child.

God has a great heart of love for people.  He created them, even though he knew they would take nurture, guidance, care and correction.

It’s just what sheep do.

But Jesus found it worth it.

And he wants us to find it worth it too…so he calls us to be part of caring for the people he so greatly cares about.

As Jesus interacted with Peter, he called him to care for and feed his sheep:

John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 

What would that mean? What does that mean for us?

First, it means we love Jesus’ followers, just like he loved us.  These are people with real needs, real hurts, real flaws and real fears.  These are sheep that wander, bite back, get lost, and need to be fed and cared for.  It’s a big commitment to care for the sheep.  It’s a call to invest in people who may disappoint you, misunderstand you or simply walk away.  But we do it anyway because we love our Good Shepherd. 

Second, comes with a cost.  Peter would lose his life for being a shepherd of Jesus.  Jesus encouraged us to count the cost.  Caring for people, leading in love, and feeding the flock is holy work—but also painful work. It will require patience when you’re weary, forgiveness when you’re wounded, and persistence when you’d rather quit. But Christ’s grace fuels this calling. The same Jesus who restored Peter is the One who sustains us.

And third, it’s personal.  Sure you may not be a pastor or on staff at a church, but Jesus’ call is to you. Think of all the “one another” passages.  Pray for one another.  Carry each other’s burdens.  Forgive one another, and more.  Each one of these directions is the encouragement to shepherd those around you.  Feed your sheep.  Keep them out of spiritual danger and lead them closer to Christ.

Apply: Write down the people around you that God has given you influence over.  Consider this your flock and ask God to show you ways you can feed and take care of them.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for trusting me to be one of your shepherds.  Lead me to always rely on you to care for them!  AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)

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Jesus had big plans for Peter. After probing and restoring Peter with the question, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” he calls him to “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” Three times, Peter affirms his love and three times, Jesus gives him this direction.

Jesus first was interested in Peter’s heart, “Do you love me more than these?” the he was interested in defining Peter’s calling to discipleship.  No longer is Peter to be just a follower, although following Jesus would always be primary, but he is to be one that now nurtures, guids and cares for other sheep.  Jesus was Peter’s shepherd.  Now Peter was to shepherd others. 

Jesus’ words, “Feed my sheep,” and “Take care of my sheep,” are rich with imagery and profound meaning. Sheep are vulnerable, dependent creatures. They need a shepherd to lead them to green pastures, to protect them from predators, and to tend to their needs. Jesus is entrusting his flock to Peter, a flock that represents his followers, his church, the people he died for. This is an immense responsibility, one that requires deep love, unwavering commitment, and genuine compassion.

But this calling is not just for Peter. The Spirit of God has preserved this encounter for us to take to heart today.  Every generation, Jesus calls his followers to also be shepherds.  Sure some are in a more public role as a pastor, or similar task, but at the core of Christ’s calling is caring for the Christ’s sheep. This might look different for each person, but the core principle remains: to nurture and support others in their spiritual journey.

How about you?  How does this calling apply to you?

Are there people in your life who need encouragement, guidance, or support? This could be a friend struggling with doubt, a family member facing a challenge, or a colleague feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps it’s a new believer who needs mentoring, a neighbor who needs a listening ear, or someone in your community who is lonely.

To be sure, Jesus is calling us to notice those around us, to see their needs, and to respond with love and compassion. However, he also seems to be focusing on those of the family of believers.  “Feed my sheep” also has a strong implication of spiritual nourishment. Are you sharing your faith, offering biblical insights, or providing resources that will help others grow in their relationship with Christ? How might you do that in your home with the “flock” of your family?  How might you do this at your church by helping to teach Kids Church, lead a Sunday school class, host a small group or simply walk with someone through a spiritual challenge, offering the hope of the Scripture and the comfort of the Gospel. 

Feeding the sheep also involves safeguarding the flock. This means standing against false teachings, protecting others from harm, and speaking truth in love. It means being a source of wisdom and discernment, helping others to navigate the complexities of life and faith. To feed the sheep, one must continually be fed by the words of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

Jesus knew the calling came with challenges.  It requires time, energy, and vulnerability. There will be moments when we feel ill-equipped, inadequate, or even overwhelmed. But remember, Jesus doesn’t call us to this task alone. He promises his presence and his strength. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus says. Let’s answer that call with willing hearts and open hands, knowing that in serving others, we are truly serving him.

 

Apply: So, today, consider the sheep in your life. Who are you called to feed, and who are you called to care for? Ask the Lord for guidance, strength, and wisdom. And trust that as you respond to his call, he will equip you for the task. 

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me to care for your sheep.  Strengthen me for the task and guide me in your ways so I may take care of your sheep and lambs well. AMEN.