Athens First UMC Devotions

“Do you trust Jesus?” I had that question put to me when I appeared before the Board of Ordained Ministry. There had been a wide variety of difficult and challenging questions, but this one got right to the heart of the matter. Before I spoke a single word in reply, I felt a lump in my throat and a tear fell on my cheek. I finally found the ability to speak again and said, “Yes! I do! I wouldn't be doing this if that were not at the core of my heart. And I'm still learning how to trust him.”

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“Dear God, I hope you don’t get the virus. It's come a long way to get to Athens, Georgia.”  

This was my five-year-old daughter Anna's prayer the other night. My first reaction was that of any mother. I was in awe of her sincere and thoughtful prayer. As the days passed and I had more time to reflect, I could not help but be struck by her intentional and close relationship with God. She was praying to God as her friend. 

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Picture David in your mind. What image do you get first? The harp-playing shepherd boy or the conquering king? Perhaps some other well-known story of David comes to mind. One thing that we know of David is that he was a prolific writer of psalms. Maybe these texts were even set to music.

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Paul weaves us through the humility of Christ. We read how Jesus humbled himself to a low place and was raised up by God to a high place. Jesus was so obedient to God the Father that he was given a name that is above every other name.

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Some years ago as a pastor in Conyers, a parishioner came to me with a problem. She was a volunteer who cleaned and straightened our sanctuary each week preparing the building for worship on Sunday. She discovered that over time we were missing pew Bibles and were having to replace a few each week. On this particular week there were five Bibles missing from the pew racks. When she told me this, I shouted “Praise the Lord!”

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It’s amazing how going through a box of memories can unearth timeless treasures. My daughters’ report cards and homework assignments are pleasant to see, but a snapshot of their baby faces or a birthday card with their handwriting floods my heart with gratitude.

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Paul’s words here indicate that there is another team on the field. There is a team opposed to God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s purposes. God in Jesus Christ proves God’s mission to triumph over evil. We, too, are invited to be a part of this mission to overcome evil with good. 

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I recently listened to a podcast. Banning Liebscher was interviewed to discuss his recent book and the topic, “What is God’s call on your life?” Banning referenced all the encouragers in the Bible and their importance.

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In addition to skills as a writer, translator, and preacher, Martin Luther was an amateur musician. No hymn is identified with the Protestant Reformation more than Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress” (often referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation”).

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Success is what everyone strives to achieve. We want to excel and garner success in our jobs, enjoy the fruits of a successful marriage, succeed in parenting our children, and foster successful friendships.

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