ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 31

 

Ephesians 4: 29

 

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”

As I read Ephesians 4: 25-32  I wasn’t happy. What did this have to do with Lent? The more I studied the passages the more frustrated I became. Then verse 29 flashed at me like a neon sign:

 

It was an “ouch” moment. It reminded me, as my family does that I am not always aware of how the talk coming out my mouth sounds to others. There can be a sharp tone or edge to my voice that I don’t hear but others do and could misunderstand or be hurt. I didn’t like the verses because they pointed out to me something I didn’t want to see. I want my words to show love, offer comfort and be well meaning but, I realize sometimes they don’t. I want to be useful for building up, not tearing down. I want my words to give God’s grace to those who hear.  

 

I thank you Lord for reaching out to me through your word, work on me and change me.   Help me to hear your words of grace for me in the “ouch” moments. 

 

Joan Volberding

ASLC Devotions

Wednesday, March 30

 

John 7:23-24

 

 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath in order that the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.

 

Elizabeth’s daughter, Leah, is a freshman this year at Geneva High. Leah has a condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She is short for her age, too, and has difficulty with her hearing, a result of neglect during her first 18 months of life in a Romanian orphanage.

 

During her years in public school, Leah has been teased and taunted at times by the other students. So this morning when Leah came downstairs dressed for school, we looked at each other and cringed. She doesn’t have the best fashion sense, and often selects clothing combinations that aren’t attractive. We worry that she’ll be teased about her outfit.

 

It may appear that with her disadvantages, she would struggle. But Leah has a wonderful, positive and upbeat spirit. She is outgoing, uninhibited, and makes friends easily. She enjoys high school, is doing well in class and looks forward to joining the flag drill team next fall.

 

Don’t let your first impression misguide you - appearances may be deceiving. Treat others with respect and kindness, just as Jesus did. Judge with right  judgement.

 

Don Prest

 

ASLC Devotions

Tuesday, March 29

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

 

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.

 

 

Ancestors and family history - I am so curious about it all. I wish I would have taken the time years ago to ask more questions and to listen better to the stories that were told. My Great Granddad, who I knew well as a young girl, wrote over 10 books of our family history in great detail. The stories and documents that he recorded are truly amazing. There are stories of happiness and joy and also stories of heartache and shame. Great Granddad wanted us to know and I believe also, to feel what the lives of our ancestors were like.

 

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is asking them to not forget about those who have gone before us. They like we, have experienced times of ‘clouds’ hanging over us. Times when we too have stumbled along our way in trying to do what is right. And we, like our ancestors are filled with the spiritual rock of Jesus Christ, who in our times of struggles and shame, lifts us up to start anew.

 

Ann Lynch

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Monday, March 28

2 John 5-6

 . . . But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it. . .

When I looked this passage up, I used my daughter’s Bible that she uses for confirmation class. What I love about that Bible is that it offers additional insight into the various passages in the Bible—things you may not know about the background of the writer or the particular situation in which the writing takes place. For this passage, it noted that John’s nickname was the apostle of love and that even in extreme old age, when he was carried into his church, he talked of nothing else but “love one another” because he said it was the Lord’s command and that if this was all that was done, it would be enough.

That’s saying something. If we would just learn to love one another, not just in word but in deed, the world would be an enormously better place immediately. It seems so simple, but as our guest pastor Maureen stated that first Sunday after Christmas, it’s not that easy. Her challenge to our congregation that day, as I recall it, was to love someone this year whom you never thought you could. I recently reiterated that challenge to one of my daughters when discussing a classmate who was making some trouble for her. “Your challenge is to see her as God’s child, as you are, and to love her in spite of what she’s doing to you.” We talked about how to go about that and the fact that it’s a long process, in many cases. But the bottom line is that to love one another is a worthy endeavor. So get out there and love your neighbor! Walk the talk!

Margo Ban

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

Saturday, March 26

John 4:1-6

 

 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and “baptizing more disciples than John (although he himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

 

You never know where your journey will take you. On a recent trip, to a warmer climate, we solicited the help of a local taxi driver. We requested information on a medical clinic, asking if it was reputable and reliable.   No one plans for fevers and sore throats on a vacation. Our driver assured us that the doctors were excellent and highly qualified and that her friends had used the clinic in the past. Because of the driver’s kindness and directions, we asked her if we could call her during our visit to take us to different venues. Later in the week, we used her services to travel to a secluded pier to obtain a rental boat. After hearing our destination and asking us many questions, she became very hesitant and explained this particular area was remote and not located in a safe part of town.

 

After much discussion, she would not let us out of the van but rather transported us to a safe marina. Our group used her services throughout the week, while she always looked out for our safety. We asked her to take us to the airport on Sunday, which was her day off, however she told us that first she would have to attend church and then pick us up on her own time. God provides us with His disciples who keep us safe and steer us down secure paths on life’s journey. We thank God for people who have Christ in their lives and in their hearts. 

 

In the previous chapters of John, we learn of Jesus and John the Baptist ministries. Their influence and preaching stirred up the masses, challenging their thinking and their faith.

 

The religious leaders in Judea feared them and felt threatened because Jesus and John developed a powerful following. The tension was great and Christ left Judea and traveled to Galilee. It may seem to some that Jesus may have been avoiding conflict with the Pharisees, but Jesus was just being led by the Father’s will. After looking at a map and reading John’s gospel, we know Jesus took the most direct path between Judea and Galilee, passing through Samaria. This too was part of the Father’s plan for the people of Samaria as we later read in chapter four. The Lord also provided a well to quench His thirst and a place for Jesus to rest His tired body after his long hot journey. We don’t know what journey our Father has in store for each of us, but we do know He will be right by our side giving us strength and direction.

 

If God brings you to it,

He will bring you through it!

 

Sandy and Nate Drucker

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Friday, March 25

 

Ephesians 2:17 

 

“So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near;”

 

It’s the last day of Spring break at our house, 7 days of togetherness so far…PEACE.

 

As I searched the internet for others thoughts on this verse I wasn’t sure if just the word PEACE was enough to write about. It struck a cord with me, PEACE, to those near and far. PEACE to those in war torn areas, PEACE to those who have experienced disaster, PEACE to the folks of All Saints.

 

On-line references to the verse talk about how much Paul writes about PEACE. That Jesus’ PEACE is the impetus for PEACE making. And that it’s hard work, requiring love, self-control and grace. All are united through Jesus, near and far.

 

PEACE.

 

Adrienne Bolbot

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 24

Colossians 1.17

He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

How many times have we tried to put ourselves at the beginning? Whether it’s to buy some new “toy” or to make sure we get those tickets to the quickly sold out show or to buy the latest fashion trend or get front seats at a church service, being NUMBER 1 is our goal.

What we really should be remembering is that He is our number 1 goal. We need to understand that with Him we can be whatever we want to be. Maybe it doesn’t come to us today or tomorrow. But, by putting things in the proper perspective with respect to our Lord, we can achieve great things.

Even when we think that our lives are running out of control due to sickness, injury, loss of loved ones, job concerns or just a bad day, He is there to help us. It might be through a pastor, friend, relative or stranger, but He holds us together with His love. 

Keeping your eye on the goal allows you to block out all the distractions keeping you from achieving it.

Mike Nedzel