This Week's Scripture

Week of April 27

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11b).

Reflection

In an age of media overload, it can feel impossible to avoid comparison at times. Inundated with social media and news posts, it can feel easy to start comparing your journey to others.’ I do not think this comparison trap is what God has in store. I think it actually counters how he wants us to treat each other. First Thessalonians 5:11b makes clear that the Lord has much better plans for our hearts and for our friendships.

As a young adult forming more meaningful friendships, I have a new understanding of what 1 Thessalonians means by "building one another up." I think this verse speaks to God’s heart for vulnerability with community. God calls us to build each other up by placing friends in our lives on purpose. He did not design us to endure life’s challenges nor celebrate joyous moments alone, but rather to endure and celebrate in fellowship with one another.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gifts of friendship and community, and the strength we find in one another. Help us to be a source of encouragement, lifting each other up with love and kindness, just as your word instructs. May our words and actions reflect your grace, building a foundation of hope and unity. Guide us to support one another in faith, that we may glorify you together in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Invitation

What are different ways you can build others up? An encouraging card or note? Time together? A text? Prayers?

Can you think of anyone in particular you can encourage this week? Maybe there is someone in your life who especially needs it.

This Week's Scripture

Week of April 20

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples" (John 13:34-35).

Reflection

Sometimes we can look at this passage, and without really absorbing the message, we can get the warm and fuzzies about being called to love. At first glance it seems natural and, dare we say “easy,” to love one another. Our friends, our families, our pets are easy to love. But what about those who are not as easy to love? Like those who disagree with us, those who have different beliefs than we do, those whose behavior is offensive to us? The message in John’s gospel is clear: We are commanded by Jesus to love one another. He doesn’t simply suggest it or encourage it, but He commands that we love others like He loved us. When you think about who Jesus showed love to, it wasn’t those who were easy to love. It was the outcasts, the down-trodden, the lame, the poor, the uneducated, and the rejected with whom Jesus shared His love. And His love is abundant.

When we are at Our Little Roses Home for Girls in Honduras, we are surrounded by children who are hungry for Love. Some girls are so desperate for our attention that their behavior can make it difficult to respond in a loving manner, but our mission is to show every girl that she is a beloved child of God. We are called to love those who are the neediest because this is Jesus’s commandment to us. And we return home feeling overwhelmed by the love given to us by the girls at Our Little Roses.

In Bob Goff’s book Everybody, Always, he describes people who love everybody always like this:

They give away love like they’re made of it… They have developed completely unrealistic ideas about what their faith can do in the world when it’s expressed in love… Instead of telling people what Jesus meant, they just loved people the way He did.”

This command from Jesus sounds like a big ask, but the thing about love is that we have an endless supply of it; and it seems like the more we give away, the more we have to give. We are made in God’s image, and God is Love, so Bob is right -- we are made of Love. Now, let’s give it away!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You sent us Your son Jesus Christ to show us how to love one another. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may we model our love-giving after that perfect example. Open our eyes to those around us who need love the most, and open our hearts to give and receive love abundantly! Amen.

Invitation

Think of someone who may be difficult for you to love. What steps can you take to show Christ’s love to that person?

Give away love today like you’re made of it!

This Week's Scripture

Week of April 13

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet”(John 13:!4).

Reflection

John 13 is one of the more memorable chapters of the Bible, fraught with Jesus’s news that he would be betrayed by Judas and that Peter would deny ever knowing him. It’s a scene that is examined each year through the telling of the Passion and one that we know well.

At the beginning of this scene, before such heavy news is delivered, Jesus prepared a meal for the disciples and told them that he wanted to wash their feet. The disciples recoiled at this idea. Such an act would have been extraordinary and off-putting to the disciples, something that only lowly servants would do. To think of Jesus, their Lord, washing their feet would have been deeply uncomfortable, yet Jesus’s reply to their protests impressed upon them how important it was to him that he do this. Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” So the disciples let him wash their feet.

What Jesus did on that evening was a symbolic act of his humble service and a reminder of how we as Christians are called to treat one another. Jesus is telling us that our calling is not to strive for success, power, fame, or riches. Our calling is to serve one another day in and day out with humility and consistency, just as a lowly servant would. That is what Jesus did all the years he was alive on earth, and this theme runs throughout the New Testament. Remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 who went sadly away because he couldn’t give up his riches? Using that example, Jesus told his disciples that “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30).

I often wonder what the world would be like if we all lived servant lives each day. If we were truly our brother’s keeper, would we have a world without so much strife and brokenness? I think so. I have a lot of work to do to live up to the example set by Jesus, but I’m resolved to keep on trying.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for showing us through your Son that our calling is one of humble service. Help us honor you by following your good word through our actions and the way we offer ourselves to those around us. Grant us the ability to make humble service the cornerstone of our daily actions, and draw us nearer to you as we are reminded that your Son was the ultimate humble servant.

Invitation

What are ways big and small that you can serve others today? Does it give you peace to know that God does not expect worldly things from you, instead desiring only your adoration of him and a servant’s heart towards others?

This Week's Scripture

Week of April 6

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

Reflection

This verse talks about serving others just as Jesus has served us. This verse reminds me to use the blessings God has given me to serve and better others in my community. As Christians, loving one another and serving one another are ways to show God’s love and goodness. God has blessed me with such a strong foundation, which I can use to focus on building others up. I also think this verse reminds me that I have been blessed with the ability and resources to know God and learn more about him, and it is my job to spread the knowledge and love of God to other people.

Prayer

God, help me in my busy life to think of others and to find ways to serve them in Your name.

Invitation

Can you think of someone who is a true servant of God?

What blessings do you have that you can use to serve others?

How can you serve someone today?

This Week's Scripture

Week of March 30

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5)
 

Reflection

When I read this verse, I am struck by three things. First, our God is a God of endurance. He is always there. Through good times and bad, he is ever present, just waiting for us to reach out to Him. Second, our God is a God of encouragement. He knows us. He knows when we need a kind word. He knows when our spirits need to be lifted. He sends family, friends, and sometimes total strangers to encourage us in our times of need. Third, we are called by Jesus to live in harmony with one another. That’s a tall order. Harmony is not the way of the world. It can only be experienced when we live in the Spirit. Jesus calls us to live in the harmony of the Holy Spirit each day. 

Invitation

How have you experienced the encouragement of God? Do you pay attention to those times when that happens?
What would a more harmonious life look like to you? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your life to enable you to live in greater harmony with others?

This Week's Scripture

Week of March 23

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

Reflection

From Janie Berry

Speaking Truth...This seems like such an easy task on the surface. However, real truth can require real courage. In order to speak the truth, we not only need to trust ourselves and our neighbors, but we must have trust in God. We must be open and reveal our hearts to God and acknowledge who we truly are at our core and who He truly wants us to be. We must also be real and open with our neighbors. This type of vulnerability can be scary for many. We must open our hearts to others and let them see in. We also must choose to peer into our own looking glass and face our falsehoods within. We must ask some big questions. Are my truths real? Do they come from love, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion? Are we being completely honest within, without the fear of reaction from others? Do we worry about judgment and dislike from our neighbors? We cannot let these fears dilute the truth.

The real ruth that comes from the love of Christ will rise above these fears. Jesus showed us what it looks like to speak truth to one another. Time and time again, Jesus spoke from His heart, which was rooted in God's love. He did not fear the times these words were rejected or unwelcomed. He knew it was what people needed to hear and that it came from love. He spoke from God, and God is love. As we walk through our days, I hope we can all open our hearts to hear the truth that God gives us and speak this truth to our neighbors. I also hope we can open our hearts to hear this truth when our neighbors are speaking to us, and that we can recognize love when they share this truth with us. Allowing the real truth into our hearts and speaking the real truth from our hearts opens us up to feel compassion, respect, and understanding for and from our neighbors. 

Prayer

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [Source]

Invitation

Are you opening your heart to God’s truth, and sharing this truth with your neighbor? Look for ways to align your understanding with Scripture by regularly studying God's Word and asking Him to help you speak in ways that reflect His truth and wisdom.

This Week's Scripture

Week of March 16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” (2 Corinthians 13:11a)

Reflection

From Don Greene

This verse calls us to embrace joy, unity, and peace. Paul’s message to the Corinthians encourages believers to seek harmony, focusing on mutual support and restoration in their relationships. Striving for unity and peace reflects Christ’s love, reminding us to go beyond self-interest and serve others. By nurturing a spirit of encouragement, we build a stronger community grounded in faith. This verse invites us to live purposefully, centered on compassion, and in fellowship with others.

We are called to rejoice by embracing joy in our lives and faith, finding hope even in challenges. We should strive for restoration by seeking healing and reconciliation in relationships, actively working to mend broken connections. Also, we should encourage one another, giving support and uplift others, fostering a community where people feel valued and cared for. In addition, be of one mind pursuing unity in faith and purpose, aligning ourselves with others in the love of Christ. Last, we should live in peace, actively choosing peace in our interactions, avoiding conflict, and promoting harmony.

Prayer

Lord, fill us with joy and guide us to seek restoration and unity in our relationships. Help us to encourage and support one another and grant us the wisdom to live in peace. May our lives reflect Your love and bring harmony to our community. Amen.

Invitation

Think about ways you have been comforted—maybe in a time of disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or doubt. How did you benefit from that comfort? Can you think of anyone you have comforted? What are specific ways you can give comfort to someone in this season? Can you think of anyone in particular who could use comforting words or actions from you, as a brother or sister in Christ?

This Week's Scripture

Week of March 9

"Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed." (James 5:16a)

Reflection

From Lael Kiesling

James’s admonition to confess our sins to one another is made within the larger context of prayer—prayer by those who suffer, prayer by those who are sick. The prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, James directs us, confess your sins to one another and you will be healed. The confession of sins to one another is an affirmation of our sinfulness and humility before God, but it also opens us, with prayer, to God’s healing grace. When we confess our sins collectively in church each week, we ask God to have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in his will and walk in his ways. What greater goal could we have? But to confess our sins most effectively, we must know ourselves; we must examine our lives and acknowledge our imperfections; and only by confessing our sins and praying for one another can we be healed. To honestly look at ourselves and identify and confront our flaws is difficult; but if we can do so, it is a first step to living more closely to God’s will; and if we confess our sins, God will be faithful and just.

Prayer

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father:

We have sinned against you,

through our own fault,

in thought, and word, and deed,

and in what we have left undone.

For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

forgive us all our offenses;

and grant that we may serve you

in newness of life, 

To the glory of your Name.  Amen.

Invitation

We are all imperfect;  if you had to confess your sins to another, what would they be?  

This Week's Scripture

Week of March 2

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Reflection

From Allen Cox

As I look around in the world today, I see so much impatience, selfishness, and lack of awareness of others. It is so easy to be a “keyboard commando” and express criticism and judgment. Finding fault in others is the quicksand of life. Rarely do we know what the other person’s struggles are. Following my wife’s example, simply asking how someone’s day is going (in an actual sincere way) is very powerful—whether it’s the person working the double shift bussing the table or the co-worker whose outside likely isn’t matching the inside. A close friend of mine shared with me a great perspective: Pain is either transformed or transmitted. If I’m experiencing a less-than-ideal situation, I can either pass that on to the next person who crosses my path by transmitting it, or I can transform it into something good. 

Invitation

Ask the people you interact with how their day is going. It’s entertaining to see reactions of surprise and appreciation because it’s so uncommon to be asked.

If someone has done something that caused a problem, how can you transform that into a positive? If you can’t, how can you keep a small problem small and not make it bigger?

When agitated, stepping back and saying a prayer always is a good practice. Something as simple as “God, save me from being angry.”

This Week's Scripture

Week of February 23

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” (1 John 1:7, NIV)

Reflection

From Natalie Blaess

“To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of Hosts, to-day; with thy wonted loving-kindness hear thy servants as they pray, and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway.”

Listen to Blessed City, Heavenly Salem by Edward Bairstow 

Throughout the anthem Blessed City, Heavenly Salem, the text describes heaven and all of its divine beauty. Bairstow shapes these images of pearly gates and streets of gold—a city of pure bliss and virtue. The first three verses are painting pictures of the majesty of heaven. Verses four, five, and six express God’s role as the foundation of such a blessed place. The last two verses serve as a call to action for listeners to pray and worship our Lord.

As the choir sings this heavenly song, the congregation has the opportunity to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with God. Bairstow describes heaven as this majestic city where there is only peace and love. He shapes his perfect world throughout the anthem, giving audiences a goal to act toward. Although we may not be in heaven right now, we can act as though we are. We can pray to God, serve our communities with kindness, and listen to what others have to say. By doing so, we show our passion and loyalty in our beliefs, hopefully reaching our fullest potential in our Lord.

Invitation

What hymns or songs help you worship God? Childhood favorites may spring to mind.

Try once or twice during the day to sing to the Lord with all your heart, even if you are singing to yourself in your head.

Can you create a playlist of songs that help you worship God?