Monday, July 23
Theme for the week:
Disciples learn paths of blessedness

Including the path of persecution because of righteousness

Next week the final beatitude (or clarification of the final beatitude) describes the blessing of being persecuted specifically because of Jesus. This week we hear Jesus speak in a more general sense:

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
~ Jesus

A basic view of persecution is the subjection of people to hostility, cruelty, or ill-treatment based on things like race, political persuasion or religious beliefs.

But note Jesus is not saying that a person is blessed merely for experiencing persecution. This happens all over the world, but it’s not a blessing in and of itself. Nor does getting persecuted guarantee you a place in heaven’s kingdom.

Rather, as Jesus intimates, it’s suffering for the sake of righteousness – as Jesus defines it. When we do right, act right, think right, live right, stand up for what is right, it is not always welcomed – especially by those who are doing, acting, thinking, and living otherwise.

More on that later; for today let’s ask God for insight and re-direction about how we view suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Placeholder Picture

Prayer

Father God, I pray that your Holy Spirit would teach me the blessed condition of suffering for righteousness’ sake. I don’t want to shy away from following your way regardless of how others treat me.
I pray this in the name of Jesus – the way, truth and life. Amen.

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

Placeholder Picture

This is our continuing opportunity to encounter God through His Word in Psalm 119. Unique in the bible, Psalm 119 is fashioned around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (seen above). Each section contains eight verses, making it easily the longest psalm at 176 verses. 

Psalm of Meditation for the Week:

Psalm 119:113-120 (Samekh)

ס

  1. I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.
  2. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
  3. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
  4. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
  5. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
  6. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.
  7. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes.
  8. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

  • Read: the verses twice.

  • Mark: the words or phrases that catch your attention.

  • Meditate: talk (better yet write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response from the Lord.

Placeholder Picture

Pondering Point

The traditional meaning of the Hebrew letter Samekh is a prop or pillar. This is alluded to by the poet twice in these eight verses. Can you find them?

Tuesday, July 24
God’s Mission

Matthew 13:20-21

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
~ Jesus

In telling the parable of the sower, Jesus highlights the impact of persecution on the life of those who are under the influence of God's Word.

In this second set of soil, known as rocky ground, the Word of God takes root quickly but withers under intense heat. This heat is later identified by Jesus as persecution.

In Matthew 5:10 Jesus talks about the blessing that comes from enduring persecution. In Matthew 13 we see Jesus acknowledging the blessing that is missed because of persecution. It all depends on how you handle it.

Between these two Gospel stories we find Jesus telling his disciples “you will be hated by everyone because of me but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

The mission of God has always been the salvation of his people. But not all of those people respond to his call. In fact, many not only reject the call, but mistreat those who respond to God’s call. Jesus says “you will face trouble in this world, but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Placeholder Picture

Prayer Prompt

Ask God to aid your heart and life in being good soil for His Word to produce a bumper crop.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:113-114

I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Placeholder Picture

Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 

The Promise:

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

Placeholder Picture

Pondering Point

Double-minded people are wavering, undecided, or vacillating. The Psalmist is not wavering or undecided over God. Are you following no matter what?

Wednesday, July 25
Your Identity in Christ

I am a disciple of Christ, always willing to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Christ.

If we are honest, oftentimes we hold back sharing the reason for the hope we have in Christ. I don't mean simply giving a testimony that Jesus died on the cross. I mean letting talk of God’s place in our lives be sprinkled throughout our conversations. I imagine many of us can think of times where we tamp down or temper our conversation or avoid certain language that might cause other people to respond derisively or scoff. Sometimes that is a wise choice. But other times, we’re just trying to avoid conflict or persecution born from our faith perspective.

If I'm hesitant to face persecution, it likely means I’m hesitant to always be willing to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Christ (1 Petr 3:18). Don’t let fear alter your identity in Christ. Let Christ – and your identity in Him – alter your fear. God is big enough to handle you fear for you.

Placeholder Picture

Prayer

Father God, continue to shape my heart and mind, my courage and my faith so that I am always willing to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have in Christ. Embolden me to speak with those who would welcome it and with those who might chide me for it. Remind me that there is a blessing in being persecuted as I live my life the right way under you. In Jesus name I ask this. Amen.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:115-116

Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Placeholder Picture

Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

Matthew 13:9

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,"  “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

The Promise:

Philippians 4:19

My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 

Placeholder Picture

Pondering Point

If friends asked how God sustains you according to His promises, how would you answer them?

Thursday, July 26
Re-Center Around God

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
~ Apostle Paul

Review the week

When it comes to persecution, in which situations do I most tend to avoid talking about my faith in Jesus? Who are the people that I most avoid sharing my walk with Jesus? Am I willing to witness of Jesus’ work in my life and let the seeds fall where they may? Do I withhold my witness out of fear?

Repent (if necessary)

Here you might find yourself called to repent for giving into fear rather than standing up in your Christian faith. Might you repent for being too quiet? Maybe repent for having the wrong attitude toward suffering, for living out the ways of God?

Return (as necessary)

Return here could mean coming back to God’s way of thinking about persecution – not always something to be avoided. It could mean returning to a bold faith that isn’t afraid to follow the nudge of the Holy Spirit to share about your faith in God.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:117-118

Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.

Placeholder Picture

Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

John 6:29

The work of God is this: To believe in the one he has sent. 

The Promise:

Psalm 145:14

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 

Placeholder Picture

Pondering Point

What are the indications in your life that show regard for God’s decrees? And what experiences are indicative of straying from his decrees?

Friday, July 27
Discipleship Point

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Personal goals as I follow Jesus: In a desire to be someone “always ready to share the reason for the hope that I have in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 3:15), I am willing to set goals to be intentional about my life of following Jesus, including to be in God’s Word regularly and to be in relationship with people whom God can use to disciple me.

Placeholder Picture

Discipleship Prayer

Jesus Christ, I desire to follow you in practice, not just in language. I desire to follow you with intentionality, not just whenever I want a spiritual spark. How do I give you primary time and energy as I live? Who do you want to connect to me to grow in you. Please show me. Amen.

Scripture Meditation for the Day:

Psalm 119:119-120

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Placeholder Picture

Statute, Command, Precept, or Decree of God:

Psalm 96:9

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 

The Promise:

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Placeholder Picture

Pondering Point

Per 1 Peter 1:7, pray that God test you, burning off the rubbish to leave a more-precious-than-gold faith that results in His praise and glory and honor.

Saturday, July 28

Matthew 10:1-18

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

In this week's story, Jesus sends the disciples out on their first missionary journey. After empowering them with his authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness, he warns them that they will not be received well everywhere. He flat-out tells them that they will be hated because of him.

Near the end of his instructions, he reminds them to not be afraid, saying "he who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me." Remember you are already living in God and under the grace of God and under the power and authority of God. No matter who you go and who you experience nothing can separate you from the love of God is in Jesus Christ not even danger or persecution. Celebrate too that you are God’s and nothing can change that.

Placeholder Picture

Prayer Prompt

Ask God to share insight with you about your own missionary life and among whom he's calling you to live out your life as his disciple. Are you aware as his disciples, you live – and work – under his authority also? Chew on this with God.

Sunday, July 29
Call to Worship God, to Gather Together

God Bless You

Psalm 105:1

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 

Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence.
~ Rick Warren
Placeholder Picture

Prayer for Worship

Almighty and everlasting Father, You care for all of Your children. In every trial and temptation, through every persecution or pressure, grant us steadfast strength and confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Feedback

Any insights you share are helpful as we carry out our mission of building discipleship resources that God can use to strengthen us to “make disciples who make disciples”, the vision of our church.

Please note any mistakes like omissions, typos, incorrect Bible references, or incomplete sentences. We want those addressed, so please identify the date of whatever concerns you notice.

Even more importantly, let us know if the material is good for connecting with God, inspires an insight, or prompts you to deeper thoughts. Let us know if it comes across as too complicated or is confusing; You’re welcome to offer suggestions you think may enhance the devotion. Anonymity is welcome, but leaving your name is fine too. Thanks!

Your feedback message can be as long or short as you want. The comment box will automatically scroll when you enter text on the last line of the box.

Prayer Prompt

Dear Lord,

I am providing these comments about the website and devotion to increase your greater glory.

Amen.

Sponsored by Hope Lutheran Church 

Copyright (c) 2017-2018 Paul vonWerder

Photo Credits
HomeAll DevotionsTop