Devotional Text

Pastor David’s devotional for October 20, 2021

Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

As we bring an end to this series of sermons and devotionals on “Revival,” I must say I have enjoyed thinking and reflecting upon the life of John Wesley and how the revival he began so many years ago is a part of my story. I am a United Methodist Christian, saved by the grace of God. This grace that has saved me comes to me freely, not because of anything I have done, but solely on what Christ has done for me—and for you. The Christian life begins by an act of God toward us. Living as a Christian is simply living in response to what God has done and is doing in our lives. What I have experienced as a follower of Jesus Christ is grace upon grace upon grace. By grace I am alive and here with you today. It is by grace that I am saved. It is grace upon grace that I continue to grow in my faith, and that I have something to say. And it is God’s grace that gives me an assurance that more is still to come. God is not finished with me
yet. The life of discipleship is simply living in response to grace. In Wesley’s words, a true faith shows itself in action. And, as we put our faith in action, responding to grace, grace abounds all the more.

What does living your faith each day look like in your life? Think of some
examples of ways your faith gets lived in your day to day life and interactions.

This past Sunday, Rev. Lee Weber preached. During his sermon he challenged us as followers of Jesus Christ to practice our faith each day. Pastor Lee offered three ways for us to experience revival in our own spiritual lives. The first was for us to read the Gospels. Jesus taught us much about revival and living life to its fullest. I have many favorite teachings from Jesus, including “not everyone who cries Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of my Father,” and “judge not lest you be judged,” and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,” and “love your enemy and pray for those who want to harm you,” and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I can go on and on. How about you?

As you think about Jesus teachings, is there a favorite verse or story that comes
to your mind?

Pastor Lee also reminded us of the importance of reflecting upon scripture and praying. Take a moment to reflect upon your favorite scripture our story.

What does Jesus words mean to you today? Why is that message important to your life? And does thinking about these questions cause you to think of another teaching of Jesus? If so, reflect upon it as well.

Finally, Pastor Lee called upon us to take Christian action risks. Earlier in his sermon, Pastor Lee said, “We can live in the land of excuses and miss really living.” The Christian life requires much of us, and it is not always easy. It requires us to think seriously about the will of God, and how as a Christian we spend our time and our money. It requires us to think seriously about doing no harm and doing good in this world.

What does taking Christian action risks mean to you? Is it hard to take risks for
the Lord? What are some of your challenges to taking faith risks?

To end this series of devotionals on revival, there are 2 stories from the life of John Wesley I want to share. First, at age 75, John Wesley led in building City Road Chapel in London. Once completed, Wesley asked “Which impresses you more: a church building’s external furnishings and finery, or the inner beauty of God’s work in the human heart?” We know the answer to the question! Such is the beauty of the work God is doing in you! God may not be finished with you yet, but God’s work within you is a beautiful thing!

Second, at age 87 John Wesley died. As he was taking his final breathes, Wesley tried to sing a Isaac Watts hymn:
“I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath, and when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my nobler powers. My days of praise shall ne’er be past, while life, and thought, and being last, or immortality endures.”

Imagining the end of your life, as you are taking your final breathes, is there a
hymn you would hope to be able to sing? Why wait. How about singing it today?

Praising God is our life. Thanks be to God.

God bless you and I will see you in church!
Pastor Dave