Devotions

“Still Growing in God’s Grace”

Devotion #11

“God’s Love for Every Season”

Despite a brief punctuation of storms, the summer has been brutal in its dryness and oppressive heat. Offensive as the heat is, however, these words come to us from the Lord: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” (Genesis 8: 22)

 

When the seasons threaten harm or damage, it’s easy to think of them as an enemy on the prowl for our destruction. Yet these words, spoken to Noah after the recession of the floodwaters, offer the comfort of knowing each season is a gift. These things, the seasons, the light and the dark, are indicators of God’s creative work and presence in our lives. As tyrannical as the heat or cold may be, we know that the next season of the cycle will bring new gifts and a new stage of life for all creatures.

 

How often we wish for the stages of life to move on more quickly or to halt their progress. How often we wish to master time and bend it to our will. There have been seasons of my life I couldn’t wait to rush through, and times I wished would endure forever or to which I could return. Alas, not my will, but His. I can control the stages of my life no more than the rhythm of night and day.

 

However, God’s promises to us remain constant. Our greatest hope and comfort in life is the steady and consistent promise of God’s presence throughout all our ups and downs, in season and out. The grace of God is reassurance in the face of the uncertain and uncomfortable. We have a future we can count on in the love and mercy that flow through Jesus.

 

“By Him the rolling seasons in fruitful order move; sing to the Lord of harvest a joyous song of love…” (Lutheran Worship #493)

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Dearest Lord, as we seek shelter and relief from the scorching heat of the day, give us grace to celebrate the Spirit’s gift of faith and to know that we are held in Your endless cycle of compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

Pastor Brock Cain, Lutheran Church of the Pines, Waveland, MS

“Growing Together in God’s Grace”

Devotion #11

“Getting Ahead of Yourself” 

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From the time we were just knee-high to grasshoppers we have been warned, “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Maybe you remember being on the receiving end of that counsel: “Slow down; calm down; settle down.” Or perhaps you recall those times when you were on the giving end of that counsel: “Be patient; focus on today; your thoughts are racing again.” Yes, in either case, receiving or giving, the fervent counsel was always clear: “Don’t get ahead of yourself!”

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That counsel makes pretty good sense, doesn’t; it? Perhaps this is the very counsel you need to hear at this very moment. However, lest we forget, in a very unique sense the Lord implores us to do just the opposite. He invites you and He pleads with you, “Please DO get ahead of yourself. This is what I would have you do right now for your peace of mind, comfort, and joy.”

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But “Why, Lord?” we may ask, and “How Lord?” The Lord gets us ahead of ourselves by getting us caught up with Himself. By getting ahead of ourselves – today’s cumbersome worries, problems, disappointments, and the like – the Lord puts us firmly in mind of the bigger picture of our lives as children of God. In graciously getting us ahead of ourselves, He moves us to wondrously focus on His assurance – “I have it all under control.”; His promise – “Everything is going to be all right.”; and His destiny for you and your loved ones – “You will be with Me forever.”

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Yes, go ahead and get ahead of yourself – ahead of your inadequacies, your panic, your fears. “Please, feel free to do so right now,” the Lord counsels you. “Look to Me. I will be with you every step of the way. Now and in every moment to come.”

“Jesus, may our hearts be burning with more fervent love for You; May our eyes be ever turning to behold Your cross anew.” (Lutheran Worship #90)

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Dearest Lord, lift my heart through Your promises and love to get ahead of myself, to leave my inadequacies and weaknesses at the Cross, and to focus anew on You and Your faithfulness to me and to my loved ones. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Pastor Case