Got Behind In The Editing

Sorry for the inconvenience. I will have the devotionals posting normally again by Saturday morning.

Luke 14:28

Alfred Shropshire

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it.

In this section of Chapter 14 of the book of Luke, Jesus is talking to a large group of followers about the cost of being a disciple. He stresses the importance of being prepared for the heights and depths that such a commitment would involve. The examples he uses, a builder who makes sure that he has enough money to cover the cost of his project, and a king who does not send his army into battle without weighing the possible outcome, invites his listeners, and us, to think about laying a solid foundation for our actions and doing adequate planning and preparation as we go about our daily lives.

Surely, the crowd of people that Jesus was addressing had no idea of his impending trial and crucifixion. In this time of Lent, when we look forward to Easter, we need to take to heart the knowledge that choosing to follow Jesus is not a choice to be made lightly. Along with the reward, we must be aware of the cost. When we choose fesus, it is final and involves the surrender of all one has.

As the author, Lawrence O. Richards (The Bible Reader's Companion) says "Count the cost of following Jesus in pennies, the •eward in millions."

Prayer. Thank you Father for making yourself known to us through Tesus. May we grow in understanding, in our relationship with you, ind in our relationships with others by following Jesus' example and by your grace. Amen.

Ezra 6:7

Alfred Shropshire

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in this place.

King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a proclamation allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem from captivity (536 B. C.). Due to opposition by the people to whom the Jews' Land had been given while they were in captivity, and their neighbors, and through bluff and intrigue, work on rebuilding the Temple was disrupted for 16 years. At this time, Darius is now King of Persia. At the behest of Ezra, a search of the royal records unearths the proclamation made by Cyrus. Darius then issued orders to those who have been obstacles to the rebuilding of the Temple to stand aside. He opened the royal treasury and provided the necessary funds for the work, which took another 4 years. In 516 B. C. the Temple was completed and dedicated amid great rejoicing.

Although we had some objection from a neighbor when we first made our construction plans known, our intention to be a good neighbor to all neighborhood residents has enabled us to proceed as scheduled. Our "great rejoicing" is scheduled to occur in June, 2008. Let us hope that our "temple" will be put to full use as a place where God is honored through Westminster's service to the community.

Prayer. Thank you Jesus for the privilege to serve you by serving others. Give us courage and confidence to hare your truth and love wherever you lead us. Thank you for brothers and sisters who are partners in the gospel, called alongside of us in community. Amen.

(The Present Word - Winter 2007 - 2008)

Luke 14:30

Jim Ivison

"Saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish."

Even though most of us are unable to remember our baptism since it was done when we were infants, that event marked the first building block of our future life in Christ. Over the years, we have continued to build upon that baptismal moment. It has not been an easy task, nor will it be so in the future. It has called for us to make commitment and sacrifices; a willingness to dedicate time, talents, resources, and everything that we hold precious, if we are to meet the demands needed to complete our service to Christ, knowing and trusting that he will supply our needs.

For Christians, the service we do here on earth in the name of Christ is a life-long commitment. It pales by comparison when we look at what Christ did for each and every one of us. We must continually build upon what began many years ago in our lives and work toward a finish, even though we know that finish won't be achieved here on earth.

Father, where you lead, we will follow. Guide us as we use our gifts in the building of your kingdom here on earth.

Ezra 5:9

Amy and Tom Ray

"Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, who commanded you to build this house, and make up these walls? "

The Lord stirred the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. The Jews immediately began to rebuild the Temple. This angered the Samaritans, who were then living in Israel. They demanded to know who the leaders of this rebuilding project were and who gave them permission. The Jews responded, "We are the servants of the God of Heaven and Earth..."

The Jews could very well have been intimidated by the Samaritans' demand to know who authorized their construction project. They were not. Rather, they boldly declared their faith in the Lord and continued to build.

When we concern ourselves with the reactions and criticisms of nonbelievers, we can become fearful to the point of inaction. As we go about the business of building our church, and, in fact, living our lives, we will be faced with challenges and obstacles. It is especially during these times we must bear in mind that, as long as we are in the service of God, He will provide.

Luke 17:28

Bob Walther

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded.

The Old Testament spoke much of the coming of the Kingdom of God, but gave no indication of the time of its arrival. It was natural, therefore, that the Pharisees should ask Jesus for his opinion on when the Kingdom was coming (Luke 17:20). His reply was to correct their external political idea of the Kingdom. Its arrival would not consist of the establishment of an earthly state which could be located. The signs of the Kingdom's presence was spiritual and could be interpreted only by faith. In fact, the Kingdom was already present (Luke 17:21).

There was no hint that it was wrong for people in Noah's or Lot's time to eat, drink, marry, or build.

When the final days come, they will come decisively and believers must live in readiness following the ordinary pursuits life is: to marry, to eat, and to build

Dear Lord, let us live a life that will be pleasing to you and point to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

2 Chronicles 6:33

Cheryl Jenkins

. . . all people of the earth may know thy name . . . and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

At the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon prays to God that he remember the 'foreigners' who will be attracted to and inspired by the work and power of this magnificent temple. Solomon asks God to hear and honor their (foreigners) prayers "So that people all over the world will know who you are and what you are like." He also prays that they will recognize that this is not the work of people, but God's work, thereby encouraging them to live as we are called to live as God's people. Chronicles takes a worldview and Solomon acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty and all the world is part of his plan. God welcomes us all and gives Christians a great responsibility in not just telling the world about God's love and omnipotence, but to show it in our actions to all. He does not make a difference in us as to race, culture, or geographic location. He wants us all to join hi sharing the good news.

One commentary on this verse states that the temple of Solomon's time typifies the human nature of Christ, and where God dwells in us. Through Christ, we are reconciled with God and have communion with him. I believe, as a Christian, the world is watching us and we have a duty to show, more than tell, others what our belief means to all people of the world. In other places in the Bible, we are called to go out unto the world to share what Christ has done for us all. We have a responsibility to not only pray and care for those who live with us and in our communities, but for all people everywhere. Given the state of things today, I especially believe that more than ever, we should embrace people from everywhere and show them all the love and great blessings that God has put in our lives through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. There is no one correct way to do this. It can be from contributing through such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, or going to help an orphanage in Kenya, or even, on a personal note for our family, adopting children who need a family anywhere there is a need. No one place where we choose to show our love and faith is better than another. The important thing is that we do it. May God assist us in outreach to others for his glory and magnification.

Acts 20:32

Joan Brock

And now, I commit you to God and to the -word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

During Paul's third missionary journey, he calls together the elders of the Ephesian church to tell them goodbye. He knows that he will never see them again and he is giving them one last pep talk before he leaves them. He has loved them, prayed for them, taught them, nurtured them and now he is turning them over to the faithful care and keeping of God and His gracious word.

Everything we do must be bathed in that kind of commitment to God so that we attune ourselves to the gentle stirrings of the Spirit within and around us. We do this through prayer and by studying and obeying the word of God. When we begin to find nourishment in Christ through prayer and the Word, we grow into what He wants us to be. We discover the assurance and guarantee of the great gift of eternal life and know the peace of God.

Father God, stir in us a hunger and thirst for your Holy Spirit. May we listen for your still small voice in every moment of our lives so that we can be your light and shine brightly for you. Amen

II Chronicles 2:9

Alfred Shropshire

Even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

Solomon requested King Hiram of Tyre to send him large quantities of cedar, cypress, and juniper logs from Lebanon. In return, Solomon would provide King Hiram with wheat, barley, wine, and olive oil. As a result, as many cedar logs as needed were provided for the temple.

The completed Temple was built of great stones, cedar beams and boards, overlaid within with gold. According to Halley's Bible Book, "The gold and silver, and other material, used in building the Temple, is variously estimated to equal, in our money, from 2 to 5 billions of dollars; no doubt, the most costly and resplendent building on earth at the time." Even in all its splendor, the Temple was masked by God's glory. At the dedication service, the Temple "-was suddenly filled with a cloud shining with the dazzling light of the Lord's presence, and they could not continue the service of worship." (II Chronicles 5:14)

The glory and splendor of Solomon's Temple was short-lived, as it was plundered within 5 years after Solomon's death. The Temple did stand for 375 years and was destroyed by Babylon in 586 B.C.

While our new buildings are not intended to be on a scale of the Temple of Solomon, they are intended to serve the same purpose as his; to glorify God as we do his work in our community and wherever we may go.

Prayer. Lord, may your name be magnified and your glory proclaimed as we become your presence and do your work here in our community. Amen.

2 Chronicles 2:6

Elizabeth Busby

But who can ever build Him a worthy home? Not even the highest heaven would be beautiful enough! And who am I to be allowed to build a temple for God? But it will be a place to worship Him. (The Living Bible)

Can He build it? Yes He can! Can we build it? Why? We can't contain God. Do we need a building in which to worship? Do you need a building? We have one. It is very nice, well maintained and cared for. What's the point, if we can worship anywhere, anytime ~ but do we?

I need a place and time set aside each week to worship. It helps me feel connected to God and other believers. And it is nice to have a comfortable, inviting place to do this. I feel God's presence there, but He doesn't live there. He lives in us; we are His temple. We go to 'the building' to renew and go out refreshed. I hope that God's temple is renewed each time you enter His building.

Lord, Help us to realize WE are Your temple. The building is a place to worship You.

I Corinthians 3:10

John Hendrickson

"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build upon it. " (NRSV)

The apostle Paul is specifically addressing the divisions and controversies plaguing the 1st century Church in Corinth. But, there are layers of meaning in Paul's words which apply to us as "God's Builders".

The imagery of a physical building is a good symbol for the Church, but the church isn't concrete and steel. It's the people, of course. Both as individuals and, more importantly, collectively as a congregation we are Christ's church. We are called to build upon the foundation of our faith; Jesus Christ. The foundation is not the congregation, nor the Pastor, nor the Session, nor the wrinkles of theology we cling to, but Christ, in all things.

Lord, help us to be your builders. Help us build your church upon a solid foundation in Christ.

Romans 15:20

Laura Murray

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation, ...

This verse is near the end of Paul's letter to the Romans. He had spent 20 years establishing churches throughout the east, and the Aegean region and had sensed his mission there was complete. He is letting his friends and fellow Christians in Rome know that he hoped to have time to stop and visit with them on his way from Jerusalem to Spain, his next intended site to spread the Gospel. At the time of this letter, Paul had sensed tension between the gentile Christians in Rome and the returned Jewish Christians. He writes to remind them that all Christians must remember that it is out of love, and great cost that God has saved our lives. And thus we must turn our lives over to him, Jews and Gentiles alike, and strive to become one "family" of Christ. Too much time and energy were being spent on bickering over matters of less importance; a message we continue to hear preached in our own pulpit today!

The above verse is in the midst of Paul's reflections of his work and future travel plans. Paul had not actually established the Christian Church in Rome, but he knew his message in this letter had been rather strong, and he did not want to step on anyone's toes, wanting to give credit where credit is due; "lest I should build upon another man's foundation". So what message can we gain from this verse and the surrounding passages of this letter? Just as Paul reminds the Ancient Romans, we should give all Glory to God for the foundation on which our church has been built. We should be praying for and be excited about what God’s next mission might be for us as we expand and build His church. And rather than stepping on toes, that we take advantage of this wonderful opportunity God has granted us, to work with the other churches in our area, as one family in Christ, to reach out and spread His love and Word in our community!

Most Gracious God, we ask for your guidance as we seek to find, and carry out the mission you have in mind for our church. Help us to be open and excited about new ways to share your love with each other and with our neighbors. Amen

II Chronicles 2:5

Anonymous

And the house I build is great; for great is our God above all gods.

Since God did not want his temple to be built by a warrior, King David was denied the privilege of doing so. His son Solomon was given the assignment. Solomon's desire was to build "a wonderful temple because he is a great God; greater than any other."

We are often criticized for being narrow-minded and claiming that Christianity is the only "true" religion. Solomon was very bold in making a similar claim when he wrote to King Hiram regarding the purchase of materials needed to build the temple he had in mind. To proclaim that Jesus alone saves is not narrow-minded. It is a simple statement of revealed truth. We must be as honest as Solomon in our witness to the Lord.

Even though Solomon's reign was the true golden age of Israel: marked by peace, by unmatched prosperity, by unequaled fame, by great literary accomplishments; God regarded the building of the temple the most significant event of Solomon's reign. We should give the spiritual similar priority in our lives. We may go to church to meet with the Lord. But we never leave Him there!

Prayer. Dear Lord, may our new buildings inspire us to think along the same lines as Solomon in being a place for celebration and joy; remembering your greatness and your goodness with thanksgiving.

I Corinthians 3:14

Sue Howel

If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.(NIV)  

In writing this devotion on this bit of scripture, I am reminded of our church's construction project and our purpose for the building. In any type of construction, be it buildings, roads, etc., there has to be a stable foundation. Else, buildings fall and roads crumble. Not only does our building have a stable foundation, but being led by the Holy Spirit, we are building it in order to have more space in which to glorify our Lord and Savior. That is the reason and the foundation for the building.

I am also reminded that we should live our lives to glorify God and that can sometimes be very difficult. As Christians, we face many challenges and trials along life's way. We need to remember that with God as the foundation for our lives we can face the challenges with assurance that he is always there with open arms to pick us up and love us regardless of our mistakes. We are assured of pardon and are promised life eternal with him. I think of the familiar hymn, "Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation."

Dear God, be with us in all that we do. AMEN.