New Beginning Columbus

TUESDAY, November 27, 2012: Matthew 7:24-29

newbeginningcolumbus — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:53:59 +0000

As the last words in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this passage carries a lot of weight. It completes this series on integrity (walking on the narrow way), and concludes all that Jesus has been saying here. Real understanding of Jesus’ words here will be demonstrated by the extent to which they’re lived out. We are all building our lives, but only lives built on the foundation of obedience to Jesus’ words will withstand the “flood.” Notice that the flood comes to all, but not all will withstand it. If this “flood” is the final judgment, how should these words be understood? On the surface they imply that our salvation from judgment is based on our works. That is the plain meaning of Jesus’ words. A classic Lutheran interpretation would say that Jesus’ words are meant to drive us to hopeless despair, forcing us to depend upon the grace of God through the cross of Christ. A more liberal interpretation would say that “the Way” is the way of Jesus’ self-giving love. Living that “way” is to live in the Kingdom. This week, take the risky step of asking someone to hold you accountable in one area of integrity.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew

MONDAY, November 19, 2012:Matthew 6:25-26

newbeginningcolumbus — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:14:33 +0000

In September 1988, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” became the first a cappella song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Indian mystic Meher Baba coined the phrase used in the title while communicating with his friends and followers in the West. The fuller version of the quote says, “Do your best. Then, don’t worry; be happy in my love. I will help you.” In the words of Jesus, we find a similar concept illustrated by nature. We can look to the birds of the air and gain confidence in God’s provision because, “Are you not of more value than they?” There’s a lot to worry about every day. Will we let it consume us? Will it change anything? Today, turn your worries over to God. Be present in each day so that you can focus on God’s Kingdom and justice.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: arts, billboard hot 100, gaming, politics, transportation, videogames

THURSDAY, November 8, 2012: Matthew 5:40

newbeginningcolumbus — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:13:39 +0000

A tunic was the cotton or linen inner garment worn by a person in Jesus’ time. Even a poor person would have more than one. But a cloak was a great, blanket-like outer garment that was often used as a blanket at night. Jewish law said that tunic could be used as a pledge, but if a man took a cloak as a pledge it had to returned by evening (Exodus 22:26-27). So what Jesus is saying is that Christians are free to surrender their personal rights. Have you ever felt that someone wrongly took something from you? Do you continue to hold this as a grudge? Has holding this grudge improved your life? Have you gained anything by holding on? Remember, bitterness can eat us alive if we let it. You cannot fully embrace the future if you do not let go of the past. Today, let go of those people and events in your past that prevent you from moving into the future.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: human-rights, outer garment, personal rights, poor person, religion, style

THURSDAY, November 1, 2012: Mark 10:1-12

newbeginningcolumbus — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:57:43 +0000

In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus allows for divorce only on the grounds of infidelity. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus gives no excuse for divorce. Many scholars argue that Matthew softens the strict ethic of Jesus’s original words. Either way, in Jesus we find a serious call to fidelity in marriage. Jesus implies that the bond of marriage is so permanent that the remarriage of a divorced person is akin to adultery. In many traditions, Jesus’ words make divorce and remarriage a sin. While some still see it that way today, the larger issue is the importance and sacredness of faithfulness in relationship, not the indissoluble nature of marriage vows. Do you think the Bible contains a single, black and white “rule” about divorce? Does it contain black and white “rules” about anything? If so, what? How can we be sure? No matter how hard we try, we can’t be faithful in our relationships. We need God’s help. Stop struggling and start surrendering. Stop trying and start trusting.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Mark

MONDAY, October 22, 2012: Matthew 5:21-22

newbeginningcolumbus — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:36:05 +0000

In verses 17-19 Jesus says that he has not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He illustrates his point using this literary formula: “You have heard that it was said [Old Testament law], but I say to you….” He focuses on anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation and love for enemies in the remainder of chapter 5. In each instance, Jesus presses the law beyond mere outward compliance and drives to the heart of the issue: the heart! It’s not enough to simply avoid murder. True righteousness, the righteousness to which God calls us and will ultimately bless us and reveal God’s Kingdom, requires that we refuse to allow anger to become a seething bitterness. Instead we are called to press toward reconciliation. Clarence Darrow once put it this way: “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.” We are called and empowered to be reconciled one to another across racial lines. Take a first step toward racial reconciliation this week.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: human-rights, old testament law, religion, theology

WEDNESDAY, October 17, 2012: Matthew 5:13-16

newbeginningcolumbus — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:49:42 +0000

Using the images of salt and light as ingredients of the ever-emerging Kingdom of God makes all kinds of sense to those who hear the original message. Jesus points to two ordinary elements in the ancient world that make an extraordinary connection with the people listening to him. In the ancient world, salt is a preservative as well as a seasoning. Light is illuminating and revealing. In the 21st century, salt is used for flavor and light is used for guidance and comfort. Salt and light can make a difference in a bland, dark, and even rude world. Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the Kingdom of God right here, right now. Because we’re salt and light, we’re always seasoning, preserving, flavoring, illuminating, and making visible and bright the Kingdom of God. We’re always pointing to and making visible the dream of God, the Kingdom of God that’s not out there, but right here, right now, and in our midst. How will you enter the work of the Kingdom? Live today as God’s salt and light.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: dream of god, food, jesus points, religion, spirituality, world jesus

TUESDAY, October 16, 2012: Matthew 5:1-12

newbeginningcolumbus — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:57:15 +0000

Last week we read through these statements in detail. Today we read them as part of this larger sermon/teaching called the Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount in general and the Beatitudes in particular, he is describing how his followers impact the world around them. Because the Kingdom of God is a present reality, a deeper abundance is available. The Sermon on the Mount not only describes a life of joy, peace and contentment; it also illuminates the way to live that life. Because the Kingdom of God is at hand, because the dream of God is constantly unfolding around us, through us, in us, and even in spite of us, followers of Jesus have an impact in their homes, their neighborhoods, their towns, the places where they work, where they go to school, in their cars, in grocery stores, in coffee shops, in malls, etc. What Jesus proclaims is that wherever we are, the Kingdom of God is happening. How will you enter the work of the Kingdom? Live today as God’s salt and light.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: church, dream of god, peace and contentment, religion, sermon on the mount, spirituality

MONDAY, October 8, 2012: Matthew 5:3

newbeginningcolumbus — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:45:59 +0000

Jesus climbs up a mountainside and the “sermon” he delivers – the first of several major teaching sections in Matthew – begins with the Beatitudes. The word “beatitude” comes from old Latin meaning “exceedingly happy” or “blessed.” The word for “blessed” in Greek is “Makarios.” It means much more than happiness; it means singularly favored, graciously approved by God. It refers to the highest type of well-being possible for human beings. It’s also the term that the Greeks used for the kind of blissful existence characteristic of the gods. To Jesus, a person who is “blessed” experiences hope and joy, independent of his or her outward circumstances. The disciples, riding on the wave of Jesus’ popularity, need to first understand Kingdom priorities and how different they are from the world’s priorities. Another way to say this first beatitude is this: When you’re at the end of your rope you’re blessed; with less of you, there is more of God’s influence in your life.” Identify what’s making you anxious today and then right into it, trusting the mercy of God to give you peace and joy.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Matthew Tagged: religion, spirituality, theology

MONDAY, September 23, 2012: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

newbeginningcolumbus — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:03:28 +0000

The Corinthian Christians Paul addresses are rich both in spiritual gifts and financial wealth. They had promised to participate in Paul’s offering for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem, but had not yet delivered on their promise. In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul addresses the issue of generosity, urging (and sometimes shaming) the Corinthians, not just to secure their generosity but to press the point that genuine faith will be revealed in genuine generosity. As disciples, we believe that all we have is a gift from God. We believe that we’ve been blessed to be a blessing. Generous giving is a win-win-win! Are there charities or human needs that align with your purpose in life? Which ones most touch your heart? Make a plan to invest there generously, making 10% your aim. Invest your money on purpose, the purpose for which God has created you.

Filed under: Corinthians, Daily Devotional Tagged: church, human-rights, religion

THURSDAY, September 20, 2012: Ecclesiastes 3:17

newbeginningcolumbus — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:59:50 +0000

This text challenges us to consider how we’re investing our time. We want to do so “on purpose” so that the things that matter most are the things into which we invest. By “on purpose” we mean two things. First, invest in ways that are aligned with God’s general purposes (love, restoration, reconciliation, etc.). Second, invest in the more specific purpose(s) to which you feel you’ve been created. For what purpose do you believe you’ve been created? Are you investing time each day into that purpose? God is at work in all the moments of our days, in ways we see and in ways we don’t, accomplishing God’s purposes. While investing wisely does often yield high returns, God is ultimately in charge of the BIG investment portfolio. Time is too precious a gift not to invest on purpose. Write down how you use your time this week. Pray about how you might better use your time, and then act on what God tells you to do.

Filed under: Daily Devotional, Ecclesiastes Tagged: church, human-rights, investment portfolio, purpose god, religion, things that matter