Empowered by the Holy Spirit, collectively and individually we strive to worship and pray, learn and teach; and by our words and acts of caring, encourage all people to be reconciled to God and to each other.
Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church
Monday, September 06, 2010
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ

Daily Devotions

If you don't already spend part of your day reading the Bible,
Pastor Seth has chosen these scriptures to get you started. 
Or perhaps you do already, and would like to add these to your daily devotions.
This page will be updated weekly.
 
Note:  each day's selection includes:
  • Scripture
  • Observation
  • and Naming the application to fit your life.
 
THEME - EXTREME MAKEOVER:  POST-RESURRECTION EDITION
Sunday, September 5, 2010
"Jesus and Mary Magdalene" 
  • Read John 20:1-18.
  • All gospel accounts credit women with the discovery of the empty tomb and the recognition of the resurrected Jesus.  It is very significant that God would honor women (who were totally discounted in that society) in this way.  Jesus showed up in the midst of Mary Magdalene's grief and entrusted the message of his resurrection to her. 
  • Jesus met Mary Magdalene in her painful situation and entrusted her with his message of resurrection power.  With whom can you be Jesus today by sharing the hope of his power in their painful situation?
Monday, September 6, 2010
"Jesus Appears Behind Locked Doors"
  • Read John 20:19-31.
  • The resurrected Jesus spoke peace into disciples filled with doubt and fear of retribution from the Jews.  The presence of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness bring real life transformation and the power to do Jesus' mission.  John fulfilled Jesus' commission by writing his gospel, which has brought many generations of believers to faith in Jesus.
  • Describe a time when Jesus spoke peace into your doubt and fear.  What was the result?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"Jesus and Seven Disciples"
  • Read John 21:1-14 and Luke 5:1-11.
  • The disciples had returned to their fishing business in Galilee when they encountered the resurrected Jesus for the third time.  Reminiscent of the day Jesus called them into ministry, the disciples found good results come only by following Jesus' directions.  Depending on Jesus is the only possible way to fulfill his commission to "catch people." 
  • Jesus kept showing up for the disciples, involving him in their daily lives.  What is your normal response when Jesus shows up and instructs you to do things differently?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
"Jesus and Peter"
  • Read John 21:15-25.
  • Seven disciples ate breakfast, but Peter was singled out.  Peter's betrayal and denial of Jesus before the crucifixion were profound and total.  Now Jesus was offering Peter total restoration and the trust to lead his movement - not just to "catch" people but also to care and develop real followers.
  • When have you experienced failure in being faithful to God?  What did that experience teach you about God?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
"The Road to Emmaus"
  • Read Luke 24:13-35.
  • Jesus walked along the road with two believers who were discussing the events in Jerusalem but were clueless that they were with the resurrected Jesus.  Jesus becomes known through the sharing of scripture (the word) and the breaking of bread (communion), practices that are still indispensable for a growing relationship with jesus today.
  • Jesus walked alongside two believers and let them talk about their sadness and disappointment.  If Jesus walked a few miles with you today, what would you talk about?
Friday, September 10, 2010
 
"The Great Commission" 
  • Read Luke 24:44-53 and Matthew 28:16-20.
  • Jesus' final words to the disciples were an explanation of his mission and the charge to carry it on.  Jesus followers are to make disciples of people in all nations.  The only possible way to fulfill this huge responsibility is to follow Jesus' instructions to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to be released.
  • In what mission field has Jesus placed you?  With whom has God entrusted you to be Christ's witness? 
Saturday, September 11, 2010
 
"Jesus and Paul"
  • Read Acts 21:37-22:21.
  • Having been arrested in the temple for teaching about Jesus, Paul gave his testimony to the crowd.  A former persecutor of Christians who actively worked to stamp out this new movement, Paul is an example of a complete and total turnaround and was quick to give the credit to his experience with the resurrected Jesus. 
  • How has your experience with Jesus changed your life path?  What changes have been the most drastic for you?