Wednesday November 8, 2023

Today is Wednesday, November 8 and we are studying what the Bible says about authority.

I come to find the quiet center, a sacred space amid a busy life where I am able to just be with God. I silence my thoughts, focus my mind and slow my breathing as I welcome his loving presence.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, you are Lord of my life and Shepherd of my soul. I surrender myself to you and submit to your authority. Speak into my life and circumstances. I am eager to receive whatever you have to offer. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s loving care for me and praise him with the words of Psalm 147.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:3-5

Pause and Pray

Today’s scripture is from the last chapter of the book of Hebrews. These are concluding words of a sermon written to Hebrew Christians. They lived in a predominantly Jewish area and were suffering persecution for their faith. The ending of the letter sums up the entire epistle and reflects key theological points, particularly the authority of Jesus Christ as Lord of all and his supreme oversight of the church. These are words of encouragement and wisdom to new and seasoned Christians alike. Sprinkled throughout the theological suppositions are words of warning and practical instructions for the life of faith.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:15-17

I agree with the author of the letter to the Hebrews. Through Christ, my Savior, I will continually praise God and openly profess his name to all. I offer God a sacrifice of praise and also a sacrifice of service. I will endeavor to do good and share what I have with my neighbors and everyone in need. I consider the leaders in my church – clergy, pastors, Sunday School teachers, student directors, group leaders, and lay leaders. Who has God granted authority in my church and how do I honor their God-given authority?

Ask: How do I show appreciation for the spiritual leaders of my church? Would my church leaders consider me a joy or a burden?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Jesus, you are Lord of my life, Shepherd of my soul and head of my church. Thank you for my church home. I am grateful for those with whom I share in life together. Please bless those who you have placed in leadership at my church. I pray you will uphold their souls, strengthen their faith, equip their service and grant them wisdom to guide our congregation. I read the words from Hebrews again and listen for the message you have for me.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:15-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God speaks to me daily through the words of the ancient sacred text. I read his Holy Word and listen for the message he has for me each morning. Whatever word or phrase that stands out to me today, I consider what God might be telling me. How might this scripture inform my current circumstances or answer a particular prayer concern? How might God want to speak to me about one of the leaders in my church? Perhaps God wants to supply me an answer, or reveal the solution to a problem or guide me into the future. I pray for my church and listen with the ear of my heart.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, bring gentle showers of goodness into the dry lonely valley of my heart. Show me what I am lacking in my spiritual life and what is missing in my spiritual home. Reveal my prejudices, negativity and resistance and fill my heart with the joy of your presence. Bless my church home and those who lead it. Amen.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:13-15

I leave this time of prayer thankful to live life together in a family of Christian believers, I go to bring good news and serve others in all I do and say.

Amen