East Salem United Methodist Church

Thursday, October 29, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Deuteronomy 26:1-15. Whose world is this? How we answer this can lead us to take different actions in our world. If we say that it naturally occurred, we will act in one way. If we say the world is ours for us to use as we see fit, we will act in a completely different way. If we say that it is God’s, we will treat it differently. Here in Deuteronomy, we see the concept of first fruits. Much of this is based on the idea not that we owe God, but that it is something God has granted us to use, but it is still God’s. As such the first fruits is simply giving God what was already God’s, and is a way we give thanks.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Revelations 1:9-20. Something we can forget is that John of Patmos was not from Patmos and did not really want to be on Patmos. Yet, here he was far from home and unable to return. It was not a pleasant time for him, but through this, God sent the Word through him for the church. From this we can remember that God is at work during difficult times. Even if we are suffering, God can be at work and work through us.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Philippians 4:2-9. Sometimes we need a boost, and here we get one. We hear the familiar exhortation to rejoice, rejoice in the Lord always. More than that, we are reminded to not be anxious, but to give it to God in prayer.... Sometimes we need to hear these words again. It is easy to forget these words when we are down in the dumps or struggling, but it is something we should remember. When we are down, give it to God in prayer. And rejoice, for God will hear your prayers.

Monday, October 26, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Acts 22:30-3:11. Sometimes saying the right thing has the desired effect, and Paul understands things very well. Here, Paul, arrested and facing trial, knew what to do. Not everyone had a belief in resurrection. That was a distinction between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Pharisees believed in resurrection while the Sadducees did not. Paul knew this, and God used this.... For us, it is a reminder that we do not always need the perfect words. Sometimes we do not know what we should say. Sometimes we can shoot ourselves in the foot, but sometimes speaking the truth to the right people can lead to amazing results.

Pastor Dave will live stream from 2:00 - 2:30 PM today to answer questions from Daniel or other questions. Leave questions in the comments.

Friday, October 23, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Mark 11:20-26. This is part of the cursing of the fig tree from earlier in Mark. Here, passing the tree again, Peter points out that the tree had withered. Part of me wants to say, Of course it withered, Jesus cursed it. Now, we must remember that the tree was cursed because it looked like it had fruit but did not. This was an analogy for those with the outward signs of faith, but have no fruit, no faith.... Here is the completion of the curse, what happens when one does have faith. Here, Jesus points out that prayer backed by faith will be answered. Now, would a literal mountain jump into the sea? Well, I do not think that was Jesus’ point. Jesus is pointing out that outward appearance of faith is meaningless, but actual faith has power. It is a reminder that the unseen, the internal faith, as evident by fruit, can make changes in the world. This is something to remember.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 The random Bible devotion for today is Amos 2:6-16. I know this has been a doom and gloom series of devotionals, but sometimes that is just where I end up when I am flipping through the Bible.... Here we see where Israel messed up. What is interesting is, that after God reminds them of the great works of the past, God tells them how they messed up. What is important is one can read how deliberately they acted to offend God. It takes effort to force a Nazirite, a person dedicated to God for a period of time or a life, who has strict rules, to break those rules. It is not something that is done accidentally. That tells us something about God and forgiveness. God does not get angry at people who make mistakes or missteps. God seems to get upset at those who deliberately go against the Divine will and ways; the people who purposely set out to offend and rebel against God. In some ways, we can accept that Divine judgment, because we can see it is purposeful rebellion, not mistakes. And in that, we can see that His love is still there for those who strive to love God, have faith in Christ, and seek to do His will.