Southwood Lutheran Church

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Saturday, November 5

 
Day Forty-two

“1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’"  Luke 16:1-2 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

“accountable”

Depending on which side of this word you’re on, it can be a bit of a dirty word. We like when people are able to be accountable to our expectations for them. We don’t necessarily like when people have high expectations for us to be accountable.

We like holding other people accountable. When the person we’ve hired to mow our lawn, shows up on time and does a good job we like that. When you’re teaching a class and all of the students are there on time, that’s good. When you confide in a person and they keep what you’ve entrusted to them confidential, that is a very good thing.

We don’t love when people have such high expectations for us. We run late sometimes. We might forget to complete a particular task on time. We can’t help but share a secret, with just one person.

As Christians we are completely dependent upon God’s mercy and forgiveness - so much so – that sometimes we forget there is an accountability factor from God too. He desperately wants for us to be faithful to who he has called us to be. He desperately wants for us to be generous and compassionate people. He demands of us that we use our hands and our feet to express his love in the world.

Will we get it right 100% of the time? No.

Will God condemn us for it? Nope.

Will we be able to have a relationship with God despite our shortcomings? Absolutely

Will we even be strengthened in that relationship through confession and forgiveness. YES.

Let’s not be afraid to be accountable to God. Let’s dig into God’s word and learn about who he wants us to be. Let’s find a way to reach out to God’s world in need. Let’s turn to God and ask him how he would want us to fill the holes, and then do it!

Let us not be afraid of God’s expectations for us. Let us step forward in faith knowing that God will use us to bring hope to the world.

Loving God, speak to me now and lead me forward in blessing your world. Forgive me when I let you and your people down. Strengthen me to do those things that are difficult. Amen.

Pastor Sara

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day42

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Friday, November 4

 
Day Forty-one

“But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in the grace of giving."  2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

Our study is nearly complete. For nearly six weeks, we have been convicted and inspired, encouraged and enlightened to the needs of those less fortunate than us. We have engaged ourselves in a powerful book and have subjected ourselves to the study of what God expects of us as His people in the world. But now, the class time is drawing to a close. Now, the real work begins.

In this passage, I feel as though Paul is suggesting a poignant dichotomy: faith, speech, knowledge, etc. all seem intellectual, emotional, prayerful, insightful, and moving experiences. They are important. But they are also private. We worship within the context of four walls and some doors, a table, organ, and bowl of water at the front, and a café a few steps away. We go to evening classes, to confirmation and Sunday School, in rooms with projectors and tables with prepared questions on them. We seek counsel from pastors in the privacy of our homes and church offices. These are good things, they are important things, but they are closed things. These places and events have seating capacities and sign-up maximums and time limits. But Paul is offering us something different, something more, the other hand of his dichotomy - grace.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul writes, “We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 8:1, ESV). Paul’s recognition of grace as given by God seems to come not in the form of God’s mighty hand swooping down and accomplishing some miracle, nor does he envision grace as God’s mere compensation for our iniquities as humans. Paul understands grace as a positive force manifested in the interactions and exchanges of peoples. In “the churches of Macedonia” Paul sees actions echoing his calling in Romans 12:1 “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,” to act and speak and work in such a way that creates a spiritual kinetic energy, a friction, a fire, an incense pleasing unto God. By grace, Paul means an action outside of worship and education, outside of discussions over coffee. This kind of grace is active and interactive, it is a positive force and not merely a compensation for sin, it is inconsiderate of geography, incompatible with status, and irreverent to political correctness. Grace is a gift given most apparently not from on high, but from one broken human to another, an exchange of God’s presence among us in our lives, in our spirits, in our homes, and yes, even in our material possessions. Grace is the gift that must, and does, keep on giving.

Gracious and loving Lord, we ask for the courage to excel in grace, to extend ourselves beyond the walls of faith and speech and knowledge and to bear actions of your grace to each other. Lord, let your Spirit move within us, may your grace move between us, and may we embrace your empowerment to be your servants in this world. Amen.

John Olson, Junior at the University of Nebraksa-Lincoln

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day41

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Thursday, November 3

 
Day Forty

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of possessions.”"  Luke 12:15 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

The dictionary defines greed as “excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions”. We are bombarded with appeals designed to stoke our greed every day. It is so easy to succumb to that desire for a new gadget or the latest fashion. There is nothing wrong with enjoying these fruits or our labor, except when that desire comes to control us.

It’s important to take some time and reflect on what is genuinely important in our lives. Although a new car gives us at least temporary satisfaction, after a few years the appeal fades. That new cell phone that we crave is exciting at first, but there will be a newer and better model out in a few months.

So what should we focus on? Relationships with family and friends will last a lifetime if properly nurtured. Using talents and resources to help build the lives of others pays lasting dividends. Building and exercising our faith makes us real Christians.

Jesus cautions us to be on our guard against all kinds of greed. We can be greedy not only with our possessions, but also with our time and talents. If you aren’t already involved in a serving opportunity, start small by volunteering at Southwood. If you are actively serving, look to see how you can expand your efforts. It’s about cultivating an attitude of service.

My wife and I were working at the Gathering Place. It was pretty busy, but the food held out until almost 6:00 and it looked like everyone had been fed. As we were cleaning up, there was a knock on the door. A man standing there asked if we were still serving. We had to tell him no, that the food was all gone. He said he’d walked for 45 minutes to get a meal, then turned and sat on the steps with his head in his hands. My wife said “Can we give him a ride to Matt Talbot, I think they’re open ‘til 6:30?” We hopped into the car and headed north. On the ride I learned his name is Robert and he had come to town hoping to get a job at Farmland. We made it to Matt Talbot in time to get him dinner.

It felt good to be able to help Robert. It was a small act, but it kept him from going hungry. I was reminded that serving opportunities are all around us, no matter how small.

Heavenly Father, give me a serving heart and open my eyes to the opportunities around me. Help me to take that extra step. Amen.

Mark Mayer

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day40

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Wednesday, November 2

 
Day Thirty-nine

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream!"  Amos 5:24 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

“This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3, NIV)

God calls us to be just, to be fair to all people. He calls us to do what is right, to be righteous, to act on those things that are virtuous, noble, and ethical. He calls us to rescue those who cannot help themselves. He calls to go to the corners of the earth and serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.

This is how God wants us to live. He wants us to be filled by the truth, and for that to spread and flow like a river. He wants us to act as Christ did, and so that His Truth will be a river that never dries up. He wants us to do what is just and right. “I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.” (Amos 5:24, Msg) And you can be sure that a righteous man will never be shaken, and will be remembered forever. (Psalm 112:6)

Father, guide me to act on what is just and right, so that Your Truth may flow throughout the world like a never-falling stream.

Jenna Olson, Senior at Lincoln East High School

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day39

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Tuesday, November 1

 
Day Thirty-eight - What Will They Think?

“This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kidness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight' declares the Lord."  Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

I admit, I considered trying today’s Action Item – to wear the same clothes two days in a row – but I chickened out. I thought about how that might feel: to wear the exact same shirt, skirt, shoes and jewelry two consecutive days to work. And I knew I couldn’t do it. Not because I’d feel unclean or rumpled, but simply because I’d be embarrassed.

If I’d been able to explain exactly why I was wearing the same outfit two days in a row to my female coworkers (I suspect many of the men wouldn’t have noticed the wardrobe repetition!), I might have forged ahead. “It’s a poverty experiment for my church group,” I imagined myself saying. “I’m experiencing what it might be like to own only one set of clothes.”

But I knew that would have defeated the point. After all, people living in dire poverty don’t have the option to explain why they wear the same clothes day after day. For people living in dire poverty, owning a single set of clothes isn’t an experiment – it’s a reality.

The reason I chose not to wear the same outfit two days in a row is because I was concerned about my coworkers’ judgment. Would they think I was slovenly? Forgetful? Lazy? Would they suspect I’d had a wild night? Would they talk behind my back?

“…Let not the rich boast of his riches…” (Jeremiah 9: 23).

I’ve never considered that my clothes and accessories might be a badge of pride or a form of boasting. After all, I’m not particularly label or brand-conscious. But the fact that I was unwilling to wear the same outfit two days in a row tells me I am prideful indeed.

Lord, thank you for helping me recognize my prideful and boastful ways. Please help me better align my priorities with You, rather than with societal norms and expectations. Help me value kindness, justice and righteous over material possessions, and desire only Your delight rather than the shallow praise of my friends.

Michelle DeRusha 

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day38

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Monday, October 31

 
Day Thirty-seven

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."  2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

God loves a cheerful giver. What does this mean, a cheerful giver? I’ve struggled with this concept and with giving in general for most of my adult life (prior to that I just put in the offering plate whatever my father gave me when he dropped me off for Sunday school. Big sacrifice, right?). Over the years, my giving to the church has waxed and waned, both in terms of quantity and in the level of cheerfulness with which it is given. I admit there have been many times when I gave reluctantly and because I felt like I was supposed to. There was even a very long period during which I didn’t know if it was possible for me to be a cheerful giver. I thought maybe only “rich people” could do that.

In the last few years I have come to know more about and participate in Southwood’s service opportunities. My family and I have had the opportunity to do small service projects for congregation members and other community members. We’ve prepared food for Matt Talbot Kitchen and served food and cleaned at The Gathering Place. We’ve helped kids wrap presents for their families that they bought with points they earned participating in City Impact programs and we’ve traveled to Honduras to work side by side with members of our sister parish supporting the community at La Ceibita. I’ve learned three big lessons through these experiences.

1. Writing a check is only one way to give, and sometimes it’s not the best way.
2. When you take the time to go out and see how the money you give is spent to help others, the giving becomes much more meaningful (and the money less so).
3. Understanding the first two lessons makes the giver…cheerful.

Dear Lord, give me the faith to give generously, that I may serve your people with a cheerful heart.

Drew Buss

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day37

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Sunday, October 30

 
Day Thirty-six

“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor."  Proverbs 22:9 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

When we help the poor, we honor both the Creator and his creation. God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to him. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus. Things like feed the hungry, give the homeless a place to stay, look after the sick.

When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. Giving also helps us gain the right perspective. We have all heard that when we are the most down, and fixated on how bad our own situation is - the best thing we can do is give to someone else. Giving to others changes our perspective.

Proverbs tells us many times to help the poor. When we help the needy, we are really honoring God. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” Being kind and helping the poor isn’t just a one-time thing. But it is an attitude of caring, loving and giving.

Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible, it is a command that may inspire a whole new attitude.

Dear God, use me to help those in need. Show me how to embrace an attitude of sharing and caring for others. Not just today, but as a lifestyle of demonstrating my love for you. Amen.

Cindi McNair

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day36

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Saturday, October 29

 
Day Thirty-five

“10Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."  Malachi 3:10 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

My sister teaches elementary school. I remember her telling the story once about a lesson she was teaching on time. She asked the kids: “what does 10 minutes feel like.” One student astutely responded “It feels short if my mom says I have 10 minutes left to play at the park, but it feels so long if she says there are 10 minutes left before we leave to go to the park.” Children are so wise.

I wondered if the same concept applies to tithing. Tithing is the Biblical principle mentioned in Malachi 3 “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.” A “tithe” is 10 percent. The people of God are instructed to give 10 percent back to God. So, what does 10 percent feel like. Like the student in my sister’s classroom we might say something like this: “10 percent feels like nothing if a sweater I want to buy is 10 percent off, but it feels like a lot when I’m asked to give 10 of something I own away.”

The promise from the Bible is that when we give to God little by little, faithfully and cheerfully, the blessings that follow will pour out so that there will not be room for it. Wow!

From a 2009 CNN article: The churches of the U.S. last year received about $4 billion in donations. If the 112 million Americans who claim a religious affiliation had given one tenth— the traditional tithe—of their personal income to churches, that total could have topped $25 billion.

The difference between $4 billion and $25 billion is immense. Can you imagine the floodgates of blessings that would be opened up on the world if the church had resources like that? God tells us this is possible if we each as individuals sacrificially contribute from our own blessings to the storehouse.

It is incredibly difficult, but the blessings are truly immense.

Loving God, accept my humble offering this day. May I be so bold as to ask that you use it to bless the world. Amen.

Pastor Sara Spohr 

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day35

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Friday, October 28

 
Day Thirty-four

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"  Matthew 6:21 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

In the Lutheran liturgy used in Tanzania, the offering is the penultimate act. Even on the rare Holy Communion Sunday, the offering follows the sacrament immediately as a sign of thanksgiving. And after the conclusion of worship, the congregation marches outside to take part in an auction of materials brought by members without money, all proceeds contributing to the total offering for the Sunday. In this sense, the progression of worship builds towards offering, and the sacraments contribute to the realization of sacrifice: the gift of communion compels more giving, gathering culminates in sharing, worship leads to service. Every week people gather in these places of worship to sing, pray, confess, listen, and finally to offer of themselves. Thus, in the religious context of third world poverty, worship of God is fully realized in the sacrifice of property for the well-being of others: God’s goodness cannot be realized unless God is firstly realized as presently good in reality.

The verse for today is a common one which many people know. But unfortunately, many American Christians associate this verse with giving to people and institutions that are other, instead of the Body in which we all take part. When we take communion, we assert our presence both in God and in each other’s lives. As such, to do Eucharist honestly, we cannot help but serve those in need. Thus, our offering is not simply a trimming of our checkbooks, but a byproduct of the sacraments in which we believe and the faith we confess. When we pray “Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven,” we call on God to instigate salvation here and now, instead of some other place and time. In taking communion, we accept God’s invitation into our own roles in that realization. By communion with our indisputably impoverished brothers and sisters throughout the world, we cannot help but take part in their own worship, their own sacrifice, their own realization of God’s kingdom come.

This Body cannot receive unless it simultaneously gives. This heart cannot beat without the sustenance of a treasure given in God. May we open our hearts to the needs of the world, and, as Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, may our treasures follow likewise, as offerings to God, as building blocks of the kingdom made manifest today.

Loving God, we come before You in worship, that our actions of praise may become actions of mercy and grace in the world. We ask for Your blessing in our singing and praying, as well as in our serving and sacrificing. We pray that our actions may be one with our brothers and sisters across the world, that we may be one, great, worshipping, serving Body of You. Amen.

John Olson, Junior at University of Nebraska Lincoln

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day34

Hole in Our Gospel Daily Devotion-Thursday, October 27

 
Day Thirty-three

“He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”"  Luke 10:2 (NIV Faith in Action Study Bible)

The corn harvest in Nebraska this year could be a new state record of over 1.6 billion bushels. That’s enough corn to fill Memorial Stadium more than 500 times! A bumper crop like this requires plentiful sunshine, the right amount of rain, and a lot of hard work. Farmers work long hours to prepare the fields, plant the seed, apply fertilizer and monitor the crop so they can harvest at just the right time.

As Christians, we are exhorted in Luke to go out in the fields, but he’s not talking about corn fields. The harvest we are interested in is souls. This work requires the same level of attention and effort as that of the farmers. We have to get out of our comfort zones and get to work!

My wife and I decided to join a mission trip to Tanzania in 2005 which was way outside my comfort zone. I had many misgivings about what would happen and what we would be doing. It turned out great and is what got me involved in the life of the church beyond Sunday mornings. The experience made me appreciate how blessed we really are in this country. I was able to gain a different perspective on my life and realize what is truly important. It also gave me the opportunity to get to know my fellow missionaries and form bonds with them that have lasted to this day. Most importantly, mission develops a serving heart and has pushed me to embrace the work of Southwood and discover where I can use my talents as part of the body of Christ.

Not everyone has the desire or the resources to go on a mission trip to a foreign country. Fortunately, Southwood has a veritable cornucopia of mission opportunities so there should be a use for every talent and interest in our congregation. The “field work” of a Christian can be as simple as being a prayer partner for a church member on a mission trip, participating as an usher or greeter on Sunday morning, helping at the Gathering Place or Matt Talbot to prepare and serve food to hungry people, or being a Teammate mentor to a youth.

The opportunities are there. Get out in the field and get involved. The rewards are tremendous!

Glorious God, show me where my talents can be used to do your work on earth. Lead me into the field to be your hands. Amen.

Mark Mayer

More Resources are available: http://www.sixweekquest.com/pages/day33