Germantown UMC Devotionals

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Opening: What is most inconvenient when the power goes out for a day or two: no TV/Internet, food storage/prep, so dark at night?

Scripture: Tomorrow begins a new message series, and the message comes from today’s text. Read Isaiah 9:2-7; 7:14; Luke 4:18-21.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

When have you experienced a “dark” time? What were the circumstances? What did it feel like? What was your overriding emotion when you finally “saw the light”?
Of the four characteristics of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, which is the most meaningful to you right now in your life?
Isaiah 7:14 tells us the Messiah will be Immanuel – “God with us.” In what ways do you feel God with you? In what ways does it seem you are still in the “land of deep darkness”[1]?
If all five areas of Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-21 are to be carried on by the church as a whole, which area of concern do you give priority and which do you tend to neglect:

1. Preaching the Gospel?

2. Helping people to be free to live for God?

3. Performing acts of mercy?

4. Work for fair and just social structures?

5. Explaining God's grace to disheartened people?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, as we begin the season of Advent, that Christ would come into or worship and our lives.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Expect a Miracle.“

[1] Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)

Friday, November 30, 2012

Opening: What food is definitely “off-limits” for you, something you will never eat?

Scripture: Read Romans 14:1-12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

As he nears the end of his letter, Paul addresses a specific dispute, probably over whether Christians need to abide by Jewish food and Sabbath laws. For him, these are “gray areas” – issues over which equally committed Christians can disagree. What are some controversial, gray areas in your life, family, the church?
Paul clearly sides theologically with the “strong” (who did not feel compelled to follow those laws), but he encourages them not to despise or scandalize the “weak.” Are you more likely to believe, behave, and react with a strong conviction or mindful of the weak?
When has your “freedom” been a stumbling block to someone else? What happened?

Prayer Focus: That everything we do – living or dying – we would belong to the Lord (see verse 8).

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Opening: What was the occasion of your first debt or loan?

Scripture: Read Romans 13:8-14.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

We live in a society of debt: credit cards, mortgages, second mortgages (to pay off another debt), national debt. Paul tells us “Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other.”[1] How can you eliminate your financial debt?
“Love People.” Ever heard that before? Who do you owe a debt of love to? Who do you need to start investing your “love currency” into?
How would your life be different if you consciously tried to “wear” Jesus Christ? What must change to ensure a better fit?

Prayer Focus: That we would fully love people (and of course, love God).

[1] Romans 13:8 (MSG)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Opening: When was the last time you got a traffic ticket? How did you feel about the police officer?

Scripture: Read Romans 13:1-7.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

Who are the authorities in your life: family, occupation, church, government, etc.? Why does Paul say we should submit to governing authorities? How do you understand this passage in lieu of the context of Paul’s time, where pagan Roman rulers were preparing to martyr Christians?
What principles do you find in this passage that help you deal with authority?
Paul does not advocate blind obedience when faced with conflict with your beliefs. He was eventually martyred for “violating” Roman laws regarding who is Lord was, Jesus or Caesar. How do you find the balance between submitting to authorities and peaceful civil disobedience?

Prayer Focus: That we would submit to our leaders in obedience to God.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Opening: As a child, who was the troublemaker in your family? Who was the peacemaker?

Scripture: Read Romans 12:9-21.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

Today’s reading is a description of the life that is pleasing to God (see verses 1-2). Take a piece of paper and individually list the descriptions.
Not surprisingly, love heads the list, for all that Paul says is embraced by the call to love (also see John 13:34–35).
Of the commands listed here, which two are easiest for you to keep? Which two are most difficult?
What relationship in your life most needs the teaching in this passage?

Prayer Focus: Take a moment to ask for God’s forgiveness, understanding, patience, and power for this relationship?

Monday, November 26, 2012

Opening: What is the thing you are most proud of – accomplishment, talent, position?

Scripture: Read Romans 12:3-8.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

Are you inclined to “think of yourself more highly than you ought” (verse 3) or put yourself down? Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest and accurate self-evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth—our identity in Christ. Apart from him, we aren't capable of very much by eternal standards; in him, we are valuable and capable of worthy service. Evaluating yourself by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God's eyes.[1]
How clear is your sense of the gifts God has given you? If you do not know what spiritual gifts are, or what your gifts are, plan to attend the First Sunday: Spiritual Gifts class on February 3, 2013.
What holds you back from using your gifts more fully?

Prayer Focus: That we would be fully devoted and fully functioning members of Christ’s body.

[1] Life Application Study Bible, Romans 12:3

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Opening: As a teen, how did peer pressure affect the way you dressed? How you acted (any former hippies out there)? What entertainment (music, TV, movies, parties) did you take in?

Scripture: Read Romans 12:1-2.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

Sound familiar? It should. Verse 1 has been our theme verse for our message series “Living Sacrifices.”
How can you offer your “body” as a living sacrifice?
What does verse 1 add to your understanding of true worship (also see Romans 6:13 and 8:13)?
In what ways do you tend to conform to the world? How does the “renewing of your mind” happen (see verse 2)?
Are you asking any “What’s God’s will for me” questions right now? How can you discern His direction and purpose for you?

Prayer Focus: That we would be holy and pleasing to God.