Devotion for September 1

Now concerning the collection for the saints… On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn… 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

I was on the inside lane of the two lanes turning right, stopped at the intersection waiting for a long light. He was seated cross legged at the intersection with the usual sign: Will Work for Food…Please. Usually I ignore panhandlers – but, for some reason, I couldn’t fully turn away this time. So, I waved him over and gave him five dollars.

With the economy the way it is, I just couldn’t help believing that the pickings were probably pretty slim for him – and others like him. And I have been blessed – even though things are financially tight at the Foss house like for so many others. But I remembered St. Paul’s injunction above – to set aside, above the usual tithe, money to help those in need. In his case, it was the saints in Jerusalem who were recovering from a severe famine. In my case it was a single indigent hoping to eat. (At least that’s what I choose to believe.)

The spiritual freedom that simple act gave me was wonderful. The temptation in times like these is to hold back, to hang on tightly to what we have and not share. The freedom of the Christian is to let go and give. It’s not so much about what the other does with our generosity. It’s more about what God does in our own heart. And, of course, I’m not talking about irresponsible or excessive generosity. But the simple act of giving can be a spiritual declaration of independence – and, more importantly, of faith.

I’m glad I decided to give that five dollars. I hope you’ll give a bit in your own way too.

Devotion for July 15

It is good to give thanks to the Lord… to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2

            My friend, Anne, tells the story of working in Guatemala on a mission when a friend of hers had conversation with a student from Canada. The student was remarking on the wisdom of a priest and his work. When Anne’s colleague pointed out to the student that what the priest had shared was from the Bible, she exclaimed that it couldn’t have come from anything Christian, let alone the Bible, because it was all superstition! We can only imagine her surprise when Anne’s friend showed her where the priest’s wisdom was in the Bible.

            There are those who believe that Christianity is old and tired in the 21^st century. They point to the very real anti-Christian attitudes of our country – much like that student’s attitude. For me it is a matter of perspective. On the one hand, we can be discouraged and just keep working in the church. On the other hand, we can see this as a remarkable opportunity. That’s what Anne’s friend did. Instead of assuming the case for our faith was already lost to that student, she patiently brought her to the Bible and showed her.

            The time has come for us in the Christian churches to become bold and, as the psalmist suggests, declare God’s steadfast love in the morning and his faithfulness by night. The timeless truth of the Gospel is not tired or worn out. But some Christians and churches are. The problem is that we have had it relatively easy in this country for most of our years. The Christian faith was held in high regard in all areas of our society. We took that regard for granted. Now the world has changed, our society has changed, and what we once assumed is now questioned.

            What a great opportunity! But first we need to practice what we preach. Daily Bible reading and prayer equip us with a vibrant and deep relationship with Jesus Christ. From this well of faith we can raise up the witness that has sustained our faith throughout the centuries. Worship will replenish the well, as will spiritual friendships. And lastly, as we live disciplined giving of our financial resources, our witness will be built on a foundation of personal integrity. The challenges before us are very real… but the opportunities are even greater. Amen