Category Archives: Devo Drops

Thoughts on daily devotional scripture readings

Bema

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My spell-check is trying to change Bema to Beam, but I have overcome. I have no thoughts to share on beams, but I do have something to say about the Bema.

What’s a “Bema”? Glad you asked. Here comes a history lesson.

The places of worship back in Jesus’ day looked nothing like our modern churches. In 1st century Israel, every village had a synagogue. And every synagogue had a Bema.

Synagogues were large, fairly plain spaces, where Jewish people gathered to worship Yahweh. Around the edges of the room were benches, like mini-bleachers, made of stone. Important people sat on the benches, while the common people sat on the floor, which was usually made of dirt or flagstone. In the center of the room was a small, slightly raised platform called the Bema. In the middle of the platform was a pedestal on which one of the Torah scrolls was placed. (Torah = the first five books of the Old Testament.) Someone would step up onto the Bema and read the Word of the LORD to the congregation.

On the Sabbath, the community came and gathered around the scriptures. The Word of God took center-stage. Because people were sitting in a circle around the Bema, they were able to look each other in the eyes. Each one could contribute to the discussion that followed the reading, although if a rabbi or special guest was in attendance, he was invited to speak.

As the disciples took the gospel to the Gentiles, many of the early Christians were Greek. Over time, the Greek influence was seen in Christian churches that were designed to accommodate larger groups, with a stage in front and rows of seats for an audience. As more time passed, the Bema was replaced by a pulpit. Worship consisted of sitting passively, looking at the back of others’ heads while professionals led from the stage. While scripture was still an important part of the worship service, most of the time was spent listening to one person expound. In Colonial America, a minister’s sermon could last several hours.

This may sound radical, but what if we went back to looking more like a synagogue than a theater? What if everyone came to worship ready to contribute? What if we beamed (!) a spotlight on the Bema?

It’s a crazy idea.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

Note of Thanks

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I used to make my kids write thank you notes. I was a firm believer that birthday money from Grandma or a Christmas present from Auntie deserved acknowledgement and gratitude. The notes were written in very large letters and usually ran along these lines:

Dear Grandma,
Thank you for the birthday money.
Thanks again!
Love,
Your favorite grandchild

The kids didn’t put a lot of thought or creativity into their sentiments. I didn’t care. I just wanted them to develop the habit of saying “thank you.” It was important to put the simple, terse words down on paper in actual handwriting. Emails, texts, and phone calls would not suffice. That would be too easy. Instead, the scritch-scratch of pencil on cardstock, the crooked address on the envelope and the licked stamp says, “I took the time to do this because I am serious about being grateful.”

Call me old-fashioned.

This year, I’m proposing a new, old-fashioned tradition.
Write a thank you note to God.

Put the pen to paper and jot down a few sincere words of appreciation. Instead of extemporaneous spoken prayers or recited doxologies, give it some thought and maybe a little creativity. A yearly record of gratitude at Thanksgiving could stand as a witness to generations yet unborn.

If you need some inspiration, open to Psalm 106, 107, 118, 0r 136. They all begin with the same line: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.” That’s an excellent place to start.

No Thanks

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Thanksgiving is two weeks away! It’s time to buy a turkey, dig out my gravy-splattered recipe cards, and one other thing….oh yeah! Give thanks.

Being thankful and saying “thank you” are two different things. I am struck by how genuinely grateful people seem to be this time of year, yet not many know whom to thank. It’s like appreciating the feast laid out on the table without saying “thank you” to the cook. Knowing Whom to thank makes all the difference.

In November, my Bible automatically opens to Luke 17 where the healing of ten men leaves Jesus asking questions. I make note of all questions when they appear in the Bible, but when the Son of God puts forth a query, I sit up and pay attention.

“Were not all ten cleansed?
Where are the other nine?”
Luke 17:17

The account begins with Jesus going into a village and being met by ten men who had leprosy. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

This poor, pathetic group of outcasts must have recognized Jesus from afar. They seemed to know He had healing power, although all they asked for was pity. No one in the group of ten dared to draw near to the Master, but kept their distance and yelled out at Him. Jesus yelled back and they were cleansed as they walked away.

Nine men kept walking. One man turned around.
Nine men were cleansed. One man was healed.
Nine men were grateful. One man said, “Thank You.”

Hear the difference:

Ten men
stood at a distance
and called out in a loud voice.
They went and were cleansed.

One man
fell at Jesus’ feet
and praised God in a loud voice.
He came back and was healed.

All ten had faith—only one had gratitude.

Dear Jesus,
may my call for help from a distance
draw me to Your feet with praise.

Oh Lord God,
may the intensity of my thanks
match the fervency of my requests.

Make Yourself At Home

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PB and I have gone into homes where no one offered to take our coats (so we tossed them in a corner), we weren’t welcomed to come in and sit down (so we stood around awkwardly), and nothing was offered to eat or drink (although cookies sat on a plate all evening). Sometimes people just don’t know how to be hospitable.

We’ve also been places where we were greeted politely (although it seemed a bit formal), we were escorted to an immaculate parlor (where we sat awkwardly), and gourmet food was served (with all the properly placed silverware and goblets). Sometimes people only know how to entertain.

For over three decades, PB ended worship services with a paraphrase of Ephesians 3:17-19. It starts like this: “We pray that Christ will be more and more at home in our hearts, living within us as we trust in Him…”

Is Christ “at home” in my heart?

Do I address Him formally? (Dear Gawwwwd.) Is there awkwardness between us because there are things too touchy to talk about? (I’d rather not discuss that please.) Am I following the rules of etiquette and decorum? (And making sure everybody else is, too.)

Am I trying to entertain God?

Or am I waiting at the door, anxious to invite Him in with warmth and joy? (Lord! I’m so glad You’re here!) Do I offer Him myself, foibles and faults included? (I’m not much, but I’m all Yours.) Does He feel comfortable enough to put His feet up on my coffee table? (Make Yourself at home here.)

Is my heart hospitable?

I can invite Jesus to stop by, perhaps on special occasions. I can clean up the place, get dressed up, and put out the best china. But He’s not impressed by my outward show of righteousness.

Or I can sign over the deed to the place and give Him ownership. I can let Him clean out the closets, clothe me in His righteousness, and fellowship at the table daily.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I’d bring Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I’d do my part.
Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.
~ Christina Rossetti


Coming and Going

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PB and I have been doing some coming and going.
We took a drive up north to see the fall colors.
The leaves weren’t in full autumn splendor,
but glorious nonetheless.

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”
Ps. 121:8

This verse is from a dearly loved psalm in which the phrase “watch over” appears five times in eight verses. I often send this verse to people who are anticipating a surgical procedure. I tweak it just a bit: “The Lord will watch over your going into anesthesia and coming out of anesthesia both now and forevermore.”

I’ve read that psalm hundreds of times, but today I noticed something new. The Lord is most watchful when we’re moving. Coming and going. Going and coming.

Our Teddy is a boy on the move. When he visits, I am on high alert making sure he isn’t riding his bike out on the street or wandering off into the woods by himself. I need to be on the lookout for swinging baseball bats and flying Nerf gun bullets. My ears are attentive to the sound of the rattling cookie jar lid and the crash of thousands of Lego pieces being dumped out.

But when I’m reading “The Bunny Book” to Teddy, he sits still and cuddles up to me. I relax and enjoy the momentary closeness. It’s magical.

God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful so it’s not taxing for Him to keep watch over my coming and going. Yet, I wonder if He most enjoys those moments when I cease my striving and simply sit still, savoring His nearness.

“What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
(Westminster Catechism)

Be a Bee

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Once upon a time there was a Garden. It was full of beautiful blooms and fragrant flowers. Garden creatures scuttled under the brush and winged flyers skimmed over the petals.

garden

Light and airy after a lifetime of crawling in dirt, the newly transformed butterfly was the most enchanting creature in the Garden. It hovered and glided and danced about with grace. It careened through the spikes of foxglove and wove between the wispy cosmos. Its wings caught the sunshine and made the Garden sparkle. Landing for only a second or two, it continued to flit here and there and everywhere. After two weeks it was gone. It had given a measure of joy and frivolity to the Garden, but had not contributed in any meaningful way.

butterfly

Another heartier breed also buzzed among the foliage. Not as light and airy, not as sparkly or whimsical, the bee was not on holiday in the Garden. The bee was there on a mission. This round-bodied flyer did not have the grace of the butterfly. It did not flit or charm. The bee did no stylish pirouettes. Instead, this one dove straight into the depth of the blossoms, drawing out the nectar, burrowing down into the fragrance. Having done its job, the dive-bomber sped out of the Garden and deposited its bounty into the hive. 

bee

What is the meaning of the story of the butterfly and the bee?

bible

“To get anything from our Bibles, we must plunge in. Butterflies wander over the flowers in the garden and accomplish nothing, but bees plunge right down into the flower, and carry away essential food. We won’t get anything if we just hover over our Bibles; we have to dive right in.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible, Acts Commentary 

In other words, be a bee.  

“How sweet are your promises to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103

Letters

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This is the way I feel sometimes.

There are letters floating all around me and in me.
If only I could grab the right combination of those shiny characters—
snatch them out of the air,
shake them up in my hand,
toss them onto the paper,
then I could be profound.

Some days those letters don’t want to stop swirling long enough
to come together in a coherent thought.
Sometimes those ABCs just don’t cooperate.

When that happens,
I simply offer the alphabet to God.
I ask Him to arrange those twenty-six letters
into words, sentences, and paragraphs that please Him.

When my words are slow in coming,
I recall this advise on prayer given by Jewish rabbis:

“If you recite the alphabet five times very slowly,
God, to whom all prayers are known,
will put the letters together to form
the prayers you can’t put to words.”

After all,
He is The Word,
The Alpha-Omega.
“Lord, to whom shall we go?
You alone hold the words of life.”
John 6:68

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie

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My granddaughters love to create bracelets and necklaces with beads.
Itsy bitsy teenie weenie beads.
I have established a system for this artistic endeavor.

The puzzle board comes out from under the couch.

The boxes of beads go onto the board.

And away they go.

The puzzle board prevents the delightful sound of tiny beads bouncing all over the floor. Most of the time. The girls are very careful and they keep the pink beads in the pink section, the blue beads in the blue section, etc. I have taught them well. When everybody goes home, I put the boxes away and slide the puzzle board back under the couch. It’s all very orderly.

Until this happened.

It wasn’t the nine year old or the four year old.
It was me. I tipped it over after everyone was gone.
And yes, I spent the following week sorting out those darn beads.

I’m so glad it happened, though,
because as I was picking up all the minuscule pieces,
I heard the Spirit whisper.

“Some days your life is nicely sorted and everything is in place.
Don’t get too smug.
Some days your life is a chaotic, disordered, mixed-up mess.
Don’t despair.
There is beauty in all of it.”

“In Him, all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:17

Even the itsy bitsy teenie weenie things.

First Day Drop Off

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Our granddaughter started kindergarten this fall. There were tears on the first day, but not from the 5 year old. It was her dad who had the sniffles. Understandable, since he has spent all day every day with his little girl for five years. The realization that children grow up can be jolting.

Watching our sweet girl go off to school makes me appreciate the biblical account of Hannah and her sweet boy, Samuel.

According to my Bible Reading Plan for 2023, I’ll be spending the next several weeks in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel. It’s a manageable five chapters per week through November. Join me?

Hannah promised God that if she was blessed with a son, she would give the child back to the Lord. The long awaited baby she had fervently prayed for finally arrived. And she kept her end of the deal.

Waiting until Samuel was weaned (and probably potty trained), Hannah had a few years with her baby boy. Then one day she dropped him off at the tabernacle with an elderly priest who had a terrible track record as a parent of two wicked sons.

What did Hannah do next?
She sang.

How I rejoice in the Lord!
How he has blessed me!
Now I have an answer for my enemies,
For the Lord has solved my problem.
How I rejoice!
No one is as holy as the Lord!
There is no other God,
Nor any Rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:1-2

Surely there were a few sniffles on the 15 mile walk back home.

Hannah would go on to have five more children,
but she didn’t know it that day.
Samuel would become a great prophet of the Lord,
but she didn’t know it that day.
Samuel would later return to his hometown,
but she didn’t know it that day.
Hannah’s story would be recorded in holy scripture,
but she didn’t know it that day.

All Hannah did was
fervently pray,
humbly surrender,
and joyfully sing.

May we be like Hannah,
because there are things we don’t know today.

Cloud of Witnesses

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2

This is what I hope it looks like when I cross over into heaven.
I don’t care too much about pearly gates or streets of gold.

I just want to round third base,
turn toward home,
and see my people
cheering me on.

Noah and Abraham,
Moses and David,
Mary Magdalene and Rahab,
John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon,
Great-great-grandma Harriet,
Barbie and Mom and Dad.

When I look up and fix my eyes on the face of Jesus,
I’ll hit my knees right there on home plate.

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way,
all these veterans cheering us on?
It means we’d better get on with it.
Strip down, start running—and never quit!
No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.
Hebrews 12:1-2, The Message