Daily Devotional

This past Sunday, Rev. Wendy Lambert concluded our sermon series, Three Simple Rules. The final rule, originally expressed by John Wesley, is “Stay in love with God.” We have been given practices to help us stay connected to God’s love and grace. When we worship, pray, and study, we keep the love of God in front of us. As Rev. Lambert talked about our need to stay in love with God, she shared about Corrie Ten Boom.

Recently, St. Luke’s presented Bibles to our 3rd-grade students. It is a wonderful tradition. Each year, our students receive a Bible when they reach the age to read God’s word for themselves. It is an important time in their lives. The Bible contains the most important story they will ever encounter. We hope that as these students begin to discover for themselves the love God has for them.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This week we continue our sermon series on the Three Simple Rules. The third rule is to “stay in love with God.” John Wesley knew we needed to be intentional about our practices of faith. To stay connected to God and deepen our love for God, we are encouraged to use the tools we have been given: prayer, study, worship, and service. These significant practices help us stay in love with the One who first loved us.

John Wesley gave his early Methodists three simple rules: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. That third one sounds almost too soft for a rule until you realize what it’s actually protecting against — a faith that runs entirely on good moods and good parking.

The opportunity to do good is all around us. Sometimes, the good we do emerges from the most difficult moments of our lives. Bobby Wagner has helped many people through his charitable giving and dedicated work. For the past fourteen years, Bobby has played in the National Football League. Bobby plays one of the most challenging and toughest roles in the NFL. He is a linebacker. Last year, Bobby Wagner was the leading tackler on the Washington Commanders. He has been a leader both on and off the field.

Do you remember a time when you were the recipient of a small act of kindness? How did it make you feel? Was it a surprise? Did it put a smile on your face or bring a tear to your eye? Small acts of kindness possess tremendous power.

Our kindness comes from God’s outpouring of love into our world. As God’s love fills our hearts, we find the strength and courage to do good for others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.