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Daily Worship

Bible readings and resources for your time with God

Do you like to write and spend time in God's Word? Contact Dave Thompson to learn more.



DAILY READING


REFLECTION

 

Reconciliation

By Kim Starr

 

Picture in your mind the most unlikely person you can think of who would be a compelling case for Christ. For me, it is American rapper, singer, and songwriter Jelly Roll. When I first saw Jelly Roll on TV, I was completely repulsed. He was this very large, unkempt person with tattoos everywhere, including his face. I immediately dismissed him solely on his appearance, but then I started seeing him everywhere and I got intrigued. Why? Because he was preaching a message of reconciliation and salvation to whoever would listen.


Jelly Roll has had a difficult life. His father was nefarious and his mother suffered from mental illness and addiction. He went to church and was baptized at 14, but at that same age, he started a 10-year cycle of being in and out of jail, included being convicted of felonies.

 

In 2023, Jelly Roll found his way back to church because his daughter expressed an interest in being baptized. He was concerned about what his daughter was getting into so he went to church with his daughter and was reminded of the genuineness, compassion, humanity, forgiveness, and love that is found in church. In a conversation with Brandon Lake, an American Christian worship singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jelly Roll said, "I might wear it a little different than other people, I might say things that other Christians don't think are right to say, but ultimately, I have a heart for God and I have a heart for Jesus.”

 

Brandon Lake co-wrote the song "Hard Fought Hallelujah." He wanted to collaborate with Jelly Roll on it because his story resonated with the song’s messages of hard-fought faith and perseverance. Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll sang the song together for the first time at the Grand ‘Ole Opry and have subsequently performed it on The Voice, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and at the Stagecoach Festival. The song has reached broad audiences who may have never heard about Jesus. Jelly Roll commented that he loves the conversation the song is creating as millions of people like himself are finding a safe place in God.

 

Through this song, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll have a platform to share with the world what Christ means to them. God, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, reconciled the world to himself. So, if God can repair His relationship with us by sacrificing his son, shouldn’t we be able to make our relationship with God good by living for Christ? Jelly Roll has said that, in his past, he was part of the problem. Now that he has reconciled himself to God, he wants to be part of the solution and help others.

 

Think back to the person who came to your mind when you began reading this devotion. Was it yourself? If not, could it have been? God sent Jesus to die for each of us so that, in him, we can become the righteousness of God. Let’s show others the hope we have in Jesus. How we look doesn’t matter. Our message of salvation does.


PRAYER


Jesus, while you were here on earth you used unlikely people over and over to demonstrate your love for us and teach us. You continue to use unlikely people today. Please use us and give us opportunities to share what you did for all of us with others. Let us have the confidence to share about you like Jelly Roll has. Thank you for giving him Brandon Lake, and us the opportunity to share what you did to reconcile the world to yourself. Amen.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.



 
 
 

DAILY READING


REFLECTION

 

The Resurrection of the Dead

By Dave Mann


Even though several religions profess the immortality of the soul, there is none other than

Christianity, as far as I know, that proclaims the resurrection of the dead. In the Apostles’ Creed, we announce boldly, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”  Because Jesus rose from the dead, we too shall rise to enter the presence of our holy God.  2 Corinthians 4:14 -- because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself

 

There are many, Christian or not, who believe the deceased person can do in the afterlife forever what they liked doing here on earth – playing golf, fishing, eating, seeing predeceased loved ones, etc.  But according to many passages of the Bible, including 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, the goal that we followers of Jesus have is not our own self-centered pleasure but rather the glory of God and living in the presence of God in Christ.

 

The goal of life on this earth is not to be able to do what we personally find enjoyable, but rather to live forever in God's presence.  Christ will be our judge.  How do we prepare to be in the presence of Christ, our righteous judge?  It is to be made righteous in his sight, through faith.

 

Our goal is not to find personal enjoyment forever – this is a narcissistic goal.  But we long to live forever in the presence of our holy God.  Our goal is to live in the presence of our Lord Jesus forever because we will be like him.

 

1 John 3:2 – But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 

 

Rom 8:29 – Our goal is “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

 

Whose idea was it that we sinful human beings might be made righteous somehow so that we could live forever in his presence?  It is God’s plan.  “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God” (2 Corinthians 5:5).  We followers of Jesus are also called to adopt God’s plan to be ours as well, whether we live on earth for the moment, or we live with him forever in heaven.  So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9). 

 

PRAYER

 

Today, please join me in musical prayer, a glorious celebration of the unique belief in the resurrection of the dead with “I Will Rise” (written by Chris Mullin, arranged by Craig Courtney and Lynda Hasseler). Click here to listen and to give God glory for the resurrection of the dead.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.



 
 
 

DAILY READING

REFLECTION


Don't Lose Heart!

By Elaine Pierce


Do Not Lose Heart. Twice in this chapter, Paul reminds the Corinthian church not to lose heart. Why do you suppose he does that? He is hard pressed on every side...perplexed...persecuted...struck down...his life is not exactly one of rest and relaxation. But he writes with absolute certainty that these earthly troubles are not the final outcome. Verse 18 sums up Paul's perspective:


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


I have never faced persecution for my faith, but I have certainty experienced doubt and fear, and I have been impatient with God. I want him to answer my prayers NOW, not later. I don't want to wait on his good timing. My timing seems right! It is often only when I look back on my life that I see God's hand at work. My goal - and maybe it is yours, too - is that I will deepen my faith and I will not lose heart.


Paul doesn't just encourage his readers not to lose heart. He tells them that is how he is living. And, really, it is the only way to live the Christian life. Day by day, despite the ups and downs of our sinful life, we don't lose heart because we know who we believe, and we know that he is able to keep that which we've committed unto him against that day. This old hymn will encourage you as you start your day. It is a paraphrase of 2 Timothy 2:12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFoFVRRYPk



PRAYER


Lord, there are times that I lost heart. I stray from your presence, and I follow my own wants and desires. Help me to look to you, the author and perfecter of my faith ,and to follow you day by day. Amen.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!



 
 
 
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