"Encountering the Transformative Glory of God"

 "Encountering the Transformative Glory of God"

By Rev. Russell M. Morrow

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 6:12-17, Isaiah 40:29-31

This week, we reflect on the awe-inspiring power of God's glory and its ability to transform our hearts and lives. In Isaiah 6:1-8, the prophet Isaiah has a profound vision of God's holiness and glory. Overwhelmed by this divine encounter, he becomes acutely aware of his sinfulness and the need for purification. God’s response is not to condemn Isaiah but to cleanse and commission him for a mission: “Here am I. Send me!”

Similarly, in Romans 6:12-17, Paul encourages believers to reject sin and offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but are transformed by grace. This transformation empowers us to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His glory in our daily actions.

Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us that God is the source of our strength and hope. When we trust Him, we are renewed and empowered to face life's challenges. The promise of renewed strength is a testament to God's unfailing support and love.

Reflection: As we consider these passages, we are reminded that encountering God's glory is not a one-time event but a continual process of transformation and renewal. God's holiness reveals our need for Him, His grace redeems us, and His strength sustains us.

Discussion Question: How have moments of encountering God's glory—whether through worship, prayer, or reading scripture—transformed your life? Share an experience where you felt God's transformative power and how it changed your perspective or actions.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your glory and holiness. Thank You for transforming our hearts through Your grace and strength. Help us to live as instruments of righteousness, reflecting Your love and glory in all we do. Renew our strength as we place our hope in You, and guide us in fulfilling the mission You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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This devotional reading concisely and powerfully reflects on the transformative power of God's glory, integrating the key themes from the scriptures. The discussion question encourages personal sharing and reflection, fostering deeper engagement and growth within your community.

I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live

I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live

By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-13

In the biblical narrative, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This promise was realized at Pentecost when disciples spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit in an unknown language, understood by a diverse group of people representing places from the known world in their native languages.

Why is this relevant today?

Suppose America mirrors the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37:1-4, with its deep divisions across political, cultural, racial, and religious lines. In that case, the church is responsible for prophesying [i] God's message of restoration and hope for the future, promising that God will heal and restore our nation.

How Can This Be"

Jesus' promise was completed in Acts 1:8, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, marking the birth of the church, known initially as "the people of the Way[ii]."

Pentecost occurred in a diverse atmosphere of people who came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Week, also called Shavuot. This event occurs 50 days after Passover and commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai[iii]. This event underscores the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, bringing together people of different backgrounds to understand and embrace God's message of love.

Just as God revived the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, He can restore our nation through the Holy Spirit working in us, starting right where we are. Despite challenges, we must trust in God's timing and promises. Living in the power of the Spirit means committing to the tasks God has given us, facing difficulties with faith, joyfully sharing the gospel, and waiting on God's promises with hope.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit, who gives us power and hope. As we reflect on Ezekiel's vision and the promise of Pentecost, help us to believe in Your power to revive our nation. May we speak Your words of life, work together in unity, live courageously, and wait expectantly for Your promises. Fill us with Your Spirit to be Your witnesses, renewing our land.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of America feel like a valley of dry bones to you?
2.  How can you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to bring life and hope?
3. What steps can you take to unite with others in your community to share God's love?

4.      May this Pentecost inspire us to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to bring life and hope to our nation, empower us to be faithful disciples of Jesus, and unite us in our diverse backgrounds to hear and share the same message of God's love.

The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer

 The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

John Chapter 17

Prayer, dear friends, is not just a mere act of communication; it is our direct line to God, a channel through which we pour our desires, joys, and sorrows. It is a comforting truth that whenever we reach out to God, He is always there, listening attentively to our every word. Indeed, Jesus himself, in his earthly journey, exemplified the profound importance of prayer.

Jesus's prayer life was extraordinary. In the quiet moments of the morning, on mountain slopes, and even in the darkness of night, he sought communion with his Heavenly Father. His example, documented in Mark and Luke, reveals a deep intimacy with God that sustained him through every trial and challenge, culminating in surrender on the cross.

In the prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of his disciples, expressing gratitude for their companionship and interceding for their protection, sanctification, and unity. His words resonate with a profound love and care that extends to them and all future believers, including us.

As we ponder this prayer, let us draw strength from its timeless truths. Firstly, in moments of adversity, let us find motivation and comfort in the knowledge that Jesus prayed for us. Secondly, let us allow his desire for unity among believers to shape our attitudes towards division, fostering love and reconciliation within our community. Thirdly, let us be inspired to pass on the legacy of faith to future generations, sharing Christ's love and hope with all we encounter.

As we continue our faith journey, remember that Jesus's prayer confirms God's enduring love and mission for us. Let us embrace this unity in our daily interactions, knowing that God grants us the strength and guidance we need to fulfill his purpose.

May this time of reflection deepen our understanding of prayer's power, purpose, and mission as we journey together in faith and love. Amen.

Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, we are blessed and thankful to know that Christ Jesus is at your right hand, interceding for us. We thank you for equipping and empowering us to live well in this world of chaos as we travel on the road of life to eternal life with you. Amen