Devotion Week 2
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Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Everyone has hope. There truly isn’t anyone completely hopeless, no matter how things feel in the moment. Even in those dire times, we will have some semblance of hope in something or someone that will enter in our circumstances and make it better, even if just a little better. The good news of Jesus’ coming is that He brings a hope that not only can make things better, but it makes us better in the process. The hope Jesus brings is far better than anything or anyone we could hope in, because the hope of Jesus will not fail or disappoint us, or even let us down. It may not come in the way or timing we expect or desire, but it has far better impact on our circumstances and life than any other.
Reflection
1. What things or areas in your life are you putting your hope in something or someone other than Jesus?
2. What would it look like for you to hope only in Jesus instead?
3. How have you experienced the hope that transforms from Romans 5? Ask the Holy Spirit to pour God’s love into your heart to experience more of the hope that will not disappoint.
Practices
Prayer Practice - Collects
Recite and Meditate on the following Prayer Collects from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hospitality/Marginalized/Elderly:
Hospitality is a spiritual practice rooted in welcoming and embracing others with warmth and openness, creating a space where individuals feel valued and accepted. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone who you could open your home to or take out to eat. It could be an elderly neighbor, a new person at church, a co-worker, or an old friend from High School.
Sabbath
Sabbath involves setting aside a dedicated day for rest, worship, and reflection, following the biblical principle of taking a day of rest on the seventh day, as seen in the Genesis creation narrative. It is an intentional and sacred pause, emphasizing the importance of replenishing the soul, connecting with God, and fostering a sense of gratitude and spiritual rejuvenation. As Rich Villodas says, “Sabbath is one of clearest signs of the gospel of grace. You intentionally accomplish nothing and God still loves you. Such good news”.
Christmas Box Giveaway at Food Pantry and Outreach
We are serving 150 families in need through our Christmas Meal Box Giveaway on Saturday, December 16th from 12:00 to 3:00pm. The families will drive-thru to pick up their Christmas Meal Box at our Food Pantry and we will have caroling, baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate. You can help by providing baked goods or signing up to volunteer. Go to
events. lancastervineyard.org for more info and to sign up.