Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Knocked Down and Blinded
Today’s author is Prince of Peace’s Music Coordinator, Milt Warkentien.
Saul’s conversion has always seemed strange to me. It’s not just the way that the conversion took place, but also how God chose Saul to become a leader for Christianity. Saul, one of the most ruthless enforcers against Christians, is the one that God chose. Go figure. I can’t imagine the fear people felt when they were supposed to help Saul. Would I have heeded God’s word and helped Saul? Would I have believed what Saul was saying once he became Paul? Both of these are questions I hope I’d answer yes, but there is some doubt as that’d have been the case. A bigger question for me is, “Do I need to be knocked down and blinded to see?”
In 2003 Pastor Anita did a sermon and used this question. I don’t remember all the details, but I do know that the sermon got me thinking and I was able to write a piece on it. The fun part was that since the piece came quickly, we used it as the anthem the next Sunday in the gym service. What a fun surprise to give Anita. The hymn tune title of the piece is Beste. I leave you with the words of the piece, as I’m not sure I have a recording. Maybe I’ll use it someday soon. 🤓
“Do You Need to be Knocked Down and Blinded to See?”
Refrain: Do you need to be knocked down and blinded to see,
that God is always there by your side?
Do you follow God’s teachings in all that you do?
Is God your strength and guide?
1) Is God’s light shining brightly from you?
Are you casting your nets to the sea?
Are you spreading God’s message to others?
Are you living with love in your heart? (Refrain)
2) Is God’s light shining brightly from you?
Are you heeding God’s message today?
When you’re at work, or playing, is God there?
Are you using your talents to serve? (Refrain)
3) Is God’s light shining brightly from you?
Are you willing and anxious to serve?
Are you helpful and caring to others?
Do you say, “Here I am God, use me”? (Refrain)
Dear God, may our hearts be open to be your beacons of light to the world. May our lives be lived with the love that you give to us. May we never need to be knocked down and blinded to know that we’re your children. Amen
Previously…
What Language Do You Speak?
Today's author is Prince of Peace member & retired ELCA Pastor, Rev. Gary Olson. Please read Luke 7:18-23 John the Baptist was in prison; put there by King Herod Antipas because John had dared to speak truth to power. John told Herod and whoever would listen that...
When Doubt Finds Us
John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus’ mission, now sits in prison and asks, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is raw, honest—born of disappointment and unmet expectations. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John for doubting. Instead, He points to the evidence of transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. Jesus is rewriting the story, but not in the way John expected.
Great Expectations
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Jim Armstrong. Luke 4:14-30 Great news – Jesus is coming. He’s traveling in our direction. He will be here soon. Boy, will that be great. Did you hear what he’s been doing. I can’t believe it. He healed a blind man. He...
The Compassion of Jesus
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Rev. Steve Sveom. Luke 7:1-17 Luke tells the story of a centurion who demonstrates faith and Jesus who heals and restores the dead son of a grieving mother. The power of illness and death is powerful. The compassion of Jesus...