The Ex-Factor 

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

    “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:17-18 NIV) 

Devotion:

 “Your ex-husband stayed with you when your son graduated?” my friend asked.

“Yes,” I said.

“That is the weirdest, most amazing thing I have ever heard,” she responded

It’s true. My ex-husband has stayed in our home a couple times for special occasions. I admit it felt odd. However, it was worth my uncomfortable feelings, because it allowed my children to observe a living example of forgiveness, kindness, and gentleness through the grace of God. 

In addition, my husband’s ex-wife has celebrated Thanksgiving dinner with our family. These few hours of “making peace” enabled me to create a deeper relationship with my stepdaughter. In my opinion, the results were well worth the anxiety I experienced prior to the “ex’s” arrival.

Although God does not command us to invite ex-spouses into our homes, He does expect us to forgive and attempt to be at peace with them as long as it depends on us. Out of all human relationships, “the ex-factor” holds the most potential to create conflict and bitterness. Every “ex-factor” contains its own problems, dilemmas, and special circumstances. As with any problem, we should always seek God for wisdom. 

So, as we proceed with the attitude of our key verse, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” let’s seek God’s advice and wisdom. He will direct our steps in any difficult relationship. Let’s put into practice Proverbs 2:9-11, “Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe (NLT).” The wisdom of God with the direction of the Holy Spirit will help us discern the right course of action with every relationship—even the ex-factor.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, grant me the desire and ability to pursue peace in every difficult relationship. Give me wisdom in complex relational interactions. Thank you for Your love and forgiveness in my own life. Allow me to mirror Your love and forgiveness love to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Consider the various relationships in your life. Make a list of people you feel animosity toward. Ask for the desire and ability to forgive anyone you harbor anger or bitterness against. Seek God’s direction with His words, “as far as it depends on you,” that you might live at peace within these relationships.

Reflections: 

How do I reflect God’s love in difficult relationships?

Are my children able to see my attempts at peace making?

Have I sought God’s wisdom in dealing with thorny people who intersect with my family?

Power verses:

Ephesians 4:31, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” (NLT) 

Hebrews 12:14-15, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (NIV) 

Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV) 

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Prince of Peace and a President

 

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)    

Devotion:

I tucked away the last of the Christmas decorations.  My house appeared tidy again after the Christmas disarray.  I began to dust the furniture and shelves when I came to the Nativity set.  I had purposely left it out as a reminder to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus all year along.  

I reflected on the recent holidays and sweet joy filled my heart. My thoughts leapt forward, “What is the next celebration coming up?”  I realized it is the inauguration of our 44^th President.

I gazed at the Nativity scene. Several times during December I heard the familiar verse from Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Then I recalled the next verse that speaks of Jesus’ role in government—an eternal government. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:7 NIV)  What joy!  What peace to know that Jesus is king of kings and Lord of lords that is a cause to celebrate no matter what country we live in.

This month, the United States is inaugurating a new President.  It’s a time to observe and utilize our religious freedoms.  Let’s start by praying for our newly elected President and all government officials.  Let’s honor God’s command found in our key verse, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  As followers of Christ who is the Prince of Peace, let’s honor, respect and pray for our President. 

Let’s remember the baby in the manger is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is also the Wonderful Counselor who guides Presidents and leaders as we lift them up in prayer.

Prayer:                                                                                                                                                             

Dear Lord, I pray for our national leaders. Allow their hearts to be open to Your wisdom and guidance. Remind me to pray for them fervently and frequently. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

A make a note on your calendar, weekly or monthly, to pray for our leaders in government.  Pray for them specifically by name.  Pray for wise decisions as they work with a myriad of problems that include terrorism and the economy.

Reflections: 

Do I complain about our government or pray for it?

In what issues should I pray for our government?

 Power verses:

Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (NIV)

Daniel 2:19-21, “During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (NIV)

Revelation 19:11,16, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True . . . On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (NIV)

©© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

No Power

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Today my plans were to “carpe-diem”—to seize the day. I snatched a yogurt and read my email. Next, I went for my daily three-mile walk, and then I hurried back to my office to write. That’s when the day went awry.

The lights flickered. My computer went dark. Oh great, I thought, the powers out! No power translates to no writing, no laundry, no vacuuming. OK, I’ll run to the grocery store and get my shopping out of the way. Of course, the garage door wouldn’t open until I climbed up on the bumper of my car and yanked the manual chain. Hurriedly, I climbed into the seat and turned the ignition key. Click, click, click. I noticed the instrument panel registered no juice from the battery, again no power. 

Disgusted at the day, I strode back into the house. I pondered anxiously what I could mark off on my to-do list with no electricity and no car. I spotted my Bible on the coffee table. All right, I will sit down and have my quiet time. Then I could check it off my list.

I sat down with my Bible study, my journal, and my Bible. As I began, I immediately felt a sense of peace flow into me. I read, Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (NIV). I knew I needed the power that comes only through the Holy Spirit to get me through this day! 

Then my study prompted me to 2 Peter 1:3. It read, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (NIV). His power would give me everything I need, every moment of every day, but I must allow myself to be filled with His Power. This can only occur when I settle down and spend time with God.

Suddenly, I realized the electrical power outage in my home was a blessing to me. I would have buzzed around doing my list of chores. It’s very likely I wouldn’t have sat down to read my Bible. I would have missed the most important Source of power for the day.

Tomorrow, I will start the day infusing myself with His power. I will pray, journal, and read my Bible. Then even if my day goes awry again, I will be prepared to handle it with the strength of Him who turns darkness into light. 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to realize that nothing is more important than my time with you. My moments with You equip me with the power I need to handle anything life throws my way. On my own, I am weak. But with You I can do anything when You strengthen me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Decide to have your devotional time in the morning for the rest of this week. Place your Bible, a good Bible study, and a journal in an easy to see place. Let it be your reminder that you need power from God each day before you tackle the rest of your to-do list. 

Refection points:      

Do I fret when my day goes awry from my plans?

Is my quiet time with God a top priority?

How can I receive more spiritual power in my life?

Power verses:

Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV) 

2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (NIV) 

Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV) 

Acts 3:12, “When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (NIV) 

  © 2007 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.