Bible Readings and Devotion for August 18 & 19, 2020
Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:
August 18
August 19
Devotion for August 18, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
In the early 1970s my family lived in the city of Fullerton, in Orange County, California. Our home was about 5 miles from Disneyland. Being a family of four kids we took full advantage of living so close to the theme park. One benefit was that we could see the Disney fireworks from our front yard. My favorite attractions at the park were: The Enchanted Tiki Room, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Pirates sing this song as part of the attraction:
“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”
Lyrics by Xavier X. Atencio, and music by George Bruns
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot,
Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We kindle and char, inflame and ignite,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We burn up the city, we’re really a fright,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We’re rascals, scoundrels, villains, and knaves,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
We’re devils and black sheep, really bad eggs,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.
We’re beggars and blighters, ne’er-do-well cads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we’re loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.
Here is a video link for the song. The singing starts at about 2:25 into the video.
Why I mention this silly song from Disneyland is because pirates like treasure. Their treasure is cash, gold, jewels, ships, etc. What they treasure directs their actions. They treasure these things so much that they will, as the song says, “We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot…”
In a much more godly and good way, the Lord guides us by his Spirit to treasure something greater and eternal. In Psalm 119:11, we read, “I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.” We get to treasure and celebrate the Word of God. The Word of God is also Jesus Christ, God the Son. This psalm points us to that even great Word, the God who has come among us and has given us his all so that we might have life, and have it abundantly.
The work of Jesus brings us forgiveness. The work of Jesus, the message of the Word of God, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit help us move from this forgiveness to living God’s way. As the psalm notes, when we treasure the Word it helps us avoid sinning against the Lord. Whatever we treasure most of all will affect how we live. If we treasure God and his Word most, then this treasure will help us live God’s most excellent way. If we treasure above all in the world the things such as the pirates do in the song, or anything which is not God, it will draw us away from godly ways.
Prayer
A Prayer of Martin Luther:
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen
Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
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