It is rare that a Light for the Way devotional can be considered breaking news, but that is precisely what this is. I write to you from our board meeting, where our new biblical framework passages were just approved. Thanks again to everybody who contributed their thoughts, ideas, concerns and prayers to this process.
Half of these passages are returning from the framework we’ve used since 2017. Since they are hopefully familiar, they are paraphrased:
Jesus from the cross, ‘Here is your mother … Here is your son.’ —John 19
Stand in the presence of the aged … —Leviticus 19
Love one another. —John 13
Use your gifts as God’s grace. —1 Peter 4
The other half are new, and we are going to have a lot to say about them in the months to come. They will be explained, summarized and applied by your pastors and leaders until they are truly the framework of our ministry. But for now, because so many of you contributed, I present them without comment, letting the Word of God speak for itself.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
—Psalm 90:17
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:4-7
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. —Galatians 6:9-10
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. —Matthew 25:35-36, 40b
Stay tuned and God bless,
Pastor Chris
Rev. Chris Wheatley serves PHS as Senior Director of Pastoral Care Services. He is an ordained Lutheran pastor and has served in hospice, eldercare, hospital, HIV/AIDS and congregational settings. He and his wife Nicole are perpetually outnumbered by cats and Dobermans.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
