GPUMC Lenten Devotions - 2012

Easter Sunday - April 24, 2011

2011-04-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Christ, The Lord, Is Risen Today!

"CHRIST, the Lord, is risen to-day," Sons of men and angels say!
Raise your joys and triumphs high: Sing, ye heavens; thou earth, reply.

Love's redeeming work is done; Fought the fight, the battle won:
Lo! the sun's eclipse is o'er, Lo! he sets in blood no more!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Christ hath burst the gates of hell:
Death in vain forbids his rise, Christ hath opened Paradise.

Lives again our glorious King! Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save; Where's thy victory, boasting grave

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Following our exalted Head:
Made like him, like him we rise, Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

King of glory! Soul of bliss! Everlasting life is this,
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Thus to sing, and thus to love.

Charles Wesley (from 1739)

April 23, 2011

2011-04-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

Everyday Signs Often Go Unnoticed

Read: Psalm 23 and 121

As most of you know, (and I won’t deny it), I am a car guy. I take a lot of heat for that most of the time. Pretty much everyone dismisses my car “selections” as extreme, or extraordinary – not very realistic. Everyone except my Aunt Martha. I was Martha’s “car guy.” She told me so. I shared special times with her in all her vehicles. Let me tell you the first car I remember her having, a new 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass – I remember my father going to get it after an accident Martha had with it. No one was hurt but the car was totaled, as I recall. My father had towed it back to our house where it sat in the backyard, next to the garage, I believe waiting for the insurance adjuster to make a final ruling on it. I played in that car as a kid. It was kind-of like the movie “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang.” Remember from the movie the kids playing in the wrecked car? Maybe, just maybe – this is where my interest in cars took root.

After the Cutlass was a used 1970 blue Mustang not the “sporty Mustang Mach 1” (which would have been my choice), but the Mustang “Ghia” - what I will call the “pampered” edition – with a full vinyl top no less – which to say the least was somewhat unique. As was Martha. Next up was the brand new 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass coupe. Baby blue with a white landau vinyl top, her Cutlass had white buckets seats with a really neat automatic floor console shift.

There were lots more after that, but here’s where I’m going with all of this. Martha had all of these, what I will call “close hits.” I finally got my chance for full input in 1998. I was now her car guy, officially. I knew what she deserved, but would never have picked out for herself. She was too humble – me, unfortunately, “Not-so-much.”
Martha thought she might like a Buick. “I’ve never had a Buick,” she said to me. Keep in mind Martha was only after transportation at this point in her life. But her “car guy” knew what he wanted for her. What she deserved. She had not seen anything she was interested in. I said to her “Over there, that’s the one you want,” pointing to the Regal GS. She immediately said no – I don’t need anything like that. I was insistent. I said, “Yes – Yes, that’s the one you want.” Now Martha at this point in her life was somewhat unstable with her walking. But, picture this, I made her walk to the other side of the lot, and then climb – yes climb up onto these cement blocks holding this Regal GS. Once we got up there I remember her gasping and saying she can’t believe she climbed up here, but there we were, peering into the side windows like little kids. Gray leather cushy seats, console and bucket seats in the front with the automatic floor shift. All the bells and whistles except for a sunroof – she was adamant it not have a sunroof. So here we are, I said Martha this is your car – it has everything on it and the only thing it’s missing is a sunroof. It’s like it’s meant to be! And I truly believe it was. Martha, not so much . . .

Now here’s what came to me early one Wednesday morning. I knew I had to share with you, so I wrote myself a note. I know Martha secretly loved that car – it took both of us, but we finally hit the mark with the Regal GS. In retrospect, it actually carries a very special message to the rest of us about Martha – A sign, I believe. Who possibly could have known? I certainly never put it together. The “GS” in Regal GS stands for “Gran Sport”
My Aunt Martha was a “Gran Sport.” With everything medical she had to deal with since the age of four, she was a “Gran Sport.” The way Martha approached life – and the special challenges in her life – she truly and indeed was a “Gran Sport.”

Thanks be to God for my Aunt Martha – the comfort I find in her life, and in her Buick. We should all go through life facing all the everyday challenges like Martha did – by being “Gran Sports.”

Bill Kremer

Good Friday - April 22, 2011

2011-04-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done

    O Love divine, what has thou done!
    The immortal God hath died for me!
    The Father's coeternal Son
    bore all my sins upon the tree.
    Th' immortal God for me hath died:
    My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

    Is crucified for me and you,
    to bring us rebels back to God.
    Believe, believe the record true,
    ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.
    Pardon for all flows from his side:
    My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

    Behold him, all ye that pass by,
    the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
    Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
    and say, "Was ever grief like his?"
    Come, feel with me his blood applied:
    My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Charles Wesley

Maundy Thursday - April 21, 2011

2011-04-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

Bread and Wine

Read John 6:35-58; Hebrews 10:1-25

Bread of the world, in mercy brokenWine of the soul, in mercy shed,By whom the words of life were spoken,And in whose death our sins are dead. Bread of the World by Reginald Heber (UM Hymnal #624)

Communion. The Eucharist. The Mass. The Last Supper. The Passover.

What is it that happens when we participate in Communion? Are we commemorating the Last Supper? Are we looking forward to that Heavenly Feast? Are we celebrating a special closeness with the Lord Jesus? Yes, we are.

The elements, the bread and wine, are taken from the Passover meal celebrated by Jesus with His disciples before His Crucifixion. They are a part of the tradition of the Jews from the days of the Exodus down to our own day, and they truly foreshadowed the sacrifice Christ was to make for us. So when we take Communion, we take part in that long line of history; but that’s not the whole story!

“This is My Body” “This is My Blood” The ceremony, as completed by Jesus, not only took in the Passover, but the whole sacrificial system under which His people had been living since the days of Moses. Think what a devout Jew would have seen at the Temple: the sacrifice was literally a bloody affair. The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on the altar, and covered the sins of the people.

But what happens in Communion? The blood of Jesus doesn’t merely cover our sins, leaving us needing another dose later. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins; and the word in the Bible is in a tense that lets us know that it not only has cleansed us, but it keeps on cleansing us of all unrighteousness.

What is it that happens when we participate in Communion? We celebrate the amazing Love of God for us; a Love expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, our Lord - Jesus Christ. Feed on Him, and know that in Him you are forgiven.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You confidently in prayer, knowing I stand cleansed by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. In His name I ask that the Holy Spirit who indwells me will make me ever more aware of the fellowship I share, both with You and with other believers. Thank you for the sacrament, and for allowing me to share in it. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear;the feast, though not the love, is past and gone.The bread and wine remove; but thou art here,nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.

Charlie van Becelaere

April 20, 2011

2011-04-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Not Neglect My Gift

Read: 1 Timothy 4:13-15

Unto the stars I looked
No like could be the place again
Lost in self-being and will
The created was my apocalypse

When we went on our first Confirmation retreat, our first assignment was to listen to the night. That day I was starting to think about giving up my art of words. Somehow, though, the stars conveyed to me that I should tell the story of my existence through poetry. That I should “not neglect my gift.”

Dear God, help us to be ever mindful of the gifts we have received, and how they can help, whether it be mentally, physically, or emotionally. Amen

Emily Stowell

April 19, 2011

2011-04-19T03:01:00.000-07:00

True Happiness Comes from Within

Read: Matthew 6:19-23

When I started studying for the Bar Exam last summer, it soon became very clear to me that if I didn’t start cutting out some time to relax and reflect each day, I would most likely end up certifiably insane by the time July rolled around. And so, I practiced yoga. I indulged in the occasional $10 chair massage from the nail salon down the street. I tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to meditate each morning for at least 15 minutes.

Perhaps most useful were the audiobooks I downloaded, which I listened to every day while I walked my dog. I listened to the “Seven Spiritual Laws” from Deepak Chopra and learned about “The Art of Happiness” from the Dalai Lama. Toward the end of my long reign of studying, my mom (perhaps sensing my possible nervous breakdown herself) sent a care packaged filled with books – including “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” and other books of that nature.

Despite the various authors from different walks of life, it seemed all of these books had the same underlying theme: most of what we THINK is important in life simply isn’t. Most of what we THINK defines us doesn’t. While this idea wasn’t exactly new to me, it took on a new meaning against the backdrop of studying for what I thought was a life-defining, do-or-die exam. If I were to fail, I once thought, it was the sort of setback that made ME a failure as well.

I began to understand, as the summer went on, that whether I passed an exam or not, it wouldn’t define who I am. When I did pass (phew), but then found myself unemployed for close to five months (with all of one measly interview to my name), it was perhaps even more difficult to remember that whether or not I had a job did not define me, either. And when things got especially difficulty, and I was feeling especially dejected, I tried to remember back to the “laws” I learned over the summer – and I’m not talking about the ones that were tested on the bar exam.

Practice non-judgment (even of yourself). Accept people, situations and events as they occur. Trust that there is a reason things don’t always go your way. Seek your higher self. Practice compassion. Remember that true happiness comes from within. Relinquish your attachment to titles and possessions. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

These teachings aren’t based exclusively in Christianity. But in the spirit of Lent, which evokes self-reflection, sacrifice, and ultimately, renewal, I thought I would share those teachings that inspired me. I use them as daily reminders that most of my worries are wasteful, and that a person can only be truly happy once they are truly happy having nothing at all.
(I know, easier said than done. But worth consideration every once-in-awhile).

Beth Filice

April 18, 2011

2011-04-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

Just Because

Read: 1 John 4:19

The first time I met and got to hold my grandson, Logan, I knew I loved him. He’d just arrived in this world. He didn’t talk. He didn’t crawl. He didn’t play with me. He didn’t do anything. But, I knew I loved him. He didn’t need to do anything for my love. He is my grandson.

Logan is a year and a half old now. I just came back from a visit to California where he lives with my daughter, Laura, and my son-in-law, Eric. Logan walks now. He talks too. And, he plays with me down on the floor. He also will cry, throw an occasional tantrum and act “feisty” as my daughter, Laura, refers to it. I love him anyhow. I love him just because.

I’d like to think God loves me just the same way.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the blessing of my grandson and for the real example of what your unconditional love is all about. Keep your examples coming. Amen.

Mike Bernhardt

Palm Sunday - April 17, 2011

2011-04-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

Depth of Mercy

Depth of mercy! Can there be
mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood his grace,
long provoked him to his face,
would not hearken to his calls,
grieved him by a thousand falls.

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
oft profaned his hallowed name,
put him to an open shame.

There for me the Savior stands,
shows his wounds and spreads his hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Now incline me to repent,
let me now my sins lament,
now my foul revolt deplore,
weep, believe, and sin no more.

Charles Wesley

April 16, 2011

2011-04-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

The Right Side

Read: John 21: 3-13

The Lord said, “Fish off the Right side of the Boat.” So I always start on the Starboard quarter. We’ve taught a lot of kids to fish, we usually take them for 6-8 hour trips. Sometimes I think I like teaching the kids more than I do catching the fish. Naaawwww catching is best.

Last fall we had a chance to take a few United Methodist Youth out for fishing trip. We figured a daylong adventure but when we got to the dock we found we had 1 ½ hours. We had to go out, find fish, anchor the boat on fish, teach the crew to catch fish, catch fish, clean up, and return to the dock in an hour and a half. We’re pretty good but that’s a tall order. Of course I said a prayer. See Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye. The Bearhooks motto is the 139th Psalm.

The Lovely and Gracious Captain JeriLynn ran the boat out to one of our fishing holes while I rigged up some stuff, and she stopped the boat right on top of a school of hungry Perch. That’s why I love her. We caught 26 fish and kept 18 and were back to the dock only a fashionable 10 minutes late. The boys had a lot of fun and so did we. If you twist our arms we could be talked into doing that again.

P.S. The American Bass opener is June 18 this year, and the Bearhooks is available.

Ron Draper

April 15, 2011

2011-04-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

A Renewed Spirit

Read: Romans 12:4-13

My father did not take our family camping. He said he had enough camping in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, France, Germany, and Austria to last a lifetime. My parents did allow my sister and me to participate in Girl Scouts where we learned to love camping and the out-of-doors. My sister spent her summers at a camp near Cadillac and I attended church summer camp at Lake Louise. Mom and Dad did volunteer to be the MYF youth group leaders and went with us to Winter Retreat at Wesley Woods, and the annual canoeing adventure down the Rifle River. It was during the canoeing overnight that Mom and Dad ended up fighting for the backseat of the car to escape the tent. I have deep gratitude for the many hours my parent devoted to our church youth activities even when the activity included camping.

When Jack Giguere suggested 21 years ago that our church family participate in a weekend at a Lake Louise our family signed up. The retreat was led by Bob Keiss. The GPUMC Family Winter Retreat was born. Our church families have been traveling North ever since.

This year I was amazed and gladdened by the number of college age, single twenty something’s, and married couples, with and without children, in their 30 and 40’s that chose to come to Lake Louise this year. There were 18 children ages 2 to 12. Yes, those of us in our 50’s and 60’s attended also and played hard.

My spirit has been renewed by watching these families interact with each other, share games, equipment, transportation, and children’s medicine! There were 21 first timers attending. GPUMC was the only group that came to Lake Louise for the retreat season with youth!

Josh Dixon won my heart this year with his classroom “Traditions” poster on his experience at Lake Louise. New traditions this year were a campfire at the sledding site with hot chocolate provided, an evening campfire outside of the lodge complete with benches and smores! Besides trips to the skiing hill there were trips to Avalanche Bay, the local water park. Fresh talent was shared at the Saturday night “Really Big Shew”, from real tumbling, a clarinet trio, operatic aria, and the debut of a new product to keep you warm while sledding.

The people attending the retreat this year are the leaders of the WOW Program, Mother’s Day Out, ushers, finance, trustee, worship, nurture, UMW, youth group, VBS, choir, VIM, Workcamp, book studies, etc. They are our future. They have chosen to make church a priority and they enjoy being together. New friendships were made and old renewed.

So thank you Mom and Dad, and those that have nurtured me through my life to be a part of a great tradition. Church!

PS Think about joining the retreat next year. New all season buildings have been added so that larger numbers will be able to attend!

Lynn Van de Putte

April 14, 2011

2011-04-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

Life’s Puddles of Water and an Umbrella

Read: Psalm 91

“The Lord will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.”
Psalm 91:4

As we walk in the rain in the spring, we carry an umbrella to protect us from getting wet. Sometimes because of rain there are ‘puddles’ of water which we must step in or jump over. If we have no feet protection we get wet. In life we encounter ‘puddles’ of water over which we must jump. Even if we have an umbrella, we will still experience wet feet.

These ‘puddles’ sometimes are sickness, loss of a job, loss of a beloved one, depression, difficult decisions or any array of challenges which life brings. Isn’t it comforting to know that the Lord covers us and protects from all troubles and is there covering us with His wings of refuge! Even though our path might be an obstacle course, His wings protect us and His presence guides us.

Prayer: Dear Lord we ask you to protect, protect and guide us through the ‘puddles’ of life with your wings of refuge. We find comfort in knowing that you know our needs before we do.

Amen

Carolyn Barth

April 13, 2011

2011-04-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

First Fruits versus Leftovers

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)

The poor economy and how it impacts people, organizations and our government has been weighing heavily on my mind. What is the right way to handle the economic crisis that is facing us? Who should be making sacrifices? What is fair to ask of people? The church is in a unique position in this economic crisis. Unlike businesses or families, the church does not generate income by selling it’s services. Unlike most non-profits it does not charge for its services. Unlike private clubs it does not charge membership fees or dues and unlike the government it cannot levy taxes. The church relies solely on donations. In challenging economic times we cannot be surprised when the church is also facing a reduction in donations. The irony in that is during the times when our giving is down, people need the church more than ever. Our recent church history shows that giving totals are down and the numbers of pledging units are down. Our church has made sincere efforts to cut back on our expenses, to reorganize our financial obligations and to make our dollars stretch in areas where they are needed the most. Of course there is no quick fix or easy answer, but during this period of Lent I’d like to ask each one of us to explore if we are doing as much as we can.

Why do we give? Because God has blessed us. Because we have been given the gift of grace through Christ. Because we are grateful. Because we are given the example of giving in scripture. Because we want to praise and glorify God. Because the Holy Spirit directs us to follow the example of Christ’s giving. Because we are called to help those less fortunate. Because we may have made a promise to God to give. There are many reasons to give but few mandates. In the Old Testament, people were clearly directed to give a tithe (or tenth) and to give of the first fruits or best. In the New Testament we are asked to give freely and generously (2 Cor. 9:7) to give based on what you have, not on what you don’t have (Luke 6:38), to give in the right spirit and attitude (Mark 12: 41-44), to give of what we are given so we can build up the church (Romans 12:4-8). As Methodists we are encouraged to tithe and taught the purpose of tithing is to teach us to always put God first in our lives.

Why do we hold back on our giving? Most of us will say because we have too many demands on our income. Are those demands self inflicted? Is it the high cost of living or the cost of living high? Are those demands the result of poor financial planning or judgment? Are you concerned the church is not using its gifts appropriately? Have you offered your help on church committees so that you can educate yourself on church finances? Are you limiting your giving because you think other people aren’t giving what they should? Although it is helpful to see that shared responsibility lightens the load for everyone, no one should give solely based on how they think they compare to others. Are you holding back on giving to the church because you are giving elsewhere? Are those gifts to truly benevolent groups? Are those gifts to our own family. Are you withholding giving because you haven’t been personally approached? Are you withholding giving because your gifts aren’t recognized? Whatever the reason, ask God to help you examine your motives. Are you giving out of your abundance or are you giving sacrificially? Are you giving of yourself as well as your resources? Are you being a wise steward of the gifts that have been entrusted to you? Are you sustaining the church or are you are on religious welfare? Are you practicing planned giving or are you giving from your leftovers.

Why should we make a planned pledge to the church? You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have committed to God from your first fruits, not your leftovers. You will have the satisfaction of knowing the church can count on you. You will be taking a step in faith and trusting God to provide you with the means and discipline to give a regular gift. You may be challenging yourself to do more than you thought you could—great accomplishments are not made when cowering in fear and uncertainty but when you challenge yourself to do more than you thought you could. Pledging gives you the joy of sharing in the rewards of your faith. Pledging enables you to put your money where your mouth is. It is a step to accountability with God. Don’t be misled in thinking you can buy your way into heaven or into God’s grace. But don’t be misled into thinking what we failed to give does not impact our very spirit and soul.

We have been blessed so abundantly. The church has blessed us so abundantly. Is my giving an accurate reflection of my gratitude to God?

Prayer Focus: For churches struggling with their budgets.

Prayer: Thank you Father for the abundance that we have been given. Thank you for the ministry of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church in my life. Guide me to live in a spirit of thankfulness and to give you from my first fruits, not my leftovers.

Pat Deck

April 12, 2011

2011-04-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

Be still …….

Read: Psalm 46:1-11

Last spring the doctor told me I needed to have an MRI. It is not one of my favorite things to do but what could I do? The scan was scheduled and I was slid into the tube. I was trying so hard to be still so the test could be over. A little over halfway the technician said I needed to stop moving. I thought I was being still but I tried harder. The more I concentrated on being still, the more I noticed my breathing. The breathing was the movement they were complaining about. When they asked me again to stop moving, I told them all I was doing was breathing. They said I had to stop or the test would be invalid. I took a breath and tried to hold it but that was a useless plan. Being in the tube was starting to get to me and having to stay there to repeat some series was not what I wanted to hear. I needed this to be over.

I silently asked, “God how am I supposed to do this and breathe?” As the technician again threatened to stop the scan again an old hymn popped into my head. I started remembering the words to the hymn and then another and another. Before I realized it, the scan was complete and the technician said the pictures would be clear.

A peace had crept over me as the words to old familiar hymns came to mind. From old Sunday School favorites like Jesus Loves Me to familiar Sunday morning hymns one song after another flowed through my mind. I am sure the verses in my mind were not exactly as written in the hymnal, but they brought a peace and calmness that helped me get through the scan and I thank God for it.

The first part of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” comes to mind as I recall the experience. I needed to remember that God is always present if I just give him a chance to help me. In times of panic and stress it is the old familiar hymns that easily come to mind. The beautiful words that have stayed with me brought me peace.

I survived and life goes on. I continue to be grateful and thank God that He was there that day and helped me through. I try to begin each day with a few minutes of stillness to read a devotion, and chat with God.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for being part of my life. I ask you to help me through another day. I thank you for the many adult and child Sunday School teachers and fellow members of the many congregations I have been lucky enough to be part of. I thank you for the hymns on Sunday mornings that allowed me to have the recall to get me through. Amen

Gretchen Brammer

April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T03:01:00.000-07:00

31,556,926

Read: Revelation 5:9-14

That’s one big number. Thirty one million five hundred fifty six thousand nine hundred twenty six. It is in fact the number of seconds in one year. Holy cow that’s a lot of seconds! It kind of makes you wonder how you spend those seconds. There are a whole lot of them and there are so many different ways to use them.

When I think of that number and all those seconds, it makes me think about whether or not I used those seconds for the right things, or if I wasted them. I come home from school, get on Facebook, talk on the phone with my friends, do a little homework, and then go to bed. At the moment I don’t feel like I’m wasting any time at all but on paper it really does look like a lot wasted.

I think about how much time I’ve given to friends, or school, or family, or God. And when it comes down to it, the fewest of them would probably be family or God. It seems crazy that out of those 31,556,926 seconds the smallest amount of my time has been spent on the important things like family and God, when I should be spending the majority of my time on those things.

A couple weeks ago I went on a church retreat with a friend of mine, and the theme of the weekend was that God is worthy of our praise. They told us that true worship is not going to church two or three times a week, and it wasn’t going to this retreat for the whole weekend. And even though we spend time worshiping God in both those places, we have to realize that worship doesn’t turn on or off as an event. God is worthy of the majority of our time, the majority of those 31,556,926 seconds. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:12 God is worthy of our praise. I want to spend more of my seconds on Him.

Worship is 1
Worship is 12
Worship is 52
Worship is 365
Worship is 24/7
Worship is 86,000
Worship is 31,556,926
How will you spend your seconds?

Kayla Rumpp

April 10, 2011

2011-04-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown

Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with Thee;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.

I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
Thyself hast called me by my name,
Look on Thy hands, and read it there;
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.

In vain Thou strugglest to get free,
I never will unloose my hold!
Art Thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of Thy love unfold;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.

My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath Thy weighty hand,
Faint to revive, and fall to rise;
I fall, and yet by faith I stand;
I stand and will not let Thee go
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.

’Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me!
I hear Thy whisper in my heart;
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
Pure, universal love Thou art;
To me, to all, Thy bowels move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.

Charles Wesley

April 09, 2011

2011-04-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

Intervention

Read: Psalm 37:3-6, 23-31

In February of 1929 it was still a good year. I grew up not knowing things had gotten bad. Through the depression my parents must have done a good job of keeping the family together and happy.

During the years of Kindergarten through the 12th grade, I lived in the right place (Grosse Pointe) to get a good education. It was not until the 10th grade I decided to go to college. The school system allowed me to get through in time to graduate.

I had been moving on and off between going to college and working. In 1951 I ended up being laid off from my job at the Chrysler Jefferson Plant and did not have enough money to go back to school.

Having been in the Naval Reserve for about 5 years, I signed up for active duty. It was the right choice, for after two years on a Destroyer Escort out of Newport RI, I was able to go back to school on the GI Bill and finish my degree in August of 1956.

Being “older” I had been invited to join the dormitory staff. A friend on the dormitory staff (Roger Wilkins) introduced me to his friend Sandy and her friend Shirley.

Not only was it the right thing to do (marry Shirley), but our children also did the right thing in the two people they married.

After all that, how can anybody believe there is no such thing as Divine Intervention.

Jack Van Becelaere

April 08, 2011

2011-04-08T03:01:00.000-07:00

All We Need is Love

Read: Colossians 3:12-17

The above reading is one that Garrett and I chose for our wedding; one of the many decisions involved in the wedding process. It seemed like every time we turned around we were asked to choose this or pick one of those. There are so many things that can pull you away from the real meaning of the day.

Weddings most definitely can take on a life of their own, but by the time the actual day comes, it is truly special. I can honestly say that our wedding was the most fun I have ever had in my entire life; and it's not because I loved my flowers, or my dress, or our reception, but because I was marrying my best friend and we were surrounded by the people we love most in the world and who love us.

There is no greater feeling than to be surrounded by that much joy and happiness. Love is a very powerful gift. And as the reading goes "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.... And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Katie Broom

April 07, 2011

2011-04-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors

Read 1 Peter 4:8-11

That is the theme for a Welcoming Congregation.

Some of you will remember in the fall of 2009, our church focused on the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation during our stewardship campaign last year. They were Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission, and Extravagant Generosity. The Witness Committee volunteered to oversee the practice of Radical Hospitality for the campaign. A tailgate party hosted by Carolyn and Pete Franklin allowed church members to share a great meal, and gathered some feedback from the group about what our church was doing right, and how we could improve our hospitality.

At the All-Church meeting held in January to follow-up on the five practices, Witness lead a breakout session on radical hospitality. There we were introduced to the concept of becoming a Certified Welcoming Church. Doug Ross told the group about the Welcoming Church Certification Program. He and his wife Marilyn attended a church in Cape Cod that had this designation. They both indicated that their experience in the “welcoming” church was outstanding.

The Welcoming Church Certification is offered through a program sponsored by the United Methodist Church, through the Rethink Church campaign. Our committee felt that such a program would fit nicely with the direction our Witness/Caring Community Committee and would provide a framework to follow. So we approached the Ad Board of our church to see if we had support to proceed. We were given permission. So off we went.

Welcoming is how we show kindness, acceptance, and hospitality to everyone - guests and members alike. People catch glimpses of Christ through their encounters with us. We need to ensure that seekers encounter in us a Christ that they want to know better. Your welcoming efforts play a vital role in living the promise of "Open hearts, open minds open doors."

The Welcoming Church Certification program is a fairly rigorous process taking up to four years to complete. The beginning stages require an initial application to be submitted to the District Superintendent, and then on to United Methodist Communications in Nashville for approval.

There is an application checklist, with documentation of existing welcoming practices of our church. Each practice has a point value. A minimum of 100 points is needed to qualify for the first year of the award as a Welcoming Church. We submitted our initial application in September 2010, and our church received a plaque stating that we are a Welcoming church, phase 1 in October.

You may have noticed some of our efforts to date. The church narthex has been redecorated to be more warm and welcoming. Additional seating has been added. A welcome center has been designated with our church brochures and information. A more user friendly name tag board was created. Witness is hosting the 4th Sunday of the month for coffee hour. We started offering a little something special on those Sundays, such as treats, real cream and tables and chairs for conversation. The Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner program is a way to get to know and welcome church members. We are just beginning, but hopefully each effort will enhance our service to our members, our community and to God.

The idea is to get everyone in the church to consciously think and act as a welcoming church. Please stay tuned for more updates and we progress through the program. In the meantime, here is a small thing you can do to help. If you see someone in our church that you don’t know, reach out a hand and introduce yourself. It can make someone’s day.

For more information go on the United Methodist website. http://www.umcom.org/ then click on the Welcoming item in the Knowledge Center that comes up.

Nancy Grose & Karen Leigh

April 06, 2011

2011-04-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

It’s a Wonderful Life

Read: Philippians 4:4-7

I have a great life – Jack, our kids and their families, good health, good friends, good church family.
I thank God every day for all our blessings.

It is a wonderful life!

Shirley Van Becelaere

April 05, 2011

2011-04-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

Wings of Mercy

O taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man that trusted in him.
Psalm 34:8

We praise God for his blessings and presence in our lives. This year our understanding of family, friend and God’s love deepened.

On July 10th, I suffered a Red Stroke, a bleed. Since we did not recognize it as a stroke, I did not get medical help until July 12th. According to my doctors, must people that experience a red stroke and are not treated immediately end up in a coma or dead. I was a miracle.

A doctor said to me, “Karen you are lucky to be alive, apparently you still have a job to do here.” That made me sit up and take notice.

My friends have asked me, “Do you know how many people were praying for you?” I’m grateful for all those prayers. Thank you.

When I finally became myself days after my stroke, I wanted to be assured of God’s love and presence in my life. I asked for a Chaplain to pray with me and share God’s love with me. I needed a prayer quilt to feel surrounded by God’s love. Thank you for giving me one to comfort me.

I found this meditation and it explains just how I felt.
“During those seasons when your strength seems almost gone, be assured that God is beside you, ready to sweep you up onto his mighty wings of mercy and grace. There you find rest, comfort and healing for your broken hearts and wounded spirits.”

God when my life seems unbearably painful, I will place my hope in you. I will forsake my own failing strength and rest on your wings of mercy. Amen

Karen Bromley

April 04, 2011

2011-04-04T03:01:00.000-07:00

Till The Cows Come Home

Read: Luke 15:4-7

Living in rural Tennessee has exposed me to a very different set of neighbors. The ones I’m referring to here are the cows, sheep and horses. (I’ll focus on the people in a different devotion some day.) I am surrounded by mooing and bleating. One day there was a lot of loud and pitiful mooing. The first thought I had was that one of the young cows had gotten itself stuck in the fence. After a while I noticed a trailer going down my neighbor’s drive and out into the street. A cow chased it as far as it could along the fence, mooing the entire time. Inside the trailer was a baby cow mooing back. After the baby left, its mother stayed by the fence mooing. In fact the mooing continued all day and, according to my daughter whose bedroom is on that side of the house, all night too.

Even now I am heartbroken at the memory of both of their pitiful cries. In Luke 15, Jesus’ message about a shepherd not giving up on even one sheep, shows that same commitment. On the days when I clean out our horses’ stalls, the silence gives me time to think. I often think about my children (not because the horse manure reminds me of them!) No matter what problem I’m considering, I always know that nothing could ever make me stop loving them or wanting them to be a part of my life. When I think of all three of these things, I can hear Heidi singing “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling” (UMH 348)

So if a cow, a shepherd and a human mother refuse to give up on their charges, how could we ever think that God would give up on any of us? Certainly the love and commitment we can feel and imagine can’t compare at all to the love and commitment God feels for us. He will call to us, He will search for us, and He will always want us to be a part of His family. If God loves and accepts us all, shouldn’t we also love and accept each other?

Prayer: Thank you God for your unconditional love. Help us to accept and love each other. Help us also to hear your call and to come to you. Amen.

Jacki Rumpp

April 03, 2011

2011-04-03T03:01:00.000-07:00

And Can it Be That I Should Gain?

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Charles Wesley

April 02, 2011

2011-04-02T03:01:00.000-07:00

A Random Act of Kindness

Read James 2:1-4

A few weeks ago I was helping out at the annual Detroit Winter Blast in support of Matrix Human Services which the designated charity for the event. My job was simple. Stand at the entry gate and collect a book, a canned food donation or a dollar. Proceeds would be distributed to those in need.

As you can imagine, many forgot their food and or book donation so I was collecting a lot of dollar bills and making change. As is my habit, I did not really read all the directions for volunteers, and came to the event dressed warmly, but with mittens, which are not ideal for making change. So I abandoned the mittens.

My shift was the last shift of the last day, so we were short of volunteers at my station. That made me a little nervous, as I had a lot of dollar bills in my Home Depot apron. There was a woman standing by the entryway who looked a little “rough around the edges”. She was talking to me periodically, and it was evident she had had a few cocktails. Again, I felt a little nervous.

After a bit the woman approached me with a pair of fingerless gloves. She said, “please take these, they will keep your hands warm, and you can still make change.” I looked at her in surprise, and protested that she should keep her gloves. She opened her coat and said, “look, I have an extra pair of gloves, please use the fingerless gloves.” I thanked, her and donned the gloves. She was correct, the gloves really helped keep me warm.

But the woman did more for me than just keep my hands warm that day. She reminded me of so many lessons taught by Jesus. They were lessons, I temporarily forgot. Jesus taught us not to judge others. Jesus taught us to be generous. Jesus taught us that a gift from someone with limited means is a very special gift. There is nothing like receiving a random act of kindness to adjust one’s perspective.

Nancy Grose

April 01, 2011

2011-04-01T03:01:00.000-07:00

What Would Faith Do????

Read Galatians 6:2-5, 9-10

We all know the answer, faith would move a mountain! We’ve all heard, it’s written in scripture, faith can move a mountain. Having climbed the highest one on the lower 48 in the dead of winter I have a unique perspective on this. In the last few years though, I’ve found myself overwhelmed at times, often wondering how I’m going to get it all done. In our case we don’t worry about where the next job is coming from, we’re more often worried about how to complete all the jobs we have in time to keep customers happy and also keep the job profitable. The Lovely and Gracious JeriLynn and I are now running 3 separate and distinctly different companies. It can be overwhelming at times.

After a chance meeting with a rather unassuming little woman though, I’ve gained strength when I need it. This unique and singular person has the power to literally move mountains, mountains of food. She’s in charge of feeding over 20,000 meals a week to those without. Appropriately, her name is Faith.

When I go to bed at night, if I’ve had some failing at work, I’ll likely get another chance to fix it tomorrow with only a few people uncomfortable for a while. If she fails by even 10%, then 2,000 people go without a meal. The boundless energy and faith in her organization is truly something to behold.

Now when I feel overwhelmed I ask myself, “What would Faith do?” The answer of course is, she would continue to move the mountain, one piece at a time. If you’d like to help her, log onto http://www.casscommunity.org.

Ron Draper

March 31, 2011

2011-03-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

A Story

Read: Psalm 121:1-8

It is time for the young Cherokee Indian boy to participate in one of the most important rites of his tribe.

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolded, and leaves him all alone. The youth is required to sit on a stump the whole night, and not to take off the blindfold until the rays of the sun shine through it the next morning.

He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he becomes a man.

He cannot tell any of the younger boys anything about this experience, for each boy must come into his own manhood.

The boy is terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises!! Wild beasts are all around him.

His imagination stirs up wild sights and sounds! There may even be some humans who are there to hurt him.

The wind blows the grass and stirs the earth and seems to shake the stump where he sits. Still, he sits still, very still, never removing the blindfold, for this is the only way he can become a man.

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun has appeared and he removes his blindfold. It is only then that he sees his father, sitting on the stump next to him, where he has been watching over him the whole long night.

Anonymous

March 30, 2011

2011-03-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Central to Life

Read: Psalm 100:1-5

This winter I am continuing a class I started in the Fall regarding the history of western music. Right now we are just finishing up Beethoven and about to start the Romantic Period. Last September one of the first things our teacher told us was that the history of western music is pretty much the history of Christian church music at least up to the Renaissance. Even after this time, enormous amounts of Christian church music was written especially after the Reformation and the evolution of protestant music .

In the Middle Ages the church was the center for learning and the music composed during that time for the church such as the Gregorian chants was written down and is therefore available to us today. A lot of secular music was not written down so there is not historical record for us to refer to. After the Reformation Martin Luther wrote some of the first protestant hymns to get the congregation involved in the worship service. Members of the congregations were not to be merely on lookers but active participants.

What has struck me in this class is how central the church was for people in these time periods. It is true that with the Renaissance and after, people started questioning religious faith and the church. Martin Luther, of course, was a major player in the scrutiny and criticism of the church. Furthermore people valued reason over faith and the position of the church in the lives Christians shifted, but the church still had a huge influence in the daily lives of a lot of Europeans.

I am not suggesting that we return to the Middle Ages and these other time periods with the Inquisitions, burning of witches, the Crusades, the 30 Years Wars, and antisemitism just to name a few of the travesties that have haunted the Christian church since these times. But Lent in particular is a time to return our focus to what our faith means to us and what a difference it can make in our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with.

Vivian Anderson

March 29, 2011

2011-03-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

Read: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-5

One night when I was lying awake in my bed I heard footsteps from above me in more than one place at a time. Knowing that only my sister slept upstairs I assumed my dog was up there with her, but just seconds later I heard him outside my door.

I felt so scared that burglars were upstairs, I started to pray. Once I said Amen, I truly felt comforted… I really felt as though God was right there in my room with me.

I slept soundly that night.

Prayer: Thank you God for always being there to protect us. Amen.

By: Faith Rumpp

March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

Giving Thanks Always

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

I saw a beautiful sunset the other day. The clouds were afire with red, orange, and pink against the deepening blue of the sky.
I said to myself, “that is gorgeous.”

I was having dinner at home one night the other week. The salad was great – mixed greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, all that good stuff. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was just right.
I said to myself, “this is delicious.”

I took my son’s artwork and put it on the refrigerator door (where else?). The colours were vibrant, the energy of his painting made me smile just to look at it.
I said to myself, “that’s a great picture.”

Each of those scenes is easy to imagine, but they just don’t quite ring true.
•    Putting Christian’s picture on the fridge, I should have told him how nice I thought it was, not myself.
•    Eating the food Heidi had made, I should have told her how delicious it was, not myself.
•    Seeing that sunset, I should have told God how beautiful it was, not myself.

When we’re with people we love, we want to tell them how much we love them. We want to thank them for what they’ve done for us. We want to be in conversation with them.

That sunset image is my gateway to a revived prayer life. After all, I’m always in the presence of God, so why am I not talking with Him? He wants us to know Him, just as He already knows us, and what’s better than a good chat to really get to know someone?

Prayer: Father, keep us always aware of your presence, and help us to remember that you’re always more ready to hear us than we are to talk or pray. Give us an awareness of your listening presence, so that we’ll be more ready to chat with you – all the time. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 27, 2011

2011-03-27T03:01:00.000-07:00

O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O, for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.

Charles Wesley

March 26, 2011

2011-03-26T03:01:00.000-07:00

Small Things

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-13

I struggled to find some inspiring event to write about for the 2011 Lenten devotions. I tried to remember some major, impressive thing that I’ve experienced this year. Then, in January, Charlie made a request for devotions, emphasizing that devotions are about how God has touched us, even in small ways. Those small things tend to be forgotten because they are, well, small, but something happened to me in early February that made me stop and think.

Part of my daily prayers is to ask for the wisdom and strength to help care for my 90-plus year old aunt in a way that’s best for her. I also ask God to keep all members of my family safe and healthy.

On this particular day I had an appointment. I planned to drop by to see my aunt on my way home. I left my appointment and, as I got in my car, I thought again about stopping to see my aunt. I planned to do it. I meant to do it. I even wanted to do it. I drove out of the parking lot and promptly made a turn that would take me home without driving past my aunt’s place.

As I pulled into my driveway I slapped myself on the forehead, kind of Homer Simpson-like, and told myself I had forgotten all about seeing my aunt. With the price of gas I hate to backtrack but I figured I’d go into my house, grab a cup of coffee, then go back to see her.

When I walked into the house Lynn was quickly getting ready to leave. It was somewhat earlier than she would normally be on the move if she wasn’t going to work. She called to me, told me our granddaughter Anna was sick, and asked me if I could go pick her up from day care so she could make it to her pediatrician’s office for a rapidly approaching, suddenly made appointment.

All’s well that ends well. Anna got to the doctor on time and I got to see my aunt but I wonder why that chain of events occurred the way it did. If I had stopped to see my aunt first, I would not have made it home in time to get Anna from day care. If, upon my arrival at home, I had immediately pulled out of the driveway to go see my aunt instead of deciding I needed to fortify myself with a cup of coffee, I would have left Lynn with no help in getting Anna to the doctor. Instead, everything happened in the right order so that the most immediate need was met.

Does God move me like a chess piece, controlling my every action during the day? I don’t believe so but I do believe he provides a nudge in the right direction once in a while and I believe he got me to where I needed to be on that morning.

Fred Van de Putte

March 25, 2011

2011-03-25T03:01:00.000-07:00

Attitudes

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

Back in 2005 I wrote a devotion about starting each day with a positive attitude. I included a chart with options for an attitude for the day.

The chart was

Stellar
Superb
Marvelous
Great or Outstanding
100%

I am amending the chart to move 100% below the line. It does not do the job because it could mean 100% of a whole lot of conditions. Anyone can have a bad attitude and I hope nobody wants to be 100% grumpy.

Each day you choose your outlook because you are in charge. You are responsible for your own joy and happiness. Once you have chosen an outlook for the day, it is important that you share it. You need to notify your face so others will know and can share in your good mood and positive outlook. Starting the day in a positive frame of mind can improve the outlook of others. You don't lift the spirits of others by sending the signal “get out of my way or someone may get hurt.”

It doesn't matter what yesterday was, today is a new beginning. What's past is past, and it's time to forget and look forward to all of God's blessings.

Sharing joy and happiness is infectious. Once you have lifted the spirits of another, that makes two of you doing the work of making the day better. There are always people who are fun to be around because they are uplifting. It's easy to be one of those. Just be one of them!

Jack Van Becelaere

March 24, 2011

2011-03-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

An Example of Youth living their Faith

Read: 1 Timothy 4:12

At the church we attend in Florida we witnessed an excellent example of youth participation in church life. As is the case in many churches today, the budget was running a deficit. About six weeks ago at the Sunday service the minister announced he had gotten a call from three brothers with an idea to help reduce the deficit.

The boys, ages 11,12 and 14, are from Canada and are only in Florida for four months in the winter. At their family farm in Canada, the boys tap their maple trees and produce their own maple syrup. Their idea was to take the years production of syrup and sell it at church after the Sunday services. They would then donate one-half of the money raised toward the church deficit. They hoped to raise $500 for the church.

The offer was so well received that not only did people at church purchase syrup, but because of exposure over the church web-site, many dollars were received from internet donations.

Last Sunday the boys presented a check for $3,075. A great example of young people living their faith.

Sara and Jack Wooton

March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

A Challenge or an Adventure

Read: Psalm 119:97-105

“When God closes a door, he opens a window.”

That thought lingers in my mind very often, especially after August of 2001 when our only daughter died during childbirth. I wrote about it in our Lenten Devotions Booklet a couple of years ago.

Approximately fifteen years ago, I went through a period wondering why I was on this earth...... What was I doing to contribute positively to everyday life and to the future? What was I doing to make this a better world to live in? What was I going to do in my retirement? And, in the scheme of things, did I really matter?

I have come to learn through these past 15 years or so, that I really do matter. That with God’s guidance and help, anything is possible. I may not like that anything is possible, but it is true. We only need to pray for his guidance and he is there to help all of us, including me.

The year of 2010 has been a constant challenge for our family. We struggle with chronic progressive illnesses. Remember the movie entitled, “Pay It Forward and Back.” I can relate to that since starting and facilitating a Parkinson’s Support Group for P.D. patients and their caregivers. GPUMC has been kind to let us use one of their rooms for our meetings once monthly. Betty Durkin is my co-chair when not in Florida. This Group Qualifies as an active mission for our Church.

I believe now that this is, in part, why God has given me the direction and insight and put me on this earth…to lend a hand to those who may be less fortunate than I. Thank you to the people within this Church who have helped me to make this challenge…….an adventure.. Thanks be to God!!!

Karen G. Leigh

March 22, 2011

2011-03-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

CATS AND CHRISTIANITY - PART 2

Read: Genesis 1:24-25

Today we will look at the positive characteristics cats can teach humans:

LOVE: Our pets give us unqualified love - supernatural, unconditional, and sacrificial love - as embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. They do not care if we are good-looking or homely, thin or heavy, tall or short, rich or poor, black or white, red or yellow. They just love us! No strings attached! No prejudices, no bigotry! They just give us true and unadulterated love. Think what the world would be like if we humans were like that.

LOYALTY: Pets have been known to risk their own lives for the sake of helping or saving their humans. They do not abandon us humans if we're occasionally bad-tempered, non-responsive, or preoccupied. We appreciate, seek, and respond to the loyalty of our pets. Just as God appreciates, seeks, and responds to our loyalty to our fellow human beings and, most especially, to him.

PATIENCE: Time is of no importance to a cat. It will wait with infinite patience for its prey ... or its human to appear. Paul lists patience as one of the fruits of the spirit. It is an important and necessary trait for a Christian, especially here in America where instant results and instant gratification are a way of life. American Christians tend to pray, "Lord, give me patience ... and give it to me now!" But God is not tied to space and time and he is definitely not on the world's time schedule. We need to "wait patiently for God" and not run ahead of Him. It's when we get ahead of God that we get into trouble and make a mess of things.

ADAPTABILITY: Animals are very adaptable to situations and conditions - it's how they survive. Christians must adapt to the conditions of our world and culture without compromising our faith. We basically must adapt to living in a hostile environment where we reside as aliens. We are conditioned by our faith to respond, not to react. As Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am."

So "Ask the animals and they will teach you."

DEAR LORD, we thank you for the animals you created to be our companions and friends. Help us to observe them and learn from them to be the humans you would have us to be. AMEN.

Noelle Landin
(Inspired by "Cats in the Parsonage" by Clair Shaffer, Jr.)

March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

CATS AND CHRISTIANITY - PART 1

"Ask the animals and they will teach you." -Job 12:7

"Christians are like cats, or at least they should be. What does a cat do when he gets dirty? He goes somewhere secluded and cleans himself up. Isn't that what a Christian should do when he/she gets dirty - i.e. sins? Go somewhere alone with God and get cleaned up."
-Dr. Stuart Lease, President of Lancaster Bible College

Cats and Christians have many negative and positive characteristics in common. God can teach us many lessons through our pets - in this case, our cats. Today in Part 1, we will look at some negative characteristics of cats:

CURIOSITY: Curiosity killed the cat. Cats are extremely curious and this often leads to their demise. Curiosity can also have its drawbacks for us humans. The world and culture in which we live offer many allurements which can be destructive to our spiritual growth.- When we Christians take our eyes off God and become curious about the things of the world, we get in trouble. Remember Adam and Eve? But for their curiosity about the Tree of Knowledge, we might all be living in the garden right now!

INDEPENDENCE & STUBBORNNESS: Another trait very obvious in cats. We too can develop that "I can and will do it myself' attitude. Especially here in America, where an individualistic and independent spirit is cherished and admired. Self-sufficiency and a can-do attitude are admirable traits if held in check and used FOR God and not against him. Fellowship, especially to the Methodist, is a large part of our religious experience. We mustn't be TOO independent!

FEAR: Cats really do deserve the term "scaredy cat." They are easily startled and frightened by sudden movement and loud noises. Fear can be beneficial to protecting ourselves, but it can also be paralyzing, preventing us from doing what we need to do. Think of all the references to "fear" in the Bible. All the "FEAR NOTs!" from angels, Jesus, God, and Paul. If we believe in and trust in God, we will not allow fear to overcome us.

Tomorrow in Part 2 we will look at the more positive role model of cats.

DEAR LORD, help us to use curiosity, independence, stubbornness, and fear in ways that lead us to you and your kingdom, not away from you. AMEN.

Noelle Landin

March 20, 2011

2011-03-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face

    Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
    here would I touch and handle things unseen;
    here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
    and all my weariness upon thee lean.

    This is the hour of banquet and of song;
    this is the heavenly table spread for me;
    here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
    the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.

    Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
    here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven;
    here would I lay aside each earthly load,
    here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

    Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear;
    the feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
    The bread and wine remove; but thou art here,
    nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.

    Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
    yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
    giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
    the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

Horatius Bonar

March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T03:01:00.000-07:00

By My Side

Read: Hebrews 13:1-3

While standing in Borders book store, perusing the game section, I noticed a slim volume lying on top of a row of books; obviously having nothing to do with games. It was titled “May You Always Have an Angel by Your Side.” I leafed through it, admiring the lovely pastel illustrations and gentle quotes and poems. Immediately I wanted to gift a friend who was experiencing too many cloudy days.

The book was priced prohibitively at $16.95, but on the cover was slapped a $2.50 price tag! I felt I was meant to buy this book. Was it a coincidence that I was there and found the book by chance? Or was I meant to be the catalyst delivering it to someone in need of gentle words? It doesn’t really matter. It was a good thing.

The same week, a casual friend wished me save traveling, and “may the angels be with me.” More angels! In my world, angels are messengers of God’s love and of comfort and caring. I think we all can experience angels among us. Some are wonderful people who rise above the ordinary, giving unselfishly to others in need. I think we each have an angel within us. May we find our inner angel when we see someone in need of our special care.

Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31

Sarah Frakes

March 18, 2011

2011-03-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

I Saw Jesus

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

We must be willing to give up what we are for what we can become ….

I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was at the church building. He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of our members, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn’t talk real loud, or use long words, but you could tell He believed what He said. For a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher, but it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital, visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute, He looked like a man I see at church, but it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.

I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast, and fixing me a special lunch. For just a minute, He looked like my Mom, but it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.

I see Jesus everywhere: Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to His home, being friendly to a newcomer, and for a minute, I think He’s someone I know, but it’s always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.

Maybe someone will see Jesus in you today.

- Anonymous

March 17, 2011

2011-03-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

A Legacy for Years to Come

Read: Mark 10:13-16

I am now just back from the GPUMC Retreat at Lake Louise. What a glorious extended weekend. I am sure many of you have attended and/or have heard about the wonderful facilities and all the activities that occur.

This year, after more than 21 continuous years of attending, was particularly special for one reason: there were many families with young children that had never been there previously. It was exciting to watch their initial reaction to the Retreat Center seeing the beautiful setting in the woods, the lake overlook, and the attractive, well maintained, expansive lodge.

The real excitement for me was not that they were new to Lake Louise, but that they, as families, were participating in a Christian activity, with all age groups. Please note….there was not a TV turned on the entire time….and even the internet connection stopped working in the middle of the weekend!

So, what did these families do? Did the kids “weird out” and complain? Nope. Let me see, there was: a self-made sledding hill (lit at night with lanterns); a talent show; an endless snack table; some religious instruction; ping pong; grace at every meal; skiing; bonfires; S-Mores; walking in the woods; and an indoor water park down the road.

But perhaps the most enjoyable for me was just to see the kids playing down the hallways, living areas, in the dining hall and in front of the fireplace. They were of various age groups and genders, just goofing around and making their own fun.

What positive memories of a church activity!

These same families are the ones that are going to continue the GPUMC legacy for years to come. Thanks to all who help, not only organizing the this Retreat, but create ongoing activities for the GPUMC youth throughout the year.

Due to our increasing complicated lives, it takes effort to keep Christ in our living. May we continue to have GPUMC as a place where we can find Him.

Dave DeWitt

March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye

Read: Proverbs 22:6

Oh the pain of it all. I’m getting old and at the same time I’m becoming my mother.

As time goes on I find myself singing to myself for no apparent reason, ”Ta ra ra Boom di aye”, “Seventy six trombones and a hairy ape…”.

I’m always repeating things Mom said like “Any old port in a storm”, “Look before you leap”, “He who hesitates is lost”, “A fool and his gold are soon parted”, “Use your head, that’s what the good Lord gave it to you for”, and my own personal favorite, “As you travel down the road of life dear brother, whatever be our goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.” I find myself dancing the Tango with the Lovely & Gracious JeriLynn in the kitchen for no reason, something Mom taught me when I was a kid. I look in the mirror and tell myself the wrinkles only come where the smiles have been.

Most of all though I find myself repeating the Lord’s Prayer, something Mom taught me as soon as I could remember words. I’m not sure why or how it works, but I’m convinced it works. On the way into and out of every job I repeat the prayer. I’ve always wondered if surgeons do this. For some reason, since I started doing this several years ago everything seems to work better.

Maybe this shouldn’t be a startling revelation for someone of my age, but I never claimed to be the fastest learner in the room. I also wonder, as I always have, if there is something wrong or self serving about saying a prayer hoping something good will happen. In college philosophy classes I was taught that such things were amoral, neither good nor bad.

The older I get the less I care about those college philosophers and the more I pray, and oddly enough, the better and better things get all the time. Turns out, Mom was right all along. Ta Ra Ra Boom Di Aye!!!

Happy birthday, Mom.

Ron Draper

March 15, 2011

2011-03-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Life

Read: John 10:7-10

Send me LIFE and bill me later! That's what it said on a magazine subscription card that came wit the magazine a neighbor gave me. She also gave me the New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and Reader's Digest. I'm grateful to her for these gifts, for there is nothing like poring over magazines to speed one's return to health.

Send me Life and bill me later! I wonder whether I can have life now, and “pay for it” later.

I've read that a person has three choices: to die, not to die, or to live. There is a difference between not dying and living. There's more to life than just being alive. And I'm sure that in order to have real LIFE, I must “pay as I go.” Not because there is some kind of bookkeeper in charge, and not because my credit isn't good, but because that is how life is.

In order to be really alive, I need to be involved with other people. I need to be open to others and really listen to them. And I need to share my thoughts and feelings.

I need to be open to God as well; to realize that I am surrounded by His love and care.

That's how to have life, and pay for it as I live it.

Glenn DeLodder

March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T03:01:00.000-07:00

How About a “Vision” Test?

Read: Philippians 2:1-15

“May the mind of Christ, our Saviour, live in us from day to day, by his love and power controlling all we do and say.” (Kate Wilkinson)

These words are from a hymn text I recently rediscovered in the hymnal in use at my home church when I was a youth. (They were also included in the musical benediction which concluded our worship on Feb 20.) To me, the idea of taking the mind of Christ as our example is the most uplifting, energizing, and inspiring thought I can imagine. Moving away from the ego mind that concerns itself solely with the individual, and joining with the Christ Mind allows us to rise above our seemingly separated selves onto a higher plane of consciousness, reflective of the connectedness and unity found within God’s creation.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own personal lives, and not make the effort to see how we fit into the larger picture (taking a broad view). We may feel enchained by mistaken thoughts of the past, rather than freeing ourselves through forgiveness, which leads to cleaner and brighter days ahead. Perhaps we make plans in the present and for the future without seeking divine guidance from the One Who, with infinite wisdom, can bring harmony into our affairs and relationships. To me, God’s love must be perfect, and given to all in equal measure. Certainly, the mind of Christ knows the love of God intimately and completely. We, therefore, can put our whole trust in Christ, and pattern our thoughts after his without the slightest hesitation.

The Christian path, however, is often not an easy one to take, and can be quite challenging. Happily, the church provides us with many opportunities for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and service along this chosen path. Each Sunday, we gather to worship the one true God … to strengthen our relationship to Jesus Christ, and to our Creator and Sustainer … to inspire one another to think and live at ever higher levels … to attend with all our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, in turn offering them to others we meet along the way. Numerous weekday gatherings provide additional learning opportunities as we walk the Christian path.

Try to imagine for a few moments what our world would be like if many or even most of us walking the Earth were to join our minds with the mind of Christ. Nothing short of the most remarkable transformation would take place! So we must ask ourselves if we are wiling to adopt a radically new way of seeing and thinking; for if we do, we will come to experience a new-found freedom, wholeness, and sense of well-being that will give great meaning and purpose to our lives.

The world is weary and worn and calls out for the vision of Christ that offers life rather than death, waking rather than sleeping, peace rather than war, love rather than hate. Out of sincere gratitude for the wonder of our creation – for life itself – let us choose a course with a single, unified purpose, so that the peace of God becomes our one goal, the end we seek, and the aim of all our living here. Let all the world be blessed with peace and love through us! Contemplate with care and a generous spirit the many ways, both large and small, in which you can help to bring this about. If uncertainty or hesitation arises, use these words from the Salisbury Primer of 1558 as an affirmative prayer:

    God be in my head and in my understanding;
    God be in mine eyes and in my looking;
    God be in my mouth and in my speaking;
    God be in mine heart and in my thinking;
    God be at my end and in my departing.

Doug Dykstra

March 13, 2011

2011-03-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

Take Time to Be Holy

    Take time to be holy,
    speak oft with thy Lord;
    abide in him always,
    and feed on his word.
    Make friends of God's children,
    help those who are weak,
    forgetting in nothing
    his blessing to seek.

    Take time to be holy,
    the world rushes on;
    spend much time in secret
    with Jesus alone.
    By looking to Jesus,
    like him thou shalt be;
    thy friends in thy conduct
    his likeness shall see.

    Take time to be holy,
    let him be thy guide,
    and run not before him,
    whatever betide.
    In joy or in sorrow,
    still follow the Lord,
    and, looking to Jesus,
    still trust in his word.

    Take time to be holy,
    be calm in thy soul,
    each thought and each motive
    beneath his control.
    Thus led by his spirit
    to fountains of love,
    thou soon shalt be fitted
    for service above.

William D. Longstaff

March 12, 2011

2011-03-12T03:01:00.000-08:00

A Chance Meeting

Read: Proverbs 31:10-31

Every once in a great while, a few times in a lifetime if you’re lucky, you may meet someone and right away you know you’re looking into a face sent to you from God. Such was the case many years ago when I went to see a marina service business owner to pay an invoice. While I could have mailed a check, I wanted to do it in person. The owner mistakenly thought I was there looking for a job and made me an offer. Thinking quickly I negotiated a better deal than I’d ever had at that time and he voided the invoice I came in to pay. On the way out I had to stop by to see his secretary to make the arrangements and clear my debt. That’s when it happened.

We had seen each other around the marina before but had never formally met. After the paperwork, we talked and I learned she was raising 2 boys on her own. She left a better job at a bank to come to the marina because it was closer to home. When she was done at the marina she went to a 2nd job she worked to make ends meet. In the weeks and months that followed I learned she was the one who actually ran the place. She handled all the day to day operations, HR work, budgets, inventory, payables, receivables etc. Everyone in the harbor kept an eye on her and helped out if she needed something done around the house.

The younger of the 2 boys was born with a hole in the base of his spinal cord. The doctors gave him a good chance to live, but said he would never walk. The poor doctors didn’t know she’s Irish on one side and Italian on the other and nobody was going to tell her what her boy couldn’t do.

Scared and alone, haunted by the possibility the doctors could be right, saddled with a mortgage and two hungry mouths to feed, she went out into the garage, found some old scraps of lumber, some nails, and a small hammer. She didn’t have a saw, but she had a Ginsu knife. Using what she had, she built tiny gym equipment in her living room and with the help of his slightly older brother she taught the lad to walk. Growing up was harder for him, but if you met him you’d never know. While he didn’t win many foot races, nothing on God’s green earth can stop that boy today.

She eventually left the marina for a better opportunity at the world’s leading packaging company. Even though she left the marina behind, you could say we stayed in touch. It was tough but she climbed the corporate ladder to become the Comptroller of the local branch of a Global Fortune 500 company. After 11 years though the company made an unfortunate decision and eventually closed all 7 branches in Michigan and left the state.

Somewhere along the way she met a sailing charter boat captain in between sojourns and he taught her to drive a boat. Now she’s back in the old marina on her own boat and became the envy of the old crew because she can handle a twin engine Chris Craft as well as anyone in the business.

The passing of parents and the trials and tribulations of daily life have slowed us all down now and the moments we share together are more and more treasured each time I see her.

Even though she can finally have pretty much whatever she wants, she still won’t buy anything unless she has a coupon, and she still gets all excited when the right coupon comes in the paper.

Through it all she’s maintained a smile and laugh such that she can light up any room simply by entering it.

And that boy who wasn’t supposed to walk?? He just made me a grandpa.

As the late great Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the RRRRRrrrest of the story.”

Ron Draper

March 11. 2011

2011-03-11T03:01:00.000-08:00

Lenten Thoughts

Read: James 1:2-12

For years, people I know have given things up for Lent. Children are cute when they try to “give up” vegetables. Adults often use Lent as an excuse to lose weight by giving up sweets, red meat, or other dietary staples that we blame for our over-all lack of good health. I am 28 years old and have had an eye opening experience when it comes to this Lenten season. Giving up vegetables, no matter how bad they are for you, and giving up sweets, no matter how good they taste, doesn’t fully epitomize what the Lenten season is all about.

Pause a moment and reflect why we celebrate Lent. Someone gave up their life and livelihood just so we could be forgiven of our sins if we choose to seek God’s grace and love. This is often looked at as the ultimate sacrifice. God sacrificed his son for us, and his son sacrificed himself for the betterment of all mankind. Who are we if we do not use and take full advantage of this gift every day?

Being a teacher gives me a unique perspective on this question. Posted on my board in my classroom is the question I pose to my students on a day to day basis. “What have you done today that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?” Well, people of faith, what is it? How often have you truly looked into the mirror for a period of self-reflection and realized that you could be a better person? As I stated previously, my eye opening experience came as a result of a visit to the doctor’s office. It is no secret that I am a big man. I was a high school athlete, and have vowed over and over again to get into the kind of shape I was when I was 18 and 20 years old. Well, that has not happened, not by a long shot.

I would lose ten pounds, get some compliments, and then rest on my laurels. Before I knew it, I had gained the ten back, plus an additional five, go hard or go home right? After my last visit to the doctor I realized that being healthy would take more than a fad diet and a quick mouth. It would take more than giving up sweets for a month. Like a spiritual journey, this would take an entire life-style change. I am proud to say that I have stuck to this change for a few weeks now and things are looking up for me. Clothes fit better, I don’t get tired as easily, and magically, I have still found time to be with the people I love. The excuse of inconvenience is no longer present.

Why am I equating losing weight to a spiritual journey? It is simple, and comes back to the question I asked at the beginning of my writing. “What have you done today to make yourself a better person than you were yesterday?” This simple quote can honestly change your life, both physically and spiritually. How long has it been since you have truly talked to God, then paused a moment and listened for an answer? No person on this planet is perfect, far from it actually. But if everyone took the meaning of Lent and applied it every day of the year, I think this world would be a far better place, both physically and spiritually.

James Van de Putte

March 10, 2011

2011-03-10T03:01:00.000-08:00

Signs of God’s Presence

Read Matthew 25:42

The good thing about our crazy dog, Toby, is that he needs a walk every day, and the bad thing about Toby is that he needs a walk every day.

When we chose him, I wanted a walking companion; well, as they say, be careful what you wish for. Toby is like the Postal Service: neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night… So the other morning when I looked out the window and saw rain and looked at the thermometer and read 35 degrees, I was little grumpy.

We follow a fairly predictable, quiet route and, believe me, there was no one else out that morning. Turning off Lakeshore at our regular corner, we were startled by a gorgeous pheasant running across the street right in front of us and eventually flying off toward the lake. It was a shock because it was so close and so out of place on a usually busy intersection.

It’s easy to get caught up in everyday worries and routines and forget about the wonders that are often there when we least expect them. So I was grateful to be reminded that we should always be ready for signs of God’s presence even on a cold, wet morning on a deserted suburban sidewalk.

Sue DeWitt

March 9, 2011 - Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T03:01:00.000-08:00

Beginnings

Read Genesis 3: 19; Joel 2: 1-2, 12-18; Psalm 51: 1-17

Every journey has a beginning. There is always that moment when we leave behind the known and familiar and start into the new and unknown. Even if we know the end point…the destination…we aren’t always sure what we will encounter along the way, what new insights or experiences might present themselves.

As Christians setting off on the journey to the cross, on the Wednesday six and a half weeks before Easter, the body of Christ begins its Lenten journey. While we know that the cross, and ultimately resurrection are our destination, we don’t know what experiences and insights will meet us on our journey. Throughout the Gospels Jesus reminds us repeatedly how important it is to prepare and take stock of who we are and of what we are capable.

We begin our Lenten journey this year on March 9th in a service of worship that includes marking our foreheads with ashes. Dust and ashes are signs of our humanity. God created us out of the earth, and throughout the scriptures, dust and ashes also serve as signs of mourning and grief. When Joshua grieved for the people who had been killed, he tore his clothing and put dust on his head (Joshua 7:6). Job, mourning the death of his children, sat on the ash heap (Job 2: 12). Job’s friends, coming to comfort him, threw dust in the air and on their heads when they saw his condition.

Ashes were also outward and visible signs of confession. Nehemiah and the people of Israel fasted, dressed in sackcloth, and put earth on their heads as they sought to atone for their sins before God (Nehemiah 9:1). And Job declared, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6).

“You are dust, and to dust you will return.” This ancient formula will be heard by millions of Christians all over the world this Ash Wednesday as the sign of the cross is made with the ashes of burned palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. This symbolic act is both a solemn reminder of our broken relationship with God and an invitation to renewal as we repent and seek reconciliation that is made available through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.

Won’t you join the journey through Lent from the beginning as we worship together at 7:30 P.M. on March 6th?

Judy May

Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12).

Introduction - 2011

2011-03-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

At last, a Lent that doesn’t start early in the year, that doesn’t sneak up on us before we have a chance to finish, or at least to start writing those devotions we’ve been storing up since last Easter. Yes, we actually had three weeks more this year than last to get things written and submitted.
But wait, the last fifteen submission all showed up in the week after the deadline? You mean I didn’t do enough early begging ... Again?

Well, after twelve of these books, I suppose it’s reasonable that we’ve all gotten a bit complacent. It’s easy to think there’s that one more day, and it turned out that we got what we needed.
As has often happened in previous years, there seemed to be a bit of a theme or thread going through a bunch of this year’s devotions. I saw a lot of what I would call Providential themes coming out - find the ones that really strike you that way, I’d be interested to see if we read each other’s writings the same way.
At any rate, just as God has provided for many of those who’ve shared their experiences in this volume, He has blessed me with those writings in time for this book to actually come out on time. I pray He blesses you through the stories, thoughts, Scripture, and prayers shared here with you by your church family

Just as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of well over thirty years ago:

Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.

One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments. From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.

The Lenten Committee

Again, we can but say, “Amen.”

Charlie van Becelaere, Editor

April 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday!

2010-04-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Christ, The Lord, Is Risen Today!

"CHRIST, the Lord, is risen to-day," Sons of men and angels say!
Raise your joys and triumphs high: Sing, ye heavens; thou earth, reply.

Love's redeeming work is done; Fought the fight, the battle won:
Lo! the sun's eclipse is o'er, Lo! he sets in blood no more!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Christ hath burst the gates of hell:
Death in vain forbids his rise, Christ hath opened Paradise.

Lives again our glorious King! Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save; Where's thy victory, boasting grave

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Following our exalted Head:
Made like him, like him we rise, Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

King of glory! Soul of bliss! Everlasting life is this,
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Thus to sing, and thus to love.

Charles Wesley (from 1739)

April 3, 2010

2010-04-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

Keep On Keeping On

Read: 1 John 1:5-9

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.

Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat: "Mom, I'm thinking of something."

This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"The rain," he began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."

After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond.

"That's really good, Matthew."

Then my curiosity broke in. How far would my little boy take this revelation?

So I asked, "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"

Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

I think I will also remember this when I turn on my wipers.
I hope you will too.

April 2, 2010 - Good Friday

2010-04-02T01:18:00.000-07:00

O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done

O Love divine, what has thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's coeternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th' immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Is crucified for me and you,
to bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.
Pardon for all flows from his side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Behold him, all ye that pass by,
the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
and say, "Was ever grief like his?"
Come, feel with me his blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

April 1, 2010 - Maundy Thursday

2010-04-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

Feast of Love

Read Luke 22:17-20
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” Luke 22:19

In preparing for a discussion on the book Food & Faith by Wendy Whiteside for my fellowship group, I have gained a new understanding of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Communion is an act “of sharing intimate fellowship with God.”

Our Wesleyan traditional calls it “an outward sign of inward grace.” Whiteside writes, “In this sacrament we find a place where God offers each of us, in tangible ways, a channel for receiving God’s grace.” In communion Jesus created a new Covenant and proclaimed our sins forgiven. “Every time we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we are to experience Jesus’ love and grace anew to strengthen and encourage us on our faith journey.”

Methodists call the consecration and sharing of the elements The Great Thanksgiving. We take the bread and wine and we are restored by receiving grace. But communion shouldn’t stop there. I had never thought of Communion requiring a response from us. Whiteside says, “We should response to this gift with joyful hearts and acts of caring and kindness toward others. “In giving thanks we receive the gift of gratitude. Thanks to God for his goodness, for the gift of Jesus and our life in him is the key to our joy” Once we have this joy we are ready to serve God.

Whiteside makes clear that Holy Communion is the communion of the church, the gathered community of the faithful. It is more than a personal event. “Communion is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the family of God. We eat and drink both in acknowledgments of common loyalty and in anticipation of being strengthened for discipleship in the world.”

The hymn: Come, and Let Us Sweetly Join

Come and let us sweetly join, Christ to praise in hymns divine;
Give we all with one accord glory to our common Lord.

Hands and hearts and voices raise, sing as in the ancient days;
antedate the joys above, celebrate the feast of love.

Jesus, dear expected guest, Thou art bidden to the feast;
For thyself our hearts prepare; come, and sit, and banquet there.

Sanctify us Lord and bless, breathe thy Spirit, give thy peace;
Thou thyself within us move, make our feast a feast of love.

Karen Bromley

March 31, 2010

2010-03-31T01:16:00.000-07:00

Humility

Read Philippians 2: 5-11

Humble. Humility. Humiliation. All three words come from the Latin root: humus. It means “dirt”…the soil, the rich earth out of which things grow. The word humiliation is related…to be humiliated is to be brought back down to the earth. The word humble also finds its meaning in this root word. Humble people may take their life’s work very seriously, but they take themselves lightly.

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Think for a moment if that were the only verse of Scripture available to you for meditation. Take everything you think, believe, and understand about yourself, the world, even the way you form opinions and decisions and set them aside. Now, “take up the mind of Christ Jesus.” Conform and mold all that you are after Christ’s way of thinking.

Paul says Christ “emptied himself; did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited; and took on humanity in the form of a slave.” What a change Christ made for the sake of the whole world…salvation. Paul does not talk about what a good teacher Jesus was or about the miracles he performed, or anything that might distract from the essential message: Christ was God; he humbled himself to humanity and then to death as an ultimate gift of self-denial for our sake.

In this season of Lent, may we be open to reflect on our understanding of humility. How might the practice of humility enrich our life of faith? What role might it play in our speech, our actions, our decisions, our lifestyle and our relationships? Who might benefit from our gift of servanthood in the name of Christ? Paul offers some answers in verses 1-4 of this same chapter.

Rev. Judy May

March 30, 2010

2010-03-30T01:15:00.000-07:00

Jesus Never Fails

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35

The passage from Matthew brings back childhood memories of my parents and conversations they shared about Rev. Arthur Luther, a beloved pastor who performed their wedding ceremony in 1953. Rev. Luther was an inspiration, and in fact, he is the one who encouraged my Dad to enter into the ministry (and he did.) While I was growing up, I remember sitting in church and frequently singing a hymn called, "Jesus Never Fails." It was composed by Rev. Luther and definitely one of my parents' favorites.

I recall my Dad sharing the story behind this hymn with his own congregation. As a child, Rev. Luther wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land, but that never materialized. He had a genuine love of music, and he dreamed about composing a popular song for everyone to sing, and he tried, but that was a dismal failure. In 1927, he became involved with an evangelistic team, often traveling to very remote places in the United States. It was in one of those places, that the hymn was born. Late one night, Rev. Luther received a telegram from home, with news that his nine year old son was rushed to the hospital suffering from a life threatening illness. He had no way to get to his child who was 600 miles away, and there was nothing he could do, other than pray. After praying, he sat down at the piano and this thought came to him, "Jesus never fails." Then and there, the words and the music of the chorus were born. Rev. Luther went on to explain that after writing the song, he felt a sense of peace in his heart, believing that God, who never fails, would provide an answer, and he did. His son survived the medical crisis.

Jesus Never Fails

Earthly friends may prove untrue,
Doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you,
One who will not fail.

Though the sky be dark and drear,
Fierce and strong the gale,
Just remember, He is near
And he will not fail.

In life's dark and bitter hour
Love will still prevail;
Trust his everlasting pow'r
Jesus will not fail.

Chorus
Jesus never fails,
Jesus never fails,
Heav'n and earth may pass away,
But Jesus never fails.

c. 1927 Rev. Arthur Luther (1891-1960)

Over the course of time, the Lord has used this song in concentration camps in Germany and by missionaries all over the world. Soldiers continue to use it on the battlefield. The song has been translated into ten different European languages and Chinese. During World War II, a church in England had the slogan printed on top of a wall. It escaped destruction from bombs until the end, and even then, the wall still remained standing.

In his hour of need, God put a song in the heart of Rev. Luther which has gone on to bless the entire world with its message of divine triumph.

Dear God, help us all to remember that difficult times should be the stepping stones to our spiritual growth and usefulness. Amen

Cindy Rolka

March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Worship is Dangerous

Read: Psalm 43

What is worship? It's our response to God's Love. It's working out our love for Him.

Since we love God, that means we want to spend time with Him; but you know, I've decided that it's pretty dangerous to spend time with God. It's dangerous because it means spending time with the One who never changes – Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and always. It's dangerous because God's not satisfied with leaving us alone. He wants us to become just what He created us to be, and He'll keep pushing and pulling and chastening and blessing us until that's what happens.

Oh, and even though that's what we always say we want – that we want to be what God has created us to be – I know that it's much easier to say that than to mean it.

What if God wants me to be something that I don't think I'll like? Frankly, that's much more likely than the other way around. Moses wasn't much interested in the job offer he got at the burning bush. Jeremiah had his doubts. Jonah turned the job down cold.

So what would make me think that I'd like God's offer any better than they did? Nothing, really, and that's why I say spending time with Him is dangerous. It's where I want to be, but it's bound to result in what I should do instead of what I want to do, in what I should be instead of what I want to be.

Go back and reread the story we used as the introduction to this year's book. You'll find two people, Daniel and the narrator, who both spent time with God, who both ended up changed in ways they wouldn't have anticipated, but neither of whom would trade that change for their original plans.

Prayer: Father, give me the courage to act on the trust I have in You. Help me to remember that what you want for me is always far better than what I think I want for myself, and that Joy beyond happiness is what awaits me. May Christ live in me the life you have chosen for me. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 28, 2010

2010-03-28T01:12:00.000-07:00

Depth of Mercy

Depth of mercy! Can there be
mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God his wrath forbear,
me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood his grace,
long provoked him to his face,
would not hearken to his calls,
grieved him by a thousand falls.

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
oft profaned his hallowed name,
put him to an open shame.

There for me the Savior stands,
shows his wounds and spreads his hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Now incline me to repent,
let me now my sins lament,
now my foul revolt deplore,
weep, believe, and sin no more.

Charles Wesley

March 27, 2010

2010-03-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

Let it Shine, Let it Shine, Let it Shine

Read: John 8:12, Matt 5:13-16

One day on the way home from church a little girl turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me."

The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?

The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"

Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"

Let His light shine in your life, so that everyone who sees you will want whatever it is that you have.
When they ask you what it is, you can tell them Who it is!

Amen.

March 26, 2010

2010-03-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

Checked Out

Read: Micah 6:7-9

I find that I am in a funk. I have “checked out” emotionally and mentally. “Out” of what I am not sure. Everyday life? Maybe not the everyday routine stuff but the stuff that matters? I am not sure, but I find I have been more reflective. I was especially interested in this year’s various Martin Luther King Day celebrations. I think because of my own state of mind, I am searching for Dr. King’s vision. I was inspired and excited at the celebration held at our own church; the idea of a beloved community is a wonderful concept. I had come across the following poem (or prayer) by Maya Angelou last June and felt like it was a prayer FOR me; meaning, I needed this prayed for me.

Reflecting on the Lenten season, this poem came to mind again. I was thinking; why not take on the tasks ourselves? Working toward a non-violent, caring, full of love no matter who or what or where kind of community. A beloved community. What if instead of asking God to speak for those with no voice, WE do the speaking; for those who are lonely, WE keep them company? I know I have it in me; I have seen it before. I am willing to take the journey and ask God to help me find it again; to become the person full of the Spirit and Love that will help me be a better Christian and better person. What better time to start the journey than now with the promise of Easter before me.

I hope this poem/prayer inspires you as well. I hope that we can pray it and reach the final goal – Peace.

PRAYER by Maya Angelou

Father Mother God, thank You for Your presence during the hard and mean days.
For then we have You to lean upon.

Thank You for Your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less.

And thank You for Your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able to celebrate You and our families and our friends.

For those who have no voice, we ask You to speak.

For those who feel unworthy, we ask You to pour Your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.

For those who live in pain, we ask You to bathe them in the river of Your healing.

For those who are lonely, we ask You to keep them company.

For those who are depressed, we ask You to shower upon them the light of hope.

Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask You to give to all the world that which we need most – Peace.

Amen.

Laurie Stowell

March 25, 2010

2010-03-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

Providence

Read Psalm 43:3-5

GPUMC is my church. Well, it’s OUR church. After all, as the song goes, we ARE the church. What amazes me is how I landed in this church 25 years ago. Makes me wonder at those who say God doesn’t have a plan – even if He doesn’t move us like chess pieces, I believe he at least uses an outline. Here’s why.

Let’s go back about, oh, 85 years. My mother was a girl in the small town of Ranger, TX. Another family, the Davenports, lived in that Texas town. One of them was Mary Edlo Davenport. My mother knew her.

In the mid-1940s, my mom, who was raised in a Christian Scientist household, had met a guy, my dad, who was raised in a Roman Catholic household. They were married and moved to Detroit where my brother and I were born.

When Art and I were 7 or so, Mom decided we needed Christian education. By that time, Mary Edlo Davenport (remember her, from Ranger, TX?) had grown up, married, and was Mary Edlo Thompson, the Sunday School Superintendent at Grosse Pointe Methodist Church. You know what’s coming. Art and I received our early Christian education at GPMC.

Coincidentally, or maybe not, my buddy in elementary school attended Christ Methodist Church. He talked me into attending a gym and swim with their MYF when I was 13. I met Lynn Grose (his girlfriend) who, 10 years later, became my wife. After we started our family we made the reluctant decision to leave Christ UMC (by that time Methodism had become United Methodism) because of the children’s programs available at GPUMC. We’ve been here since then, over 25 years ago.

I couldn’t make up that series of seemingly coincidental encounters and events but I know who could. I’m here now because God wants me here. His hand is in all we do and I thank Him for bringing me to this point in my life. I’m looking forward to learning what He has in store for me and my church, Grosse Pointe United Methodist.

Fred Van de Putte

March 24, 2010

2010-03-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

Work in Process

Read: Isaiah 64:9

Joel Osteen says we are all a work in process, that God is continually working to improve us. We should remember that and not dwell on past mistakes or failings. If that is so - - from my observations some of us are much further along in the process than others. It isn’t my place to judge; but I can have an opinion.

Difficulties and setbacks should not be unexpected, but rather we should know they are but bumps along the way in God’s process. Our role in this process is to keep working to improve; to reduce mistakes and missteps and get closer to the person God has planned for us to be.

Looking ahead to the better you is much more productive than looking back to missteps or failures. God has expected those and has plans for us to overcome them as we travel the paths He has in store for us.

Keep faith in God and expect His plans to come to be; revel in the goodness of his favor; and give thanks for His blessings.

God is at work on your behalf.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 23, 2010

2010-03-23T01:09:00.000-07:00

Breaking Bread Together

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

We Methodist are noted for always passing the plate and having food when we gathered together. Who doesn’t like food? We have fabulous cooks to supply tasty dishes and delicious desserts for our body nourishment and our pleasure. But what does this have to do with being a Christian? Wendy Whiteside in her study book Food & Faith happily had answers I had never thought about.

“The early church recognized the benefit to the community of a regularly shared meal.” In fact, Communion doesn’t end with Holy Communion. When we gather as a church family for a meal, it is an “extension of the Communion table.” “The presence of God in our lives is shared in community when the faithful gather for substance in the form of fellowship and food table.” Wow!

In order to have community in a church, we need to eat together. Something we at Grosse Pointe UMC love to do. A district superintendent was appointed to a district in crisis. There was no community, morale was low. He met with the district pastors and asked them this question: “When was the last time you ate in each other’s home?” The answer was “never”. The DS left saying he could do nothing about morale if they were not eating together. They listened and changed. “Eating seals the bonds of friendship. Food draws us together and fellowship keeps us together.”

What happens after church in Fellowship Hall with our coffee hour is the community of faith open to all. It is a time for visitors, guests and members to gather together to exchange welcoming greetings, good wishes for the coming week and to show God’s love to each. Remember at the next soup supper, Lenten Dinner, retreat, Gumbopalooza, or church activity that features food “we are bound together as a community of faith in the sharing of food and fellowship”!

Prayer:
Most holy and gracious God, help us to learn more about your holy Word and your will for our lives. May this Lenten season be a time for us to remember that we are yours and you provide our every need. Feed us the bread of life that we may hunger no more. “Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven feed us till we want no more.” In Christ’s name we pray, Amen

Karen Bromley

March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

Benchmarks

Read: Colossians 3:23-24

It has been just over two years since I merged my small business with another business based in Livonia. One of the reasons we picked this company for our merger, was they offered marketing advice, and implementation of that advice, to local companies in need of finding new business. This is accomplished by listening to the owners discuss where their business has been, successes in current products, new products and trends anticipated and other background information. We take this data and develop a simple plan targeting areas where their expertise would be best accepted and acted upon. Most small businesses do a great job running their business, but need assistance reaching out and getting their company noticed in the right places. Our initial interview is free and the resulting plan is outlined and costs quoted.

How does this all relate to my relationship with God? One aspect is that our marketing ‘guru’ is a smart woman who has had a difficult life, but uses those experiences, coupled with her strong ‘reborn’ Christian faith, to work with our customers in a direct way that assists them to reach their goals. Each proposal is tailored to their actual need and focus, with no agenda other than making the best use of the available resources. Our intent is to make our customers successful. Her Christian faith is never mentioned, but is evident in her considerate and measured approach to the customer. Coming from this perspective is not always perfect, but matches my historic approach treating customers with respect and desire to create a long-term relationship that benefits all involved … my customers, their potential customers, and hopefully us too.

Where does the GPUMC come in? Attending church and interaction with the Christian members helps remind me about keeping the right perspective in approaching the various complicated areas of the business world. We all know that today’s commerce is always changing, but there are certain underlying benchmarks that can be applied. Prompting those benchmarks is the GPUMC.

David DeWitt

March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown

Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with Thee;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.

I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
Thyself hast called me by my name,
Look on Thy hands, and read it there;
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.

In vain Thou strugglest to get free,
I never will unloose my hold!
Art Thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of Thy love unfold;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.

My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath Thy weighty hand,
Faint to revive, and fall to rise;
I fall, and yet by faith I stand;
I stand and will not let Thee go
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.

’Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me!
I hear Thy whisper in my heart;
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
Pure, universal love Thou art;
To me, to all, Thy bowels move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.

Charles Wesley

March 20, 2010

2010-03-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday Dinner at Grandma's House

Read: UM Hymnal #621

Little Jimmy and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Jimmy received his plate, he started eating right away.

"Jimmy! Please wait until we say our prayer," said his mother.

"I don't need to," the boy replied.

"Of course, you do." his mother insisted through gritted teeth. "We always say a prayer before eating at our house."

"That's at our house," Jimmy explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook."

That story is pretty funny, but it also made me think about how we view prayer.

Prayer shouldn't be a “just in case I can't handle it myself” kind of thing. It shouldn't be a “there's nothing we can do now, so we might as well pray,” a last resort.

Prayer is just talking with my Father. He loves me and I love Him. I want Him to know what's going on with me, and I want his wisdom and guidance, and all I have to do is ask.

Have you talked with your Father today?

March 19, 2010

2010-03-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Evidence of God

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made… Romans 1:19-20

Through the ages, mankind has sought to gain an understanding of God. That search has led us in many different directions, yet the Holy Scriptures tell us that the power and nature of God is clearly revealed in His creation. Numerous references are made to nature throughout the Bible from the first few verses in Genesis to the parables of Jesus. Modern man has developed complex scientific techniques with which to unlock many secrets of nature, yet the more we know the more we realize that we do not know.

Consider the tremendous flight capabilities of birds such as the peregrine falcon. This bird is only slightly larger than a crow, yet is able to reach speeds over 200 miles per hour in controlled flight during descents from high altitudes in pursuit of prey. Other birds such as eagles can soar effortlessly on air currents while in search of food. How do birds learn to fly and soar? It is not through education and training as with humans, but rather through their instincts that they know when and how to leave the nest and begin flying. I like to think of their instincts as God’s programming that is exquisitely placed in their small brains for use when needed.

Another example from nature is the miraculous story of the Monarch butterfly. This beautiful creature seems so weak and fragile to us; yet, a careful study shows us just how strong and durable it is. We see Monarch butterflies in the spring and summer and marvel at their beauty as they go from flower to flower in our yards gathering nectar. Did you know that the Monarch butterfly species performs a migration of over 2,500 miles during its life-cycle? Most butterflies reproduce and die in two to six weeks. Once every four generations, some Monarch butterflies hatch in Canada, make their way through our area in Michigan, cross the United States into Mexico and spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico. The journey takes many months during which the butterflies navigate across many different types of terrain, find food for sustenance, endure bad weather, avoid predators and time it all so that they arrive in central Mexico before the oncoming winter makes it too cold to survive. This fourth generation lives six to eight months before producing the next generation which starts the northern migration to their original homes. Not bad for a small creature that weighs just one fifth of an ounce!

We serve an awesome God. As we are shown repeatedly through examples in nature, God is all powerful and able to give us everything we need for an abundant, fruitful life. All we have to do is to acknowledge Him and to trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your miraculous creation on earth through which we can gain insight into Your power and divine nature. Help us to always remember that just as you take care of the creatures in nature, you are more than capable of taking care of us through our journey of life. Amen

Let us worship our Creator God, as we seek to know more of Him through His creation.

Mitchell Kent

March 18, 2010

2010-03-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

Shoulder Rolls

Read Isaiah 30:21

For some reason whenever Charlie asks for a Lenten Devotion, my thoughts turn to our dog, Toby. Being from a suburban community is hard on a dog of Toby’s nature who is built to run, so most Friday late afternoons I meet Heidi and Diane Martin with their dogs Kooder and Bonnie (Toby’s good and perhaps only dog friends) at church. At the back of the property the dogs can be supervised off-leash to roam and sniff.

As soon as the phone call from Heidi comes, Toby starts whining in anticipation and pretty much continues all the way to church (good thing it’s a short ride). He leaps from the car, delighted to explore and run for the joy of running – it’s a beautiful thing to watch. The dogs chase the occasional rabbit or squirrel, and one time they even cornered a possum. Once in a while they stray from the property and have to be reminded where they belong (Kooder is amazingly adept at “selective hearing”).

Too often for my taste, Toby engages in what Dave and I now refer to as the “shoulder roll”, which involves rubbing and rolling in the most obnoxious-smelling thing he can find on the ground. This necessitates a humbling ride home banished to the “back-end” of the car with the windows open and an inevitable bath. Ironically, this situation brings to my mind our relationship with God. He gives us the free will to explore and shares our joy. Sometimes we stray, and He calls us back to the right path.

Even when we make bad mistakes, He is there to wash away our sin and guide us back to where we belong. Praise God and give thanks for His many blessings!

Sue DeWitt

March 17, 2010

2010-03-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

It's Impossible

Read: Galatians 2:20

We have to push ourselves to work hard if living a Christian life is important to us. Don’t we? Please consider the following quote.

The Christian life isn't difficult--it is impossible. If we don't know that, we will try to do things ourselves. Faith is not necessary when we think we can do it ourselves. Faith comes along when we realize that we cannot do it on our own. -- Joseph Garlingen

When God leads us into situations that are uncertain, isn’t he providing the challenge that will allow our faith to grow? So by personal struggling to overcome the situation aren’t we becoming better Christians? It seems the key to it is making ourselves available to God; turning ourselves over so that God can use us to his best purposes.

If we are to believe Garlingen’s quote he seems to be saying that only by putting God in control can our faith become stronger. Only by learning to depend on God can we grow in our faith. In contrast, if we depend more on our own strength than we depend on God, we will simply be measuring our personal growth.

How can we learn to turn our lives over to God? Pray every day to express thankfulness for God being willing to live through us, and offer yourself to God for God’s uses. Be conscious always of how God might be using us in everyday situations to accomplish his work on earth. Be on the lookout for instances of God working through others.

Most important, we must remember that just when it seems hardest to turn things over to God, that’s the time when we need it most.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,
Are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians. 3:18

Joy Baker

March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T01:02:00.000-07:00

LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Read I Corinthians 13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians. 13:13

To love and be loved is a basic driving force in life. Most of us believe that love is the most powerful force in the world. The Apostle Paul tells us that without love we have nothing. As such, people are always looking for love and hoping they find it. We’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to love, albeit romantic love rather than brotherly or charitable love.

We say “without love we are nothing “and “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. So where should we be looking for love and how will we recognize it? It’s a quest that has led people to many of the wrong places and the results can be disastrous. Many songs, books and court cases deal with lost love, forbidden love and unrequited love. Being in love with the idea of love isn’t any guarantee we will find love.

To find love, we need to go to the source of love, God, and his teachings about love. In 1 John, the Bible teaches us that “love is of God”, that “we must love one another”, and that “if you abide in love, you abide in God”. We love because God first loved us. Love is the rule for fulfilling all rules. In fact the great commandment God give us is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12 and Matthew 22). Man cannot love his neighbor unless he loves himself and he cannot truly love himself unless he loves God. What an amazing connectedness: love God, love yourself, love your neighbor. We love God because of his sacrificial love for us. It is only though his love that we are able to love. We need to love ourselves in spite of our shortcomings. Ask God to help you with your weaknesses, not overlook them. We need to love others in spite of their shortcomings. Ask God to help you look for the good in others, not focus on their weaknesses.

Love has some pretty amazing qualities: you have to give it away to get it back, it has no limits on its growth, it can’t be bought but it is more valuable than anything that can. The results of living loved are an abundant life and the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Ask God each day to help you be aware of his loving goodness and to be an agent of that loving goodness. Seek out opportunities to show his love and celebrate that love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the example of love in your Son. Guide us daily to seek your love and to give evidence of your love to others. May others know we are Christians by our love.

Pat Deck

March 15, 2010

2010-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

A Still Small Voice

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12

After Christmas I spent 6 packed days in NYC with my younger daughter, Leah, who is still in school there. We had a truly wonderful time of museums, shows, opera, parks, food, very cold weather, packed subways and, of course, crowds. The first day we were there we decided about 5 p.m. to go to Rockefeller Center to hang out. Well, the crowds were crushing not in small part because the Center has been cordoned off because of a suspicious package that someone had left. (The package turned out to be someone’s lunch). But the noise and bustle was overwhelming even for seasoned New Yorkers. NYC is a busy place all the time for sure but what we experienced was definitely a notch above the usual.

The next day we met GPUMC church member, Jack Aranda, at Christ UMC near Bloomingdale's where he attends church now he is a New Yorker. The church was spectacular, the message was inspirational and the coffee hour was very friendly – just like Methodists! I can see why Jack goes there. He confided in me that as much as he loves the city, he needs a church family to bring him to reality. He said that sometimes during a weekday he will slip into a nearby church, any church, to be alone and to center himself. Given what most people know about NYC, there is certainly a need for that.

But in many ways each of our lives are not all that different from that of a New Yorker and we all need to find a place to clear our minds, calm our emotions , pray and listen to God’s directions for our lives. Of course, none of this is new for most of you. The hymnal is full of hymns that reminds us to do the same thing such as Take Time to Be Holy, Be Still My Soul, and Sweet Hour of Prayer. So that the end result is that He can raise you up on Eagles Wings!

Vivian Anderson

March 14, 2010

2010-03-14T01:34:00.000-08:00

And Can it Be That I Should Gain?

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Charles Wesley

March 13, 2010

2010-03-13T01:33:00.000-08:00

Grandma's Meatloaf

Read 1 Corinthians 9:10-12

A new bride called her mother one evening in tears.

"Oh, Mom, I tried to make Grandma's meatloaf for dinner tonight, and it's just awful! I followed the recipe exactly, and I know I have the recipe right because it's the one you gave me. But it just didn't come out right, and I'm so upset. I wanted this to be so special for George because he loves meatloaf. What could have gone wrong?"

Her mother replied soothingly, "Well, dear, let's go through the recipe. You read it out loud and tell me exactly what you did at each step, and together we'll figure it out."

"Okay," the bride sniffled. "Well, it starts out, 'Take fifty cents worth of ground beef'..."

I've always heard that it's important to know the context of what you're reading. I guess it really does pay to know something about when and where what you're reading was written!

March 12, 2010

2010-03-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

I Shall Not Want

Read Psalm 23

Growing up in the Methodist Church ever since I was a little girl, this has been my favorite passage in the Bible. As I get older, it has become even more important to me.

In the midst of challenges of life, I often use this as a mantra….repeating it over and over again. It seems to calm me and helps to remind me that the Lord is my Shepherd and I will be protected in this life and the life to come. God never gives me more than I can handle; even though there are times when I question this.

When our daughter, Jami, died almost 9 years ago, someone said to me, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” At the time, I did not understand that this was even possible. But it is!!

There are many opportunities for each of us to do his work and to be the kind of person he would want us to be. When we are faced with challenges, we must listen to him and be pro-active as we figure out how we will get through another challenge/crisis. God helps us to be strong, but we must also help ourselves.

As I stated earlier, “The Lord is my Shepherd”…

Karen G. Leigh

March 11, 2010

2010-03-11T01:31:00.000-08:00

What About Your “Wonderful Life”?

Read Ephesians 2:4-10

Over the years I’ve realized that inspiration comes from a wide variety of sources, some expected and some not at all so. As well, I’ve found myself remarkably touched by things both extraordinary and everyday. For these experiences I am always grateful, for I believe God uses any and all persons (and their attendant means) willing to channel a message of divine love and grace into a world not largely attuned to it.
I have at home a collection of films that are popularly associated with Christmas. Some of my favorites are Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and the various movies based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (about which I wrote in these pages a couple years ago). The former, as most of you probably know, is the story of the fictional George Bailey who, finding himself at the end of his rope, wished he’d never been born. His guardian angel (Clarence) was able to allow George to see what life in Bedford Falls would be like if this indeed were the case. Having come to his senses, he realized what a wonderful gift his presence truly was among the people of his time and place.
Sometimes it is quite easy to think of ourselves as “small” and having little usefulness in a larger scheme, perhaps discouraged by limitations that occasionally overwhelm. I admit that I have had these thoughts from time to time. Perhaps you have, too. If and when we do, it is always helpful to bring to mind the countless experiences and events that would not have taken place but for our presence in the world. Carrying this further, contemplate the vast future possibilities for blessings that yet can be brought about. I think we will all be astonished!
The theme of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as stated by Frank Capra, Jr. (the son of the film’s producer-director), is “Everyone’s life touches so many other lives.” To me, this is a way of expressing the spiritual unity of God’s creation within a world of seeming differences and separation. Remembering and acting upon our interconnection can bring about layers of blessing to a world long ago found to be weary and worn. We each have a role to play. God relies on it!

Dear God,
Whenever I am tempted to think of myself as having limited value or usefulness to You or others, send Your Holy Spirit to lift me to a higher plane where I can readily see and appreciate the oneness of Your creation and the love You have for every part of it. Help me, too, to express this love as Your Voice so reveals. Thank You very much. Amen.

Doug Dykstra

March 10, 2010

2010-03-10T01:35:00.000-08:00

Walk With Me During The Wilderness In My Life

Read John 14:15-19

Jesus said, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20

When the road gets tough to walk alone, many times we hear the call to 'walk that walk' with our friends and colleagues or we call a friend ourselves for that helpful hand. Sometimes, the calls from others come at just the wrong time, but nothing is more important to the person who calls than to have you 'walk the walk' with them at that moment – not later – THEN.

It doesn't matter what situation prompts the request for that wilderness walk, but what is important is that we willingly hold out our arms and take the hand of the caller and start walking their wilderness walk with them. Jesus promised to be with us always – we know he will see us through those wilderness journeys (our own or others), but sometimes He speaks through us to others. At that moment and time, as an 'other', is when we hold out our hand in a loving manner to the one in need and begin their wilderness walk with them.

Prayer: Thank you Dear Lord for being with us as we walk those wilderness journeys whether they are own or journeys with others in need. Help us to always be ready to extend our hands and arms to those in need and guide us to allow you to speak through us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Have you heard a call to walk the walk with someone in need?
What did you so about that call from their wilderness?

Carolyn Barth

March 9, 2010

2010-03-09T01:34:00.000-08:00

Devotion

Read: John 15:12-17

When we think of the devotions in this book we think of memorable events, acts of kindness or wondrous happenings. Each Sunday the bulletin has a list of those serving in the military. The service of these who have volunteered to serve the country wherever they are sent is easily pushed to the back of our minds since it is remote and mostly does not touch us directly. This is a different kind of devotion - - one of devotion to the country, to the safety of their families and friends, and to preserving our way of life.

This devotion evolves into an even greater devotion to their fellow servicemen and women and brings a closeness not understood outside the military. Devotion to the point of self sacrifice (sounds a lot like Christ).

One returning soldier responded when asked why he served “to keep the F in VFW”

A special thanks to all.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 8, 2010

2010-03-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

His Eye is on the Sparrow

“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 6:26, 10:29-31

For those of you who know me, this past year has been a year of many changes: retirement, family illness, economic worries, a graduation for one child, changes in job and location for another child, continuing concerns for the third. It has been a rough time. Through it all, the one constant has been faith. Prayer has been a part of my daily life. Many people say why bother? Are prayers answered?

One thing I know for sure, prayers are indeed answered. God is watching out for those I love. God is watching out for me. Maybe we don’t always understand the events in our lives, but overall there is a greater plan for us. I like to be in control, but there are many things that I don’t have control over. It’s very hard to relinquish the control. Remember the phrase, “Let go, and let God.” That’s what we have to do. If we offer our prayers to God, we are letting go.

As a prayer, here are the words to the gospel hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is He. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Libby Van de Putte.

March 7, 2010

2010-03-07T01:33:00.000-08:00

O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.

Charles Wesley

March 6, 2010

2010-03-06T01:32:00.000-08:00

Pray for Rain and Bring Your Umbrella

Read: Mark 11:23-25

The minister's little six-year-old girl had been so naughty during the week that her mother decided to give her the worst kind of punishment. She told her she couldn't go to the Sunday School Picnic on Saturday.

When the day came, her mother felt she had been too harsh and changed her mind. When she told the little girl she could go to the picnic, the child's reaction was one of gloom and unhappiness.

"What's the matter? I thought you'd be glad to go to the picnic." her mother said.

"It's too late!" the little girl said. "I've already prayed for rain."

Ah, the faith of a child. She prayed, actually believing that God heard and would answer. Pretty cool, eh?

When's the last time you prayed, knowing that God heard and would answer?

When will the next time be?

March 5, 2010

2010-03-05T01:32:00.000-08:00

Where are Your Trophies?

Read: UM Hymnal #504

Last week, while walking downtown, I passed by the well-known DuMouchelle Auction House. The windows on one side of the building were filled with the most amazing collection of wild animals one could imagine in one place.

The large lions were in a running position, and filled large sections of the windows. This piqued my interest, and I entered the building to take a closer look at the animals. The collection was even more impressive when seen up close.

It was evident this large collection of animals from all over the world represented a lifetime of perseverance, energy, dedication, and resources to assemble.

I walked over to the man at the desk and asked if this was a single collection or a combination of many.
He said, “No, these trophies all belonged to one man.” He was a Detroit auto executive whose name I recognized. “All of his trophies are for sale.”

This statement reminded me of the refrain from one of the best-loved songs of the church by George Bennard -

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

The executive had laid down his trophies.
Where are your trophies?
Would you exchange them for a cross and a crown?

Doug Ross, Sr.

March 4, 2010

2010-03-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Liberty

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
Leviticus 25:10

In January of 2009, Cleopatra Rigas Greenwell VERY kindly invited me to be a part of the bell choir. I was thrilled, because I had played bells when I was in the youth program at First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I had many fond memories of our director, sweet Georgia Woolrich and of that cute Luke Finchem, who played the big, low bells.

I was nervous to play with the venerable musicians of GPUMC, but they were welcoming and patient, and I have grown to very much enjoy rehearsing and sharing our anthems with the congregation. It is just SO much fun to make music with other people!

The Bible verse above is printed on the Liberty Bell in Freedom Hall, Philadelphia, PA. I wanted to write about bells and the bible, and liberty fits in well. One definition of liberty is freedom from servitude and bondage. Synonyms for liberty include permission, license, privilege and immunity. I feel that playing with the bell choir at GPUMC has given me increased liberty.

How so? I was nervous before our first anthem in church – imagining that ugly C# rung instead of the correct C – losing my place after the page turn (although Noelle would whisper the correct measure number to me) – ANYTHING could happen and that would be embarrassing. Then I remembered that when we make music, we are worshiping God. One cannot make a mistake in worship, and one cannot worship wrong. I was given permission (liberty) to joyfully ring and the experience is indeed a happy one.

After we play, many church members have graciously complimented our music and how much they enjoy hearing the bells. Jen Dixon wants us to play for little Kate’s wedding! I want to thank them for the privilege (liberty) to share that music with them. It is such fun to play that I feel indulged by the congregation’s audience.

I also have the liberty (PRIVILEGE) to play with such a kind and talented group of people every week. Cleopatra always reminds us of the messages we convey in worship – she makes it quite a profound spiritual experience. Charlie can play fifteen bells at the same time! My neighbor, Sue, is so calm, she never misses a note, and I have appreciated her welcome. I love the silly jokes that come from the Van de Putte (boys?) men. I have liberty to have fun and enjoy these wonderful people.

That’s where God is for me – in the people. Thank you, God, for the lovely experience of making music with the GPUMC choirs. Amen

Anne Sullivan

March 3, 2010

2010-03-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

Lessons in Life

Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

A friend sent me the following via an e-mail just before Christmas. Sorry I can’t provide you with the accompanying pictures and music but I think you’ll find it very meaningful just the way it is.

Life isn’t fair but it’s still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards each month.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It is more healing than crying alone.
It's okay to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present.
It's okay to let your children see you cry.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry because God never blinks.
Take a deep breath, it calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative—dying young.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters is the end is that you’re loved.
Get outside everyday. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have everything you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn’t tied up with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

With your life experiences, I’m sure you could come up with some additional life lessons to add to this list.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness that sustain us as we learn life’s lessons.

Pat Deck

March 2, 2010

2010-03-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Positive Attitude

Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I was recently in Baton Rouge, LA with my sister. As many of you know, she is battling breast cancer, and it has been a rough year. I am amazed at her courage and determination. She isn’t letting anything get her down. I went down to be with her as she began her chemo treatments, and have been to Louisiana several times in the last year. We have spent hours talking, often about inconsequential things, but also about concerns for what is happening to her. She has told me that she isn’t going to be a cancer patient with a big C on her forehead. She wants to live every day as a gift and thank God for it. There are problems along the way. She lost her hair, but it will grow back. She might have fatigue or stomach upsets, but the next day will be better. Her clothes don’t fit the same way, but that’s a good reason to go shopping.

We have used each day to get closer to each other, but also learning daily to be strong and have courage. God is providing for her. God is watching over her family and giving us strength to face the challenges that each day brings. Many people don’t realize that Margaret is going through chemo or radiation. She has a smile on her face and keeps a positive attitude. She reminds me of the Energizer bunny because she keeps going and going. She wants to live her life to the fullest everyday with a strong faith. There may be times she feels down, but that’s when she rests and wraps herself in a prayer shawl and spends quiet moments in prayer.

I think we could all learn from Margaret and have a positive attitude. She wants me to thank her Michigan friends for all the cards and prayers for her. She knows that having a positive attitude is her part in making all the prayers work as she struggles with the big C.

Prayer: Lord, be with all those who struggle. Help us to have courage to face the trials of our lives and live each day as a testament to our faith. Amen.

Libby Van de Putte

March 1, 2010

2010-03-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

Who is Your Betty?

Read James 1:22-27

Over the summer I read the book “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl, a former food critic for the New York Times. One of the challenges of being a food critic is getting restaurants not to recognize you. The goal is to review based on the experience someone like you or I might receive at a four-star restaurant – not based on the service given to Times critics. Reichl’s book chronicled the many disguises she endured in order to eat inconspicuously, and the treatment she received as a result. For Le Cirque, a one-time stomping ground for the likes of Martha Stewart and Rudy Giuliani, Reichl dined as “Molly,” a retired school teacher from Michigan. She was “Brenda,” a bold, bohemian redhead for her trip to Daniel Boulud’s new restaurant. But the disguise that stuck with me most was the one she created for her meal at Tavern on the Green.

Reichl’s “Betty” was inspired by a woman she saw on the bus one afternoon. Reichl watched the woman climb onto the bus, “her swollen fingers chafed against the string handles of the shopping bag they held.” Reichl noticed the ragged hem of the woman’s dress, and that her grey hair appeared “chopped at the bottom, as if she had scissored it herself.” The woman fell forward as the bus lurched to a stop. That’s when Reichl decided to offer the woman her seat.
“For me?” the woman asked, surprised. “Thank you, dearie. No one ever stands up for me.” She added, “Sometimes…I feel invisible.” At that moment, Reichl knew that “invisible” was just what she needed to be for her visit to one of the more expensive restaurants in the city. And invisible she was. Betty spent most of her evening at Tavern on the Green flagging down waiters; feeling unnoticed. The waiters, she noted, acted like they were doing her a favor anytime they glanced her way. Her soup arrived 40 minutes after she ordered it. It was cold. Even worse, throughout the night – even on her way to and from the restaurant – no one smiled at Betty, or even said “hello.”

Since reading the book, I’ve often thought about Betty. Is she the crazy man on the street corner who is speaking to himself, or the exasperated woman behind the counter at my favorite coffee shop? Have they been flashed a smile yet today? We’ve all heard the old cliché that you should walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before judging them. We might consider eating dinner in someone else’s shoes as well.

It’s sometimes easy to forget that Jesus befriended the invisible and ostracized in his society. Jesus would have reached out to the Bettys of the world, too.

Beth Versical

February 28, 2010

2010-02-28T01:20:00.000-08:00

Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face;
here would I touch and handle things unseen;
here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
and all my weariness upon thee lean.

This is the hour of banquet and of song;
this is the heavenly table spread for me;
here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee.

Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven;
here would I lay aside each earthly load,
here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear;
the feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove; but thou art here,
nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.

Feast after feast thus comes and passes by;
yet, passing, points to the glad feast above,
giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

Horatius Bonar

February 27, 2010

2010-02-27T01:14:00.000-08:00

Non Campus Mentis

Read: UMH #156

The new History teacher had been teaching his seventh-graders about World War II, and a test question was, "What was the largest amphibious assault of all time?"

Expecting to see "the D-Day invasion" as the answer, he found instead on one paper, "Moses and the plague of frogs."

Well, those frogs really did give Pharaoh what for, so it's nice to know that someone was paying attention in Sunday School, even if he missed the regular school lesson.

It's never fun to get one wrong, but how often do you have Bible stories come to mind in “everyday” life? It's kind of nice to have those stories in our heads, isn't it?

February 26, 2010

2010-02-27T01:13:00.002-08:00

Be Still

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Learning to “be still” has been a journey. Being busy is more my nature than being still. I like to fill my time with activities that have a purpose and make me feel productive. Over the last few years we have moved with my husband’s work.
While we were in North Carolina, my new friend, June, shared her love of the Lord and how she spends time in relationship with Him. She would read the Bible, journal about it and write out a prayer. Journaling was something that I had not done before.
We then moved to Hawaii and a new friend, Vickia, shared a book titled Adoration. The book was about Mary and Martha. My friend would say to just “be still” like Mary at the feet of Jesus. Mary showed adoration and devotion to Jesus by choosing to spend time with Him. Our faith grows as we get to know Him more.
The church we attended in Hawaii encouraged doing daily devotions. They gave out bookmarks with a Bible reading plan for three months on it. Wow! A plan to go by; that was just what I needed to get me started on my new challenge to “be still”. It was time for me to grow in my knowledge of the Bible and my faith. The Bible verse that the church quoted a lot was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plan to give you hope and a future.” This verse is so full of hope. I started the reading plan and discovered more promises and applications for life.
We then moved to Tennessee, where I attended the Rock Solid Bible study with three new friends that are inspiring teachers. We studied a book titled, Lord I Want to Know You. Then I met a sweet neighbor, Alice. She came out one day for our walk wearing a tee shirt that said BE STILL on the front with the rest of the verse was on the back. I wanted one immediately, but it was from a 2003 Spiritual Retreat she had been on. It was as if God was reminding me again to “be still” with Him to learn His directions for my life. I have had encouraging mentors all along the way, plus the Divine Mentor. God wants us to seek Him with all our hearts. “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Prayer: Thank you God for your Word. Help me to hear You today. I want to be still so that I may hear your marching orders for my day, my week, my life. Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening. IJNA

Doing daily devotions, a time to “be still” with God’s Word, gives us hope and a future as we learn to trust Him more and more.

Nancy Kent

February 25, 2010

2010-02-27T01:13:00.001-08:00

AN ALL-CLEAN LENT

" … Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith; with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22

My grandmother observed the annual ritual of spring house-cleaning. Up came the rugs to be beaten outdoors, curtains washed" and stretched, windows and furniture polished, floors scrubbed, and every drawer and cupboard cleaned and straightened. My parents for many years did a similar ritual: washing walls and ceilings and curtains, cleaning rugs and carpets and upholstery, waxing furniture. I can still remember the fresh, clean aroma of a special cleaner "they purchased at Hudson’s. Before clean-burning furnaces, washers and dryers, and vacuum cleaners, spring cleaning was a necessary chore after the need for wood and coal stoves was past and warmer weather permitted more washing and drying outside. I have a 90-year-old friend who still cleans her house from top to bottom every spring! And I must admit I rather miss the feeling of satisfaction in having - at least briefly - an all clean house. As a major in Home Economics/Field Service at Albion College, I put together a sample hand-out booklet titled "AN "ALL" -CLEAN SPRING" promoting the cleaning product "ALL" for a senior project.

The Eastern Orthodox Church begins Lent on the Monday before Ash Wednesday when traditionally the faithful cleanse their souls by penance and scrub their cooking utensils clean to remove all -traces of meat and fat, which are forbidden during Lent. Before Passover many Orthodox Jews clean out all their kitchen cupboards, throwing away any forbidden foods and making sure all the dishes are clean and kosher.

"Spring-cleaning can also be psycho1ogical, a time-out to confront the emotional clutter that has accumulated in your mental closet. It's a time for introspection, a mid-course "correction for ordinary people "in ordinary stressful lives" (-Abigail Trafford, quoted in "Simple Abundance" by Susan Breathnack). Perhaps Lent should be a spring-cleaning - not of our wood and brick houses, but of our flesh and blood houses - out hearts, minds, and souls.

The psalmist writes, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:2). On our Lenten journey, let's make time to do some internal spring cleaning and then let God take over.

"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

Noelle Landin

February 24, 2010

2010-02-27T01:12:00.002-08:00

Listen!!

The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli’s direction. This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep. It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God where the Chest of God rested.
Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!” [I Samuel 3:1-4]. Samuel thought that Eli was calling him. God called four times before Samuel understood.

One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.”
But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish -- as far away from God as he could get. [Jonah 1:1-3]

The Bible teaches that God has a plan for each of us, a task that uses our particular, special talents. But what is that task? Samuel was chosen to clean up the Temple and lead Israel. Jonah was chosen to preach God’s judgment to the people of Nineveh. The Bible teaches us to listen for God’s call.
I listened, and heard nothing.
I prayed for years and heard nothing.
Finally I heard a quiet whisper that contained the germ of an idea. Slowly that whisper grew into a loud, clear assignment.
I thanked God for answering my prayers. Then I heard God laugh and say, “I answered every day from your first prayer. The hardest part was cleaning out your ears so you could hear me.”

Dear Lord, help me to hear you speak to me. Grant me the patience to listen for your words, the quiet to hear when you speak and the faith to follow your command.

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth thou sendest clear;
And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready my God they will to see;
Open my ears, Illumine me, Spirit divine!

Ched Fine

February 23, 2010

2010-02-27T01:12:00.001-08:00

"A little child shall lead them"

Read Isaiah 11:1-6

A few years back during the busy Advent season, I was running through the church picking up trash. In my mind I was yelling, "For goodness sake! Why is it so difficult for people to pick up after themselves? Styrofoam cups, napkins, pencils, mugs, etc were all over the building. People had left coats, and a mitten or two along with an umbrella and a hat. Someone's eyeglasses were on a table.

There is enough to do getting ready for Christmas Day besides picking up trash other than my own. I still had shopping, baking, wrapping, and cleaning to do. There was no luxury of getting it all done Christmas Eve as I was committed to sing in the choir for two services, and our children were in a third.

Upon entering the Great Hall I saw a gold envelope, the kind we use for special offerings, lying under the manager with baby Jesus on the piano. There it was again, trash! Picking up the envelope I noticed a child had colored a rainbow on one side, and on the other were two beautiful flowers planted in a garden complete with sun and clouds. By the flowers, the words "I love you Jesus" were printed in pen. Below in the grass were the words, "From: Faith, To: Jesus.” I had discovered a letter inside. There was a red heart that covered the whole page and inside the heart was a picture of baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. I knew it was Jesus as it was labeled. There was another salutation that stated: "To: Jesus, From: Faith, I love you Jesus.”

What a wonderful gift had been left under the manger for the baby Jesus. This child named Faith had created a beautiful portrait of how she envisioned the baby Jesus and sent it to Him. By finding the envelope and reading the message Faith had reminded me of the greatest gift God had given us, His Son. The letter made me pause and reconsider all that I was doing for Advent and why. Faith had led me to renew my faith.

Lynn Van de Putte

February 22, 2010

2010-02-27T01:11:00.001-08:00

The Reason for the Season

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 15:1-11

Even with all the commercialism of Christmas – it starts right after Halloween, or maybe even before – still we see and hear sometimes, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season".

Now the Season is Lent, and Jesus is the reason for this season. He was born for us - lived for us - and died for us!

As we go through this holy season of Lent, we can't imagine such sacrifice. God sacrificed his Son for us. Jesus gave His life for us. We are blessed beyond belief.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Shirley Van Becelaere

February 21, 2010

2010-02-27T01:10:00.000-08:00

Take Time to Be Holy

Take time to be holy,
speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in him always,
and feed on his word.
Make friends of God's children,
help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing
his blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy,
the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret
with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus,
like him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct
his likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy,
let him be thy guide,
and run not before him,
whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow,
still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus,
still trust in his word.

Take time to be holy,
be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive
beneath his control.
Thus led by his spirit
to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted
for service above.

William D. Longstaff

February 20, 2010

2010-02-27T01:09:00.000-08:00

Rejecting Rejection

Read: Luke 18:1-8

Dear [Interviewer's Name]:

Thank you for your letter of the 13th.

After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm. This year I have had been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite your firm's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet with my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following graduation. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future candidates.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
.

What might happen if we were really persistent in prayer? in study? in praise? in worship? in generosity? inconceivable? I hope not!

P.S. - if you try this method, please let me know how it works.

February 17-19, 2010 - Ash Wednesday - Friday

2010-02-27T01:08:00.000-08:00

This story is a wonderful way to start our Lenten journey, and it’s well worth reading a few times, so let’s start with three times, shall we? btw - if anyone knows who wrote this, we'd love to know and to give credit here.

Daniel’s Gloves

I sat with two friends in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.
As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.
I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.
We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call for some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.'
Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.
I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.
'Looking for the pastor?' I asked.
'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.'
'Have you eaten today?'
'Oh, I ate something early this morning.'
'Would you like to have lunch with me?'
'Do you have some work I could do for you?'
'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.'
'Sure,' he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?'
' St. Louis '
'Where you from?'
'Oh, all over; mostly Florida ..'
'How long you been walking?'
'Fourteen years,' came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment.. A concert, he thought.
He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God
'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'
'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.
'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'
I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?'
'What?'
'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?'
'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.'
My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you.. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.'
I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I asked.
He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite.. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said.
'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
'Where are you headed from here?' I asked.
'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.'
'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?'
'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'
He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.
'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked.. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.'
'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.'
'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'
'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked.
A long time,' he replied
And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.'
'I'll be there!' was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'
'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.
Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.
Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office.. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...
'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'

Author Unknown, submitted by Carolyn Franklin

Introduction - 2010

2010-02-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

At last, a Lent that doesn’t start early in the year, that doesn’t sneak up on us before we have a chance to finish, or at least to start writing those devotions we’ve been storing up since last Easter.
What’s that? I seem to be dreaming, don’t I? Well at least there were plenty of books available on that last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Oh, wait ....
Sadly, the calendar simply didn’t cooperate with me this year, and there wasn’t quite the creative “outreach” [you may prefer to think of it as “begging” or “badgering”] of previous years. No endless harangues, no threats of “this page left blank courtesy of ,” nor even purple Lenten Stockings hung in the hallway with care.
This translated into not very many submissions for this year’s book during the normal collection phase.

After eleven of these books, is it time to take a year off? Are we burned out from all this writing? Should we just do a book of classics?
Wait a minute. That’s what we did last year - a few new ones and a bunch of favourites from the past. How many times can people read about my coffee addiction, after all?

So, nothing was published - at least not on time - and yet, the devotions continued to trickle in, and we decided that we couldn’t miss out on some of these moments of sharing. So, a quick drag through the hymnal, a search through old emails, and - voila! - we have an all-new Lenten Devotion book.
I thank all of you who helped, cajoled, threatened, and wrote for this excellent effort.

Just as in the past eleven years, it seems only appropriate to repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions of more than thirty years ago:

Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.

One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments. From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.

The Lenten Committee

Again, we can but say, “Amen.”

Charlie van Becelaere, Editor

April 12, 2009 - Easter Sunday!

2009-04-12T01:59:00.000-07:00

Christ, The Lord, Is Risen Today!

"CHRIST, the Lord, is risen to-day," Sons of men and angels say!
Raise your joys and triumphs high: Sing, ye heavens; thou earth, reply.

Love's redeeming work is done; Fought the fight, the battle won:
Lo! the sun's eclipse is o'er, Lo! he sets in blood no more!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Christ hath burst the gates of hell:
Death in vain forbids his rise, Christ hath opened Paradise.

Lives again our glorious King! Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save; Where's thy victory, boasting grave

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Following our exalted Head:
Made like him, like him we rise, Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

King of glory! Soul of bliss! Everlasting life is this,
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Thus to sing, and thus to love.

Charles Wesley (from 1739)

April 11, 2009

2009-04-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

Resurrection Cookies

Even if you don't like or eat these cookies, making them will be a meaningful devotion.
Even if you don't make these cookies, reading this recipe will be a meaningful devotion.
Read the whole recipe before beginning, and try to do this with family and friends tonight: the night before Easter Sunday.

Ingredients:
1 C whole pecans
1 C sugar
3 egg whites
1 t vinegar
pinch salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Place pecans in zipper baggie and have someone beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. This represents how Jesus was beaten by the soldiers after His arrest. Read John 19:1-3

Smell the vinegar. Put 1 t into mixing bowl. This represents the vinegar Jesus was given to drink when He was thirsty on the cross. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. This represents Jesus giving His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each person's hand. Everyone should taste it, then put a pinch into the bowl. This represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers. Read Luke 23:27

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 C sugar to the bowl. This is because the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him, and to belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Now, the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon-full onto waxed paper-covered cookie sheet. Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:65-66

Put cookie sheet into the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each person a piece of tape, and seal the oven door, just as Jesus' tomb was sealed.

GO TO BED!

Although it seems sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight, this represents the despair Jesus' followers felt when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface, and take a bite: the cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb opened and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9

He Has Risen! Hallelujah!

April 10, 2009 - Good Friday

2009-04-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

What’s so Good about Good Friday?

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 NIV

Since starting my job over three years ago, I have made it a habit to take Good Friday off. I find it helpful to remember the sacrifice Christ made for each of us and how his death and resurrection bridged the gap between God and Man. One year my coworker, when confronted with my upcoming absence, asked " What is so good about Good Friday?"

After being taken aback by his simple question, I explained to him who I believed Christ was and what his death and resurrection meant to us as Christians. It was a challenge and a blessing to explain how the day of Christ's crucifixion was a "good" day.

However, that day proved to be a good because God had given me a wonderful opportunity to share my faith. I hope that I will looking anxiously for more ways to share the goodness of God in my life with others.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Help us to see your leading and to have the boldness to share your message of love and salvation with those around us. Amen.

Jennifer Jambekar (from March 29, 2002)

April 9, 2009 - Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

Maundy Thursday

Read John 13: 1-17, 31b-35

In our United Methodist Hymnal we have a wonderful hymn that illustrates this passage from the fourth gospel, Jesu, Jesu (432). The text from John and the hymn speak to the task of a household servant and of the example of Jesus as one of humble service…an experience of humility. It is on this day that we remember the upper room gathering that gave us the mandatum nova, the new commandment to love one another as Jesus has shown love…the way of humble service.

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples---when they see the love you have for each other.” (The Message)

On this holy night there is an air of care and hospitality, a showing forth of unconditional love in an act so simple yet so profound. As we move ever closer to Jerusalem, ever closer to the cross, let us be reminded of our responsibility as followers of Christ, to be the example of servant ministry , not just for our friends, not just for our fellow congregants, not just for those who are like us or who like us.

And in the remembrance, let us commit to go to “neighbors near and far, rich and poor”, neighbors of any persuasion, serving from the position of a kneeling heart, with our time and talents, our gifts and prayers and our humble service. It is our Wesleyan heritage to be about social holiness…let us name it and claim it as we prepare to receive anew the gift of salvation offered on the cross. With a humble spirit, let us pray for the courage to love as Jesus loved.

Judy May

April 8, 2009

2009-04-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

How Great Thou Art

Read Psalm 8

Since I joined the Boy Scouts in 1960, I've enjoyed the great outdoors. I grew to love hiking (don't do much of that any more) and camping (still do it and have lots of fun). I always appreciate the beauty of nature, although I don't usually take time to reflect on the vastness of our universe and our part in it. Who am I kidding? Do I ever really think that way when I'm out in the woods? Well...not often.

In the early 90's I was privileged to take two week-long backpacking trips to beautiful Isle Royale national park. I have a very vivid memory of being awakened in the middle of one night by the excited and somewhat awestruck voices of my fellow hikers urging me and others to come out and look at the sky. If you know me, you know I value my "sack time," and I was thinking, "These guys woke me up. This had better be good."

It was not merely good. I had been awakened so that I could enjoy the most dazzling display of northern lights I had ever seen. Patterns would appear low in the sky near one horizon and then sparkle with blue and green and yellow as they raced across the sky toward the opposite horizon. I lay on my back on the dock at the "Daisy Farm" campsite, watching as shimmering curtains of multicolored lights undulated across the sky.

As I gazed, yes, in wonder, at the amazing display of celestial pyrotechnics, words and a familiar melody eased softly into my conscious thought: "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!"

If I could've remembered more of the words I'd have started singing right there on the dock, but I couldn't, so that first verse just kept playing in my head as I hummed it softly.

As we approach the season of Lent, I am now reminded of the words to the second verse of that song, "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing; sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin."

Since that night at Daisy Farm, I've had ample additional opportunities to gaze "in awesome wonder" at the world around me. On a sailboat in Lake Huron, or on the beach at the tip of Michigan's thumb, I've looked skyward to see the greatness of our tiny corner of creation. Each time I do, four words gently remind me of our creator, as I invariably think, "How great thou art!"

Fred Van de Putte (from March 15, 2002)

April 7, 2009

2009-04-07T01:55:00.000-07:00

A Balanced Diet

Read Matthew 6: 25, 31-33

I've been thinking about my diet lately. It's that New Year's thing. Anyway - as I try to pay more attention to nutrition, I find myself bombarded with those little food pyramids. You've seen them. The greatest portion of our daily food intake should be from grains and the next biggest is fruits and vegetables, etc. It occurred to me one day that I could apply the same pyramid to my spiritual nutrition.

The base of the pyramid - the foundation - is breads and grains. Well that's an easy one. There are all sorts of references to bread in the Bible, but the most obvious bread for our spiritual well-being is from Communion. Each taste of Communion bread serves as a reminder of Jesus and all he did for us. That's a pretty good foundation.

The next biggest portions are supposed to come from fruits and vegetables. At our house we love our "Veggies" (in the form of Veggie tales). We might sit and watch two or three in a row - half the time at my prompting. For those of you who haven't seen them, Veggie tales are cartoons where the characters are vegetables and fruits. They act out stories from the Bible, or just stories which teach a value such as thankfulness, loving your neighbor, etc. Often they are the only "veggies" I can be certain will be met with enthusiasm.

Hebrews 5: 12-14 talks about the need for milk versus meat. (The next level in the food pyramid.) Milk represents the elementary principles of God's word. The meat represents the more complex principles. A well-balanced spiritual diet should have a little of each. You have to remember the basics if you want to understand the more challenging aspects.

As for the top of the pyramid - the goodies, the fats - we are supposed to eat these sparingly. Proverbs 15: 30 tells us that "Good news puts fat on the bones." What a great way to top off the spiritual food pyramid - with the "Good News"!

Thought for the day: Am I remembering to nourish my spirit?

Prayer:
Father we thank you for our blessings and the food we enjoy. Pardon our sins, guide us through life, and at last save us. Amen.

Jacki Rumpp (February 28, 2001)