March 31, 2018

The Parable of the Tenants – Mark12:1-9 ESV

And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.


Parable Ponderings:
    • Whom is Jesus addressing? (could it be me?)
    • What does Jesus want us to learn from this story?
    • When can I apply this in my life? (Tomorrow? Now? Always?)
    • Where does Jesus see me in this story? (A player? The audience? Both?)
    • How does this story tell me more about Jesus, and how He wants me to live?

March 30, 2018 – Good Friday

Confirmation

Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

There’s an old saying with many variations, each applying to different people or groups in slightly different situations. A basic version would go something like, “People are like tea bags; you never know how strong they can be until they get into hot water.” It’s been attributed to and used by many different people over the decades.

I’ve been thinking about that lately; not about me, but rather about my faith.
When Mom was dying, and especially right after she had died, I was obviously sad, but I was also so happy to discover that I really do believe what I had thought I believed.

It’s been so easy over the years to explain to others that funerals shouldn’t be sad because we know where our brothers and sisters are after death – they’re with Jesus, and the only sadness is for us as we miss them in our own lives. Even then, we know that we’ll be reunited with them when we too shuffle off this mortal coil and go home to be with the Lord.

Yes, it was always easy to know that when it wasn’t quite so close to me. The wonderful thing has been that through those moments of tearful sadness that do come, it’s mostly been an amazing time of trusting, believing, knowing that Mom really is there with Jesus, and that what we all profess to believe as His followers really is Right and Good and True.

I can’t guarantee that I’ll be joyful when we have her memorial service, in fact that’s not very likely, but I am thankful for the knowledge that I really believe what I believe.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for those confirmations of our faith You send us in the times when we truly must trust. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 29, 2018 – Maundy Thursday

Knock Knock, Who's There?

Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask and it will be given to unto you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Continue reading to verse 12. (This passage is also found in Luke 11:9-10.)
Revelation 3:20 – Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Perhaps many of you have had the privilege of seeing the famous painting, ”The Light of the World,” by William Holman-Hunt that hangs in St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The painting shows Christ holding a lantern and knocking on a door which has no handle and which is covered with overgrown ivy. The artist painted several versions of this theme. Hunt was inspired by the Gospel of John which tells us Christ is “The Light of the World.” This painting is often referred to as a “sermon in a frame.” The sermon it represents teaches us that Christ is knocking on the door of our life but we are required to open it because there is no handle. If we invite Christ in, he will dwell in our hearts. Christ not only knocks at the door, he is the door.

Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock because he knows our weaknesses and limitations and he has a divine supply of those qualities that we lack. People often give up on God because they don't get the answer they want, they are impatient, or they lack persistence. We are told that like a parent who gives good gifts to his children, God will give even better gifts to us. But, we have a responsibility to ask, seek, and knock.

Ask:        Turn to God in prayer, study his holy word, and be in fellowship with other Christians.
Seek:       Knowledge, discernment, and understanding to be open to his will and follow it.
Knock:    Be persistent in approaching God. He will honor those who don't give up in claiming his promises.

Are you answering the knock on the door of your heart? Are you knocking persistently at God's door?
Ask God to help you recognize when he is knocking. Ask God to reveal himself to you. Ask him to help you spread his light to others by following his golden rule.

Knock knock, who's there? It's me Lord standing in the need of your grace and strength and ready to answer you.

Pat Deck

March 28, 2018

High Bar

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:1-2

It's easy to be an over achiever!

Most of us are probably under achievers. we set the 'bar' so high we have almost insured we won't make it. If your goal is to be better at playing a guitar than Brad Paisley you are doomed to under achieve. If you plan to be better next year than now you probably can over achieve. If you plan to set an Olympic Record in the pole vault and you're as old as I am you're doomed.

You may remember Marty Mornhinweg (former Lions coach) was laughed at for saying "the bar is high." Depending on how high the bar his guys could be over- or under- achievers.

As Christians we are called to be "Christ like". Since we are all humans – in this sense we are all under achievers. The thing to remember is: we are all works in progress. God has not completed His work on us, and we must continue striving to be more Christ-like, even though the bar is extremely high.


Jack Van Becelaere

March 27, 2018

Where Your Treasures Are

Read: Mathew 6:19-20

I’ve been cleaning house. Actually I’ve been at it for 4 years now, so you would think I would have a really clean house. Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, I have learned a thing or two about cleaning house. First, it’s a lot easier to get rid of other people’s stuff (i.e., my husband’s) than it is to get rid of my own treasures. And secondly, it can be hard for me to get rid of my treasures.

I’m reminded of the story of the monkeys in the wild who approached a cage full of bananas. As they approached the cage, each reached in to get a banana but they could not pull the bananas out of the cage so there the monkeys stayed by the cage. They were riveted by wanting the bananas, but at the same time wanting to get away from the cage and eat the bananas – and this was not possible. That is, they could not let go of their stuff – in this case, their bananas – and get on with their lives.

That sounds like me. How many of our possessions keep us captive and prevent us from being open to new opportunities? In my case, a bunch.


Vivian Anderson

March 26, 2018

Shadows and Valleys

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

One of the common sources of stress is loss. You can lose your job, your health, your money, your reputation, or a loved one.
When people go through loss, there are always two common reactions. One is fear, and the other is grief. Grief is good. Grief is the way we get through the transitions of life. In fact, if you don’t grieve, you get stuck! Grief will not kill you if you let it out.

On the other hand, fear is a bad thing. Not once in the Bible does it say, “Grieve not,” “Sorrow not,” “Weep not,” nor “Cry not.” What it does say is “Fear not.” And it says that 365 times! Because grief doesn’t paralyze; fear does.

David says in Psalm 23:4 "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (ESV)
Shepherds always carried a rod and a staff to protect their sheep. David knew that, in the same way, God had the tools to protect him, and he trusted him, even in the darkest valleys.

Some of you may be going through the valley of the shadow right now – perhaps it may be the valley of the shadow of death. It may be the valley of the shadow of debt. It may be the valley of the shadow of conflict. It may be the valley of the shadow of depression. It may be the valley of the shadow of discouragement.
Shadows are scary. Remember how you used to be afraid of shadows when you were lying in bed as a child? I’ve learned a few things about shadows.

First, shadows can’t hurt you.
Second, shadows are always bigger than the source.
And – here’s the good news – wherever there’s a shadow, there has to be a light. You can’t have a shadow without light. So the key when you’re going through the valley of the shadow is to turn your back on the shadow and look at the light. Because as long as you keep your eyes on the light – Jesus, the light of the world – the shadow won’t scare you.

That’s how you go through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s how you lower your stress. You trust God in the dark valleys, just like David, who prayed, “When I am ready to give up, he knows what I should do” (Psalm 142:3a TEV).

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided – Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me." Amen.

Cindy Rolka (partially based on a devotion by Rick Warren)

March 25, 2018 – Palm Sunday

O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done

O Love divine, what hast 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, UMH #287

March 24, 2018

Soldiering – the Lost Art

Read: UMH #575

Last year – in early April – during the week between Music Sunday and Palm Sunday, I noticed a leaf flutter to the ground. It came to me that this leaf had soldiered on through the winter, through high winds, snow, and rain in a vain attempt to fight the natural order of things.

It then occurred to me – this must not be a Christian leaf because we no longer have Christian Soldiers. Also, there was no "cross of Jesus going on before." The best the leaf could hope for was to go "forward through the ages, in an unbroken line.” (Hymn 555)???

We all go forward through the ages (occasionally looking back) doing the best we can, but evidently we no longer can soldier on.


Jack Van Becelaere

March 23, 2018

“A Tough Row to Hoe”

Read: James 1:2-4

Already this year I have been blessed, because last I had the chance to meet George Shirley, a famous opera singer. He was the first African American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was also the first Black music teacher in Detroit.

I went to Wayne State University for their sesquicentennial celebration (150 years in Detroit)! Because my husband was one of the physicists being honored I had a reserved seat in the front row. After the celebration ended I hurried to take a picture with Mr. Shirley because I understand how difficult it is to be a minority in classical music. Many days I have wished that things would be easier for my daughter than it was for me. But things are slow to change.

There was a long line of people waiting to talk to him. I turned to Paul and said, “I am going to start at the front of the line because I just want to take a picture with him so I can send it to Candace.” I knew a picture with the cell phone wouldn’t take much time. The picture would be another way to tell Candace that she should continue to follow her dream.

I never expected to have a conversation with him, but when I turned to face the camera I had a chance to look at him. I knew he would understand all the years of struggles and pain. So I explained that I was a classical musician and that my daughter is currently in New York. I didn’t want to take any more time so I just ended with “It has been a tough row to hoe.” This was a short way to say my path has been very difficult. I was shocked when he stopped to tell me two things to remember.

First he told me that the struggle is real but everything is okay because, “No mountain can be climbed if it is smooth.” I told him that I had climbed some pretty rough mountains while working on degrees in classical string music but that he had put it all in perspective. I turned to leave and he said, “Wait a minute I have a story to tell you.”

The story is as follows: There was a man and God told him, “I am going to put a boulder in front of your door and every day I want you to go push on that boulder.” So every day the man pushed the boulder until he grew impatient with waiting for something to happen. Finally he said, “God why did you tell me to push on this boulder every day? You know I can’t move it!” God said, ”I never said you would be able to move it, but think about how much stronger you are now that you pushed on that big rock every day.”

Venus Rembert-Karchin

March 22, 2018

Aww, Nuts!

Read: Philippians 4:17-19

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were beautifully snowy this past year. The only drawback to that is that at some point I had to grab the shovel and clear the driveway (one can only drive through deep snow so many times, after all), and so Boxing Day found me bundled up with a snow shovel in my gloved hands, moving Nature’s Bounty from the concrete to the grass.

Most of you know that the See and van Becelaere families both went through some major changes in the time leading up to Christmas. We saw Leonard and Shirley go home to be with the Lord, leaving the rest of us to deal with new empty places in our families. So with all that, Heidi and I had assumed we would not be receiving our much-looked-forward-to visit by a couple of Sees bringing nuts and a note.

As I said, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were beautifully snowy, so there I was on Boxing Day, shoveling away, when I noticed that the front storm door wasn’t quite closed. We hadn’t even looked at the front door as we hustled to and from the garage whenever we were going anywhere those past couple days, so I shoveled my way up the steps, did the porch, and pulled on the door to see what was keeping it open. Lo and behold, there was a package of nuts with a card and a note from Bertie See.

It’s pretty amazing how important something seemingly trivial can be. In the midst of our somewhat muted celebrations, it was wonderful to find that Bertie took the time to carry out her Christmas tradition – one that we found very important, but had assumed wouldn’t happen. Sometimes the big things really are what matter, but usually it’s those little things – those simple things that show us someone really cares – that are most important.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be aware of those little things we can do that will brighten others’ lives, and keep our hearts open to doing them. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

March 21, 2018

Let Go and Let God

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” –Philippians 4:13

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where suddenly you must, or maybe even agreed previously, to do something you had never done before and never thought about? Even more challenging was the fact that immediate action was necessary. There was no time for any forethought or time to lay out a plan.

This situation has presented itself to me more than once, most recently after accepting a new important retirement activity which was unlike anything I have ever done. Totally unprepared – nothing outlined, researched, or thought about prior to the time the action was necessary, my mind raced – someone was counting on me to handle a situation. Almost in a panic mode, even though I know God is always present, I kept uttering Philippians 4:13 to calm my nerves and acquire a positive, peaceful mind. Only then could I proceed. It was zero time and action was necessary. Suddenly, I felt a peace come over me and during the prayer part of the action – not my words, but His comforting words of support came from my mouth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being in my/our lives, supporting and giving wisdom to handle all situations at hand, even though we do not always ask for your guidance. Thank you again for giving me wisdom to say the appropriate things at the right time. Forgive me for not always asking for and feeling your presence when all I needed to do was to "let go and let God.” Amen.

Carolyn Barth

March 20, 2018

Empty Nest!

You have done many things for us, O Lord our God;
there is no one like you!
You have made many wonderful plans for us.
I could never speak of them all— their number is so great! — Psalm 40:5

I really did not think it would happen. Bridget stayed at home during college then returned home after working in New York post graduation. On her heels, Melissa was at home, waitressing and bartending and saving for grad school. When Mikey graduated, he expected a short stay at home before heading off to work in the Virgin Islands. Hurricane Irma had other ideas!

A few weeks ago, he packed his brand new Jeep and drove 2,500 miles to his new job in Reno, Nevada. I cried for a day and was comforted by my kind husband. Now, it’s just us newlyweds. And, I am happy to say, it’s great!

I have found myself reflecting on this new stage of life. It’s amazing to be granted these gifts, all things coming from God. The good fortune to raise sons and daughters and enjoy the people that they become. Something so much more than what we’ve given them.

My mother warned me as my children were heading into adolescence that it was going to be fast and furious. She was right! She advised that I watch carefully and to REALLY LOOK at them and listen. So I have various moments frozen from those years. I am glad to have those memories. I also remember NOW to look, listen, observe, and enjoy them in their young adulthood. It’s a lot of fun. And I enjoy how they relate to one another and the new people they bring into our midst.

I think about God’s children (us!) and how challenging we must be as offspring. We stray, we make mistakes, we forget about God, we sin. By our very definition, we are sinful. Yet we know that God enjoys us and wants relationship with us – each and every one of us. Especially if we are lost and apart from God. How lucky that God really looks at us and really listens to us, even when it’s inconvenient. We are blessed, indeed.

Thank you God for being our loving Father. Thank you for always listening to us. Thank you for always wanting to know us better.

Anne Sullivan

March 19, 2018

Road Trip

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14

In our women’s Bible study, we are using the book “Road Trip” by Jen Hatmaker. She compares our spiritual growth to taking a road trip. It made me think of my late husband Joe’s long haul trucking company.

 Each truck cab was equipped with a computer system that allowed the trucking headquarters to know where each truck was at all times. A driver could take a nap if he had time on his schedule. However, if they needed to start moving to meet their delivery date, an alarm activated by headquarters would sound in their cab.

As we grow in our faith we sometimes get moving in alternate routes. Our faith journey stalls. We stopped growing. It is so easy to get bogged down with daily tasks. We find it hard to find time to spend with God. Does God ring an alarm telling us we are off track? Jen writes, “We must take what God has said to do, and walk forward in faith and give God the chance to show he is faithful.”

Jen feels we must embrace our delays. Maybe you need a rest. “God knows what you have to face next. He alone knows how to prepare you. Choose to learn from every step along the way, even the ones that are uphill. Declare this to be a season to advance your faith.” Put God in charge of your outcomes. I have found that like others, my faith has grown in difficult times in my life. God is there, faithful to us when we seek him. We just need to keep on trucking in faith.

Dear God, Thank you for your faithfulness to us. Help us always to feel your presence as we grow in our faithfulness to you. Amen

Karen Bromley

March 18, 2018

Behold the Savior of Mankind

Behold the Savior of mankind
nailed to the shameful tree;
how vast the love that him inclined
to bleed and die for thee!

Hark how he groans! while nature shakes,
and earth's strong pillars bend!
The temple's veil in sunder reads,
the solid marbles rend.

'This done! the precious ransom's paid!
"Receive my soul!" he cries;
see where he bows his sacred head!
He bows his head and dies!

But soon he'll break death's envious chain
and in full glory shine.
O Lamb of God, was ever pain,
was ever love like thine?

Samuel Wesley, UMH #293

March 17, 2018

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32 ESV

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”


Parable Ponderings:
    • Whom is Jesus addressing? (could it be me?)
    • What does Jesus want us to learn from this story?
    • When can I apply this in my life? (Tomorrow? Now? Always?)
    • Where does Jesus see me in this story? (A player? The audience? Both?)
    • How does this story tell me more about Jesus, and how He wants me to live?

March 16, 2018

Shout Out

Read: Psalm 121

Be still and know that I am God
-Psalm 46:10

One of my favorite TV game shows is “Cash Cab.” The show’s premise is simple. It takes place on the streets of Manhattan. People hail what they think is just an ordinary taxi, only to find out what is inside is a game show which takes place in the taxi on the way to whatever their destination is. The game consists of answering general knowledge questions on varied topics. As long as the riders continue to answer questions correctly, they earn money. However, the catch is that if they get three wrong answers on the way to their destination, they are out of the game. The cab driver pulls over and the people are kicked out of the cab right where they are and lose any money they’ve accumulated. As a help in answering questions, however, the passengers are allowed two “shout outs.” They are allowed one mobile phone call for help or they are allowed to pull the cab over and ask one person on the street for help in answering the question.

 So, what does “Cash Cab” have to do with our Christian walk? In our daily lives we often struggle with finding answers to weighty questions that don’t seem to have answers to them; especially answers we try to come up with on our own. This is when we turn to our “shout outs,” either to friends, family, or to our God. A phone call may be our way to shout out to friends and family. But the way to shout out to our God is by pulling the cab over to the side of the road and engaging in prayer. We probably won’t win any cash in doing so, but we may very well find something far more valuable – peace of mind.

Prayer: Dear God, remind us continually that we don’t have to go it alone. All we need to do is “shout out.”

Mike Bernhardt

March 15, 2018

Freezer for Sale

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Far be it from me to use the Lenten Devotion book for a classified ad, but this is no ordinary freezer. For over a year it held the warmth and love of this congregation and served as a daily reminder of same. The gifts this freezer served day after day gave us much needed relief, inspiration, and devotion to keep on going and overcome.

Almost 5 years ago, as soon as I got home from the hospital, food just started showing up at our house. Friends brought it, I got messages to stop and pick up a load here and there, and mysterious packages of edibles started piling up. Soon it became overwhelming, even I couldn’t eat it all, and I eat A Lot. I filled the 2 freezers at home that we used to keep our fresh caught fish in. I was borrowing freezer space from all the neighbors. Then one day my neighbor came with his son and a large box and said, “OK Ron, enough is enough, when JeriLynn comes home you aren’t going to have time to run around the neighborhood collecting up dinner every night. You might as well go shopping.” And with that, they took a new freezer to the basement for me and the next thing I knew, everyone who’d been storing gifts of food brought it and filled the freezer for us.

I realized later what a game changer that was for me. Jeri was gone for so long I think subconsciously I was thinking I’d always be alone. I didn’t like it. That freezer full of food from this congregation reminded me that Jeri was coming home someday, and so, I started making ready as best as I could. Finally, after almost 6 months she did come home, and boy, was I glad to have that food. For nearly a year I didn’t have to worry about dinners. Don’t get me wrong, I did plenty of shopping and cooking, but when we were running too late, out of time, or just too exhausted, I knew I could go to the freezer and pull out something to make us happy.

Speaking of happy, that’s what we are now, thanks in no small part to the love and gifts of our GPUMC congregation. And so, I think it’s time to Re-Gift the freezer to someone else to store love and warmth. (Hmmm think about that one for a minute.) It’s really not for sale, it’s free to a good home. If you know of someone who could use it, please let me know.

Ron Draper

March 14, 2018

Thy Will Be Done

Read: Matthew 6:5-14

We all pray for various things/outcomes/happenings at various times. I have become conflicted about how prayers are answered. In John 14:14 Jesus says "If you ask something in my name I will do it". When we ask in His name and it does not happen – is the answer in what we have been taught "Thy will done" and the request is not in line with his will?

On the other hand, perhaps the prayer is in concert with John and it His will, but the timing is wrong. After praying for something for over a year is it time to stop because it won't happen or is it time to recognize time here on Earth is not like time in God's world where a minute could be a year or a year could be a minute?

The power of prayer is demonstrated every day and miracles happen every day. It must be that individual prayer requests have to wait their turn in line or the prayer is better answered with a No. That line in a country song "God must be busy" may explain a lot.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 13, 2018

Thankful for Family

Read: Psalm 84:1-4

When our children were young we spent most Easters at my home in Kentucky with my brothers and sisters and their children from several different parts of the country.

On Easter Sunday, everyone went to church together (we took up several pews), then home for a large dinner and Easter egg hunt with all the cousins.

After my Father died, the brothers and sisters still gathered at least once in the summer at my Mother’s house. When my Mother died four years later, my sister said, “It will never be the same, as no one will come back here.”

So we all talked about that and decided to rent cottages at different Kentucky State Parks so we could all be together. We did that for ten years until everyone got too old to travel.

We had so much fun just visiting, talking, playing cards, eating, and singing hymns every night. (My Grandfather was choir director at his church and my brothers inherited his voice – not me!)

When Easter comes, it brings back great memories. Try to keep in touch with friends and family, and thank God for all of them.

Sara Wooton

March 12, 2018

Every Step of the Way

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I spent so many years trying to be strong and courageous and being envious of those around me who didn’t spend so much time in struggle and worry. Although I experienced much joy in my adulthood, worry and struggle were my constant companions. God put many people in my path to listen and help me overcome my worries, but it seemed it was just my nature, starting even in childhood. It robbed me of my joy too much of the time. However, I was steadfast in trying to overcome it. I read and reread Bible verses, joined groups, shared my struggles with the selected people. I can remember having Bible verses written on pieces of paper in my pocket to touch and read during a particularly difficult time. I was a persevering soul.

 One of my most difficult times came when I knew I had to leave my teaching job after thirty-five years, but before I expected to or wanted to. I was at a crisis point when I remembered I lived next door to our minister. I talked to the right person. Suddenly it seemed like God was talking to me and I could listen to his advice to take care of myself and trust that things would unfold as they should. At that time another trusted friend (identified later) delivered a book to my doorstep which was such an act of love and exactly what I needed. I saw God in these people and slowly learned that He truly was with me.

I can now look back at my life and know that God has been with me every single step of the way. I know it, feel it, and believe it. In retrospect it is so clear. I was led to a new teaching job and was able to have ten good, hard working, but very satisfying years. During that time I also believe that God planted a new idea in my head…..a new location and a new life. It seemed like an epiphany, but I was so much stronger in my faith and life that I was willing to take a risk. Retirement has given me more time to grow my faith, again through a good church and good people. Life will surely have many challenges for me in the future, but I know that my worry and struggle has been changed to belief and trust in the Lord….and now I even have a new friend in heaven (named Shirley) to guide me, remind me, and kick me in the butt when needed.

MaryBeth Cordier

March 11, 2018

O Thou Who Camest from Above

O Thou who camest from above,
the pure celestial fire to impart
kindle a flame of sacred love
upon the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for thy glory burn
with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return,
in humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart's desire
to work and speak and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire,
and still stir up thy gift in me.

Ready for all thy perfect will,
my acts of faith and love repeat,
till death thy endless mercies seal,
and make my sacrifice complete.


Charles Wesley, UMH #501

March 10, 2018

Ponder This

Why did Jesus come to Earth then? Why not now or some other time?

In the Old Testament God was wrathful bringing the sword, famine and pestilence. In the New Testament He is merciful and forgiving. Do you think having a kid mellowed Him?

Why did calendars used to start the weeks on Sundays and now it's Mondays?

Why do bad things happen to good people? Corollary: Why is there evil in the world?

Is Free Will really free or is it preordained? (It must mean more than "release Will Lorenz, Will Norris, or Will Van de Putte")

Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. What could be in God's will? And how do you leave something to your Son when You and your Son (with the Holy Spirit) are one and the same?

In the "old days" families were close by and had togetherness. Why are families now spread across the country (or the world)?

After healing an affliction, why would Jesus tell the person to tell no one when He knew that would not happen?

Talk about the agony of defeat! How could so many forget or choose not to remember what Jesus went through "for a world of lost sinners?"


Jack Van Becelaere

March 09, 2018

A Bump In The Road

I have a dear friend who for many years has suffered with a chronic illness. When someone would ask her how she was doing, she would say, "I'm doing OK" and let it go at that. She never liked to discuss her illness or her symptoms because she said she did not want to be a bore. Casual friends and most people don't really want all the details anyway. Most will ask out of politeness and habit. It is a standard form of greeting. They don't really want to know, because it puts pressure on them to give a response.

If a loved one or dear friend pressed my friend for more information about her condition she would respond with "This is just a bump in the road of life." My friend was far from retirement age and lost most of her strength and had to give up many of the things she enjoyed doing. She had to quit working and lost her business. She was single and faced all this alone, except for God and the spiritual strength He gave her. She said she felt her guardian angels with her many times – seen and unseen.

I would not hear from her for long periods of time and being far away I would wonder if her condition had worsened. Then I would get a phone call from her and she would tell me about a trip she was planning, of the photographs she was taking of the wildlife around her apartment, or details about interesting ideas and people she had found on the internet.

Her body may have weakened but her spirit was strong. The Bible tells us that we are made strong in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) We don't understand our spiritual strength sometimes until we lose our physical strength. Life has to get pretty "bumpy" for most of us before we turn to God. When the road is smooth we gallop along at breakneck speed, keeping pace with the world. Then suddenly, we hit that speed bump and life takes a different turn. I know this too well. We are forced to slow down and take a good look at our life and our relationship to God. Things that were so very, very important don't look so important to us now. Life has different priorities. Never is that more true than when you have chronic illness or disability.

The world looks at the outward, physical body, but God sees the spirit and the soul. The world sees the suffering only, and not a loving God. The faithful see God at work in all conditions and circumstances. Praise God for His steadfast love to us in all our circumstances, and for His faithful promise that we will be with Him forever because of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord. (John 3:16)

Submitted by an anonymous friend of GPUMC

March 08, 2018

Amazing GPUMC

Read: Matthew 18:19-20

As many of you already know, our oldest son Benjamin recently got engaged Christmas morning 2017, on his knee in front of his Christmas tree to a wonderful woman, Christine Anderson.

They have been dating for around a year or so, and she is the sister of a gal married to a guy named Clay who is good friends with our middle son Andrew (and Katrina, our daughter, raced with Clay’s brother at the UofM sail club).

How does this all connect with GPUMC? Christine is a devout Catholic with great volunteering over the years at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church (just south of 9 Mile on Jefferson). She also teaches AP Calculus in the Roseville School district and helps manage the County Club of Detroit youth summer program. Ben, as many of you know, has always had church as an important part of this life, wherever he was around the world while in the US Army, or with jobs across the USA.

The two of them are so blessed to ask that the guidance of Christ be a part of their lives. As many of you may have noticed, Christine has over the last months, sat in the last pew (driveway side) sharing it with Jack Van Becelaere. Ben, who has re-joined the GPUMC choir, sings the anthem and then leaves with Christine to attend church at St. Lucy’s. [Note: wouldn’t be nice if more people would cooperate with the essence of God’s word as these two adults do?] I do not know what they will do about church once they get married, but, at least for me, it does not matter…since I am amazingly pleased that I know Christ will be a part of their lives together.

So, once again, what has this got to do with GPUMC? Our congregation has been wonderfully engaging and welcoming to Christine. The Christian love and support to them both by our GPUMC membership is one of the contributions encouraging their relationship to flourish into marriage.

Thanks GPUMC for being a magnificent assisting matchmaker!

Dave DeWitt

March 07, 2018

God’s Hands Assisting Victims of Hurricane Harvey

Read: Luke 10:25-37

The College Students and Young Adults of the GPUMC were passionate about assisting the families affected by the recent hurricanes. After investigating mission trip opportunities, the team accepted an invitation to Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas. With the generous support of the members of GPUMC, an RV was rented, tools were collected and borrowed, and the team set out for Texas.

The team connected with a family who needed our help. The Ray family home had been submerged during the flood and was at a stage in the rebuilding process where drywall was the next step. The team arrived and helped with insulation and drywall. A house with nothing but studs now had most of the exterior walls insulated and a large percentage of the exterior walls drywalled. Supplies were left to allow for completion of much of the remaining drywall work.

The mission turned the Ray family’s despair into joy. In the dark shell of their flood-torn house, Jimmy and Kecha Ray had lost hope, but they prayed to God, and He sent our team to be His hands.

At the client appreciation dinner, the Rays joined the team for a meal and worship. Kecha Ray spoke about the despair her family felt before the arrival of the team. She told the team they were truly “sent by God.”

After meeting our team and working with us to start the transformation of her home from a shell back into a home, Kecha was overjoyed. She asked us to join her on Facebook and she made a post about our support. She thanked us and God for our timely help. The text of her post is below. It refers to a ministry she completed in Michigan several years ago.

Kecha Ray’s Post About the GPUMC Mission:

“15 years ago, as a college student, God sent me to Michigan to serve and minister to a Deaf church for 10 weeks. Today, God sent a team of adults & college students from a church in Michigan to serve & minister to my family. No denying His hand when the ONLY team from outside of Texas is from Michigan, came prepared to hang insulation & drywall, and ends up at my house of all places. Thank you Rev. Ray McGee, Dar McGee, Tom Cobau, Eva Cobau, Joey Cobau, Olivia Randazzo, Jen & Michael J. Skalsky, all the donors from Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, United Methodist Army, and Jan Nycum Ray for making the connection!!!! Jimmy Ray #JesusStrong”

Whenever you offer your hands to serve God, He will find a worthy purpose.

Tom Cobau

March 06, 2018

In My Heart

Creative writing is not at the top of my list of strengths. It can make me a little anxious. This day, however, I promised myself that I would find something to share. Ironically the daily devotion I read today started with this, "Come to Me, and rest in My loving presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you." Now my trial is minor, but it sure hit the mark for me.

Browsing through other devotion books for inspiration I almost immediately flipped to a page about friends and family. The bells rung and the stars twinkled. As I read about loving families and trustworthy friends being treasures from God, I was warmed by the thoughts of how my GPUMC friends are also part of my extended family in my heart. While I miss going to a grandparent's or another family home for Sunday afternoons, I do get very similar feelings in just coming to church on Sunday morning. I am blessed and enriched by all those God has placed in my path. I praise God for my family and friends.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends. As these folks are gifts from You, let me treasure them. Let my love for You be reflected in my genuine love for them. Let me remember that some of the best times in life are those shared with others. Amen

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27: 17

Beth Blunden

March 05, 2018

Seasons

Read: Genesis 1:1-19

As the days grow shorter and the sun gets low
There's a chill in the air, the trees put on their show.
Through the long winter a few leaves say no
Refusing to drop and be covered with snow

But after the winter and cold weather parts
And after the melting and the opening of parks.
We rejoice in the warmth as we venture outside
To put the car top down for a long summer ride

Some people think summer is when the Earth is closest to the Sun – not so for the Northern Hemisphere. Earth's orbit is roughly an ellipse in which the sun is not centered. The seasons are not the result of the Earth being farther or nearer the Sun. The reason there is summer and winter is because the axis the Earth spins on is at an angle of 22 1/2 degrees from vertical (compared to the plane of the Earth's orbit). When the axis is tilted toward the sun, the sun's rays are more direct and provide more warmth. This angle is also the reason days are longer when the axis is tilted toward the sun and days are shorter when tilted away. The tilt means the Southern Hemisphere gets the most direct rays when closest to the Sun.

Why is the Sun not centered in Earth's orbit? Why is the axis tilted 22 1/2 degrees? Why is the tilt away when the Sun is closest?

Why?

Because God made it that way!

Jack Van Becelaere

March 04, 2018

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.

He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

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, UMH #363

March 03, 2018

The Parable of the Lost Sheep – Luke 15:1-7 ESV

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.


Parable Ponderings:
    • Whom is Jesus addressing? (could it be me?)
    • What does Jesus want us to learn from this story?
    • When can I apply this in my life? (Tomorrow? Now? Always?)
    • Where does Jesus see me in this story? (A player? The audience? Both?)
    • How does this story tell me more about Jesus, and how He wants me to live?

March 02, 2018

Unanswered Prayers

Read: Psalm 6

The next five paragraphs were written in April or May of 2015 with the expectation of being in the next Lenten Devotions.

I thought I had won the biggest Lottery in the world by being born in the USA. Most of the people in the world live in poverty and subjugation. This country was founded on the idea that all people want to be free to live and worship as they choose. The founding on these principles was revolutionary and unique. For the most part, it still is today!

Although I started saying I had won the biggest lottery – there is one bigger. Being born a Christian which means we have an all-knowing God. A God who sees everything and works in supernatural ways.

After months of prayer (with occasional moments of doubt) God has seen fit to answer, and Shirley's formerly blind right eye has been restored to full vision. No medical procedure could have made this happen. The optic nerve was dead and the receptors in the eye has deteriorated. The eye was beyond help from doctors, but not from Divine Intervention. Never give up on belief in prayer!

We all know God works in mysterious ways, but there was nothing mysterious about this – it was just another everyday miracle on God's busy schedule. Just another miracle for Him – but a life changing miracle for us!

Sort of a postscript.
A few months after writing the above, I thought it should be edited so it was ready to send. When I found nothing to change, it occurred to me, perhaps I wasn't alone writing it. Then I realized there couldn't have been much help since there was a huge omission which is included here – Thank you God!

 2018 – God has answered my prayer, just not in this world. Shirley's sight has surely been restored and her other ills have all disappeared. Although she is greatly missed, she must know what they meant in the old Bayer Aspirin commercial, "It's hard to be happy when you hurt."

Thanks to all who understand how difficult this is.

Jack Van Becelaere

March 01, 2018

God’s Peace and Comfort

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:2-5

The prayer quilts made by our friends in UMW are such a blessing to those of us who have received them.

My brother-in-law, Paul (my sister Val’s husband), was one of the first to receive a quilt. It meant the world to him, and he had it with him always until the day he died. It brought him – and Val – such peace and comfort.

I felt the same comfort when I received my quilt.

I would encourage everyone to request a quilt for a family member or friend in need of God’s peace. I regret not asking for one for Shirley (my mother-in-law) during her illness. It would have reminded her of all the people who loved her and were praying for her.

Heidi Van Becelaere